ABS Keycaps or PBT Keycaps: Which is Better? 

ABS Keycaps or PBT Keycaps?

If you are shopping for a new set of keycaps or a keyboard, one of the most important decisions you will have to make is to choose between PBT or ABS keycaps. ABS and PBT keycaps both have their pros and cons. They are available as single or double-shot and can be used on all types of keyboards ranging from RGB to backlit and unlit keyboards. However, to determine which type of keycap is most suitable for you, here is a comparison of PBT vs. ABS keycaps.

What are PBT Keycaps?

Polybutylene Terephthalate (BPT) is a highly durable thermoplastic polymer. Keycaps made out of PBT aren’t very common. However, they are more resistant to wear and can last for many years.

This type of plastic, due to its high resistance to heat and wear, makes it difficult to manufacture. That’s why they are more expensive and less common than their counterparts. PBT keycaps boast of a matte and textured finish that may feel sandy at times. They are also thicker, sturdier, and highly resistant to shining or fading.

What are ABS Keycaps?

There is a high chance that most of the keycaps you have interacted with are made out of ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene). This copolymer plastic has a high level of resistance to impact. ABS keycaps can endure thousands of keystrokes without breaking.

ABS keycaps, despite being impact-resistant, are cheaper to produce, that’s why they are more common than its counterpart. These keycaps have a smooth texture that enables your fingers to glide effortlessly over them. They are also a bit thinner.

On the downside, ABS keycaps wear down with time. If you use your keyboard frequently, ABS keycaps will start to thin or fade. You may also notice the appearance turning shiny or greasy. That occurs due to exposure to UV rays.

ABS keycaps are available as both cheap and high-quality options. The latter costs more money. But the former is what you will find in almost all mechanical keyboards.

How Are They Different?

So far, you should have spotted some differences between these two. Let’s compare both options before we conclude which one is better.

Price

The most significant difference between ABS and PBT keycaps is the price. Because PBT is harder to produce and the plastic is more durable, the cost of PBT keycaps is usually higher than that of ABS. It’s worth mentioning that there are high-quality ABS keycaps that also cost the same as PBT.

Material

Even though both are made of plastic, PBT is durable, more heat resistant, and slightly more textured than ABS.

Thickness

From a general point of view, ABS keycaps are thinner than PBT due to the material difference. But with some bit of research, you can find thicker ABS keycaps.

Texture

PBT keycaps have a matte textured finish, whereas ABS keycaps are shiny and smooth.

Sound

When typing on PBT keycaps, the sound is cleaner, crisper, and a bit louder. This is due to the thickness of the PBT material. On the other hand, ABS keycaps tend to produce a softer sound.

PBT vs. ABS Keycaps: Which is Better?

Choosing between ABS and PBT keycaps is pretty easy. You only need to compare the differences and lean towards the features that seem more appealing to you.

If you prefer durable keycaps that have a matte textured feel and are thicker, PBT keycaps should be your top choice. But be aware that the prices are higher. Suppose you are shopping for keycaps on a budget and don’t mind the smooth and shiny touch. You can go for ABS keycaps. It all depends on your preferences.

The bottom line, however, is that PBT keycaps have always been superior to ABS because of their durability and ability to retain the matte finish even after a million keystrokes.

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