Are you looking to upgrade your gaming keyboard with the best ABS keycaps? If so, you’ve come to the right place. ABS keycaps are a great way to give your keyboard an extra touch of style and durability. In this article, we’ll go over what makes ABS keycaps so popular and how to choose the right ones for your setup. We’ll also provide some helpful tips on how to care for them so they last longer and stay looking their best.
GMK Redsuns
The GMK RedSuns keycaps are a great choice for anyone looking to make their keyboard stand out. They have a classic Cherry keycap profile and the thick, durable 1.5mm doubleshot ABS ensures they can hold up to heavy use for years. The striking red and black colors evoke the power of Japanese warrior’s armor, giving your keyboard an otherworldly look. It has compatibility with Cherry MX switches and clones like Kaihua, Halo or Gateron, as well as with ALT (65%), CTRL (TKL), SHIFT (Full 1800), Preonic and Planck (Ortho) keyboards. This set even includes 75 characters to give more flexibility in personalizing your experience. Unfortunately it is not compatible with LED backlit keyboards nor custom layouts due to lack of options available, and the packaging could be improved upon; however overall GMK Redsuns is an excellent choice for those looking for top quality ABS keycaps.
MT3 Dasher Keycap Set
The MT3 Dasher Keycap Set is a great choice for gamers who are looking for the perfect keycaps to complete their gaming setup. Made from ABS hi-profile and double-shot legends, these keycaps are compatible with fullsize, tenkeyless, winkeyless, 60%, 65%, and 75% mechanical keyboards. Designed by zslane and produced by Drop, the keycap set offers a unique vintage IBM beamspring terminal look that’s sure to give your keyboard an attractive finish. The build quality of the caps is excellent: they have thick sturdy plastic and an attractive finish. Plus, there’s also a good variety of tactile profiles available in the set – lettering on each keycap is clear and well done too.
However, some drawbacks should be noted: these keys are very tall so you may need a wrist rest for long typing sessions; there have been some reports of quality control issues such as missing keys or wrapped spacebars; and the deep dish feature can be too much which can cause finger stress, wrist pain as well as being distracting when using your keyboard.
Overall though, if you’re looking for a set of stylish keycaps that will give your entire keyboard and your gaming setup a unique feel then the MT3 Dasher Keycap Set deserves consideration despite its minor drawbacks
Ducky Azure SA Keycaps
The Ducky Azure SA Keycaps are an ideal choice for anyone looking to upgrade their keyboard with the best ABS keycaps. This set of 108 doubleshot keycaps is officially made by Ducky and compatible with all their keyboards as well as any MX switch type standard mechanical keyboard. The SA profile gives them a nice smooth and soft yet sturdy and grippy feel, so you won’t have to worry about the keys slipping out of your fingers during those intense gaming sessions. The colors also pop, making it easier to find the right key in a pinch. As for sound quality, these keycaps provide excellent feedback when typing or gaming. One downside is that this set doesn’t come complete for newer 75 layouts. But overall if you’re looking for great ABS keycaps then the Ducky Azure SA Keycaps are a great choice.
GMK Laser
GMK Laser is a futuristic set of keycaps with custom Cherry tooling from Germany and it’s one of the best keycaps from GMK. It comes with thick and compatible double-shot ABS keycaps that are sculpted in the Cherry profile, making them compatible with Cherry MX switches and clones such as Kaihua, Halo, and Gateron. The base kit also provides more than a typical GMK base kit including numpad keys, alternate modifiers, and spacebars. The cool colorway looks great both in person and in photos.
The downsides of this product include its expensive price tag on Amazon, awful packaging that may contain quality control issues, slightly less consistent clones available for much less money, and ABS keycaps that will start to shine over time due to regular use.
Overall GMK Laser is great for those looking for a unique design aesthetic with high quality doubleshot ABS keycaps that won’t wear away or fade over time. However it’s not recommended if you’re looking for the best value since there are other options out there at cheaper prices.
Tai-Hao Purple Mystery ABS Doubleshot
The Tai-Hao Purple Mystery ABS Doubleshot OEM profile keycaps are a great way to bring some color and character to your gaming keyboard. Their vibrant purple mystery hue will definitely turn heads, while the double shot ABS construction ensures it feels premium and lasts for years. They’re ANSI 104 compatible too, so you can rest assured they’ll fit all standard sized keyboards.
