The Most Popular Keycaps, Ranked

Choose the keycaps you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 4, 2024 06:15
For enthusiasts in the world of mechanical keyboards, choosing the right keycaps can significantly enhance their typing experience. With numerous designs and materials available, it becomes crucial to sift through popular choices to find what genuinely suits personal preference and functionality. A ranked list of keycaps, based on user votes, serves as a valuable resource in identifying the top preferences within the community. This interactive tool allows you, the user, to participate actively by casting votes for the keycaps you favor most. As votes accumulate, the dynamic ranking reflects current trends and collective tastes across the community. Engaging with this list not only informs you about popular options but also contributes to a broader understanding of what makes certain keycaps stand out.

What Are the Most Popular Keycaps?

  1. 1
    66
    votes

    GMK Keycaps

    GMK (Group Buy)
    GMK keycaps are highly sought after by mechanical keyboard enthusiasts because of their high quality and customization options. They are made from thick ABS plastic and are known for their crisp legends and vibrant colorways.
    GMK Keycaps is a highly acclaimed keycap set known for its exceptional quality, design, and compatibility with various mechanical keyboards. The set is produced by GMK (Group Buy), a well-known German manufacturer that has been creating high-quality keycaps for decades.
    • Material: Double-shot ABS plastic
    • Profile: Cherry profile
    • Legends: Double-shot legends (crisp and long-lasting)
    • Compatibility: MX-style switches and related keyboards
    • Keycap Thickness: 1.5mm
  2. 2
    23
    votes
    SA keycaps are known for their spherical shape and tall profile. They are made from doubleshot ABS plastic and have a smooth texture. They are popular among typists who prefer a higher profile keycap.
    SA Keycaps are a type of mechanical keyboard keycaps that are known for their tall profile and sculpted shape. They have a spherical top with a vintage typewriter feel, providing a unique typing experience. SA keycaps are highly sought after by enthusiasts due to their aesthetics and nostalgic appeal.
    • Profile: Spherical All
    • Shape: Sculpted
    • Height: Tall
    • Material: Double-shot ABS plastic
    • Compatibility: Compatible with Cherry MX switches and clones
  3. 3
    10
    votes
    DSA keycaps are uniform in height and have a flat top surface. They are made from doubleshot ABS plastic and offer a unique typing experience. They are popular among gamers who prefer a low profile keycap.
    DSA Keycaps is a popular keycap profile known for its uniform height and cylindrical shape. This design allows for a sleek and minimalistic look on mechanical keyboards. It was created by Signature Plastics, a keycap manufacturer based in the United States with a focus on customization.
    • Profile: Uniform cylindrical
    • Material: Double-shot ABS plastic
    • Keycap Height: 7mm
    • Stem Compatibility: MX-style switches
    • Legends: Dye-sublimated or laser-etched
  4. 4
    18
    votes
    PBT keycaps are made from a more durable plastic than ABS and are known for their resistance to fading and shine. They offer a more textured feel than ABS keycaps and are popular among gamers and typists who prefer a more tactile experience.
    PBT (short for Polybutylene terephthalate) Keycaps are a popular type of keycap material used in mechanical keyboards. PBT keycaps are known for their durability, texture, and overall quality. They are made from a type of plastic that offers a more solid and substantial feel compared to ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) keycaps.
    • Material: Polybutylene terephthalate (PBT)
    • Durability: High
    • Texture: Slightly rough or grainy
    • Thickness: Typically around 1.5mm to 1.8mm
    • Profile Compatibility: Compatible with various keycap profiles (e.g., OEM, Cherry, DSA)
  5. 5
    12
    votes

    Tai-Hao Keycaps

    Tai-Hao
    Tai-Hao keycaps are known for their affordability and customization options. They are made from thick ABS plastic and offer a wide range of colorways and designs. They are popular among budget-conscious keyboard enthusiasts.
    Tai-Hao Keycaps are high-quality keycaps designed for mechanical keyboards. They are known for their vibrant color options and durable construction. The keycaps are made from doubleshot ABS plastic, which ensures legends won't fade over time. Tai-Hao Keycaps are compatible with Cherry MX switches and other similar switch types. They feature a standard layout with OEM profile, making them compatible with most keyboards. The keycaps have a smooth texture and a tactile feel, providing an enjoyable typing experience. They are easy to install and can be swapped out without any additional tools. The Tai-Hao Keycaps are reasonably priced, making them an affordable option for customization enthusiasts.
    • Material: Doubleshot ABS Plastic
    • Compatibility: Cherry MX switches, similar switch types
    • Profile: OEM
    • Texture: Smooth
    • Keycap Legends: Doubleshot (legends won't fade)
  6. 6
    14
    votes
    Signature Plastics is a manufacturer of custom keycaps and offers a wide range of customization options. They are known for their high quality doubleshot ABS keycaps and are popular among enthusiasts who want a unique and personalized look for their keyboard.
    Signature Plastics Keycaps is a well-known brand in the mechanical keyboard community, offering high-quality and customizable keycaps. They are produced by Signature Plastics, a keycap manufacturer located in the United States.
    • Material: Made from durable ABS or PBT plastic
    • Profile: Available in various profiles such as SA, DSA, and DCS
    • Compatibility: Compatible with most standard MX-style switches
    • Customization: Can be fully customized with different colors, legends, and designs
    • Quality: Known for their high-quality construction and longevity
  7. 7
    6
    votes

