Estimated Reading Time: 5 minutes.
Keywords: PBT vs ABS keycaps, best keycap material, mechanical keyboard customization
🧠 What Are PBT and ABS Keycaps?
When you start customizing your mechanical keyboard, one of the first decisions you’ll face is:
PBT or ABS keycaps?
These are two of the most common plastic materials used in keycap manufacturing, and each comes with its own feel, sound, durability, and aesthetic.
Let’s break down what they are and help you choose the best option for your setup.
🔍 ABS Keycaps: The Basics
ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) is the most widely used keycap plastic. It’s lightweight, easy to mold, and affordable.
✅ Pros:
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Smooth surface and shine (at first)
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Bright and vibrant colors
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Cheaper production, often used in stock keycaps
❌ Cons:
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Wears out faster, leading to shiny keycaps
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Legends fade more quickly (especially if not double-shot)
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Softer sound that may feel "hollow"
🔒 PBT Keycaps: The Premium Choice
PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate) is the gold standard in custom keycap materials. It’s more rigid and heat-resistant than ABS, offering a better long-term typing experience.
✅ Pros:
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Matte texture for a grippy feel
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Resists shine — even after years of use
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Legends stay sharp, especially with dye-sublimation or double-shot
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Thockier sound — deeper, more satisfying keystrokes
❌ Cons:
- Slightly more expensive
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Can be thicker/heavier (which is often a benefit)
🎤 Sound Comparison
🧏♂️ Typing sound can differ noticeably:
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ABS: Higher-pitched, more plasticky
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PBT: Deeper, muted “thock” (especially with thick PBT)
🧪 Legend Printing Methods
| Material | Common Printing Methods | Fade-Resistant? |
|---|---|---|
| ABS | Pad print, laser-etched, double-shot | ❌ (unless double-shot) |
| PBT | Dye-sublimation, double-shot | ✅ Yes |
🏆 Our Recommendation: Choose PBT for Performance and Aesthetics
At Zenocaps, nearly all of our keycap sets are made from high-quality thick PBT plastic, using either dye-sublimation or double-shot legends. Here’s why:
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Long-lasting durability
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Better sound profile
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No shine even after months of use
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Premium texture and finish
📌 Final Verdict
| Feature | Winner |
|---|---|
| Durability | PBT |
| Legend Longevity | PBT |
| Sound Profile | PBT (deeper) |
| Color Vibrancy | ABS |
| Price | ABS (cheaper) |
If you're building your dream keyboard setup or just upgrading for long-term use, PBT keycaps are the clear winner.
ABS might be okay for casual users or if you like the smooth texture, but for most enthusiasts, PBT is the way to go.
🛒 Ready to Upgrade?
Explore our full range of PBT keycap sets on ZenoCaps and take your mechanical keyboard to the next level.