The keycaps also provide excellent tactile feedback, and you can further customize your keyboard with TaiHao rubber or ABS colored keycaps. And given the reasonable cost of these caps, it’s an affordable way to get the look you want without breaking the bank – just keep in mind that they’re not PBT, so they may be thinner and of lower quality compared to GMK sets. But overall, these keycaps offer great value at a very reasonable price point.
GMK White-On-Black
The GMK White-On-Black keycaps are a great set for those looking for a classic look with the quality of premium keycaps. The doubleshot ABS plastic ensures that the legends won’t fade and the vivid colorways stand out. With its compatibility with MX Style switch stems, it works with a variety of different keyboards, including 60%, 65%, HHKB, 66% (Clueboard/Leopold FC660), 75%, Tenkeyless, 104 Keyboard and 1800 Layouts (Redscarf 96).
The keycaps have good sound and feel to them despite some sprue marks on some of the keys which shouldn’t be there. The legends are clear, lined up properly and spaced evenly from the edges of each key though they may be a tad bit too bold for this particular White on Black colorway. At under $100 when on sale it’s also a great value as long as you don’t need ISO keys as this set is only compatible with US ISO only.
Overall, if you’re looking for an aftermarket set in classic GMK colors that offer top-notch quality at an affordable price then GMK White-On-Black is definitely worth considering.
Fogruaden Custom Keycaps
I recently purchased the Fogruaden Custom Keycaps and I’m impressed. They offer a great combination of durability, responsiveness and attractive colours, with the double shot design using ABS material ensuring long-lasting legends. The kit comes with 150 keys suitable for most ANSI US layouts cherry mx switches mechanical keyboards. My typing experience is also improved by their ASA profile which provides medium height keycaps similar to OEM Cherry. And personalised complement keys allow you to assemble different styles of keyboards. The only downside is that some characters are not perfectly aligned and words are used instead of symbols or icons for shift/lock/tab/backspace etc., while some keys may start showing wear quicker than others (especially WASD). All in all, these keycaps provide good quality at an affordable price – definitely worth considering if you’re looking for one of the best ABS double shot keycaps around.
Buying Guide for ABS Keycaps
Customizing your keyboard is a smart and affordable way to make your setup feel uniquely yours. One approachable method is through switching out your current keycaps for ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) keycaps. These budget-friendly options not only provide comfort, but they can also be tailored to match any style that resonates with you. In this guide, you’ll discover the advantages of ABS keycaps, along with expert guidance on selecting the most suitable profile, style, and legends for you.
Benefits of ABS Keycaps
ABS keycaps are a great way to customize your keyboard with unique colors and styles while still being budget friendly. They also provide additional comfort due to their smoother texture compared to other plastics like PBT or metal. Furthermore, they are more affordable than PBT keycaps but may not last as long due to their softer material.
Choosing The Right Profile
When it comes to choosing the right profile for your ABS keycaps, you should take into account factors such as whether you have an RGB backlit keyboard or not. If so, then you should look for double shot keycaps or pudding keycaps that allow light through them so that the effects can truly shine through. Additionally, different profiles such as OEM, Cherry, DSA XDA SA and uniform versus sculpted keycaps should be taken into consideration before purchasing. Cherry is often recommended since it is sculpted in such a way as to be efficient and comfortable while typing or gaming. Read this guide for an in-depth comparison of different keycap profiles.
Customization Options
For those looking for something even more unique than basic sets of ABS keycap sets there are ultra-custom options available such as printed images on single caps, blank keycaps, or handmade artisan caps; these can be pricey but offer greater customization options than regular sets do. Check out some of the best artisan keycaps here.
Before Purchasing Considerations
Before purchasing any new set of keys make sure they fit your keyboard size/layout (ANSI vs. ISO layout), have enough keys for your full layout if applicable (including number pad), have the right enter size for your layout type , have standard layout keys if necessary (for older models like Razer/Corsair), and come with the correct language/country legends if needed – this ensures all parts work together effortlessly without compatibility issues down the line. You can also read our guide on choosing the right keycaps.
When it comes time for customizing your keyboard with new keycap sets there is no shortage of options available; from mid-priced ABS sets all the way up to ultra-custom artisan pieces – whatever you decide on just make sure it meets all requirements discussed above!
The Value of Upgrading Keycaps
While most standard keyboards come with generic, mass-produced keycaps, upgrading can significantly enhance your typing experience. High-quality keycaps not only boost the aesthetic appeal of your keyboard, but they also offer increased durability, ensuring the legends don’t fade over time. Beyond the visuals, the best keycap provide a better tactile experience, enhancing comfort and efficiency. For RGB enthusiasts, premium keycaps can further amplify lighting effects. Ultimately, investing in a new keycap set is a step towards personalizing your keyboard, aligning it more with your style and usage needs.
