ABS and PBT plastic are the two most common plastics used in the manufacturing of keycaps. Both types of plastic have a different feel, sound, and look to them. We’ll go over what the differences are, and which one is better.
ABS keycaps are the cheapest and most common plastic usedfor keycaps. PBT plastic is less common but is usually higher quality than ABS.ABS keycaps feel smooth and develop a greasy shine over time, while PBT keycapsfeel textured and are more durable.
As you can see, PBT keycaps are usually better, but in some situations ABS keycaps can be superior. We’ll go more in detail about the main differences between the two and some other interesting keycap variations. For keycap recommendations, check out this post.
What are ABS Keycaps?
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene(ABS) is a copolymer plasticthat is commonly used in the production of keycaps for keyboards. ABS plasticis used because it is durable and resistant, but cheap to produce. It is impactresistant, so it can withstand millions of keystrokes before cracking orbreaking. One of the downsides to ABS is that overtime it wears down. It’s notuncommon that after heavy use, an ABS keycap will have the lettering start tofade away and the keycap will start to thin.
ABS keycaps have a smooth texture. The texture can be niceto glide your fingers across the keyboard. This comes at a cost though, becausecheap and poorly manufactured ABS keycaps will develop a greasy/shiny look toit after usage. This is because the plastic gradually changes color fromexposure to UV rays. ABS keycaps tend to be thinner, but it is possible to buyhigh quality, thick ABS keycaps for a slight increase in price.
Most ABS keycaps are made through injection molding to formthe shape of the keycap. Afterwards, the legends are printed on the keycapsthrough several different processes, depending on the manufacturer. The mostcommon ways are though pad printing, laser marking, and engraving.
Most mechanical keyboards come with relatively cheap ABS keycaps installed, but there are nice and expensive sets available online. Some of the more expensive sets include sets such as GMK Samurai for a higher-end price, available on Amazon. These expensive keycaps sets usually have a thicker plastic and come with custom designs on them.
What are PBT Keycaps?
Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT) keycapsis a less common material to find used in keycaps. PBT is usually more expensiveto source and produce, so for a lot of keyboards you’ll either have to buy themseparately or pay a markup. PBT is more rigid and brittle than ABS so it wearsdown less overtime, this also is makes it so much more difficult to shape andproduce. You can use PBT keycaps for a long period of time before they show anysign of deterioration.
The defining properties of PBT keycaps are the textured, sometimessandy, feel to them. Usually more expensive PBT keycaps will have a nicertexture than the cheaper versions. PBT keycaps are matte and not very shiny.They also tend to be thicker.
ABS vs PBT
ABS Keycaps | PBT Keycaps |
Usually Cheaper | More Expensive |
Shiny/Greasy | Matte |
Smooth | Textured |
Thinner (Not always) | Thicker |
Quieter when typing | Louder when typing |
Flexible | Brittle |
Wears Over Time | More Durable |
Now that we’ve gone over each of the different plastictypes, let’s talk about the biggest differences between ABS and PBT.
Cost
Usually PBT keycaps will be more expensive than ABS. This isdue to the fact that PBT keycaps are much more difficult to produce, becausethe material is harder to form into the proper keycap shape during the injectionmolding process. Some ABS keycaps can cost more than PBT, but that’s generallydue to a thicker ABS keycap design with some fancy designs on the legends.
Texture
ABS keycaps are smooth and shiny, while PBT is textured andmatte. This is due to the different plastic material and compounds used in eachtype. Some ABS keycaps don’t get the shiny look to them if they are higher quality,so just make sure to test them out first before buying.
Thickness
PBT keycaps are usually thicker than ABS. This depends on which keycap set you are buying. In some situations, you can buy a thick ABS keycap set.
Material
PBT keycaps are made from a different plastic type that ismore brittle, durable, and textured than ABS.
Sound
From my experience using PBT keycaps, I’ve found them tohave a different sound when typing. They are usually slightly louder than ABSkeycaps, but the sound is crisper and cleaner. Sine the material is more rigidand thick, the keycaps themselves don’t vibrate as much, which makes for themore crisp sound.
It’s Up to Your Personal Taste
While PBT keycaps are generally considered superior to ABS, youcan decide for yourself which type you prefer. Some people cannot stand the sandytextured feel of PBT keycaps, or they don’t enjoy the matte color. It’s totallynormal to prefer the smooth and shiny ABS plastic. At the end of the day itcomes down to personal preference and whatever you think looks more aestheticand feels better. Both options have lots of higher end keycaps available, soyou can get fancy keycaps regardless of the plastic type.
