Custom keycaps have become a popular way for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts to personalize their setups. With a range of styles, materials, and design options, custom keycaps allow you to express your personality, improve typing comfort, or simply make your keyboard unique. But with so many options, finding the right keycaps can be overwhelming custom keycap. Here’s everything you need to know about custom keycaps—where to buy them, what to look for, and tips to make your shopping experience smoother.
1. Understand Keycap Profiles
Before you dive into shopping, familiarize yourself with keycap profiles. Each profile has a different shape, height, and typing feel, affecting your comfort and experience.
- Cherry Profile: A popular, medium-height profile with a slight tilt that provides a comfortable and quiet typing experience.
- SA Profile: Known for its tall and sculpted shape, SA keycaps give a satisfying “thock” sound and are often preferred for aesthetics.
- DSA Profile: Uniformly shaped, DSA keycaps are shorter and flat, giving a minimalistic look and consistent typing feel across all rows.
- OEM Profile: Often found on stock keyboards, OEM keycaps have a standard height and are easy to get used to.
- XDA Profile: Similar to DSA but slightly taller and flatter, XDA caps are comfortable for long typing sessions.
Each profile has its own pros and cons, so choose the one that feels best for your hands and typing style.
2. Material Matters: PBT vs. ABS
Most keycaps are made from either ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) or PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate). The choice of material will influence the durability, texture, and sound.
- ABS Keycaps: Lightweight and usually smooth, ABS keycaps can produce a lighter sound but are more prone to wear and shine over time. Many affordable sets use ABS, but high-end sets with quality manufacturing can still be an option.
- PBT Keycaps: Known for their durability and resistance to shine, PBT keycaps have a textured surface and tend to be thicker, producing a deeper sound. PBT is ideal if you want longevity and a matte finish.
3. Choose a Theme or Aesthetic
Custom keycaps are available in a broad range of colors, themes, and aesthetics. Some of the most popular themes include:
- Retro and Vintage: Inspired by classic keyboards, often in muted color schemes.
- Anime and Pop Culture: These sets feature characters or designs from favorite shows or games.
- Artisan Keycaps: Unique, individually crafted keycaps, often made from resin or other materials to form miniature art pieces.
- Minimalist and Monochrome: Simple, clean designs with muted or single-color schemes that add a modern touch.
Whether you’re looking for something bold and colorful or sleek and professional, there’s a theme out there for you!
4. Keycap Compatibility
Not all keycaps fit every keyboard. Ensure compatibility with your board’s layout, especially if you have a non-standard keyboard.
- ANSI vs. ISO Layouts: Check if your keyboard has an ANSI (American) or ISO (International) layout. They differ slightly in key sizes and shapes.
- Key Sizes and Rows: Measure keys like the spacebar, enter, shift, and other special keys. Certain sets only cater to specific layouts, so be sure they’ll fit your board.
- Stabilizer Types: Some keycaps are only compatible with specific stabilizers, so make sure your set is compatible with your keyboard’s stabilizers.
5. Popular Places to Buy Custom Keycaps
Now that you know what you’re looking for, here are some of the best places to buy custom keycaps.
a. Drop
Drop (formerly Massdrop) is known for offering high-quality keycap sets from well-known designers, often in limited production runs. Look for GMK and MT3 keycap sets here, especially if you’re after high-quality, themed sets.
b. MechanicalKeyboards.com
One of the largest online retailers dedicated to mechanical keyboards, this site offers a wide range of PBT and ABS keycaps, including custom sets and artisan caps.
c. Etsy
Etsy is a fantastic platform for finding artisan keycaps made by independent creators. You can find everything from single accent keycaps to full sets, each with unique designs you won’t see anywhere else.
d. KBDfans
Based in China, KBDfans is popular for affordable custom keycaps, especially PBT sets. They carry a range of popular profiles and theme sets at accessible prices.
e. NovelKeys
NovelKeys carries exclusive collaborations and a wide range of options, including custom keycap sets and desk mats. They’re known for frequent releases and great customer service.
f. AliExpress and Amazon
For budget-conscious shoppers, AliExpress and Amazon offer a vast selection of keycaps at varying price points. Be sure to read reviews for quality control, as there can be significant variation between sellers.
g. Artisan Collectives (ex. Keyforge, Clackeys)
If you’re into one-of-a-kind artisan keycaps, check out keycap artisans like Keyforge and Clackeys. They offer limited-edition keycaps that can become prized collectibles.
6. Other Tips for Keycap Shopping
- Pre-orders and Group Buys: High-end keycaps (like GMK sets) often run as group buys, where you pay in advance, and the manufacturer produces the sets based on orders. Be prepared for longer wait times (up to a year!).
- Set a Budget: It’s easy to get carried away with custom keycaps, so setting a budget can help you find the best set without overspending.
- Check Reviews: Before buying from any new store or artisan, check reviews and photos from other buyers to gauge the quality and durability.
- Join Communities: Forums like r/mechanicalkeyboards on Reddit or dedicated Discord servers are great places to get advice, share finds, and even buy or trade keycaps.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re after a new aesthetic, better typing experience, or unique artisan pieces, custom keycaps can transform your keyboard into something truly special. Remember to research your options, check compatibility, and set a budget to find the perfect keycap set that fits your needs and style. With this guide, you’re all set to start shopping confidently and add that personal touch to your mechanical keyboard.
