Best PBT Mechanical Keyboards for Typing & Gaming in 2024

Most of the mechanical keyboards available in the market come with ABS keycaps. These keycaps are durable and pretty good for general use, both for gaming and typing. However, if you are a professional and want something better and more durable and of high quality then you should look for a keyboard with PBT keycaps. A PBT keyboard comes with keycaps that are made up of PBT plastic, which is a high-performance plastic that does not degrade with time and is very highly durable. Let’s first learn about PBT plastic, its properties, and where it is commonly used.

PBT or Polybutylene terephthalate is a high-performance semi-crystalline polymer thermoplastic that has a wide range of applications. It is a strong, stiff, tough plastic that is resistant to stains, solvents, environmental changes, discoloration, UV radiators and has better impact resistance. It is used for making electrical switches, computer keyboards keycaps, computer parts and has a wide range of applications in the electrical, electronics, and automotive industries.  

PBT vs ABS Keycaps

ABS is the most commonly used plastic that is used for making keycaps for mechanical keyboards. It is relatively cheaper and is pretty durable, but it develops shine over time with constant use because it reacts with oil on your fingers. It is also not that hard and feels kind of hollow when you type on ABS keycaps. On the other hand, PBT keycaps are tougher, harder and give you a more sturdy and satisfactory typing feel. However, they may feel a little loud, especially when you bottom out the keys, because of their much greater hardness.

PBT keycaps are resistant to oils and they do not develop shine in the long run and remain as good as new. Most of the PBT keycaps have a textured feel to them, which gives them a better grip when typing, and it also enhances the typing experience. On the other hand, ABS keycaps are generally smooth and they do not have a textured surface unless it is deliberately done by the manufacturer for some keys (for WASD keys). Both, ABS and PBT keycaps can use a double-shot molding manufacturing process, which is one of the best ways to make keycaps. Double-shot keycaps are thicker, more robust and the legends on the keycaps do not fade ever.

Advantages of PBT Keycaps

Here are the benefits of using PBT keycaps over ABS keycaps or standard plastic keycaps.

• Enhanced Typing Experience
• Harder, Stiffer and Durable
• Resistant to Oil & Smudges
• Longer Lifespan & Textured
• Generally thicker than ABS Keycaps

There are not many PBT keyboards available in the market, but you can put aftermarket PBT keycaps on a mechanical keyboard with ABS keycaps. However, the caveat here is that not all PBT keycaps can fit on all mechanical keyboards, because some keyboard manufacturers use non-standard bottom row e.g. Corsair, etc., which makes some of the PBT keycaps (space bar, windows, alt, ctrl, etc.) to be left out unless they are specially made for Corsair keyboards. The reverse is also true where a non-standard set of PBT keycaps cannot fit on a standard layout mechanical keyboard. So, if you do not want to go into all this trouble and want a good mechanical keyboard that is fitted with PBT keycaps right from the factory, then here I am going list some of the best options available in all major keyboard form factors. All the below-mentioned PBT keyboards come with genuine Cherry MX switches, which are unarguably the best mechanical switches in the market right now.

Note: In general, PBT keyboards mean keyboards with PBT keycaps. The body of PBT keyboards may be of ABS plastic, normal plastic, or of aluminum alloy, but the keycaps are always made of PBT material.

Full Size PBT Keyboards

Here are the best full-size PBT mechanical keyboards with Cherry MX switches.

Corsair K70 RGB MK.2 SE Mechanical Gaming Keyboard

[White PBT Keyboard, Feature Rich & Durable, RGB]

Corsair K70 RGB MK.2 SE is a premium version of the already popular Corsair K70 RGB MK.2 RAPIDFIRE Mechanical Gaming Keyboard. It is a classy looking keyboard that comes in all white color and has got all the features that are present in the original K70 RGB MK.2 RAPIDFIRE mechanical keyboard. It comes with Cherry MX Speed switches, which are one of the fastest switches and have lower actuation point. These are linear switches and are generally preferred for fast paced gaming. The keyboard has got white PBT double-shot keycaps that are highly durable and feel great when typing.

