Why is everyone using PBT keycaps now?

For those who just have set foot into the realm of no return, (Yes, I am talking mechanical keyboard hobby) I am sure you have heard the noun - "PBT keycap". Everyone seems so obsessed with this kind of keycaps, and everyone simply explains to newcomers, they should use PBT keycaps regardless.

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ABS vs PBT

Before we go into details, let me bombard you with the full term of ABS and PBT:

ABS: Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene

PBT: Polybutylene Terephthalate

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ABS

Now, if you to go any nearby tech store and get those mainstream keyboards, like Razer, HyperX, SteelSeries, the kind of keycaps on top of those keyboards are what we called the ABS keycaps. ABS keycaps are great if you have an RGB board. Of course, there is nothing wrong with using the default out-of-the-box keycaps, but I bet, sooner or later, you will look at your keyboard and wonder why it got so greasy after a certain period of usage. That, my dear, is the problem with ABS keycaps.

The reason why those big brands like to use ABS keycaps is that, you've guessed it, the cost. ABS is generally cheaper to produce, but like everything else, cheap things usually don't last. Many have complained that the characters and legends on their keycaps started to fade away after one or two years of usage. If you look at it closely, not only the legends have faded away, the keycaps are coated with a layer of grease as a product of your fingers' sweat and stains.

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Pros:

• Cheap
• Smooth Surface
• Good for RGB board

Cons:

• Greasy
• Not as durable
• Boring (normally in black)

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PBT

While ABS is cheap and may wear off over-time, PBT is the opposite of ABS. PBT keycaps are manufactured using premium-grade plastic and usually sold in a separate set. Once you are on PBT keycaps, the first thing you will notice is the keycaps have texture on the surface. Many are so obsessed with the matte finish that PBT keycaps usually come with. In contrast with the ABS, PBT keycaps are less greasy and dirty, because of their premium material and finish.

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PBT Pudding Keycaps

If you have an RGB board, you must try on the pudding-type PBT keycaps. And among them, the most famous and best-seller pudding keycaps is HyperX Pudding Keycaps (comes in Black or White variation).

(Source: Youtuber Rielly, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JhpvzEiudr0&ab_channel=Rielly)

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Since you have read it until this point, a little bonus for ya. There is also a third kind of keycaps...

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Rubber

As the name suggested, Rubber keycaps are made of.. rubber. The common practice of using Rubber keycaps is to replace your WASD keys and other keys that suit your gameplay's need. Rubber keycaps have a very distinct touch, feel, and look, very aggressive in my opinion.

(Source: Youtuber Rielly, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JhpvzEiudr0&ab_channel=Rielly)

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Here is a summary table of what has been discussed on the three kinds of keycaps (and also for those who are lazy to read through the article.)

(Source: Youtuber Rielly, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JhpvzEiudr0&ab_channel=Rielly)

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Conclusion

To me, you won't go wrong with having a set of PBT keycaps. Not only it looks better, and it is much more durable than ABS. Yes, it is a little bit costly, but it is worth your investment considering how many hours you have spent, and are going to spend, on your keyboard. And since you are here, make sure you check this video out, it is great to help anyone who are interested in knowing more about keycaps.