What Is Better ABS or PBT Keycaps? from Jim Marcos's blog

Introduction:

Keycaps do come in different colours and shapes. However, it can be PBT Double Shot Keycaps or ABS. What is better between both when looking for keyboards? I don’t know! Then, you have access to the right page. Here is the guide to help you learn about keycaps and their significant differences, pros and cons.

What Are Keycaps?

Keycaps are the topmost plastic cover of each key switch. These can be letters, numbers or symbols you can see on the keyboard. Keycaps are imprinted to make it possible to input a key into the device. They are generally made of plastic but available in many colours and shapes. The most common types of keycaps are ABS and PBT Plastic, categorized as follows;

Double shot.

Dye-sub.

The Overview About Double Shot Keycaps: The name comes from how these keycaps are manufactured. They are designed and made using two separate pieces of plastic that are moulded to make them one. Double-shot keycaps are durable and don’t fade to the imprints that quickly.

The Overview About Dye-Sub Keycaps:  These are another type of keycaps with different printing methods. It is made up of dye imprints. The keycaps are more prone to fade and, however, are durable. Overall, dye-sub keycaps are cheaper than PBT double-shot keycaps.

What Are PBT Double Shot Keycaps?

PBT keycaps are made up of polybutylene terephthalate plastic. Thus, these keycaps are expensive to produce. Talking about durability, these are good and can withstand longer. It is also a thermoplastic polymer with a semi-crystalline structure. In fact, they are more heat-resistant keycaps than ABS, thus offering good resistance to wear. These keycaps are also useful in engines, motor covers and other electronic interiors. Due to their sturdiness and thickness, PBT keycaps ensure a defined texture without fading and shining.

The Advantages of PBT Keycaps:

Sturdiness in quality.

Thicker in material.

It looks stylish and textured and gives a good finish.

The Disadvantages of PBT Keycaps:

Quite expensive.

Bit louder while typing.

What Is ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) Keycaps?

These keycaps are made up of reliable quality polymer or type of plastic. Generally, keycaps like Lego bricks, cheap 3D printing filaments, and keyboard keycaps are manufactured. They are cheap and easy to manufacture. The keycaps that become shiny with time on the keyboard after using a lot are ABS. These are generally cheaper and smoother.

The Advantages of ABS Keycaps:

Generally durable in quality.

Impact resistant.

Easy to use.

Well-finishing shine, slick feel and smoothness.

The Disadvantages of ABS Keycaps:

Louder.

It quickly wears and fades.

Lighter as made with less material.

The Final Verdict:
Considerably, there is a precise difference between PBT and ABS keycaps. If you want a quality keyboard, check out the best-manufactured one. Try the efficiency you want, like PBT Double Shot Keycaps, to enhance your work performance. It is a quality keycap keyboard with ergonomic features.