This is a gaming-grade keyboard that supports RGB Lighting and 100% Anti-Ghosting with Full-Key Rollover. I have to admit that RGB lighting on white keycaps looks so much better, brighter, attractive, and spread out than on black-colored keycaps. The keyboard is compatible with Corsair’s iCUE software that can be used for changing RGB lighting & effects and configuring Macros. The keyboard also includes a grey color detachable soft wrist-rest to provide comfort during long gaming or typing sessions. The silver anodized brushed aluminum frame provides the keyboard with an elegant look and also gives it rigidity. On top of the frame, you will get dedicated media control buttons and a volume control roller/wheel/knob. It also features a USB pass-through port for connecting your USB flash drives, mouse, headsets/headphones, or any other low-power USB device. The USB cable is non-removable, but is braided and has a USB Type-A male connector. As it is a high-quality premium keyboard, so it is a bit on the expensive side. So, if you are looking for a white color PBT keyboard for your gaming and typing needs, then you really can’t find anything better than this.

Corsair K70 RGB MK.2 SE Mechanical Gaming Keyboard Specifications
Form Factor	Full Size
Switch Type	Cherry MX Speed Silver
Backlight	RGB Backlighting
Interface	USB 2.0
Features	Corsair iCUE Software Support, White PBT double-shot Keycaps, Per-key RGB dynamic backlighting, 100% Anti-Ghosting with Full-Key Rollover, 8MB Onboard Profile Storage, Windows Key Lock Mode, Dedicated Volume and Multimedia Controls, USB Pass-through Port, Braided USB Cable, Detachable Soft-Touch Wrist Rest, Macro support

Buy Corsair K70 RGB MK.2 SE Mechanical Keyboard

Cooler Master MasterKeys L PBT Mechanical Keyboard

[Switchable Layouts, Minimalist Design, Great for Professionals]

A minimalist and professional PBT keyboard from Cooler Master that comes with Cherry MX Blue / Brown / Red mechanical switches. It has got 1.5mm thick PBT keycaps that offer a solid feel and are very durable. This keyboard is geared more toward functionality rather than frills, and it does not even come with LED backlighting. It is best suited for business and professional heavy-duty work, but can also be used for gaming as it does support N-key rollover with Anti-ghosting.

This PBT mechanical keyboard supports switchable layouts, which means you can switch between DVORAK, QWERTY, and WORKMAN layout modes, just with a press of an FN key. It also supports Macros and profiles and you can set or configure them with the onboard keys itself as no software is required for it. The overall build quality of the keyboard is very good and it comes with a braided USB cable that is detachable. Also, it is one of the cheapest PBT mechanical keyboards that comes with Cherry MX switches. The keyboard supports Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems. So, if you are looking for a no-nonsense mechanical keyboard for work that comes with PBT keycaps and switchable layout functionality then this is the one to go for.

Note: A tenkeyless variant of this keyboard is also available as Cooler Master MasterKeys S PBT with the same set of features. The only difference is that it lacks a number pad. You can check out this version too from the link given below.

Cooler Master MasterKeys L Mechanical Keyboard Specifications
Form Factor	Full size
Switch Type	Cherry MX Blue / Brown / Red
Backlight	NA
Interface	USB 2.0
Features	Detachable Braided USB cable, MACRO & Profile support, Switchable Layouts (Dvorak, QWERTY, and Workman), Mac and Linux compatible, 1.5mm thick PBT keycaps, N-key rollover with Anti-ghosting, On-the-Fly Adjustment of Settings (No software required)

Buy Cooler Master MasterKeys L PBT Mechanical Keyboard

iKBC TD108 Mechanical Keyboard

[Great Value for Money, 3-Layout options, Blue Backlighting]

iKBC is a Taiwanese manufacturer of high-quality Cherry MX mechanical keyboards. Here we have the iKBC TD108 Mechanical Keyboard that comes with an ergonomic shape double-shot PBT keycaps and Blue LED Backlighting. The keyboard is available in Cherry MX Red, Blue, Brown, and Black switches, and you can choose the desired mechanical switch based on your requirements. The keyboard has a simplistic design and has got great build quality. The keyboard supports switchable layouts (Qwerty, Dvorak, and Colemak) and you can switch between them on-the-fly using the FN key.

For gaming, it supports N-key Rollover with 100% Anti-ghosting. The cable is detachable but is not braided. The package includes a keycap puller and ten Gaming Keys (QWEASD and Arrow Keys). The keyboard is priced very competitively and if you are looking for a high-quality budget PBT mechanical keyboard then you should definitely get this one.

