Mechanical keyboards are the real deal when it comes to typing and gaming. However, not all mechanical keyboards are the same as they can have different mechanical switch types with different feel and characteristics to them. Also, the quality and feel of keycaps may vary from one mechanical keyboard to another. Some keyboards have good quality keycaps, while others may have lower quality keycaps, even if they have high-quality mechanical switches i.e. Cherry MX. If you are not satisfied with your current keycaps or your keycaps have worn out or legends (or markings) have faded or you want custom keycaps for your specific requirements, then you can always get good aftermarket keycaps for your mechanical keyboard.
You must know that there is a lot of difference in the quality of keycaps too, as the cheaper and non-branded ones do not feel that good and it can further spoil your typing or gaming experience. Also, there are different types of mechanical keyboard keycaps available for different requirements. For example, there are PBT, keycaps, translucent keycaps, retro typewriter keycaps (round keycaps), gaming keycaps, blank keycaps, colored keycaps, etc. So, selecting the proper and good quality keycaps is a bit of a tedious task, and the keycaps you are getting should also be compatible with your mechanical keyboard otherwise they will not fit and you will end up wasting your money. So, to help you out on this, here I am going to list down some of the best high-quality custom mechanical keyboard keycaps for your needs, but let us first learn about the two most popular materials that are used to manufacture mechanical keyboards keycaps.
PBT vs ABS Keycaps
The majority of keycaps that you can find on mechanical keyboards are made from either ABS or PBT plastic. ABS keycaps are relatively cheaper, have a smooth surface, and develop shine over time while PBT keycaps are more durable & thicker, have a textured finish (matte surface), and do not smudge or develop shine over time, but they are expensive. PBT keycaps are favorite among typists because they are more durable and provide a solid feel and satisfying typing experience, especially when you bottom out the keys.
There is also another type of keycap, which is POM, and it is a hybrid between ABS and PBT keycaps. This means they are durable & thick like PBT keycaps but have a smooth surface like ABS ones. POM keycaps are very rare and they are pretty expensive too.
Check out: Best PBT Mechanical Keyboards for Typing & Gaming
What are Double Shot Keycaps?
Double Shot Injection is a process or method to create keycaps from two layers of plastic that are molded into each other. The color of the outer layer plastic is different from the inner layer, which is done to create letter markings or legends on the keycaps that never fade. It is a relatively expensive way to create keycaps and the markings on them, but these keycaps are very durable and last longer. Because of the two layers of plastic, these double shot keycaps are generally thicker compared to keycaps made from one single layer of plastic. Most of the backlit keycaps that are used in gaming and RGB mechanical keyboards are double-shot keycaps only. In earlier days, only ABS keycaps can be made using a double-shot injection method, but nowadays you can find double-shot PBT keycaps too.
Note: Some of the aftermarket keycaps for Spacebar, Ctrl, Win, Alt, and Shift may not fit on every mechanical keyboard, because some manufacturers (e.g. Corsair) use the non-standard bottom row for their keyboards, which makes custom keycaps replacement somewhat difficult. Also, some keyboards with standard bottom rows may use different supporters or stabilizers and may cause some issues in fitting custom keycaps. However, all other keycaps above the standard row have a standard design and are compatible with aftermarket keycaps, given that they have the same stem/keycap mount design. Cherry MX compatible keycap mounts have cruciform as 0.159”x 0.159” x 0.047” and a diameter of 0.217”.
PBT Keycaps
Here are the best different types of PBT keycaps for different requirements. All the below-mentioned PBT keycaps are fully compatible with Cherry MX mechanical keyboards with a standard layout.
Translucent / Backlit Keycaps
HyperX Double Shot PBT Keycaps [Pudding Keycaps]
[Best for RGB Mechanical Keyboards, Translucent]
If you are looking for branded translucent keycaps for your RGB mechanical keyboard then HyperX Double Shot PBT Keycaps is the one to go for. These are high-quality keycaps having a black top and translucent white body that looks amazing when lit up by the RGB LEDs of your keyboard. Due to their dual-layer design that comprises blacktop on the translucent body, they are known as Pudding Keycaps. These keycaps are made from PBT material and use a double-shot injection method that makes them highly durable, and the legends on the keycaps do not fade away with time. Also, the keycaps are resistant to oil and smudges and have a textured feel to them.
