When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the type of keycaps used can greatly impact the overall typing experience and longevity of the keyboard. The two most common types of keycap materials are ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) and PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate). While both have their pros and cons, PBT keycaps tend to be the preferred choice for most mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Here’s why:
Durability
One of the biggest reasons to choose PBT keycaps is their superior durability compared to ABS keycaps. PBT plastic is denser and harder wearing, making the keycaps resistant to shininess and discoloration over time. With heavy use, ABS keycaps will develop a smooth, oily shine much faster than quality PBT keycaps. This is due to ABS plastic having higher oil absorbency that causes the surface to degrade. PBT’s tight polymer structure prevents absorbing oil from your skin. So even after years of use, PBT keycaps will look close to new, retaining their matte texture and crisp lettering.
The premium thickness and density of good PBT keycap sets further improves their longevity. Keycaps made from cheap thin ABS are prone to cracking or becoming loose over time as the stems weaken. The hard-wearing nature of thick PBT plastic ensures the keycap stems remain durable and unlikely to suffer this fate especially when it is installed with Akko mechanical switches. Overall, the exceptional durability of top-quality PBT equals excellent value for money.
Superior Aesthetics
In addition to enhanced durability, most mechanical keyboard fans strongly praise the look and feel of quality PBT plastic keycap sets. The tighter, denser material composition allows for bolder, sharper dye sublimated legends. This means the letters and symbols stay crisp and clear over time. Additionally, the matte texture paired with the intense color saturation provides outstanding aesthetics straight out of the box. This remains consistent after heavy everyday use thanks to PBT’s resilience against shininess.
Compared to the often scratchy and light-diffusing surface of ABS keycaps, PBT has a smooth, luxurious feel under the fingertips. The hand-feel is often described as buttery or like fine sandstone. Combined with the satisfying tactile feedback from mechanical switches, typing on PBT keycaps is bliss for most keyboard enthusiasts. The superior surface quality also produces less finger sweat and oil buildup for a consistently pleasant experience.
More Stable & Durable Painting Process
In addition to the material advantage, most PBT keycaps utilize a double shot molding process with dye sublimation printing. This is a more stable, fade-resistant printing method than the painting techniques used to add legends onto many ABS keycaps. The PBT dye sub process literally embeds symbols, numbers, and letters directly into the keycap, guaranteeing no wear, tear or fading.
In contrast, pad printing onto ABS – which is prone to scratching off over short time periods – offers inferior feel and longevity. Cheaper methods like laser engraving onto ABS can also wear away surprisingly fast. Double shot PBT keycaps (with translucent plastic layers to embed the legend color) offer the highest quality and most durable labeling. For keeping beautiful, crisp legends intact for as long as possible, PBT double shot keycaps are ideal.
Wider Variety of Customization
Compared to the very limited colorways and compatibility sets offered for ABS, there is seemingly endless customization on offer in the world of PBT keycaps. From subtle dual tone gradients to psychedelic rainbow-colored sets, PBT offers mechanical keyboard personalization for every taste. The material readily accepts a vast spectrum of vibrant dye colors too. Sets also commonly include extra novelty and accent keys to switch up designs even further.
Thanks to variations like Cherry, OEM and DSA profiles, PBT fans can match keycap sets exactly to their keyboard brand and model. PBT manufacturers offer vast layout compatibility – catering for 60%, 65%, 75%, TKL and full-size keyboard sizes. Whether you want funky retro style or minimalist chic for your mechanical keyboard, PBT sets deliver.
Enhanced Thermal Stability
As a plastic material, PBT offers excellent thermal stability advantages. The material does not readily melt or deform under high heat like ABS plastic often does. As a result, PBT keycap sets better maintain their precise shape and structure over time and across changing environmental temperatures.
ABS plastic is more prone to warping or becoming misshapen under very hot or cold conditions. With superior structural integrity under temperature fluctuations, PBT offers improved performance and visual consistency in the long run. This also makes PBT the best plastic for keycaps on RGB mechanical keyboards, as the precise fit ensures light shines through legends accurately.
Environmentally Friendly Material Choice
An additional benefit is the eco-friendly credentials offered by PBT plastic. As a thermoplastic polyester, PBT is readily recyclable at end of life. The average plastic keycap set weighs around half a pound, equating to a significant environmental impact if millions of non-degradable keycaps end up in landfills. Responsible brands now produce PBT keycap sets made using renewable sources as feedstock, further minimizing environmental harm.
Compared to standard oil-based plastics like ABS, PBT plastic offers much better sustainability credentials across its entire lifecycle. Particularly with thick, durable sets built to last years rather than months before replacement, recyclable PBT is an eco-win all-round. An increasing number of socially conscious mechanical keyboard buyers actively choose quality PBT keycaps for this important reason.
Long-Term Value for Money
Considering all the benefits outlined above – exceptional durability, stunning aesthetics, dynamic customization potential – PBT keycaps offer outstanding long-term value for money. A high quality PBT keycap set can easily outlast multiple cheaper ABS sets before needing replacement. Given the costs of continually buying new ABS sets, upgrading to durable PBT often works out more affordable in the bigger picture. There are even many affordable yet high performing PBT sets from around $50 delivering great bang for buck.
While the initial spend may be higher than flimsy ABS keycaps, by offering years of faithful service and retainment of beautiful form, a single PBT purchase is undoubtedly money well spent. For mechanical custom keyboard users who prioritize performance, longevity and striking aesthetics over cost, PBT is absolutely the superior choice.
