PBT vs ABS Keycaps: Complete Comparison Guide

Choosing the right keycaps for your keyboard can improve your typing experience and make your setup last longer. The two most common materials are PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate) and ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene). Here’s a quick breakdown:

PBT keycaps: Durable, textured, resistant to wear, and maintain their look over time. They’re thicker, heavier, and offer a crisp sound.
ABS keycaps: Smooth, glossy, affordable, and widely available. However, they can develop a shiny surface and discolor with use. There are some exceptions of very high-end double-shot ABS keycap manufacturers. These are considered high-end keycaps for premium builds and includes those from companies such as GMK, based in Germany, or SP, based in the USA. This guide is only comparing basic ABS keycaps produced by other manufacturers.

Quick Comparison

Feature	PBT Keycaps	ABS Keycaps
Durability	Long-lasting, wear-resistant	Prone to shine and discolor
Feel	Textured, matte finish	Smooth, glossy finish
Sound	Crisp, lower-pitched	Louder, hollow
Cost	Higher	Lower
Maintenance	Low	Needs frequent cleaning

For long-term use or gaming, PBT is often the better choice. If you’re on a budget or prefer vibrant colors, ABS might work for you. Keep reading to understand which material suits your needs!

ABS vs PBT: What It Takes to Make the Perfect Keycap

1. PBT Keycaps Explained

PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate) keycaps are a popular choice among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts, known for their durability and unique typing experience.

Material Properties and Durability
PBT keycaps are built to handle heavy use. They resist heat better than ABS keycaps, which helps them stay intact even under tough conditions. Their chemical makeup also makes them resistant to oils, solvents, and UV rays, which means they don’t develop a greasy shine or discolor over time.

Texture and Feel
PBT keycaps feature a textured, matte surface that offers great grip, making them ideal for long typing or gaming sessions. Their thicker and heavier build provides a solid, high-quality feel.

Sound Profile
The dense material and thicker walls of PBT keycaps create a crisp and satisfying sound when typing.

Manufacturing and Quality
Top-tier PBT keycaps are often made using double-shot injection molding. This technique fuses two layers of plastic to ensure the legends remain intact, even after extensive use.

Popular Design Options
PBT keycaps come in a variety of designs, showcasing their versatility:

Keycap Set	Features	Style
Ducky Joker Seamless	Electric blue, deep purple, neon pink	Double-shot
Keychron PBT Retro	Dye-sublimated italic lettering	Classic Apple-inspired
Drop LOTR MT3 Elvish	Elvish legends; Training/Hardcore versions	Themed
HyperX Pudding	Translucent sides	RGB-optimized

PBT keycaps are a great choice for those who value durability and performance. While they typically cost more due to the complexity of their production, their long-lasting quality makes them a smart option for keyboard enthusiasts. Up next, we’ll dive into ABS keycaps to compare their features.

2. ABS Keycaps Explained

ABS keycaps are affordable and simple to produce, making them a popular choice for many keyboards.

Material Properties

ABS, a type of plastic, has a low melting point of about 105°F. This makes it easy to manufacture and recycle, which helps keep costs down and ensures it's widely available.

Surface and Appearance

When new, ABS keycaps have a smooth, glossy finish that showcases bright, vibrant colors - perfect for LED backlighting. However, with frequent use, the surface can lose its luster and take on a greasy look.

Durability Challenges

ABS keycaps are softer, which brings some long-term issues:

Factor	Effect
Surface Shine	Becomes shiny over time due to finger oils
UV Exposure	Prolonged sunlight can cause yellowing
Legend Wear	Printed legends may fade with use
Heat Resistance	Softens at temperatures around 105°F

Manufacturing Quality

High-quality ABS keycaps are designed to better resist heat, impacts, and yellowing. Their low shrinkage rate ensures consistent color and shape, addressing some of the durability issues seen in standard ABS keycaps.

Long-Term Performance

Over time, ABS keycaps tend to develop a greasy texture as their smooth, glossy finish wears down due to oils and friction.

Maintenance Tips

To keep ABS keycaps in good condition:

Wipe them regularly to remove oils and dirt
Store them away from direct sunlight
Avoid exposing them to high temperatures
Use them in a controlled environment when possible

This breakdown of ABS keycaps provides a solid foundation for comparing them to PBT keycaps.

Direct Comparison: PBT vs ABS

Here’s a closer look at the main differences between PBT and ABS keycaps.

Material Properties and Durability

Characteristic	PBT Keycaps	ABS Keycaps
Surface Wear	Keeps texture over time	Develops a shiny surface quickly
Legend Durability	Legends stay intact	Legends tend to fade over time
Weight	Heavier, more solid feel	Lighter
Impact Resistance	Less flexible, prone to brittleness	More flexible, absorbs shocks better

Typing Experience

Here’s how the materials affect the feel and sound of typing:

Aspect	PBT Keycaps	ABS Keycaps
Surface Texture	Textured, matte finish	Smooth, glossy finish
Sound Profile	Crisp and lower-pitched	Louder and hollow
Grip	Better grip	Can get slippery with use
Long-term Feel	Stays consistent	Becomes smoother and tackier

Cost and Value Considerations

Factor	PBT Keycaps	ABS Keycaps
Entry-level Sets	Around $45 (e.g., Drop's Artifact Bloom)	$70-$90 (e.g., ePBT sets)
Maintenance Needs	Low maintenance	Needs frequent cleaning

Real-World Performance

In heavy-use scenarios, PBT keycaps can handle millions of keystrokes without losing their texture or appearance. ABS keycaps, on the other hand, often show wear within months, requiring replacements sooner.

When deciding between the two, consider your priorities. ABS keycaps are cheaper upfront and come in more colors, but PBT keycaps last longer and maintain their quality over time.

Which Keycaps Should You Choose?

Pick your keycaps based on how you plan to use your keyboard and your budget. While performance matters, your daily habits and environment will ultimately influence your decision.

For Professional Use and Long Typing Sessions

If you type for hours on end, PBT keycaps are a solid choice. They’re durable and provide a textured surface that stays consistent over time.

For Gaming

Gamers often favor PBT keycaps for their grip and longevity. As Liam H. from iosamfranco.com puts it:

"I also prefer PBT for gaming boards, since the WASD keys take a lot longer to shine than ABS counterparts and thus keep the keyboard looking more uniform throughout its lifespan."

Budget Options

Here's a quick guide to choosing keycaps based on your budget:

Budget Level	Recommended Choice	Example Set	Price Range
Entry-level	ABS	Basic ABS sets	$20–35
Mid-range	PBT	Drop Artifact Bloom	$45
Premium	Either	ePBT ABS sets	$70–90

Match these suggestions to your specific needs, whether for work, gaming, or general use.

Recommendations for Specific Scenarios

Consider your environment and workflow when selecting keycaps:

Office Environment: Look for keycaps with a matte finish that resist UV yellowing, keeping them looking sharp under typical office lighting.
RGB Enthusiasts: Opt for keycaps with clear legends and excellent light diffusion to enhance your RGB setup. Many designs cater specifically to RGB fans.
Home Office/Remote Work: Choose keycaps that are easy to maintain and provide a consistent typing experience throughout your workday.

Let your needs and budget guide your final choice.