How to Select Keycaps — Profiles, Materials & Shine-Through

August 26, 2025

How to Select Keycaps — Profiles, Materials & Shine-Through

How to Select the Right Keycaps

Keycaps are more than covers for switches—they shape your keyboard’s look, sound, and feel. From material and profile to legends and shine-through, the right set defines both performance and personality.


1. Height & Profile

Profiles describe the shape and height of keycaps, affecting ergonomics and sound.

Cherry Profile – Low sculpted keys with a classic feel, comfortable for long typing and gaming.

OEM Profile – Slightly taller sculpted keys, the most common profile on prebuilt keyboards.

ADA Profile – Uniform medium-low keys with flat tops, offering a consistent feel across rows.

QX3 Profile – Modern sculpted profile, medium height, blending comfort with a clean look.


2. Materials

The plastic type changes durability, texture, and sound.

  • ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)
    Smooth, affordable, and easy to mold. Develops shine with use.

  • PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate)
    Textured, durable, heat-resistant. Legends stay sharp longer.

  • POM / Polycarbonate / Resin
    Niche options for unique sound or artisan caps.

💡 Tip: For daily drivers, choose PBT for lasting texture and clarity.


3. Legends (Keys & Printing Method)

How legends are applied determines how long they last:

  • Double-shot — Two plastics fused; legends never fade

  • Dye-sublimated — Heat-infused dye, durable, crisp on PBT

  • Pad-printed / Laser-etched — Budget-friendly, wears faster over time

👉 Explore premium PBT keycaps


4. Shine-Through vs Non-Shine-Through

  • Shine-through keycaps allow RGB lighting to pass through legends—perfect for vibrant setups.

  • Non-shine-through caps look cleaner and often feel more premium, focusing on texture and acoustics.


Typified Recommendations

  • For durability + clarity: PBT, double-shot, Cherry profile

  • For retro sound & look: SA profile in ABS or PBT

  • For clean minimalism: DSA/XDA profile, dye-sub legends

  • For RGB setups: Shine-through pudding or translucent designs


Next Steps

The right keycaps transform not just your keyboard, but your desk. Consider profile, material, legends, and shine-through to find a set that reflects both your workflow and personality.


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