These stylish translucent keycaps allow maximum light to pass through, and this makes the lustrous RGB lighting on it a treat to look at. However, the font and the printing used on the keycaps could have been a little better. You can also use these keycaps with single-color backlighting too, and they do look good on them too. Officially they are compatible with HyperX mechanical keyboards, but you can also use them with other mechanical keyboards too. However, you should remember that some of the keys for the bottom row may not be compatible with mechanical keyboards other than from HyperX. There is a total of 104 keycaps in the set, and a HyperX keycap removal tool also comes bundled with it.
| HyperX Double Shot PBT Keycaps Specifications | |
| No. of Keycaps | 104 Keycaps (English US Layout) |
| Keycap Type | PBT Double Shot Injection |
| Backlight Support | Yes |
| Colors Available | Black Top with Translucent White Body |
| Compatibility | With Cherry MX Stem (+) Type Switches |
Buy HyperX Double Shot PBT Keycaps
CORSAIR GAMING PBT Double-shot Keycaps
[High-Quality Gaming Keycaps]
Corsair is a big name in computer hardware components and is widely known for its high-quality computer cases, RAM, power supplies, solid-state drives (SSD), AIO coolers, case fans, mechanical keyboards, and other computer accessories. Here from Corsair, we have PBT Double-shot Keycaps that are backlit-ready and made especially for gaming. The keycaps are thicker and have got a nice rough kind of texture to them that feels nice to touch and is resistant to smudge.
These PBT keycaps use a special two-shot molding process that ensures higher durability and the legends do not fade, even in the long run. These gaming PBT Double-shot Keycaps are compatible with most of the Corsair mechanical keyboards, and most of the keycaps can also fit in mechanical keyboards from other brands that use Cherry MX or Cherry MX profile switches. These keycaps are available in both black and white colors, and a keycap puller comes included with the package. These mechanical keyboard keycaps are a bit expensive, but their high quality and excellent fit & finish justify their slightly higher price. Highly Recommended by me.
| CORSAIR GAMING PBT Double-shot Keycaps Specifications | |
| No. of Keycaps | 104/105 Keycaps (US/EU/UK key layout) |
| Keycap Type | PBT Double Shot Injection |
| Backlight Support | Yes |
| Colors Available | Black / White |
| Compatibility | With Cherry MX Profile Switches |
Buy CORSAIR GAMING PBT Double-shot Keycaps
IKBC PBT Double-shot Backlit Keycaps
ICBC is a reputed brand that makes high-quality and durable Cherry MX mechanical keyboards. Here we have PBT Double-shot Backlit Keycaps that are durable and compatible with all the standard layout mechanical keyboards with Cherry MX profile mounts. The keycaps feel solid and have a matte texture that feels quite premium. These are standard OEM keycaps with a 6U space bar and can be used with full-size, tenkeyless, and 60% mechanical keyboards without any issues. However, if the mechanical keyboard has a non-standard bottom row then some of the keys may not fit perfectly. These are pretty affordable PBT Double-shot Backlit Keycaps and are totally worth your money. They are available in two color options: white and black.
| IKBC PBT Double-shot Backlit Keycaps Specifications | |
| No. of Keycaps | 108 Keycaps |
| Keycap Type | PBT Double Shot Injection |
| Backlight Support | Yes |
| Colors Available | White / Black |
| Compatibility | With Cherry MX Profile Switches |
Buy IKBC PBT Double-shot Backlit Keycaps
YMDK PBT Double Shot Pudding Keycaps
[Budget Pudding Keycaps, Good Quality]
These are budget Pudding Keycaps that are made from PBT material and use the Double-shot injection molding process for legends printing. The keycaps are of good quality and have a bit of rough texture to them that feels nice. These are 104 standard-size keycaps that are available in two variants: black top with translucent bottom and white top with translucent bottom. The keycaps are 1.05mm thick and are compatible with mechanical keyboards that use Cherry MX profile keycaps or switches. Some of the keyboards that use non-standard bottom row design might face issues with some keycaps that include spacebar, windows key, function key, etc. Overall, these great affordable pudding keycaps are for the price of RGB mechanical keyboards. A keycap puller comes included with the package.
