Lena Torres
ABS and PBT are the two most common plastics used in the manufacturing of keycaps. ABS keycaps are typically cheaper, more commonly used, and have a smooth texture. PBT keycaps, on the other hand, are often more expensive, less common, and have a textured feel. When it comes to sound, some people report that PBT keycaps produce a deeper tone than ABS keycaps due to their thickness. Others describe the sound of PBT keycaps as slightly louder, but crisper and cleaner, as the thicker and more rigid material results in less vibration. In the context of cars, ABS (anti-lock braking system) has been described as sounding like someone rapidly hitting a wood block with a rubber mallet when it engages during hard braking.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sound | ABS keycaps produce a less deep, rich tone than PBT keycaps. PBT keycaps are usually slightly louder than ABS keycaps, but the sound is crisper and cleaner. |
| Texture | ABS keycaps are smooth and can develop a greasy shine over time, whereas PBT keycaps are textured and matte. |
| Thickness | PBT keycaps are usually thicker than ABS keycaps, but there are also thick ABS keycaps available. |
| Durability | ABS keycaps are more common due to being cheaper to manufacture, but they are less durable than PBT keycaps. PBT keycaps are more rigid and brittle, making them more resistant to wear and tear. |
| Price | PBT keycaps are generally more expensive than ABS keycaps due to the higher cost of sourcing and producing PBT plastic. |
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What You'll Learn
ABS keycaps are cheaper and more common
ABS and PBT are the two most common plastics used for keycaps. ABS keycaps are the cheapest and most common type of plastic used for keycaps. They are smooth, shiny, and develop a greasy shine over time due to the friction of fingers tapping the keys. They are also thinner than PBT keycaps, although thick ABS keycaps are available for a slightly higher price. ABS keycaps are impact-resistant and can withstand millions of keystrokes before cracking or breaking.
ABS keycaps are more commonly used because they are cheaper to manufacture. They are also less durable and more prone to breaking than PBT keycaps. The lettering on ABS keycaps may start to fade away over time, and the keycaps themselves may begin to thin. While PBT keycaps are generally considered superior in quality, ABS keycaps are preferred by some people due to their shine and smooth texture.
ABS keycaps are created through injection moulding, after which the lettering is added through processes such as engraving, pad printing, or laser marking. While stock keycaps that come with mechanical keyboards are typically cheaply made, higher-quality ABS keycaps are available online. These higher-quality ABS keycaps are more durable and often feature custom designs.
The choice between ABS and PBT keycaps ultimately comes down to personal preference. While PBT keycaps are generally more expensive and considered superior in quality, ABS keycaps are more common and affordable. Some people prefer the shine and smooth texture of ABS keycaps over the textured, matte finish of PBT keycaps. Additionally, despite their lower durability, ABS keycaps can still withstand heavy use and provide a satisfactory typing experience.
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PBT keycaps are textured and matte
PBT keycaps are a popular choice for those seeking a unique, textured, and matte feel when typing. They are known for their silky-smooth texture, providing a pleasant tactile experience without being slippery. The keycaps are typically made with more material, resulting in a heavier and denser construction compared to other options. This thicker plastic gives PBT keycaps a distinct sound profile, producing a deeper, crisper, and less tinny sound than their ABS counterparts.
The acoustic characteristics of PBT keycaps are particularly appealing to those who enjoy enhanced acoustical pleasure while typing. The deeper sound, resulting from the denser material, creates a clearer and more pronounced typing experience. This can even activate ASMR (Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response), inducing a feeling of well-being and relaxation while typing.
While PBT keycaps offer a range of benefits, they also come with certain considerations. Firstly, they tend to be more expensive than standard ABS keycaps. The production of high-quality double-shot PBT keycap sets is a challenging and costly process, resulting in a limited selection of options. Additionally, PBT keycaps may not be the best choice for those seeking RGB or backlit keyboards, as the thicker plastic can interfere with the shine-through of RGB colours.
In contrast, ABS keycaps, which are the norm in the market, offer a different sensory experience. They are known for their shininess and slick feel, providing a smooth and glossy appearance. However, one of the drawbacks of ABS keycaps is their susceptibility to wear and tear, often resulting in shiny keys and fading lettering over time. ABS keycaps are typically lighter and made with less material, which can give them a thinner and less robust feel when typing.
Ultimately, the preference between PBT and ABS keycaps comes down to personal choice. While PBT keycaps offer a textured and matte sensation with a distinct sound profile, ABS keycaps provide a shinier and slicker alternative. Some users prefer the sound of ABS keycaps, while others appreciate the deeper and denser sound of PBT. It is important to consider factors such as aesthetics, tactile feel, sound, and durability when deciding between these two popular keycap options.