    KAT Keycaps

    Keyreative
    KAT keycaps are a newer profile that offers a unique typing experience. They are uniform in height and have a sculpted top surface that is reminiscent of a more traditional keycap profile. They are made from doubleshot PBT plastic and offer a more textured feel than most keycaps.
    KAT Keycaps is a popular keycap profile known for its smooth and sculpted design. It offers a comfortable typing experience with a unique aesthetic appeal.
    • Profile: KAT
    • Material: Double-shot ABS
    • Legend Type: Doubleshot
    • Compatibility: MX-style mechanical keyboards
    • Keycap Profile: Sculpted
  8. 8
    8
    votes
    XDA keycaps are uniform in height and have a flat top surface. They are made from doubleshot PBT plastic and offer a smooth and tactile typing experience. They are popular among gamers and typists who prefer a low profile keycap.
  9. 9
    11
    votes

    Topre Keycaps

    Topre Corporation
    Topre keycaps are made specifically for Topre switches and offer a unique typing experience. They are made from high-quality PBT plastic and offer a smooth and tactile typing experience. They are popular among enthusiasts who prefer the Topre switch and want a high-quality keycap to match.
    Topre Keycaps are a type of keycaps designed for Topre keyboards. They are known for their high-quality construction and comfortable typing experience. The keycaps are made from durable materials and are designed to enhance the overall aesthetics and functionality of the keyboard. The Topre Keycaps are compatible with various Topre keyboard models, offering a wide range of options for customization.
    • Material: High-quality durable plastic
    • Compatibility: Topre keyboard models
    • Ergonomics: Comfortable typing experience
    • Design: Enhanced aesthetics
    • Customization: Wide range of options
  10. 10
    5
    votes

    Artisan Keycaps

    Various artisans
    Artisan keycaps are custom-made keycaps that offer a unique and personalized look for a keyboard. They are made by individual artists and offer a wide range of designs and customization options. They are popular among enthusiasts who want a truly unique and personalized keyboard.
    Artisan Keycaps are unique and customized keycaps for mechanical keyboards. They are typically handcrafted by artisans specializing in keycap design. These keycaps are known for their exceptional attention to detail, creativity, and the use of high-quality materials.
    • Materials: Various materials including resin, metal, and plastic
    • Designs: Wide range of creative and unique designs
    • Handcrafted: Each keycap is individually crafted by hand
    • Limited Editions: Often released in limited quantities and exclusive drops
    • Compatibility: Available for various mechanical keyboard layouts

Missing your favorite keycaps?

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Discussion

Ranking factors for popular keycaps

  1. Material
    The material of the keycap greatly affects its durability and feel. Common materials include ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) and PBT (polybutylene terephthalate). Each material has its own unique characteristics that may appeal to different users.
  2. Profile
    Keycap profiles refer to the shape and height of the keycaps. Some of the popular profiles include OEM, Cherry, SA, DSA, and XDA. The choice of profile can influence typing comfort and speed.
  3. Legend Printing Method
    The method used to print legends (characters/symbols) on keycaps can impact their durability and aesthetic qualities. Common methods include pad printing, dye-sublimation, double-shot molding, and laser marking/etching.
  4. Aesthetics
    The visual appeal of keycap designs can vary from simple and understated to bold and eye-catching. Users may have personal preferences for certain colors, patterns, or themes.
  5. Compatibility
    Keycap sets should be compatible with the user's specific mechanical keyboard layout, including the size and position of various keys. Some keycap sets are designed for specific keyboard models, while others are more universal.
  6. Keycap Thickness
    The thickness of a keycap can affect its durability, sound, and feel. Thicker keycaps are generally more durable and produce a deeper sound when typing.
  7. Manufacturer Reputation
    Popular and reputable keycap manufacturers are more likely to produce high-quality products that meet the expectations of the community. Examples of such manufacturers include GMK, Signature Plastics, and EnjoyPBT.
  8. Price
    The price of keycap sets can vary widely, with some costing hundreds of dollars. Users should consider their budget when selecting keycaps, and also take into account the potential resale value of a particular set.
  9. Community Feedback and Reviews
    Before making a purchase, users should research the opinions of others who have experienced a specific keycap set. This can help identify any potential issues or confirm the quality of the keycaps.
  10. Availability
    Some keycap sets are produced in limited quantities or are only available through group buys, making them more difficult to obtain. Users may need to factor in the potential wait time or rarity when selecting their desired keycaps.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular keycaps. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or keycap is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 2097 views
  • 170 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each keycap once every 24 hours. The rank of each keycap is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

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More information on most popular keycaps

Keycaps are the physical keys that sit on top of a keyboard. They come in various shapes, sizes, and designs, and are often used to customize the look and feel of a keyboard. Keycaps can be made from different materials such as plastic, metal, or wood, and can be designed to fit different types of switches. In recent years, keycaps have become increasingly popular among keyboard enthusiasts, who enjoy creating their own unique layouts and color schemes. Some keycap sets are even limited edition or hand-crafted, making them highly coveted by collectors. When it comes to the most popular keycaps, there are a few brands and designs that stand out. These include the classic Cherry keycaps, which are known for their high-quality construction and compatibility with a wide range of switches. Other popular keycap sets include GMK, SA, and DSA, each offering their own unique style and feel. Whether you're a keyboard enthusiast or just looking to add a personal touch to your setup, keycaps offer a fun and customizable way to enhance your typing experience.

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