For those who have a deep appreciation for customizing their typing experience, the allure of distinct and stylish keycaps is well-known. These small, but impactful accessories offer a way to reflect a user's personality, improve the tactile sensation of typing, or simply to create a unique and personal aesthetic for their mechanical keyboard.
Every cap has the potential to be a statement piece, transforming the mundane into the magnificent. With countless designs ranging from sleek and minimalist to wildly artistic, the search for the perfect set is as enjoyable as it is diverse. And for the dedicated enthusiast, this quest never ends. Below, we dive into some of the most impressive options that have caught the attention of the community, highlighting their features and what makes them stand out from the rest.
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When purchasing the coolest keycaps, the material is crucial for both aesthetics and longevity. ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) keycaps are common and have a smooth texture, but they can develop a shine over time due to wear. PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate) keycaps, on the other hand, are more durable and resistant to shine, but they are usually more expensive. Also, consider the thickness of the keycaps, as thicker keycaps can enhance the typing sound and feel.
2.) Compatibility with Keyboard
Make sure the keycaps you are interested in are compatible with the layout and size of your keyboard. Keycap sets vary in layout support; some are designed for standard layouts, while others may support more unique or custom configurations. Additionally, check the stem type of the keycaps, such as cross-shaped (MX) or Topre, to ensure they will fit your keyboard's switches.
3.) Aesthetics and Design
The visual appeal of keycaps is subjective and varies widely from one individual to another. Look for designs that match your personal style and the theme of your setup. Custom designs, colors, and themes like retro, futuristic, or custom prints can not only personalize your keyboard but also make it a standout piece on your desk.
4.) Backlight Compatibility
If your keyboard has backlighting, consider if you want keycaps that allow the light to shine through. Double-shot keycaps can feature transparent legends, which not only look cool with backlighting but also prevent the legends from fading. However, if backlighting is not a concern, you may opt for keycaps with solid colors or side-printed legends for a different aesthetic.
The Coolest Keycaps of our Choice
Our Pick
GEKUCAP Custom Keycaps
Properties
Cute candy-themed keycaps with colorful design
Made of durable and easy-to-clean PBT material
Features XDA profile for comfortable typing
Compatible with various mechanical and optical keyboards
* All prices incl. VAT, plus shipping if applicable. Prices, delivery times and costs may change in the meantime. The selection of products was made independently of the manufacturer and without any claim to completeness. All links to products are external partner links through which we may receive compensation. All information without guarantee.
Top Selections of Coolest Keycaps for Every Enthusiast
Trendy Typists
For the style-conscious typists looking to spice up their keyboard aesthetics, we've curated a list of fashionable keycaps. Explore various designs to express your personal flair.
Gamers' Gear
Elevate your gaming setup with keycaps that not only look awesome but also enhance your gaming experience. Ideal for players wanting both style and substance.
Mechanical Masters
For those who appreciate the feel of a mechanical keyboard, we've selected keycaps that complement your tactile preferences. Discover keycaps that balance aesthetics with function.
Backlit Beauties
Illuminate your typing experience with keycaps designed for backlighting. Perfect for typists and gamers who enjoy vivid and dynamic lighting effects.
Questions You Might Ask
When selecting keycap materials, consider durability, texture, and sound. Common materials include ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene), which is lightweight and affordable, and PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate), which is more durable, resistant to shine, and usually has a textured feel. Some high-end keycaps are made of POM (Polyoxymethylene), PC (Polycarbonate), or metal alloys for a unique touch and feel.
Keycap profiles refer to their shape and height, which can affect typing experience and comfort. Profiles can be sculpted or uniform. Popular profiles include OEM, Cherry, SA, DSA, and XDA. OEM and Cherry are common and regarded as comfortable for general use. SA, DSA, and XDA offer different aesthetics and ergonomics. Try different profiles to find one that best matches your typing preference.
Legends are the characters or symbols on the keycaps. The printing method affects their durability and feel. Options include pad printing, which can wear off; laser etching, which creates durable legends; dye-sublimation for high-quality and long-lasting results; and double-shot molding, where legends are a different piece of plastic, making them very durable but also more expensive.
Yes, ensure that keycaps are compatible with your keyboard's layout and switch type. Check the size of the spacebar, enter, shift, and other modifier keys, as sizes can vary. Also, ensure that the keycaps support your keyboard's switch stems, such as cross-shaped stems for Cherry MX switches or other types for different switch brands.
