Keycaps

Buying keycaps: layout, profile and material

A keycap set is right for you when three things match: your keyboard's layout, a profile you like typing on, and the material and legend type you want.

Keycaps with German layout (ISO-DE)

The German ISO layout has a tall, L-shaped Enter key, the umlauts Ä, Ö and Ü, the ß, an extra key for < > | next to the left Shift and AltGr instead of the right Alt. Many custom sets only exist for ANSI. We make sure the German keys are included – usually as a separate German Base or DE kit. Every product page lists exactly what's included. All matching sets are in keycaps with German layout.

Which keycap profile suits you?

The profile describes the height and shape of the keys. It decides how typing feels and how the keyboard looks from the side.

• Cherry profile: the custom keyboard classic and our most common profile. Fairly low, with each row at its own height and angle. Coming from a regular keyboard, you get used to it quickly.
• PBS and KAT: PBS is uniform – every row has the same shape. KAT is a little taller than Cherry with a gentle shape.
• PFF (low profile): flat keycaps for low profile switches and keyboards. They don't fit regular MX switches.

Our guide keycap profiles compares all profiles.

PBT or ABS?

There's no better material, only the one that suits you better. PBT is matte, slightly textured and very durable – heavily used keys hardly develop shine. ABS is smoother, sounds brighter and crisper and allows especially vivid colours and sharp legends; frequently used keys get shinier over time. The full comparison is in our guide PBT vs ABS.

Double-shot, dye-sub or UV printing?

• Double-shot: cap and legend are two separately moulded pieces of plastic. The legend can't wear off.
• Dye-sub: the colour is fused into the PBT with heat. Very wear-resistant and ideal for colourful designs and novelties.
• UV printing: the legend is printed on top. Very detailed designs are possible, but it's less wear-resistant than the other two methods.

Will the keycaps fit my keyboard?

• Switches: our sets fit switches with an MX (cross) stem, the standard on mechanical keyboards. Low profile switches need low profile keycaps.
• Bottom row: most boards use a 6.25u spacebar, some need 7u or shorter modifiers. Check the set's kit overview.
• Compact and Alice layouts: 60, 65 and 75% boards often need a shorter right Shift, Alice boards split spacebars and a second B.

To swap keycaps, use a puller with a large contact surface rather than one that grips at single points – that way even tight keycaps come straight off without damage.

Brands and pre-orders

You'll find keycap sets from PBTFans, KAP, PBS, MW, KKB, SWG and our own label MK. Many special sets are produced in limited numbers and can be pre-ordered before production starts. In-stock sets ship from Germany within one business day.