ABS vs PBT Keycaps: Which is Right for You?
Diving into the world of mechanical keyboards, one quickly discovers that not all keycaps are made the same. Two dominant materials vie for the keyboard enthusiast’s attention: ABS and PBT. Let’s break down the differences.
ABS Keycaps:
Pros:
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Cost-Effective: Generally, ABS keycaps are more wallet-friendly than their PBT counterparts.
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Smooth Feel: If you’re a fan of a smooth texture under your fingers, ABS keycaps might be your cup of tea.
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Color Diversity: Fancy vibrant or uniquely designed keycaps? ABS allows for a wider array of color options.
Cons:
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Shine Over Time: Due to wear, ABS keycaps can develop a shiny appearance, which might not sit well with everyone.
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Durability Concerns: While ABS is flexible, it’s also relatively brittle, and legends might fade with heavy usage.
PBT Keycaps:
Pros:
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Lasting Matte Finish: PBT keycaps maintain a consistent matte look, resisting the shiny wear seen in ABS.
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Textured Experience: For those who love a textured feel under their fingertips, PBT is a go-to.
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Built to Last: They’re thicker and can withstand the test of time better than ABS.
Cons:
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Pricey: Higher quality often comes with a heftier price tag.
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Limited Color Palette: While durable, PBT does have a more restricted color range.
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Warping Issues: Especially for larger keys, PBT can sometimes be prone to slight bends or warps.
Making the Choice:
For many, the decision boils down to personal preferences. Do you prioritize aesthetics and color diversity? ABS might be your match. But if you’re leaning more towards durability and texture, PBT is a solid choice. Remember, the ideal keycap material is the one that aligns best with your needs and typing style. Whether you’re typing up a report, chatting with friends, or diving into an intense gaming session, choose what feels right for you.
Are Ultra Custom Keycaps Worth the Hype?
When you dive deep into the mechanical keyboard rabbit hole, you might come across the alluring world of custom keycaps. But are these ultra-custom, often handcrafted pieces truly worth their price tag? Let’s delve into it.
Custom vs. Artisan Keycaps:
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Custom Keycaps: These are typically your standard keycaps, but with a twist. You can print images or designs of your choice onto them through various online platforms. It’s a step up from regular keycaps, giving your keyboard a touch of personal flair.
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Artisan Keycaps: Now, this is where things get fancy. Artisan keycaps are the elite of the customization world, often handmade, and tailored to perfection. With artisan keycaps, you aren’t just buying a key; you’re investing in a piece of art. From intricate designs to pop culture references, these keycaps showcase unparalleled craftsmanship.
Strategic Customization:
While artisan keycaps are undeniably captivating, they can also be quite heavy on the pocket. So, a savvy strategy adopted by many is to use these custom keycaps selectively. For instance, jazzing up specific keys like the escape or enter key, while going with a premade set for the rest. This approach allows enthusiasts to flaunt their unique keycaps without breaking the bank.
Is the Investment Worth It?
Are these high-end, bespoke keycaps worth their price tag? If you see your keyboard as a reflection of your individuality or a testament to your unique taste, you might wholeheartedly say ‘yes’. But it’s important to bear in mind that while these keycaps provide an exquisite visual appeal, they carry a higher cost. Remember, value is subjective and what matters most is that your keyboard fits your needs and preferences.
Ultimately, the choice resides with your preferences. If the thought of a unique keycap, which could ignite engaging discussions and admiration, appeals to you, then by all means explore this avenue! Conversely, if the design and functionality of standard keycaps suffice for your needs, that’s completely acceptable as well. One of the compelling aspects of the keyboard community is its ability to cater to a wide array of interests.
Conclusion
Wrapping things up, the best ABS keycaps provide an excellent opportunity to add a dash of longevity and flair to your keyboard. They promise comfort and are customizable with diverse profiles, hues, and legends for a personalized touch. When on the hunt for the best ABS keycap sets, ensure they align with your keyboard’s size/layout. Also, keep in mind that they should have sufficient keys for your complete layout if that’s relevant, accommodate the correct enter size and standard layout keys if required, along with the appropriate language or country legends as necessary. With these pointers at your fingertips, we’re confident you’ll have no trouble locating that perfect set of ABS keycaps designed to serve you effectively for years!