| YMDK PBT Double Shot Pudding Keycaps Specifications | |
| No. of Keycaps | 108 Keycaps |
| Keycap Type | PBT Double Shot |
| Backlight Support | Yes |
| Colors Available | Black / White |
| Compatibility | With Cherry MX Profile Switches |
Buy IKBC PBT Double-shot Backlit Keycaps
Colorful Double Shot PBT Keycaps
YMDK Double Shot 104 Dyed PBT Shine Through Keycaps
If you are looking for some fancy colorful PBT Double-Shot keycaps then you can get these YMDK Double Shot 104 Dyed PBT Shine Through Keycaps. They are backlit-ready keycaps and are available in different refreshing color patterns that include Rainbow, Blue Gradient, Blue White, Green White, Pink White, and Sunset Gradient. They have a nice texture to them and feel great to touch and use, especially during typing.
The spacebar size is 6U and these OEM profile keycaps are compatible with most of the standard layout Cherry MX, Gateron, Outemu, and Kailh mechanical keyboards having Cherry MX profile keycap mount. You can also use Corsair and other keyboards with a non-standard bottom row layout, but some of the keys like spacebar, windows, etc. will not fit and you have to make some compromises or adjustments there. These PBT double Shot Keycaps can be used with full size, TKL, and 60% keyboards. The keycaps are of good quality, look really pretty, and are very affordable. You can check out all colors from the link given below.
| YMDK Double Shot 104 Dyed PBT Keycaps Specifications | |
| No. of Keycaps | 104 Keycaps |
| Keycap Type | PBT Double-Shot |
| Backlight Support | Yes |
| Colors Available | Rainbow, Blue Gradient, Blue White, Green White, Pink White, Sunset Gradient |
| Compatibility | With Cherry MX Profile Switches |
Buy YMDK Double Shot 104 Dyed PBT Keycaps
Redragon A101G Metallic Golden Color Double Injection PBT Keycaps
If you want something cool and flashy, then these metallic golden color keycaps are a definite style statement and will certainly turn some heads around. These are Double Injection PBT Keycaps and support backlighting. They are shiny and abrasion-resistant. However, the golden color may fade if you rub the keycaps with sharp things, so you have to be a little careful with them.
These Metallic Electroplated Golden Color Double Injection PBT Keycaps have a smooth mirror-finish texture. The keycaps support Redragon mechanical keyboard and other standard layout mechanical keyboards which are higher than 1-2mm. They are also affordable and are truly a style statement. A keycap puller comes included with the keycaps.
| Redragon A101G Gold Color Keycaps Specifications | |
| No. of Keycaps | 104 Keycaps |
| Keycap Type | Double Injection PBT |
| Backlight Support | Yes |
| Colors Available | Metallic Gold |
| Compatibility | With Cherry MX Profile Switches |
Buy Redragon A101G Metallic Golden Color PBT Keycaps
Blank PBT Keycaps
If you are an enthusiast and looking for good quality Generic OEM PBT keycaps then here are some good options for you. These are standard-sized keycaps and are compatible with standard layout mechanical keyboards having Cherry MX profile keycap mounts.
Blank Thick PBT OEM Profile 108 ANSI Keycaps
Generic OEM Blank PBT Keycaps have a textured surface that feels great. It is a set of 108 keycaps and is available in different colors: black, pink, green, red, white, dark blue, dark gray, light blue, and light gray. These keycaps do not support backlighting and are opaque.
| Blank Thick PBT OEM Profile 108 ANSI Keycaps Specifications | |
| No. of Keycaps | 108 Keycaps |
| Keycap Type | PBT |
| Backlight Support | NA |
| Colors Available | Black, pink, green, red, white, dark blue, dark gray, light blue, light gray |
| Compatibility | With Cherry MX Profile Switches |
Buy Blank Thick PBT OEM Profile Keycaps
Other Blank PBT Keycaps
Here are some other PBT blank keycaps that are worth checking out.
