Custom Gear Lab

ABS vs PBT Keycaps: What’s the Difference and Which Is Better?

If you’ve ever typed on two mechanical keyboards that look similar but feel completely different, the keycaps are often the reason. The ABS vs PBT keycaps debate isn’t just about plastic—it affects how your keyboard feels under your fingers, how it sounds on every keystroke, and how it holds up after months of daily use. ABS and PBT are the two most widely used keycap materials because they strike the best balance between performance and affordability. But they behave very differently in real life. In this guide, we’ll break down those differences clearly—so you can understand what actually changes between ABS and PBT, and decide which one makes sense for your typing, gaming, or work setup. What Are ABS Keycaps? ABS keycaps are made from Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, a type of plastic that’s widely used in consumer electronics. In the mechanical keyboard world, ABS is one of the most common keycap materials—especially on stock keyboards that come pre-built from the factory. One of the defining traits of ABS keycaps is their lightweight construction and smooth surface. When brand new, they often feel slick and fast under your fingers, which some users enjoy for quick typing or gaming. This smooth finish also allows legends and colors to appear sharper, making ABS keycaps a popular choice for RGB keyboards, where light needs to shine through clearly. From a manufacturing perspective, ABS is easier to mold and shape, which helps keep production costs down. That’s why many entry-level and mid-range keyboards use ABS keycaps by default—they’re affordable, versatile, and work well across different layouts and designs. However, because ABS is a softer plastic, it tends to wear faster over time compared to other materials. With extended use, the surface can gradually become shiny, especially on frequently pressed keys. This doesn’t affect functionality, but it does change the look and feel—something that often comes up in discussions around ABS vs PBT keycaps. In short, ABS keycaps are cost-effective, visually vibrant, and widely available, making them a practical starting point for many keyboard users. What Are PBT Keycaps? RAPOO V700DIY-98 equipped with PBT Keycaps PBT keycaps are made from Polybutylene Terephthalate, a denser and more rigid plastic compared to ABS. In discussions around pbt vs abs keycaps, PBT is often associated with higher-end builds and long-term durability, which is why it’s commonly found on enthusiast and premium mechanical keyboards. A key characteristic of PBT keycaps is their thicker construction and textured surface. Instead of a smooth, glossy feel, PBT usually has a slightly grainy, matte texture that provides more grip while typing. Many users find this texture more comfortable during long typing sessions because it helps fingers stay in place and reduces that “slippery” sensation. PBT also offers higher heat resistance, which affects both durability and manufacturing. Because the material doesn’t soften as easily, PBT keycaps are less prone to surface wear and are much slower to develop shine, even after extended daily use. This is one of the main reasons people consider PBT keycaps a long-term upgrade when comparing pbt keycaps vs abs. That added durability does come with trade-offs. PBT is harder to mold, which limits ultra-thin designs and can make complex legends more challenging to produce. As a result, PBT keycaps typically cost more and are less common on budget keyboards. Overall, PBT keycaps are valued for their solid feel, resistance to wear, and consistent texture over time—qualities that make them a favorite among users who prioritize typing feel and longevity when choosing between abs vs pbt keycaps. ABS vs PBT Keycaps – Side-by-Side Comparison While ABS and PBT keycaps can look similar at first glance, their differences become clear once you compare how they feel, sound, and wear over time. Instead of focusing on marketing terms, it’s more useful to look at the practical characteristics that actually affect daily use. Below is a side-by-side comparison that highlights the key differences most users care about when choosing between ABS vs PBT keycaps. ABS vs PBT Keycaps Comparison Table Feature ABS Keycaps PBT Keycaps Material density Lighter plastic Denser, heavier plastic Surface texture Smooth out of the box Slightly textured / matte Long-term wear Tends to get shiny with use Resists shine much better Durability Flexible, easier to mold More rigid, holds shape Thickness (typical) Thinner walls Thicker walls Typing feel Light, slick, fast Solid, stable, consistent Sound profile Higher-pitched, sharper Deeper, more muted Manufacturing cost Lower Higher Common use cases Stock keycaps, gaming setups Enthusiast builds, daily typing This table doesn’t mean one material is objectively better than the other. Instead, it shows what each material prioritizes: ABS focuses on light weight, smooth feel, and affordability PBT focuses on durability, texture retention, and consistency That’s why some users strongly prefer one over the other, while others barely notice a difference at first. The real distinction often shows up after weeks or months of use, not in the first few days. In the next section, we’ll look more closely at one of the biggest deciding factors for most people: durability—and which keycaps actually last longer in real-world use. ABS vs PBT Keycaps: How They Feel When Typing When people compare ABS vs PBT keycaps, they’re often really asking one thing: how does it feel after hours of typing? The difference isn’t dramatic in the first few