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ABS vs PBT: Which Keycap Material Should You Choose?

1/28/2026 · Keyboards · 6 min

ABS vs PBT: Which Keycap Material Should You Choose?

TL;DR

  • ABS is softer, produces brighter sound, and is cheaper. It tends to develop shine over time.
  • PBT is firmer, more resistant to shine, and has a denser, deeper typing sound. It is often pricier.
  • Best picks by use case:
  • Typing and longevity: PBT sets, 2mm or thicker.
  • Budget or custom colorways: ABS sets.
  • Sound tuning: thicker keycaps or double-shot legends improve tone.

MATERIAL PROPERTIES

  • ABS: Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene. Easier to mold, accepts many colors and complex legends. Prone to surface oils making keys glossy after months of use.
  • PBT: Polybutylene Terephthalate. Higher heat resistance and chemical resilience. Surface holds texture longer and resists shine.

TEXTURE AND SHINE

  • ABS: Smooth or textured finishes exist. Smooth ABS will go shiny faster.
  • PBT: Usually textured and stays matte. Texture type affects feel and wear.

LEGENDS AND PRINTING

  • Pad printing: common on cheap ABS; wears faster.
  • Dye-sublimation: ideal for PBT; long lasting and does not obscure texture.
  • Double-shot molding: legends are separate plastic pieces; durable and often found on ABS and premium PBT.

SOUND AND TYPING FEEL

  • ABS tends to sound brighter and more hollow.
  • PBT gives a deeper, thockier tone.
  • Thickness, profile, and switch type influence sound more than material alone.

PROFILES AND FIT

  • Keycap profile (OEM, Cherry, SA, MT3, etc) affects finger travel and comfort.
  • PBT and ABS both come in many profiles. Choose based on typing preference rather than material alone.

DURABILITY AND AGING

  • ABS: more color and finish options, but will show shine and may yellow over many years depending on dye.
  • PBT: resists shine and most yellowing. Better for heavy users.

THICKNESS AND SOUND

  • Thicker keycaps reduce vibration and produce a fuller sound.
  • Wall thickness and uniformity matter. Look for trusted specs rather than marketing terms.

COST AND AVAILABILITY

  • ABS sets are typically cheaper and more abundant, especially for novelty prints and complex colorways.
  • PBT sets cost more, especially high quality double-shot or dye-sublimated runs.

WHICH SHOULD YOU BUY?

  • Buy PBT if you value long term texture, consistent feel, and a deeper sound.
  • Buy ABS if you want access to a wider range of colors, cheaper novelty sets, or double-shot legends at lower price.

BUYING CHECKLIST

  • Profile: pick one you type comfortably on.
  • Thickness: 1.5mm or thicker for better sound and durability.
  • Legend method: dye-sublimation or double-shot for longevity.
  • Compatibility: MX style stems for common mechanical switches.
  • Mount and layout support: check the set covers your layout and any additional keys.

BOTTOM LINE

  • PBT is the safer long term choice for most users because it resists shine and delivers a satisfying typing tone.
  • ABS can be great for affordability and bold colorways. Weigh texture, sound, and legend durability when choosing.

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