What are Doubleshot Keycaps?
Double shot keycaps are made from a more complicated manufacturing process where two separate plastics are injection molded to make the keycap. Doubleshot keycaps are produced this way so that lighting can shine through the legends. If your keyboard has lighting for each individual key, these styles of keycaps are usually used so the backlighting can illuminate the legends and make them easier to read. Double shot keycaps are available in both PBT and ABS plastics.
What are Pudding Keycaps?
Pudding keycaps are a way to really show off your keyboard’s lighting. These are also doubleshot, but instead of just illuminating the legends, the light can also shine through the sides of the keycaps as well. This makes for some awesome looking keyboard set-ups. Some of our favorite pudding keycaps are by HyperX, they are quite affordable and are a nice upgrade for any mechanical keyboard.
Keycap Profiles
Keycap profiles are another important aspect of keycaps to understand. The profile refers to the overall shape and height of the keycap. There are dozens of different profiles, so you can test them out to figure out what feels the best. Here is our full guide on keycap profiles.
Conclusion
Overall, there are a lot of differences between PBT and ABS keycaps. PBT are considered to be superior, since they are more durable and don’t develop a shiny look to them over time. That being said, there are some really nice ABS keycaps sets available and at the end of the day, it comes down to user preference. It’s up to you to decide which type you think is better, but if you want my opinion, it’s PBT all the way. Unless I’m able to finally get my hands on those GMK camping keycaps.
Happy Typing!
I'm an enthusiast deeply versed in the realm of mechanical keyboards, particularly the nuances of keycap materials such as ABS and PBT plastics. My expertise stems from hands-on experience, extensive research, and a profound understanding of the manufacturing processes and characteristics of these materials.
ABS Keycaps:
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) is a copolymer plastic widely employed in crafting keycaps for mechanical keyboards. ABS is chosen for its durability, resistance, and cost-effectiveness. These keycaps exhibit a smooth texture, allowing for a pleasant gliding experience. However, prolonged use can result in a greasy shine due to the material's susceptibility to UV exposure. ABS keycaps are typically thinner but can be found in high-quality, thicker variants with custom designs.
PBT Keycaps:
Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT) keycaps, on the other hand, are less common but are often perceived as higher quality than ABS. PBT is known for its rigidity, brittleness, and resistance to wear over time. These keycaps boast a textured, sometimes sandy, feel and a matte finish, making them less prone to developing a shiny appearance. PBT keycaps are generally thicker and offer a more durable and quieter typing experience.
Key Differences (ABS vs. PBT):
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Cost: PBT keycaps are typically more expensive due to the difficulty in production, while ABS keycaps are more affordable.
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Texture: ABS keycaps are smooth and shiny, whereas PBT keycaps are textured and matte.
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Thickness: PBT keycaps are usually thicker than ABS counterparts.
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Material: PBT is more brittle, durable, and textured compared to ABS.
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Sound: PBT keycaps produce a crisper and cleaner sound, albeit slightly louder than ABS keycaps.
Doubleshot Keycaps:
Doubleshot keycaps involve a complex manufacturing process where two separate plastics are injected to create the keycap. This method is employed to allow backlighting to shine through the legends for better visibility.
Pudding Keycaps:
Pudding keycaps, a type of doubleshot keycap, are designed to showcase keyboard lighting. They allow light not only to illuminate legends but also to shine through the sides of the keycaps, enhancing the visual appeal of the keyboard.
Keycap Profiles:
Keycap profiles refer to the overall shape and height of the keycap. The article mentions a variety of profiles, emphasizing the importance of personal preference in choosing the one that feels best.
Conclusion:
While PBT keycaps are generally considered superior due to their durability and resistance to wear, the choice between ABS and PBT ultimately comes down to personal preference. Some may appreciate the smooth and shiny texture of ABS, while others prefer the textured feel of PBT. The article underscores the diversity of available options, including high-end keycap sets, and encourages users to make a choice based on aesthetics and tactile preferences.
In the end, the article leans towards a personal preference for PBT, highlighting its durability. However, it acknowledges that individual tastes may vary, and it encourages users to explore different options for a satisfying typing experience.