Hey keyboard enthusiasts! You know what I’m talking about – that feeling when you’re on the hunt for that perfect keycap set, something that combines style, durability, and performance without breaking the bank. Well, I’ve got just the thing for you: the HyperX Pudding PBT keycaps. In this review, I’ll give you the lowdown on the pros and cons, and why I believe these keycaps are worth a look.
Aesthetically Pleasing and Functional
First things first, let’s talk about the reason why pudding keycaps are all the rage these days. These bad boys are known for their higher quality plastic and their ability to accentuate RGB lighting effects, giving your keyboard that eye-catching, custom look. The HyperX pudding PBT keycaps take this to a new level, with their affordable price tag, two color options (black and white), and an improved lighting experience. To learn more about choosing the right keycaps for your keyboard, check out this guide.
Pros: Durable, Vibrant, and Compatible
You’ll love the fact that these keycaps are made of oil-resistant PBT plastic, which means they won’t attract fingerprints, oils, or grime. This makes them super durable and perfect for those long typing or gaming sessions. For more PBT keycaps options, you can visit this list of the best PBT keycaps.
The translucent walls of the keycaps allow maximum RGB to shine through, making your keyboard look like a work of art. They’re compatible with ANSI keyboards with standard layouts, so whether you have a 60%, tenkeyless, or full-sized mechanical keyboard, you’re good to go.
Cons: Boxy Font, Keycap Puller, and Spacebar Logo
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room – the cons. The boxy font on these keycaps might not be everyone’s cup of tea. And while the font has been improved as of May 2020, with no disconnections in letters like O, Q, and B, it’s still something to consider.
The included keycap puller isn’t the best, so you might need to invest in a better one. The HyperX logo on the spacebar limits usage to HyperX keyboards only, and the white keycaps can be difficult to see in bright light.
Feature Packed and Budget Friendly
Despite the cons, I believe the HyperX Pudding PBT keycaps offer a ton of value. The double shot injection molding of two layers of plastic (top opaque and bottom translucent) creates a unique, thicker, and bolder font. And all this comes at an affordable price – under $30, depending on when and where you buy.
Installation and User Experience
Alright, folks, let’s talk about the installation process and user experience. The HyperX Pudding PBT keycaps come with a total of 104 keys, making them ideal for full-sized keyboards. Installing them is a breeze, especially if you have a bit of experience swapping keycaps. However, if you’re new to the game, don’t worry! A bit of patience and a steady hand will get the job done.
One thing to keep in mind is that the included keycap puller isn’t the best, so you might want to invest in a better one to make the process smoother. Once the keycaps are installed, you’ll immediately notice the difference in feel and appearance.
The OEM profile of these keycaps ensures compatibility with 60%, tenkeyless, and full-sized mechanical keyboards, but not alternate layouts. The typing experience is enjoyable, with the PBT plastic providing a satisfying, textured feel that helps improve accuracy and speed. Just remember that the legends on the white keycaps can be difficult to see in bright light, which might be a deal-breaker for some.
Customer Support and Community
As a keyboard enthusiast, you know that customer support and community play a big role in the overall experience. HyperX is known for its responsive customer support, so if you encounter any issues, you can expect a helpful response.
Moreover, the keyboard community is brimming with fans of HyperX Pudding PBT keycaps. You’ll find loads of advice, mods, and troubleshooting tips from fellow enthusiasts on forums and social media platforms. This makes it easier for you to experiment, customize, and make the most of your new keycaps.
Comparison and Extra Info
If you’re on the fence, you might want to consider Havit Pudding Keycaps, which are slightly more affordable and come with four additional blank keys for Row 4. Happy Balls pudding keycaps offer an ISO layout if that’s your preference.
One thing to note is that if you replace your original keycaps with HyperX pudding keycaps, sub legends might be lost. But considering the style and performance boost you get, I think it’s a worthy trade-off.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the HyperX Pudding PBT keycaps are a fantastic option for keyboard enthusiasts looking to enhance their RGB lighting and improve their typing experience. With a few minor drawbacks, these keycaps offer a great balance of affordability, style, and functionality.