I think, fellow keyboard enthusiasts, we've all encountered these situations: some keycaps become as greasy as a pizza box after just a few months of use, while others remain as resilient as a goat's horn. The secret lies in the materials of the keycaps—they are the unsung heroes (or villains) of your typing life. Let's delve into the ins and outs of ABS, PBT, POM, and even ceramic, so you can find the perfect match for your keyboard adventure.

1. ABS Keycaps: The Pop Star of Keyboards -"Cheap, flashy, and a little high-maintenance."  

ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) is the Britney Spears of keycaps—everyone knows it, everyone loves it... until it starts to "shine" on its own.

Its advantages are crystal clear: first, the silky-smooth texture that feels like typing on buttered toast (without the gritty crumbs); second, the semi-transparent glow that's perfect for RGB lighting setups—turning your keyboard into a disco ball. And most importantly, it's super affordable—if your wallet is on a diet, this is the perfect choice.

But on the flip side, its downsides are equally frustrating. ABS loves oil—your oil. After a few months of typing, it will cling to the oils and sweat from your hands, making your keycaps shinier than your future—literally greasy and reflective. Durability? Non-existent: it's the Netflix subscription of keycaps—loved at first sight for its looks, but quickly loses its charm, leaving you in a love-hate relationship.

If you're a gamer who prioritizes aesthetics over longevity, or someone who likes to switch up their keyboard's "wardrobe" every now and then, ABS keycaps will be right up your alley.

2. PBT Keycaps: The Durable Dad Bod -"Tough, reliable, and low-key sexy."  

PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate) is the Jeep Wrangler of keycaps—built for the apocalypse, spilled coffee, and those moments when you rage-quit a game.

Its strengths perfectly counteract ABS's weaknesses: first, its "armor" is extremely oil-resistant, making it indifferent to greasy fingers. If it could talk, it would probably say, "Oil? Sweat? I had that for breakfast." Second, its texture is a slightly rough, matte finish, but it's just right—like typing on a high-end grater (trust us, it feels great). Third, it's easy to clean—well, technically because it's heat-resistant, you can actually boil them to get them clean.

So is it perfect? No, no, no. It just has fewer downsides. For example, its material means that lighter colors don't adhere well, which limits the range of keycap colors available. Want a light pink? It'll probably say no—your best bet is charcoal. Also, PBT keycaps don't come cheap; they might cost more than your monthly breakfast toast budget. If you're living paycheck to paycheck, you might want to save up a bit more.

If you're a programmer, a writer, or anyone who wants a keyboard that feels like it has nine lives, PBT keycaps are definitely for you.

【The next installment is about other height keycaps! Welcome to follow~】