Buying Key Caps
Keycaps are what give mechanical keyboards their distinct look and feel.key caps There are many different keycap profiles and shapes to choose from, each catering to specific aspects of typing speed, accuracy, and comfort. The type of keycaps you select can also affect the color and style of your keyboard, with some allowing RGB lighting to shine through and others having a more textured appearance.
Key caps are made from either ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) or PBT (polybutylene terephthalate).key caps Each material has unique properties that affect how they feel, sound, and look. ABS keycaps are more common and cheaper, while PBT keys are typically found on custom or high-end keyboards.
Another important consideration when selecting a keycap set is whether or not it will fit your keyboard.key caps Make sure you're purchasing a set that will have enough keycaps to cover all of your keys, including the number pad and arrow keys if applicable.
There are a number of online retailers that sell custom keycap sets.key caps Some are better suited to certain types of keycaps than others, so it's worth taking the time to browse user reviews and shop policies before making a purchase. Additionally, some retailers specialize in selling only specific kinds of keycaps, such as ergo kits and keycaps with Mac legends.
In addition to being able to filter by the kind of keycaps you're looking for, some websites offer filters based on the material, color, and price. They may also provide options to sort by profile or style, as well as filtering by whether or not a keycap set contains modifier keys or is compatible with RGB lighting.
If you're looking for a more unique addition to your keycap collection, there are also numerous artisans who produce hand-sculpted and cast resin keycaps. These keycaps require a significant amount of manual labor across multiple disciplines and are highly valued by keyboard enthusiasts. Popular artisan keycaps include the Garbo v1 or v2 from GAF and the iconic Fugu from Nightcaps. Instagram has become the platform of choice for collectors and makers to share photos of their wares, and the #artisankeycaps hashtag makes it easy to find specific makers or themes.
Choosing the best keycaps for your setup is an essential part of building a customized keyboard. The right keycaps can make all the difference in your typing experience, so it's important to consider all of your options carefully. With so many different options available, it's easy to get overwhelmed, but taking the time to understand the keycap profiles and materials can help you narrow down your choices and build a perfect keyboard for your needs.