minutes—but it becomes much clearer during long sessions, daily work, and repeated use. Initial smoothness vs long-term grip ABS keycaps usually feel very smooth at first. Your fingers glide easily across the surface, which can feel fast and effortless when the keycaps are new. For short typing sessions, this smoothness can be comfortable and even enjoyable. Over time, however, that smooth surface can become too slick, especially as natural skin oils polish the keys. This is why some users say ABS feels “slippery” after months of use. PBT keycaps, on the other hand, start with a lightly textured, matte feel. They don’t have that instant slickness, but they provide consistent grip from day one—and tend to keep it. Even after long-term use, PBT usually feels stable rather than slippery. Typing takeaway: ABS feels smoother initially, while PBT feels more controlled and consistent over the long run. This difference is a core reason people debate pbt vs abs keycaps. Finger fatigue during long typing sessions Finger fatigue doesn’t come from one factor alone—it’s a mix of key resistance, surface feel, and how much effort it takes to stay accurate. With ABS keycaps, the smoother surface can sometimes cause fingers to slide slightly off-center, especially during long sessions. This may lead to subtle over-corrections, which some users notice as fatigue after hours of typing. PBT keycaps provide a bit more surface friction, helping fingers stay planted on each key. That small increase in grip can reduce micro-adjustments and help maintain a relaxed typing rhythm. This doesn’t mean ABS causes fatigue for everyone—but for users who type all day, PBT often feels less mentally and physically demanding over time. Typing accuracy and control perception In terms of raw performance, both materials register keystrokes exactly the same. The difference is in perceived control. ABS keycaps can feel fast and light, which some users interpret as speed—especially when touch typing or moving quickly across keys. PBT keycaps tend to feel more deliberate. The textured surface helps fingers land consistently in the center of each key, which many users associate with higher typing accuracy, especially during long-form writing or coding. Important context: Your typing accuracy depends far more on layout, switches, and muscle memory than keycap material. But when comparing abs vs pbt keycaps, PBT often feels more precise because of its stable surface. ABS vs PBT Keycaps: Sound Differences When comparing ABS vs PBT keycaps, sound is one of the most noticeable differences—but it’s also the easiest to misunderstand. Keycap material influences sound, it doesn’t define it on its own. ABS keycaps → brighter, clackierABS is usually thinner and lighter, which tends to produce a higher-pitched, sharper “clack” when keys bottom out. On keyboards with metal plates or hollow cases, this brightness can be even more noticeable. PBT keycaps → deeper, more mutedPBT keycaps are often thicker and denser, which helps absorb some high-frequency sound. The result is a deeper, more muted tone that many users describe as more solid or “thocky.” The rest of the keyboard still matters more The final sound depends heavily on switch type, plate material, stabilizers, case design, and internal dampening. Changing keycaps can shift the sound profile, but it won’t completely transform a keyboard on its own. Quick takeaway: If everything else stays the same, ABS keycaps usually sound brighter, while PBT keycaps usually sound deeper. Think of keycaps as a tuning element—not the entire instrument. ABS vs PBT Keycaps: Durability and Shine Over Time When people ask “ABS vs PBT keycaps— which lasts longer?”, they’re usually talking about surface wear, not whether the keycaps will crack or break. Here’s how durability actually plays out in daily use. Why ABS develops shineABS is a softer plastic. Over time, constant finger contact, pressure, and natural skin oils polish the surface, turning the original matte or satin finish into a glossy shine. This is normal wear, not dirt—and cleaning won’t reverse it. When shine becomes noticeableOn ABS keycaps, shine typically appears first on high-use keys like the spacebar, WASD, and home row. For daily users, this can become visible within a few months to a year, depending on typing habits and hand oils. How long PBT realistically lastsPBT is more rigid and heat-resistant, so it’s much slower to polish smooth. Many PBT keycaps maintain their textured, matte feel for years of regular use. While no material is truly “shine-proof,” PBT’s wear rate is significantly lower. Maintenance expectations Both ABS and PBT benefit from regular cleaning, but maintenance has different limits: Cleaning removes grime, not material wear ABS will still shine over time PBT stays visually and texturally consistent with less upkeep Bottom line: If long-term appearance and feel matter to you, PBT keycaps generally last longer. ABS keycaps don’t fail—they just show wear sooner, which is why durability and shine are a key deciding factor in the pbt vs abs keycaps debate. Which Is Better for Gaming? When it comes to gaming, the ABS vs PBT keycaps debate isn’t about which one is “pro-level,” but which material better matches your play style, setup, and preferences. Fast movement vs control ABS keycaps feel smooth and light, which some players prefer for fast, repeated key presses—especially in FPS or action games where quick finger movement matters. PBT keycaps offer more grip and a slightly heavier feel, which can improve control and consistency in games that rely on precise inputs or longer key holds. RGB visibility ABS keycaps are often