- PBT Keycaps Non-Backlit Keyset Cherry MX Keycaps [108 keys]
- NPKC White Purple Mixed 108 ANSI Keyset OEM Profile Thick PBT Keycap
- Blank Thick PBT OEM Profile 61 ANSI Keycaps [Various Colors]
ABS Keycaps
Here are different types of best ABS keycaps for Cherry MX compatible mechanical keyboards.
Backlit / Translucent Keycaps
Redragon A101 104 Mechanical Keyboard Keycaps
These are high-quality replacement keycaps for mechanical keyboards. It is a set of 104 Double-shot keycaps that are backlit enabled. The keycaps are of good quality and are compatible with all Redragon mechanical keyboards and other standard layout mechanical keyboards that use Cherry MX style keycaps or mounts. The transparent lettering on the keycaps allows for crystal clear backlighting. These keycaps are available in black or white color, and a keycap puller comes included along with the keycaps themselves. The keycaps are very much affordable and offer fantastic value for your money.
| Redragon A101 104 Mechanical Keyboard Keycaps Specifications | |
| No. of Keycaps | 104 Keycaps |
| Keycap Type | ABS Double-shot |
| Backlight Support | Yes |
| Colors Available | Black / White |
| Compatibility | With Cherry MX Profile Switches |
Buy Redragon A101 ABS Double-shot Keycaps
Max Universal Cherry MX Black Translucent Keycaps
[Compatible with 99% mechanical keyboards, Black Translucent Keycaps]
Here we have black translucent keycaps from MAX keyboard that features Smoke Translucent Clear Black design, which looks astonishing and very distinctive when lit by the LED backlighting. It comes as a full set and fits most of the mechanical keyboards from popular brands like Razer, Cooler Master, Logitech, Corsair, etc. with Cherry MX / Kailh / Gateron / Razer mechanical switches. You can check the complete compatibility list from its product page.
The keycap kit includes all standard keys, custom keys, 1.5 modifier keys, 1.25 modifier keys, ISO Enter keys, 6.0x, 6.25x, and 6.5x spacebar and is compatible with 4 different types of spacebar mounting sizes. A keycap puller is also included in the package. These keycaps are available in both blank and top print variants, and you can check both of them out from the link given below.
| Max Universal Cherry MX Black Translucent Keycaps Specifications | |
| No. of Keycaps | Full set (124 + 8 keys) US/UK layout |
| Keycap Type | ABS |
| Backlight Support | Yes |
| Colors Available | Black |
| Compatibility | With Cherry MX Profile Switches |
Buy Max Universal Cherry MX Black Translucent Keycaps
Redragon A106 Steampunk Typewriter Retro Keycaps
[Vintage Retro Typewriter Style Keycaps, Low Profile]
If you want your mechanical keyboard to resemble a typewriter and want to give it a vintage look, then you can get these Retro Typewriter Keycaps from Redragon. These are round keycaps and may take some time to get used to. These ABS Double-shot keycaps are backlit-ready and are durable and abrasion-resistant. These vintage-style keycaps sport a floating-key design and are low profile when it comes to height or form factor. The keycaps are compatible with Redragon mechanical keyboards and other mechanical keyboards having a standard layout with Cherry MX profile switches. A keycap puller does come with this 104-keycap set.
Must Read: Best Retro Mechanical Keyboards with Typewriter Design
| Redragon A106 Steampunk Typewriter Retro Keycaps Specifications | |
| No. of Keycaps | 104 Keycaps |
| Keycap Type | ABS Double-shot |
| Backlight Support | Yes |
| Colors Available | Black |
| Compatibility | With Cherry MX Profile Switches |
Buy Redragon A106 Steampunk Typewriter Retro Keycaps
MOBA / FPS Keycaps for Gaming
Here are the best MOBA / FPS Gaming keycaps that mainly include WASD, QERF, and sometimes arrow keys, because they take most of the hammering during gaming. These keycaps are very rugged and are of a different color so that you can identify them very easily on the keyboard. All these gaming keycaps are backlit-ready and have a textured grip on them to avoid slipping so that you can have complete control of the game.
