How to choose keycaps — PBT vs ABS, profiles, compatibility
Last updated: 2026-07-11
Four things decide whether a keycap set is good: the plastic (PBT vs ABS), how the legends are printed (dye-sub and double-shot never wear off; pad-printed ones do), the profile (the sculpted shape of the rows), and compatibility with your switches and layout.
Short version: PBT plastic with dye-sub legends in Cherry or OEM profile on MX stems is the safe, durable choice for almost everyone. Below is why — and where the exceptions are.
Choosing a keycap set: 5 checks
- 1
Material: PBT or ABS
PBT is denser and keeps a matte texture for years; ABS is smoother and slowly develops a greasy shine where you type. For durability, PBT wins.
- 2
Legend printing
Dye-sub (dye baked into the plastic) and double-shot (legend is a second piece of plastic) never wear off. Pad-printed or laser-marked legends rub away within months of heavy use.
- 3
Profile
Cherry and OEM are the familiar sculpted shapes; SA is tall and retro; XDA/DSA are flat and uniform. If unsure, Cherry is the modern default.
- 4
Layout coverage
Check the set covers your keyboard's size and any non-standard keys — 60%, 65%, TKL and full-size boards need different kits.
- 5
Stem compatibility
MX-style cross stems fit Cherry MX, Gateron, Kailh and compatible switches. Laptops, membrane boards and non-MX low-profile switches need different caps entirely.
PBT vs ABS in detail
ABS is the older, cheaper-to-mold plastic. It starts smooth and slightly glossy — and after months of typing, finger oils polish it into a visibly greasy shine. High-end double-shot ABS sets exist (that's what many premium group-buy sets are), but the shine is chemistry, not build quality: it happens to expensive ABS too.
PBT is denser and more rigid, with a matte, lightly textured surface that hides finger oil and doesn't develop shine. It also tends to sound deeper and less clacky. This is why 'PBT' is treated as shorthand for durable keycaps.
How legends are printed — and why it matters more than the plastic
Pad printing and UV printing lay ink on the surface; on your most-used keys it starts fading within months.
Laser etching burns a mark that survives, but limits you to dark-on-light single-colour legends.
Double-shot molds the legend as a physically separate piece of plastic — it can never fade, but each legend colour is a separate mold, so artwork is impossible.
Dye-sublimation drives dye into the plastic itself: legends can't wear off AND any full-colour artwork is possible. This is the method olw0 uses on PBT — it's the only technique that combines durability with completely free design.
Keycap profiles, quickly
Cherry: medium height, sculpted rows, the modern enthusiast default — comfortable for both typing and gaming.
OEM: slightly taller than Cherry, what most stock keyboards ship with.
SA: tall, spherical, retro-terminal look; a bigger adjustment to type on.
XDA / DSA / flat: every row the same height with a flat top — a clean uniform look, and artwork spanning many keys lines up perfectly. olw0 sets come in Cherry or flat profile.
When custom-designed beats off-the-shelf
A mass-produced set is a compromise someone else chose: their colours, their theme, their legends. If you already know what you want — a colorway matching your setup, legends in your language, artwork across the board — designing your own set costs about the same as a good retail PBT set (flat €60–105 on olw0) and every key is exactly yours.
FAQ about choosing keycaps
PBT or ABS — which is better?
PBT for durability and feel: it stays matte and textured for years, while ABS develops a greasy shine. ABS's main advantage is crisper double-shot molding in premium sets.
Why do my keycaps look greasy and shiny?
That's worn ABS plastic — finger oils polish it smooth. Cleaning helps briefly, but the polishing is permanent. PBT caps don't do this.
Do keycaps change how a keyboard sounds?
Yes, noticeably. Thicker PBT caps sound deeper and more muted; thin ABS caps sound higher-pitched and clackier.
Which profile is best for gaming?
Any profile you're comfortable with — profile is preference, not performance. Cherry and OEM are the safest defaults; flat profiles suit uniform looks and spanning artwork across keys.
Will any keycap set fit my keyboard?
Only if the stems and layout match: MX-style stems for Cherry MX/Gateron/Kailh switches, and a kit that covers your board's size (60%, 65%, TKL, full-size).
How do I clean keycaps?
Pull them off, wash in warm water with a drop of dish soap, and air-dry fully (a day) before refitting. Dye-sub and double-shot legends can't be washed out.