Creating the perfect mechanical keyboard requires finding the right keycaps. It’s essential to know where to buy them that fit your budget and needs. In this article, we’ll discuss different types of vendors selling keycaps and how you can purchase them based on your specific requirements. From artisan caps to more affordable options, there is something for everyone when it comes to getting the perfect set of keycaps for their setup!
Where to Buy Keycaps: Types of Keycap Sellers
There are two main types of keycap sellers – buying from a website that has them in-stock or through a group buy.
In-Stock Keycap Websites
The most common way to buy keycaps is from websites that have them in-stock. This is the quickest and easiest option for those looking for a specific type of keycap. There are several websites dedicated to selling quality keycaps at various price points, from budget to high-end options. Let’s take a look at some of the top websites for buying in-stock keycaps:
Amazon
Amazon is one of the best places to buy cheaper keycaps, as they have a wide selection of both ABS and PBT sets at lower prices than other vendors. They also have some unique sets such as pudding keycaps available, which can add a nice touch to any keyboard build. There are also great replacement sets if you’re looking to upgrade from factory ABS plastic keycaps without breaking the bank.
Banggood
Banggood is another great option for those looking for low-cost PBT sets with good selection. They also carry some more interesting novelty designs such as skull caps and camouflage caps, which can be fun additions to any board setup.
Drop
Drop specializes in mid-range caps, typically priced around $50-$100 USD per set depending on brand and type. They carry brands like Mito, GMK, Ducky, Maxkey, etc., so there’s something for everyone no matter your budget or tastes. They also offer rubber key caps if you want something a bit different from regular plastic caps.
Mechanicalkeyboards
Mechanicalkeyboards mainly offers mid-range caps but they do have some higher end options as well depending on what you’re looking for. Their selection includes brands like Signature Plastics and Tai Hao among others so there’s plenty of variety available.
Group Buying for Keycaps – A Cost-Effective Way to Get the Look You Want
Group buying is a great way to save money and get the keycaps of your dreams. By joining a group buy, you can group together with like-minded individuals who are all looking for the same keycap set. Group buys typically require an initial deposit, and then once the set has been produced, everyone in the group buys it at a discounted rate. This is especially advantageous if you’re looking for a rare or hard-to-find set that would otherwise cost much more if purchased individually.
The Benefits of Group Buying
The main benefit of participating in a group buy is that it allows you to access keycaps that may not be available otherwise. This can include limited-edition sets or hard-to-find colors and designs. For example, you can find some of the best PBT keycaps on the market in group buys. Additionally, since multiple people are contributing to the purchase price, it can help reduce the overall cost of acquiring these keycaps. In some cases, the discount may even be as much as 50% off what you would pay for them individually.
Tips for Finding Group Buy Opportunities
One of the best ways to find out about group buy opportunities is to join online communities dedicated to mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Here you can learn about upcoming opportunities from other members as well as post any questions or queries you may have regarding group buys. Additionally, many vendors will list any upcoming group buys on their website or social media pages so make sure to keep an eye out for those too!
Group Buys
Group buys are another way to get high quality but expensive keycaps at lower prices than normally available if you don’t mind waiting for them to arrive (sometimes up to months). This is great if you want something unique or special that may not be available elsewhere but be aware that they take time and require patience on your part. Here are some sites where you can track group buys:
Mechgroupbuys
Mechgroupbuys is one of the best sites out there for tracking group buys on all kinds of keyboard related products including artisanal/custom made keysets as well as standard off-the-shelf ones. Prices range from $100-$200 USD per set depending on brand and type but keep in mind that these typically take months before shipping out so patience is required here!
Keycaplendar
Keycaplendar tracks group buys specifically for keysets with their own calendar feature so you can easily keep track of upcoming releases and their respective prices/wait times etc., making it easier than ever before! Prices tend to be higher here due to newer designs being released often but they also have older designs sometimes too so it’s worth checking out if you’re after something special or unique!
Keycapsets
Keycapsets tracks group buys through Geekhack forums which requires an account but once registered there’s plenty of information available about upcoming releases – prices range from mid-level up into hundreds depending on type/brand etc., so again patience is required here!
/r/mechmarket
The /r/mechmarket subreddit (Reddit) is another option for purchasing keysets without having to wait through a group buy, however this convenience comes at a higher price due to resellers adding their own markups (so buyer beware!). It’s worth checking out though as sometimes there’ll be some good deals available – just make sure you do your research first before making any purchases!
Conclusion
Now that we’ve gone through the different types of sellers and websites where you can buy quality keycaps, we hope this guide has given you enough information on where best to purchase them based on your needs & budget! It’s always important when buying any kind of product online (especially when spending large amounts) that you do sufficient research first – check reviews & feedback from other users who have purchased the same product previously; read up on product descriptions carefully; compare prices between vendors; etc., all these things will help make sure your purchase experience goes smoothly & without any issues down the line! In addition, it’s always good to know what to look for in the best keycaps. Thanks for reading & happy shopping!