Changing keycaps usually doesn't void keyboard warranties, as it's considered a user-customizable aspect. However, always read the manufacturer's warranty policy to confirm. Be careful not to damage the switches or keyboard while changing keycaps.
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How to Choose the Coolest Keycaps for Your Keyboard
Keycaps are more than just plastic pieces on a keyboard; they're a personal statement, a touch of flair, and an enhancement to your typing experience. In this guide, you'll discover the essential factors to consider when hunting for the coolest keycaps to elevate your keyboard setup. From material quality to design aesthetics, we delve into the nuances that make keycaps truly stand out.
Materials Matter
The building blocks of any great keycap are the materials used. ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) is popular for its affordability and wide range of colors, but it can develop a greasy shine over time. PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate), on the other hand, is known for its durability and resistance to shine, making it a favorite among enthusiasts.
You might also stumble upon exotic materials like POM (Polyoxymethylene), which offers a unique feel and sound, or double-shot legends, where two layers of plastic are molded together to ensure the keycap legends never fade. Weigh the pros and cons of each material to find what resonates with your needs.
For a truly premium feel, consider metal keycaps or artisan keycaps which are crafted from resins, woods, and metals. These materials provide a distinct touch and can catapult the cool factor of your setup. However, be mindful that these choices can often be heavier and more expensive.
Aesthetic Appeal
A keycap's design can turn a mundane keyboard into a centerpiece of your workspace. Whether you favor bold, vibrant colors, or sleek, minimalist designs, the choice ultimately reflects your personality. Explore themed keycap sets inspired by pop culture, vintage aesthetics, or even mythical lore to find a design that truly captivates you.
Bear in mind that the visual impact of backlit vs. non-backlit keycaps is significant if you have an RGB or LED-backlit keyboard. Translucent keycaps let the light shine through legends, igniting a stunning visual display, whereas opaque keycaps give a more understated, but equally stylish look.
For the ultimate custom feel, integrate novelty keycaps with unique shapes and designs into your set. Whether it's a space bar with a cosmic print or an escape key that doubles as a tiny sculpture, these small changes can bring immense joy and personalization.
Ergonomics and Comfort
Never overlook the fact that your fingers will be spending hours on these keycaps. Comfort is crucial, and it's shaped by the profile of the keycaps. Profiles vary from flat (DSA) to sculpted (OEM, SA, Cherry), each offering a different typing experience.
While sculpted profiles can provide a more natural typing angle and facilitate touch typing, flat profiles might suit those who prioritize uniform aesthetics and lower typing heights. Try out different profiles to understand which contour fits your hands comfortably.
The texture of keycaps also contributes to comfort. Some prefer a smooth finish, while others opt for a textured or matte feel for better grip. This preference can significantly affect your typing experience, so consider it carefully before making your choice.
Compatibility and Layout
The coolest keycaps are useless if they don't fit your keyboard. Check the compatibility of keycap sets with the layout and size of your keyboard, especially if you have a non-standard layout like Tenkeyless (TKL), 75%, 65%, or 60%.
Pay special attention to the size of modifier keys, space bars, enter keys, and shift keys, as these can vary significantly between different keyboard models. Additionally, the stem design of the keycap must match the switch type on your keyboard—be it Cherry MX, Topre, or something else.
For mechanical keyboards, you can usually find a plethora of compatible options, but if you're using a membrane keyboard or a less common mechanical switch, your choices might be more limited. Ensure that the keycap set you're eyeing lists your keyboard's specific model or layout as compatible.
Hands-on Reviews and Recommendations from Discussion-Boards
Having delved into an array of resources on the topic of Coolest Keycaps, we have handpicked a variety of links that stand out for their credibility and depth of information. These sources have been neatly organized into four distinct categories for your convenience: expert reviews, insightful forum discussions, engaging Reddit threads, and informative video content. Each category has been carefully curated to provide you with the most useful and trustworthy content available on this subject.
Aug 23, 2021 — Quick keycap shopping tips · ABS is better for color, PBT is better for longevity. · Doubleshot legends are usually best, but dye-sublimated ones...
3 days ago — The best all-around mechanical keyboard we've tested is the Keychron Q6. This keyboard delivers high-quality construction and top-of-the-line ...