Are you looking to upgrade the keycaps on your mechanical keyboard? With the seemingly endless amount of options on the market, it can be difficult to know where to start. Whether you’re looking for high-end artisan keycaps, custom keycaps, or budget-friendly keycaps, this shopping guide will help you find the perfect set. We’ll take a look at the best places to buy keycaps, so you can find the perfect set for your mechanical keyboard. From online stores and local retailers to custom manufacturers, you’ll be sure to find the perfect keycaps for your needs. Let’s get started!
Benefits of Upgrading Your Keycaps
There are a number of reasons to upgrade your keycaps. Some people may opt for new keycaps to give their keyboard a fresh look. Others may want to swap out their keycaps for a specific reason, such as finding a certain keycap profile or texture. There are also some benefits to upgrading your keycaps beyond just aesthetics.
Improved Ergonomics – Certain keycaps may improve the ergonomics of your mechanical keyboard. For example, a certain keycap profile may be more comfortable to type with than what came with your keyboard.
Better Tactile Feeling – Changing out your keycaps may also improve the tactile feeling of your keyboard. You may be able to find keycaps with different textures or materials that feel better than the originals.
Better Tactile Feedback – Another thing you may be able to change with new keycaps is tactile feedback. This is the sound your keyboard makes when you hit a key. With different materials, you might be able to change the sound of your keyboard.
Better Wrist Health – If you’re looking to swap out your keycaps for more ergonomic options, it may also improve wrist health. Certain keycap materials may help prevent Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. This is an important feature to consider when buying keycaps for gamers.
Where to Buy Keycaps
While you can find keycaps in a variety of places, it’s important to note where each set is manufactured. Some keycaps may be manufactured in China, where the quality is decent but the main benefit is the cost is significantly cheaper.
If you’re looking for higher-quality keycaps at a higher price point, it may be best to opt for keycaps made in the United States or Europe. The following are some of the best places to buy keycaps.
Online Stores – Online stores are a great place to start your search for keycaps. You’ll find a wide variety of keycaps from different manufacturers. You can browse keycaps on sites like Massdrop, Originative, and Funkeyzz.
Local Retailers – Local retailers are a great place to try out different keycaps to find the right fit for your keyboard. You’ll be able to see what each keycap feels like and hear the sound it makes when pressed. Local retailers may also be able to help you find exactly what you’re looking for if you don’t find it online.
Many local retailers will have a good knowledge of mechanical keyboards and compatibility so they’ll provide some useful advice. If you’re looking to try out different keycaps from the same manufacturer, local retailers may be a great place to start. Local retailers are also a great place to find artisan keycaps, which we’ll talk about next.
Artisan Keycaps
Artisan keycaps are hand-made keycaps that are a bit more expensive than other keycaps. Artisan keycaps are also made in limited quantities, so you’ll want to act quickly if you find a set you like. If you’re interested in artisan keycaps, online retailers may be a good place to start your search. Artisan keycaps are also called resin keycaps due to the plastic material used to make them. Many of them have very intricate designs encased within the keycap which make for an awesome effect. Artists take time to make these which is often why they cost a lot more.
Custom Keycaps
Custom keycaps may be the best way to make sure you get exactly what you want. You can find custom keycap manufacturers who will design a set of keycaps that’s exactly what you’re looking for. You can choose the shape, size, profile, and texture of your keycaps. You can even get various different artworks and even figures moulded onto your keycaps. Gamers, streamers and keyboard enthusiasts love to customise their keyboards with their favourite pop culture icons.
Tips for Buying Keycaps
Once you’ve decided where to buy keycaps, it’s important to have a plan. You’ll want to have an idea of what you’re looking for, but you may also end up finding something you weren’t expecting. There are a few things you can do to make sure you find the perfect keycaps.
Figure Out What You Need – It may help to write down what you need in a keycap set. Are you looking for a certain texture? Are you looking for a specific profile? Knowing what you need will help you find the perfect keycap set. It’s always best to look at the keyboard you’re using and establish what type of keycap will fit your keys. There are no one size fit’s all keys but there do tend to be standardised keys which are most commonly used. Those are Cherry MX and OEM keys.
Consider Your Usage – Your intentions for these keycaps will often indicate the kind of keycaps you should go for. If you plan on using them for gaming for hours on end then you’ll likely want something made from PBT polymer. These keycaps are often more durable and oil resistant. Of course, if you’re looking for something more delicate and decorative, you’ll want to replace this with a key that you don’t mash so often.
Conclusion
Keycaps are an important part of any mechanical keyboard setup, and they’re an easy way to brighten up your keyboard. For many people, mechanical keyboards are just another piece of equipment to show off. With the seemingly endless variety of keycaps available, there’s something for everyone.