better for bright RGB shine-through, since the material is easier to mold with translucent legends. If lighting effects are a big part of your setup, ABS tends to deliver clearer and more vibrant illumination. PBT keycaps usually focus less on shine-through, though high-quality options do exist. Weight & sound preference ABS keycaps are typically lighter and produce a brighter, sharper sound, which some gamers enjoy for its crisp feedback. PBT keycaps are thicker and sound deeper and more muted, which can feel more solid and less distracting during long sessions. There’s no universal winner. Choose ABS keycaps if you want speed and strong RGB visuals. Choose PBT keycaps if you value control, a solid feel, and a deeper sound. Which Is Better for Typing and Office Use? For typing-heavy work and office environments, choosing between ABS vs PBT keycaps is less about speed and more about comfort, consistency, and how the keyboard feels over long periods of daily use. Long Typing Sessions PBT keycaps are often favored for all-day typing. Their lightly textured surface stays consistent and helps fingers remain centered on each key, reducing small corrections during long writing, coding, or data-entry sessions. ABS keycaps can feel very comfortable at first, but as the surface smooths out over time, some users notice less stability during extended typing. Noise Tolerance in Shared Spaces Noise matters in offices and shared workspaces. Because PBT keycaps are usually thicker, they tend to produce a deeper, more muted sound that’s easier to ignore in quiet environments. ABS keycaps—especially thinner sets—often sound brighter and more noticeable, which may stand out more in open offices. Professional Appearance Over Time Visual consistency plays a role in professional setups. PBT keycaps resist shine, helping the keyboard maintain a clean, matte look even after months or years of use. ABS keycaps can develop visible shine on frequently used keys, which some users feel looks worn or less polished over time. Key Feel Consistency One of PBT’s biggest advantages is feel stability. The typing experience stays largely the same even with heavy daily use. ABS keycaps can gradually change in feel as the surface polishes, which is more noticeable for users who type every day. Office takeaway: If your keyboard is a daily work tool, PBT keycaps are usually the better choice for comfort, quieter sound, and long-term consistency. ABS keycaps can still work well, but PBT generally aligns better with the demands of professional typing and office use. ABS or PBT – Which Should You Choose? If you don’t want to overthink the ABS vs PBT keycaps debate, this section gives you a clear, practical shortcut. Neither material is universally “better”—the right choice depends on what you value most in daily use. Choose ABS Keycaps if you want: A smooth, fast feel ABS keycaps feel slick and effortless under the fingers, especially when new. Many users enjoy this for quick typing or fast-paced gaming. Bright, clear RGB lighting ABS is easier to mold with shine-through legends, making it a strong choice for RGB-focused keyboards where lighting effects matter. Lower cost and wider availability ABS keycaps are more affordable and commonly included on stock keyboards, offering solid performance without a higher price tag. Choose PBT Keycaps if you want: Long-term texture and grip PBT keycaps maintain their matte, lightly textured feel over time, making them ideal for heavy daily typing. A deeper, more muted sound Thanks to their thicker and denser construction, PBT keycaps tend to produce a more solid, less sharp typing sound. Better resistance to wear and shine PBT is slower to develop shine and keeps its original look and feel longer, which is why many users see it as a long-term upgrade. Final thought: If budget and RGB visuals are your priorities, ABS keycaps make sense. If you care more about durability, consistency, and typing feel over time, PBT keycaps are usually the better investment. FAQs About ABS and PBT Keycaps Is ABS or PBT better? Neither ABS nor PBT is objectively “better” for everyone. ABS keycaps are smooth, affordable, and great for RGB-heavy keyboards, while PBT keycaps offer better long-term texture, durability, and a more solid feel. The better choice depends on whether you prioritize cost and visuals (ABS) or longevity and consistency (PBT). Do ABS keycaps always get shiny? Most ABS keycaps will develop shine over time, especially on frequently used keys. This happens because ABS is a softer plastic that gets polished by finger contact and natural oils. The timeline varies by usage—some users notice shine within months, others after a year or more—but it’s a normal wear characteristic of ABS. Are PBT keycaps louder? Not necessarily. PBT keycaps usually sound deeper and more muted, while ABS keycaps tend to sound brighter and sharper. Loudness depends more on switches, plate material, case design, and dampening than on keycaps alone. In many setups, PBT actually feels quieter because it reduces high-pitched noise. Why do many keyboards use ABS keycaps? ABS keycaps are cheaper and easier to manufacture, especially for complex legends and shine-through RGB designs. This makes them a practical choice for mass-produced and budget keyboards. They also feel smooth and look good out of the box, which appeals to many users. Are PBT keycaps worth the extra cost? For many users, yes. PBT keycaps are worth the extra cost if you type daily, want a consistent feel over time, and care about durability and appearance. If you prefer smooth keycaps, strong RGB lighting, or a lower price, ABS can still be a perfectly good option.