Keycap Materials: ABS vs. PBT vs. POM – What You Need to Know

Choosing the right keycaps is one of the most impactful decisions you can make for your mechanical keyboard. The material affects not only how your keyboard looks and feels but also how it sounds and how long it lasts. With so many options on the market, understanding the differences between ABS, PBT, and POM is essential for any enthusiast or newcomer.

In this guide, we'll break down the characteristics of each keycap material, compare their pros and cons, and help you decide which one suits your typing style and preferences. Whether you're looking for durability, a specific sound profile, or a certain texture, we've got you covered.

What Are Keycap Materials?

Keycaps are the plastic covers that sit on top of your keyboard switches. The material used to manufacture them plays a crucial role in the overall typing experience. The three most common materials are ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene), PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate), and POM (Polyoxymethylene). Each has unique properties that affect durability, feel, sound, and cost.

Understanding these materials is not just about technical specs—it's about finding the right match for your daily use. Whether you're a gamer who needs a smooth, fast surface or a writer who prefers a textured, grippy keycap, the material can make or break your setup.

ABS Keycaps: The Classic Choice

ABS is the most widely used keycap material, especially in pre-built keyboards and entry-level sets. It's known for its smooth, glossy finish and vibrant colors. ABS keycaps are also relatively inexpensive to produce, making them a budget-friendly option for many users.

However, ABS keycaps have a notable downside: they tend to develop a shiny, polished look over time, often referred to as 'shine.' This occurs because the plastic wears down from repeated finger contact. While some users don't mind this aesthetic, others prefer a more matte finish that lasts longer.

Despite this, ABS remains popular due to its wide availability and the crisp, sharp legends that can be achieved with double-shot molding. Many high-end keycap sets, such as those from GMK, are made of ABS and are prized for their sound profile and color options.

• Smooth and glossy feel
• Prone to shine over time
• Wide variety of colors and designs
• Generally more affordable

PBT Keycaps: The Durable Favorite

PBT keycaps have become the go-to choice for many keyboard enthusiasts due to their superior durability and textured finish. Unlike ABS, PBT is more resistant to wear and shine, making it ideal for long-term use. The surface is often slightly rough, providing a comfortable grip that many typists prefer.

PBT keycaps also have a different sound profile—they tend to produce a deeper, more muted thock compared to the higher-pitched clack of ABS. This makes them a favorite among those who enjoy a satisfying acoustic experience.

Another advantage of PBT is its resistance to heat and chemicals, which means the legends (the printed characters) are less likely to fade. While PBT keycaps can be more expensive than ABS, the longevity and feel often justify the higher price point.

If you're looking for a set that will last for years without losing its finish, PBT is an excellent choice. Many popular keycap sets, like the CYL Darling or CYL Copper R2, are made from PBT and offer a wide range of colorways to suit any build.

• Highly durable and resistant to shine
• Textured, matte finish
• Deeper sound profile
• Long-lasting legends

POM Keycaps: The Rare Contender

POM keycaps, also known as Delrin, are less common but offer a unique set of characteristics. They are known for their self-lubricating properties, which means they feel exceptionally smooth to the touch. This can be a plus for fast typists who want minimal friction.

POM keycaps are also highly durable and resistant to wear, similar to PBT. However, they are more difficult to manufacture, which makes them pricier and harder to find. Additionally, POM keycaps often have a slightly different sound—some describe it as a 'clack' with a hint of depth.

One downside is that POM keycaps are typically only available in a limited range of colors, mostly black or white, due to the material's natural color. This can be a drawback if you're looking for vibrant, custom designs.

For those who prioritize feel and durability over aesthetics, POM is a compelling option. However, due to its rarity, you may need to search specialty stores or group buys to find POM keycaps.

• Self-lubricating smoothness
• Excellent durability
• Limited color options
• Harder to find and more expensive

Keycap Material Comparison: ABS vs. PBT vs. POM

To help you make an informed decision, here's a quick comparison of the three keycap materials across key factors: durability, feel, sound, and price.

When it comes to durability, PBT and POM both outperform ABS, as they are more resistant to shine and wear. In terms of feel, ABS is smooth and glossy, PBT is textured and grippy, and POM is exceptionally smooth. Sound-wise, ABS tends to be higher-pitched, PBT deeper, and POM somewhere in between. Finally, price-wise, ABS is the most budget-friendly, PBT is mid-range, and POM is often the most expensive due to its rarity.

• Durability: PBT > POM > ABS
• Feel: POM (smooth) > ABS (smooth) > PBT (textured)
• Sound: ABS (clack) > POM (clack with depth) > PBT (thock)
• Price: ABS < PBT < POM

Which Keycap Material Is Best for You?

The best keycap material ultimately depends on your personal preferences and how you use your keyboard. If you're on a budget and want a wide range of colors, ABS is a solid choice. However, if you're looking for longevity and a comfortable texture, PBT is the way to go.

For gamers who need a fast, smooth surface, POM might be appealing, but its limited availability and higher cost could be a deterrent. Many enthusiasts find that PBT offers the best balance of durability, feel, and price, making it the most popular choice among custom keyboard builders.

When choosing keycaps, also consider the profile (e.g., cherry, OEM, SA) and the manufacturing method (double-shot, dye-sublimated, etc.), as these factors also influence the overall experience. Remember, the keycaps you choose will be the interface between you and your keyboard, so it's worth investing time in finding the right set.

• For budget: ABS
• For durability: PBT
• For smoothness: POM
• For overall balance: PBT

Popular Keycap Sets and Materials

Now that you understand the differences, you might be wondering which keycap sets are available in each material. Many popular sets from Novelkeys are made from PBT, offering a great balance of quality and aesthetics. For example, the CYL Darling and CYL Copper R2 are excellent PBT options that come in beautiful colorways.

If you're looking for a unique set, the GMK CYL MONO is a classic ABS set known for its crisp legends and vibrant colors. On the other hand, if you're interested in exploring POM, you might find limited options, but the Key Kobo VoC is a great choice if you can find it in stock.

Ultimately, the material you choose will affect your everyday typing experience. Take the time to consider what matters most to you—whether it's feel, sound, durability, or aesthetics—and choose accordingly.

In summary, each keycap material has its strengths and weaknesses. ABS is affordable and smooth, PBT is durable and textured, and POM is rare and exceptionally smooth. By understanding these differences, you can make an informed choice that enhances your typing experience. Explore our collection of keycap sets to find the perfect match for your keyboard.