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ABS keycaps develop a shine over time
ABS keycaps will eventually develop a shine due to frequent usage and friction caused by fingertips when typing. This is a natural process and is not caused by dirty hands—even those who wash their hands frequently will experience this phenomenon. The softer material of ABS keycaps makes them more susceptible to developing a shine compared to other materials such as PBT. While keycap shine may be undesirable aesthetically, it does not impact the functionality or performance of the keyboard.
There are several reasons why ABS keycaps develop a shine over time. Firstly, it is due to the physical abrasion and polishing caused by frequent usage and the friction of fingertips when typing. This repetition gradually degrades the keycaps' surface, making them thinner, smoother, and shinier. Additionally, the natural oils produced by the skin can contribute to the shine as they build up on the keycaps over time.
Another factor is the material composition of ABS keycaps. Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) is a softer material that is cheaper and easier to mold compared to other keycap materials. This softness results in a glossy appearance and makes ABS keycaps more prone to developing a shine.
To prevent ABS keycaps from developing a shine, one can consider using PBT keycaps, which are less likely to become shiny over time due to their more durable material. Additionally, proper cleaning methods and the use of keycap stickers can help reduce the occurrence of shine.
While ABS keycaps may develop a shine over time, it is important to note that this does not affect the functionality of the keyboard. However, for those who prefer a consistent and aesthetically pleasing keyboard, the uneven shine caused by varying usage of different keys may be undesirable.
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ABS plastic is impact-resistant
ABS plastic is a widely used material with a variety of applications, from consumer electronics to automotive parts, medical devices, and toys. One of its key advantages is its impact resistance, which makes it suitable for various products, including protective gear, helmets, and automotive components.
The impact resistance of ABS plastic is due to its composition. Butadiene, one of its components, is a rubbery substance that provides toughness and ductility at low temperatures. Acrylonitrile contributes hardness and rigidity, while styrene gives it a shiny, impervious surface. By adjusting the proportions of these components, engineers can further enhance the impact resistance of ABS plastic.
While ABS plastic is known for its impact resistance, it is not without its limitations. For instance, ABS plastic is susceptible to damage from sunlight and can turn yellow when exposed to UV light or excessive heat. Additionally, ABS plastic is flammable when exposed to high temperatures, such as those of a wood fire.
To further enhance the impact resistance of ABS plastic, several methods can be employed. Compounding ABS with other polymers, such as polycarbonate, or fortifying it with fillers like glass fibers, nanoclays, or rubber, can significantly improve its impact strength, especially at low temperatures. Annealing, heat treatment, and post-processing techniques like sanding, painting, and gluing can also be used to modify the properties of ABS plastic.
Overall, ABS plastic's impact resistance, coupled with its durability, versatility, and electrical insulation properties, makes it a popular choice for a wide range of applications, contributing to its widespread use in various industries.
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PBT keycaps are thicker and more durable
The choice between PBT and ABS keycaps is a highly subjective one, with passionate supporters on both sides. While ABS keycaps are more common, PBT keycaps offer certain advantages in terms of durability and sound that some users prefer.
PBT keycaps are generally thicker and heavier than ABS keycaps, which tend to be lighter and made with less material. This difference in thickness and weight gives PBT keycaps a deeper, crisper, and less tinny sound than ABS keycaps, which produce a higher-pitched sound, especially with thinner caps. The deeper sound of PBT keycaps is often described as more pleasing to the ear and may even activate ASMR for some individuals.
In addition to their acoustic advantages, PBT keycaps are also more durable than ABS keycaps. ABS keycaps are more susceptible to wear and tear, with the potential to become shiny and glossy over time due to exposure to finger oils. The lettering on ABS keycaps can also fade or wear off completely if the inscriptions are printed using dye-sublimation. In contrast, PBT keycaps offer a smoother and silkier feel, providing typists with a better connection to the keyboard.
However, it is important to note that PBT keycaps are typically more expensive than ABS keycaps, with mid-range PBT sets costing nearly twice as much as their ABS counterparts. The higher price tag of PBT keycaps is due to the increased difficulty and cost of producing high-quality double-shot PBT sets. As a result, there are fewer options available for new PBT keycap sets.
Ultimately, the decision between PBT and ABS keycaps depends on personal preferences for factors such as sound, feel, durability, and cost. While PBT keycaps offer advantages in terms of thickness, durability, and sound, ABS keycaps remain the more prevalent choice due to their ease of production and aesthetic appeal to some users.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, they do. PBT keycaps are usually thicker and made from a different plastic type that is more brittle and durable than ABS. This makes them sound slightly louder but with a crisper and cleaner tone.
ABS keycaps are made from a smooth plastic that develops a shine over time. This thinner plastic vibrates more, creating a deeper tone.
This is subjective. ABS keycaps are more common and cheaper to manufacture, but PBT keycaps are considered more premium and durable.
Yes, there are higher-quality ABS keycaps available that are thicker and do not develop the same shine as their cheaper counterparts.
PBT stands for Polybutylene Terephthalate.