CORSAIR Gaming Performance FPS/MOBA Keycap Kit
If you are an avid FPS or MOBA player then these gaming performance keycaps from Corsair will definitely impress you. These keycaps have a contoured texture design for providing better grip/traction and come with a gray top and black bottom. These are ABS Double-shot keycaps that support backlighting and feel premium. It is a set of 10 keycaps and allows for both FPS (WASD) and MOBA (QWER, ASDF) set up to support your play style.
The keys are interchangeable and are 100% compatible with Corsair mechanical keyboards and other mechanical keyboards. So, if you are looking for high-quality gaming keycaps that can enhance your gaming performance, and give you an edge in competitive gameplay, then these are nice to have in your arsenal. A Key puller tool does come along with it to change and replace the keycaps as per your liking and gaming style.
| CORSAIR Gaming Performance FPS/MOBA Key Kit Specifications | |
| No. of Keycaps | 10 Keycaps (WASDQERF) |
| Keycap Type | ABS Double-shot |
| Backlight Support | Yes |
| Colors Available | Gray Top with Black Bottom |
| Compatibility | With Cherry MX Profile Switches |
Buy CORSAIR Gaming Performance FPS/MOBA Keycaps
HyperX FPS & MOBA Gaming Keycaps
A set of eight FPS & MOBA Gaming Keycaps from HyperX. The keycaps have a textured surface and have some kind of coating done to them for protection. The keycaps are made from ABS plastic and feel hard and durable. They are backlight ready and come in two colors, red or titanium, which looks visually striking, it also makes them easily distinguishable from other keys on your mechanical keyboard. A HyperX keycap removal tool comes included with the package to replace keycaps on your mechanical keyboard.
| HyperX FPS & MOBA Gaming Keycaps Specifications | |
| No. of Keycaps | 8 Keycaps (WASDQERF) |
| Keycap Type | ABS Double-shot |
| Backlight Support | Yes |
| Colors Available | Red / Silver |
| Compatibility | With Cherry MX Profile Switches |
Buy HyperX FPS & MOBA Gaming Keycaps
Redragon A103R Gaming Keycaps [Metallic Electroplated Red]
A set of 12 gaming keycaps from Redragon that also includes arrow keys along with WASD and WERF keys and this allows you to swap WASD and Arrow key functions that are useful for retro games or left-handed users.
Redragon A103R are shiny PBT Double-shot injection keycaps that are backlit ready, and are and are available in Metallic Electroplated Red color. Because of their shiny surface, they are prone to fingerprints, but they look amazing in metallic red color and can be identified easily on the keyboard. Also, special care must be taken with these keycaps because if you scratch them with sharp objects, then the electroplated red color may fade. The keycaps are compatible with Redragon mechanical keyboards and other mechanical keyboards with Cherry MX style switches. So, if you are looking for stylish gaming keycaps that have arrow keys too then this is a perfect choice.
| Redragon A103R Gaming Keycaps Specifications | |
| No. of Keycaps | 12 Keycaps (WASDQERF and four Arrow keys) |
| Keycap Type | PBT Double-shot Injection |
| Backlight Support | Yes |
| Colors Available | Metallic Red |
| Compatibility | With Cherry MX Profile Switches |
Buy Redragon A103R Gaming Keycaps
Other Good FPS/MOBA Gaming Keycaps Set
- E-Element PBT Double Shot Backlit Silver Metal Color Keycaps
- ENHANCE PBT Clear Translucent Gaming Keycaps
Final Words
If you are not satisfied with the quality of the original or OEM keycaps, or your keycaps have worn out then getting a good quality aftermarket or custom keycaps is the only best solution. Also, if you have got bored of your original OEM keycaps and want something fancier, then replacing them with custom keycaps gives your old mechanical keyboard a brand-new look, and it also adds a refreshing feel to it. Above, I have listed some of the best available keycaps of various kinds for mechanical keyboards. They are of good quality and are compatible with most mechanical keyboards with standard Cherry MX switch design and layout. If you have got any queries regarding them, then ask me in the comment section below.
(*This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission if you choose to purchase through the links I provide (at no extra cost to you). Thank you for supporting the work I put into this site!)
