ABS vs PBT Keycaps explained (2024)

The purpose of this article is to explain the differences, pros and cons, between using ABS or PBT keycaps, so you can make an informed decision for your new Wooting.

Keycaps are an essential component of mechanical keyboards that not only determine the overall aesthetics but also influence the typing experience. Two commonly used keycap materials are ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) and PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate). Each material has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, catering to different preferences of keyboard enthusiasts.

ABS Keycaps:

Durability: PBT keycaps are renowned for their durability, as the material is harder and more resistant to wear, making them a long-lasting choice.
Texture: PBT keycaps often have a slightly textured surface, providing a pleasant tactile feel that resists oil and grease buildup.
Fade and UV Resistance: PBT keycaps are less likely to fade or discolor over time, even with prolonged UV exposure, ensuring a consistent appearance.
Sound Dampening: PBT keycaps tend to produce a softer and deeper sound profile compared to ABS keycaps, which can be preferable for some users.

Disadvantages:

Customization Limitations: PBT keycaps are less suited for intricate legends and vibrant designs due to the material's more matte and textured surface.
Cost: PBT keycaps are generally more expensive to produce, which can contribute to a higher overall keyboard cost.

Doubleshot PBT Keycaps:

Doubleshot PBT keycaps offer the best of both worlds. In this manufacturing process, two layers of PBT plastic are molded together, resulting in legends that won't fade over time. This method also allows for more intricate legends on the keycaps while maintaining the durability and texture benefits of PBT material.

Conclusion:

In the debate between ABS and PBT keycaps, the choice ultimately depends on your preferences and priorities. If you value a sleek appearance, affordable customization, and unique sound, ABS keycaps might be your preference. However, if you prioritize durability, resistance to wear and shine, and a pleasant tactile texture, PBT keycaps are likely the better option. For those seeking the best of both worlds, doubleshot PBT keycaps offer durability and customization without compromising on design. Consider your typing style, aesthetic preferences, and budget to make an informed decision that enhances your overall keyboard experience.

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Last updated on April 19, 2024

FAQs

Is PBT or ABS better for keycaps? ›

PBT, as compared to ABS, is far more robust, so it both wears more slowly than ABS, and the pattern of wear is more even, so the keycaps stay usable and pretty for longer. Additionally, PBT is more resistant to degradation caused by UV light. UV being the main cause of vibrant keycaps losing their color over time.

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What are the cons of ABS keycaps? ›

Durability: ABS keycaps tend to wear out and shine over time due to their softer material, which can lead to a less appealing look and feel after extended use.
Fading and Discoloration: UV exposure and prolonged use can cause ABS keycaps to fade or develop a yellowish tint, affecting the overall aesthetics.

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Apr 19, 2024

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Why is ABS more expensive than PBT? ›

ABS is a less expensive option than PBT due to its lower raw material cost, whereas PBT is generally considered to be a higher-quality plastic due to its durability and resistance to heat and chemicals.

Can I replace ABS keycaps with PBT keycaps? ›

Abs and pbt is just the material used for the keycaps and have no impact on what it's compatible with.

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Do PBT keycaps get shiny? ›

Long story short, ABS plastic is more commonly used on keycaps because it's cheaper; PBT plastic is more expensive. ABS plastic keycaps develop a shine the more they're used; PBT keycaps do not.

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Why does GMK use ABS instead of PBT? ›

The ABS material GMK uses holds more saturation than their PBT counterparts, so GMK keycaps frequently come in brighter colors, if that's what you're looking for. Also, ABS is an easier plastic to machine, so you'll normally find less legend inconsistencies in ABS keycaps.

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What are the disadvantages of ABS? ›

The primary disadvantage of ABS brakes is the increased cost it adds to the overall cost of a vehicle. Also maintenance costs go up as the sensors on each wheel are expensive and get heavy on the pocket if they run out of calibration. The job of anti-lock brakes is to provide sure footed braking.

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Do double shot ABS keycaps fade? ›

Regardless of the frequency or duration of usage, the legends on double shot keycaps remain sharp, consistent, and never fade away.

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What is the difference between PC ABS and PBT? ›

What is the main difference between PBT vs ABS? The main difference lies in their mechanical properties, thermal stability, chemical resistance, and electrical properties. PBT offers higher strength, stiffness, and dimensional stability, while ABS provides better impact resistance and toughness.

How to know if keycaps are good quality? ›

Polybutylene Terephthalate is a sturdy and durable plastic used in keycaps. Keycaps made with PBT are stronger and more durable than those made with ABS. PBT keycaps are made with a more complex molding process. They have a higher melting point than ABS keycaps.

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Does PBT keycaps sound better? ›

PBT keycaps sets typically use more material than an ABS keycap set and are usually heavier. While it depends on the manufacturer, PBT tends to have a deeper, crisper, and less tinny sound when typing than that of a typical ABS keycap set.

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What are the negatives of ABS plastic? ›

Disadvantages of ABS

It can become brittle and discolored over time, limiting its outdoor applications. Flammability: ABS plastic is classified as a combustible material and has a relatively low resistance to fire. It tends to melt and burn, releasing potentially toxic fumes.

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Is ABS or PBT thockier? ›

PBT is known for its hardness and density, so it tends to be thicker, stronger, and more durable than ABS. Regardless of its superior physical properties, the most PBT notable feature is its resistance to oil and chemicals, making it less likely to develop that greasy look.

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How to tell if keycaps are PBT or ABS? ›

PBT keycaps are often thicker and more textured than ABS keycaps, which can give them a more substantial feel. They are also more resistant to shine and wear than ABS keycaps and can maintain their texture and feel for longer periods of time.

Do all ABS keycaps shine? ›

ABS keycaps will most likely start to become shiny, specially with cheap Sets that use cheaper materials and blends. That's just how the material behaves, sadly.

Do PBT keycaps get yellow? ›

In summary, ABS keycaps are a popular choice due to their affordability, availability, and smooth feel, but can be prone to shine or smoothness and fading or yellowing over time. PBT keycaps are more expensive but more durable and resistant to shine or wear, and have a more substantial feel and matte finish.

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Are PBT keycaps good for RGB? ›

ABS and PBT Keycaps: Offering the least RGB shine-through, ABS and PBT keycaps are made of solid plastic, which considerably diffuses the RGB light. While these keycaps do not offer the same intensity of RGB as their counterparts, they hold their unique appeal.

Is PBT better than double shot? ›

Your fingers will constantly rub against the inscriptions on your keys (unless you are using a blank keycap set), and UV rays can also accelerate the fading process. Double Shot keycaps are more durable and more expensive than standard keycaps and are available in both PBT and ABS materials.

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