The Essential Guide to Mechanical Keyboard Keycaps (Part 5): Keycap Materials Unmasked – Plastic Wars, Hidden Luxury Upgrades, and the Science Behind "That Perfect Feel"

The material of your keycaps plays a critical role in how your keyboard looks, feels, and ages over time. From the classic debate between ABS and PBT to niche options like resin or metal, each material offers unique advantages and trade-offs. In this article, we’ll answer three key questions. Whether you’re chasing longevity, a specific texture, or just curious about alternatives, understanding these materials will help you make an informed choice. Let’s break it down!

 

What are the differences between ABS and PBT keycaps?

What are ABS Keycaps?

ABS keycaps (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) are like that flashy outfit you wear to stand out—they’re smooth, vibrant, and initially super shiny. But here's the catch: over time, ABS keycaps tend to develop a glossy, worn-in patina from all the intense clacking, which can be cool if you love that retro vibe, but might not be everyone's jam.

What are PBT keycaps?

On the flip side, PBT stands for polybutylene terephthalate, and these keycaps are the rugged, dependable ones in the game. PBT keycaps boast a naturally matte finish that resists shine, even after long hours of gaming or typing. They’re built to last, offering a more consistent texture and feel over time. Plus, they tend to maintain their color better, so if you’re all about keeping your setup looking fresh and pristine, PBT is your go-to.

 

Are there other materials used for keycaps (e.g., resin, metal)?

Absolutely! While ABS and PBT keycaps dominate the mechanical keyboard scene, other materials bring unique aesthetics and functionality to the table. If you’re looking to push your keyboard customization to the next level, here are some alternative keycap materials worth exploring:

1. Resin Keycaps – The Artisan’s Choice

Resin keycaps are the go-to for artisan keycaps, crafted by hand in small batches. These keycaps often feature intricate designs, embedded objects, or even miniature artwork, making them a favorite among collectors and mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. While they’re more about aesthetics than functionality, they add an unbeatable level of personality to your setup.

2. Metal Keycaps – Durability Meets Luxury

For those who want a premium feel, metal keycaps (usually aluminum or zinc alloy) offer unmatched durability. These keycaps provide a solid, weighty feel and a distinctive sound when typing. They’re often used for WASD or Escape keys in gaming setups, giving a striking contrast against traditional plastic keycaps. However, they can get cold to the touch and might not be ideal for full-keyboard use.

3. Rubber Keycaps – Grip and Functionality

Often found in gaming keyboards, rubber keycaps have a textured surface that improves grip and control during intense gameplay. They’re commonly used for key clusters like WASD, ensuring better accuracy in fast-paced gaming environments.

 

Which material is better for durability and feel?

When choosing the best keycap material, both durability and typing feel matter. Here’s how PBT, ABS, resin, metal, and rubber keycaps compare:

Material	Durability Comparison	Feel Comparison
PBT Keycaps	The most durable plastic option. Resistant to shine, fading, and wear, making them ideal for long-term use.	Textured and slightly rough, offering a satisfying grip and a solid, high-quality typing experience.
ABS Keycaps	Less durable than PBT; they develop a glossy patina over time due to finger oils. However, high-quality double-shot ABS keycaps last longer.	Smooth and lightweight, with a softer feel. They start sleek but can become slippery as they wear.
Resin Keycaps	Mostly for aesthetics. While resin is sturdy, it's more fragile than plastic and can crack if dropped.	Usually glossy or custom-textured, making them more about looks than typing comfort.
Metal Keycaps	Extremely durable, often made from aluminum or zinc alloy. They won’t wear out, but they can feel cold and heavy.	Cold to the touch, heavier, and provide a sharp, clicky feel when typing. Best used for accent keys.
Rubber Keycaps	Designed for grip rather than longevity. Over time, the rubber coating can wear off, especially with heavy gaming use.	Soft and grippy, great for gaming keys like WASD, but not ideal for a full keyboard due to their different texture.

 

Final Verdict:

• Best overall durability → PBT Keycaps
• Most premium & longest-lasting → Metal Keycaps (but not for full sets)
• Best for grip & gaming → Rubber Keycaps
• Most customizable & artistic → Resin Keycaps
• Smoothest feel, but wears out faster → ABS Keycaps

For most users, PBT keycaps offer the best balance of durability and a great typing feel. However, if you love unique aesthetics, resin or metal keycaps can add flair to your setup!

 

Conclusion

Choosing the right keycap material hinges on balancing durability, tactile preference, and aesthetic goals. PBT keycaps stand out as the practical choice for most users, offering unmatched resistance to shine and long-term wear while delivering a textured, grippy feel. ABS, though budget-friendly and vibrant, sacrifices longevity for its initial smoothness, developing a glossy patina over time. For those seeking flair, resin and metal keycaps add artistic or luxurious accents but are best used sparingly due to fragility or weight. Gamers can optimize control with rubber-coated keys on high-impact areas like WASD, though they lack full-keyboard practicality. Ultimately, a hybrid approach—pairing a durable PBT base with selective resin or metal accents—combines functionality with personality, ensuring your keyboard feels as good as it looks.