FAQs
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.
Is PBT or ABS better for keycaps? ›
PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate) is a stronger and thicker plastic. ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) is a versatile, affordable plastic used more often. PBT keycaps are of higher quality than ABS keycaps, thanks to their better material properties.
What's the best material for keycaps? ›
Generally, PBT is known to be better for long-term use and will not wear or get greasy as much, good for people with hands on the sweatier side. The ABS keycaps, on the other hand, have more vivid color options available and offer a silky, skin-like touch.
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.
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.
Are PBT keycaps thocky? ›
Enthusiasts often refer to the satisfying, crisper, and cleaner sounds of PBT keycaps as "thocky". On the other hand, lower quality ABS keycaps tend to sound quiet and "hollow", although the "hollow" sound is less noticeable in high-quality, thick ABS keycaps.
What is the highest quality keycap? ›
Here're some top picks of the best keycaps brands:
- GMK.
- Drop.
- EnjoyPBT.
- AKKO.
- YMDK.
- HK Gaming.
Is GMK better than PBT? ›
GMK and PBT keycaps both have their pros and cons. While the ABS used by GMK comes in more vibrant colors, the feel and softness of the material are downsides. PBT, on the other hand, may have more subdued coloring, but stand the test of time and provide a silky texture throughout their lifecycle.
What keycaps are best for gaming? ›
The best keycap profiles for gaming are Cherry and OEM, although XDA can also work well depending on your playstyle. Ergonomic keycaps are usually ideal for gaming since their curved tops can make it easier to grip the keys. If you have large hands or clumsy fingers, though, you might prefer XDA keycaps.
What are the disadvantages of ABS? ›
Disadvantages of ABS
- Complex maintenance.
- Increased cost.
- Reduced brake pedal feel.
- Potential system failure.
- Longer stopping distance on certain surfaces.
- Uneven brake wear.
The type of keycap that suffers most from the greasy look problem is the ABS keycap. Due to the material's nature, it's easy to be polished just by frequent contact with people's fingertips, thus, becoming shiny.
Does ABS plastic crack easily? ›
Some plastics, such as ABS, acrylic, polycarbonate, and polystyrene, are more susceptible to stress cracking. These are amorphous plastics, and they bond readily.
Should I get ABS or PBT 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.
Can ABS keycaps be double shot? ›
ABS keycaps can be single shot, meaning only one layer of plastic is used which can make them significantly lighter and less expensive. They can also be made as double shot keycaps where two layers of plastic are used.
Does PBT keycaps sound better? ›
ABS can be way less dense than PBT in the majority of cases, so reasonably enough, comparing two keycaps of same volume, should result in the PBT producing a deeper sound because it's more dense.
What is the difference between PC ABS and PBT? ›
Mechanical properties: PBT offers higher tensile strength and stiffness compared to ABS. However, ABS excels in impact resistance and flexibility, making it more suitable for demanding applications. Thermal properties: PBT exhibits better thermal stability and dimensional accuracy over a wide temperature range.
What are the pros and cons of PBT? ›
PBT performs much like Nylon but can handle higher temperatures and does not absorb moisture. PBT has excellent impact strength but is very notch sensitive. PBT is very anisotropic in shrinkage, so it is difficult to mold to extremely tight tolerances.
Are PBT keycaps good for RGB? ›
Both ABS and PBT keycaps can be single-shot or double shot and designed for unlit or backlit and RGB keyboards.