Note: A hybrid connectivity variant of this keyboard is also available as iKBC CD108BT, with both Wireless (Bluetooth) and USB functionality. It does cost extra and you can check out this model too from the links given below.

iKBC TD108 Mechanical Keyboard Specifications
Form Factor	Full Size
Switch Type	Cherry MX Blue / Brown / Red / Black
Backlight	Blue LED Backlighting
Interface	USB 2.0
Features	Switchable layouts (Qwerty, Dvorak, and Colemak), supports N-key Rollover with 100% Anti-ghosting, Mac OS X compatible, 9 built-in LED modes with brightness adjustment,

Buy iKBC TD108 Mechanical Keyboard

Buy iKBC CD108BT Mechanical Keyboard

Leopold FC900R PD Mechanical Keyboard

[Retro Vintage Looks, Solid Build & Durable]

A retro color scheme mechanical keyboard that has got 1.5mm thick double shot PBT keycaps. This keyboard reminds me of the original IBM Model M mechanical keyboard in the past. The build quality of the keyboard is solid and it comes with Cherry MX Red switches that are linear switches and are best suited for gaming. The keyboard supports NKRO with Anti-Ghosting and has DIP switches to change the layout according to your requirements. The design of the keyboard is simple and it does feel very sturdy. So, if you are looking for a durable PBT mechanical keyboard that has vintage looks to it then it will not let you down.

Leopold FC900R PD Mechanical Keyboard Specifications
Form Factor	Full Size
Switch Type	Cherry MX Red
Backlight	NA
Interface	USB 2.0
Features	1.5mm thick double-shot PBT keys, Rubber-feet, Unique sculpted key design, DIP switches, NKRO with Anti-ghosting, Windows and Mac Compatible

Buy Leopold FC900R PD Mechanical Keyboard

iKBC MF108 V.2 RGB Mechanical Keyboard

[RGB Backlight, Switchable Layouts]

An RGB mechanical keyboard from the iKBC that comes with Cherry MX Blue/Brown/Red/Silent Red switches and Backlit Double-shot PBT Keycaps. The design of the keyboard is simple and the frame is made of aluminum which gives it greater strength and rigidity. It has Built-in preset layouts (Qwerty, Dvorak, and Coleman) that you can switch accordingly. The RGB lighting and effects can be controlled on-the-fly using the FN key. On the top, you can find some volume control keys and a dedicated calculator key that proves very handy. It also supports N-Key Rollover with 100% Anti-ghosting which is a must for gaming. The USB cable is detachable but is non-braided. Overall, a durable RGB keyboard with PBT keycaps, and can be used for both gaming and typing. It is compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems.

iKBC MF108 V.2 RGB Mechanical Keyboard Specifications
Form Factor	Full Size
Switch Type	Cherry MX Blue/Brown/Red/Silent Red
Backlight	RGB LED Backlighting
Interface	USB 2.0
Features	9 preset and per-key RGB lighting customization, N Key Rollover with 100% Anti-ghosting, FN multimedia keys, Switchable layouts (Qwerty, Dvorak, and Coleman), Aluminum Frame, Macro support

Buy iKBC MF108 V.2 RGB Mechanical Keyboard

Other PBT Mechanical Keyboards (Full Size)

Here are some other good mechanical keyboards with PBT keycaps that are worth checking out.

• Ducky One 2 Mechanical Keyboard
• Ajazz AK510 Retro Mechanical Gaming Keyboard

Tenkeyless PBT Keyboards

Here are the best tenkeyless mechanical keyboards that come with PBT keycaps and Cherry MX switches.

iKBC CD87 Mechanical Keyboard

[Solid Build Quality, Practical, Simplistic Design]

iKBC CD87 is basically a Tenkeyless 87 keys variant of the full-sized iKBC TD108 Mechanical Keyboard. It is a minimalist and simple-looking TKL mechanical keyboard that has great build quality and comes with Cherry MX Blue/Brown/Clear/Red switches. The PBT keycaps feel great and have got laser engraved printing for legends. The keyboard supports N-key rollover with 100% anti-ghosting for gaming. It does not come with LED backlighting, which can bother some users, but if you want a high-quality and no-frills mechanical keyboard that is great for both typing and gaming then it will definitely suit you. It is available in two colors: black and white.

