- ABS Keycaps
Pros: Low cost; excellent color rendering with rich, vibrant hues; mature injection molding process ensures uniform wall thickness; smooth feel and crisp typing sound; standard on the vast majority of stock keyboards.
Cons: Lower hardness; prone to developing a greasy shine with prolonged use; poor wear resistance (legends may fade over time); average heat resistance. - PBT Dye-Sublimation Keycaps
Pros: Wear-resistant and oil-resistant (resists developing a shine); high hardness and good heat resistance; matte/textured finish offers a dry feel; allows for flexible custom designs; a mainstream choice for custom keyboards.
Cons: Higher cost than ABS; fewer vibrant color options; typing sound tends to be deeper/more muted. - PC Keycaps
Pros: Excellent light transmission; high toughness and impact resistance (not prone to shattering); smooth surface feel; ideal for backlit or fully transparent keycaps.
Cons: Prone to fingerprints; may develop a slight greasy sheen over time; average heat resistance; susceptible to scratches; limited options for solid, opaque colors. - Dye-sublimated Silicone / Resin Keycaps (Novelty/Artisan Keycaps)
Pros: Diverse shapes and strong three-dimensional detail; excellent for personalization; commonly used for specific keys like Esc or the Spacebar.
Cons: Usually produced as individual novelty pieces; extremely high cost for a full set; some resin materials are prone to oxidation and discoloration; limited practicality—primarily for collectors.