Note: A hybrid connectivity variant of this keyboard is also available, which is iKBC CD87BT. It comes with both Bluetooth (Wireless) and USB (Wired) connectivity, and you can check out this model too from the links given below.

iKBC CD87 Mechanical Keyboard Specifications
Form Factor	Tenkeyless
Switch Type	Cherry MX
Backlight	NA
Interface	USB 2.0
Features	NKRO with 100% Anti-ghosting, 3-way cable management, 3-levels adjustable feet

Buy iKBC CD87 Mechanical Keyboard

Buy iKBC CD87BT Mechanical Keyboard

Taurus K320 Mechanical Keyboard

Taurus K320 is a compact Tenkeyless Mechanical Keyboard from a Chinese brand DURGOD. This keyboard comes with Cherry MX mechanical switches and double shot PBT keycaps that offer great reliability, durability, and typing experience. The construction quality of the keyboard is sturdy and it does not feel cheap, even though it is made of all plastic. It supports NKRO with Anti-ghosting for gaming and has FN multimedia keys. The keyboard also lets you save and customize profiles and Macros through Durgod Zeus Engine software, which you can download for free from its official website.

For connectivity, it uses a USB interface and comes with two sets of USB cables, one is Type-C to Type-C and another one is Type-C to Type-A USB cable. It supports both Mac and Windows operating systems. It does lack LED backlighting, which could have made this keyboard even better. Nevertheless, it is still a very good TKL mechanical keyboard with high-quality PBT keycaps. It is available in two colors: Space Gray and White.

Taurus K320 Mechanical Keyboard Specifications
Form Factor	Tenkeyless
Switch Type	Cherry MX
Backlight	NA
Interface	USB 2.0
Features	Detachable two Different USB Cables (Type-C to Type-C & Type-C to Type-A), NKRO with Anti-ghosting, FN multimedia keys, Software support, Mac and Windows Compatible, Adjustable feet

Buy Taurus K320 Mechanical Keyboard

Leopold FC750R PD Mechanical Keyboard

[Quieter Operation, Solid Build Quality, Retro Look]

Leopold FC750R PD is a compact tenkeyless mechanical keyboard with a retro color scheme that looks very cool. This is basically a TKL 87 keys variant of the above-mentioned Leopold FC900R PD Mechanical Keyboard. You can get this keyboard in two mechanical key options: Cherry MX Brown or Cherry MX Silent Red for quiet operation. It has got 1.5mm thick double shot PBT keycaps of high quality. The keyboard allows you to switch layout using the four DIP switches present on the back of the keyboard. Other features include N-Key Rollover with Anti-ghosting. The keyboard has solid build quality and it even has a sound-absorbing pad in between the plate and PCB to keep the noise as minimum as possible. It is compatible with Windows and Mac OS.

Leopold FC750R PD Mechanical Keyboard Specifications
Form Factor	Tenkeyless
Switch Type	Cherry MX Brown / Silent Red
Backlight	NA
Interface	USB 2.0
Features	1.5mm thick double-shot PBT keys, Rubber-feet, Unique sculpted key design, DIP switches, NKRO with Anti-ghosting, Sound-absorbing pad, Windows and Mac Compatible

Buy Leopold FC750R PD Mechanical Keyboard

Other TKL PBT Keyboards

Here are some other good TKL mechanical keyboards with PBT keycaps that are worth checking out.

• Ducky One TKL PBT Mechanical Keyboard [Blue LED Backlit]

75% Keyboard with PBT Keycaps

A very good 75% form factor mechanical keyboard with PBT keycaps and RGB backlighting.

• Vortexgear Race 3 RGB Mechanical Keyboard

60% keyboards

There are some ultra-portable 60% mechanical keyboards available too that come with PBT keycaps, and you can check them out from the link given below.

• Best 60% Mechanical Keyboards for Programmers & Typists

40% PBT keyboard

• Vortexgear Core 40% Mechanical Keyboard

See also:

• Best Quiet Mechanical Keyboards for Work & Gaming
• Best Mechanical Keyboards with Wrist Rest for Work & Gaming

Final Words

If you are a professional who types a lot then getting a mechanical keyboard with PBT keycaps can greatly enhance your productivity and comfort. Also, these PBT keyboards are more durable than the ones with ABS keycaps, because of the sturdier PBT keycaps. These keyboards can also be used for gaming as some of them do come with RGB or LED backlighting which is becoming very important for gamers. If you have any kind of query about them, then you can ask me in the comment section below.