Customizing Your Mechanical Keyboard? Trying Out PBT Keycaps from AliExpress!

Modern mechanical keyboards are highly customizable, given the widespread adoption of Cherry switches and their clones as the industry standard. Coupled with the extensive availability of aftermarket components, including chassis, PCB options, layouts, and distinctive keycaps, the customization possibilities are virtually limitless. In this article, we will introduce a PBT keycaps from AliExpress, brought to you by Romoral. This set includes 149 keys with various color options, adhering to the ANSI standard and featuring the CSA profile.

Why Should You Replace Your Keycaps?

There are several reasons to delve into this topic, and it’s worthwhile to start with the most obvious one: the first thing that catches your eye when you look at a keyboard is, indeed, the keycaps. Moreover, it is through these keycaps that the interaction with the switch takes place, meaning we can immediately mention aesthetics and the typing experience.

Furthermore, someone might want to replace the keycaps simply because the original ones have worn out or lost their character markings. In other words, maintenance can be a valid justification for such an exchange.

What Are the Available Keycap Materials?

People tend to be quite creative with the materials used in crafting keycaps, exploring options like wood and even metal. However, the most common materials are plastic, typically ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) or PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate), each exhibiting distinct characteristics.

ABS plastic is the most commonly found material in stock keyboards. After all, this material is easy to work with in a mass production setting, it’s more cost-effective, and it provides a smooth finish. The downside is that it tends to wear out over time, developing an unattractive, shiny appearance. An example is illustrated in the photo below, with the [Shift] key representing an ABS keycap with minimal usage, and the [ESC] key showing a well-used one.

The other option is PBT plastic, typically employed in more sophisticated keyboards. This material is more expensive and a bit more challenging to work with. However, it offers greater durability since PBT keycaps do not exhibit the tired appearance over time. The keycap set featured in this article is manufactured from PBT material and is Doubleshot – a process where the characters are molded into another transparent plastic piece, preventing them from fading over time.

Is There a Difference Between Keycap Profiles?

Another important detail to note in keycaps is their profile, where differences can exist in both height and shape of the keys, significantly impacting keyboard use and typing comfort.

The most common standard to encounter is the so-called OEM, used in the majority of commercial keyboards. These keycaps have a cylindrical shape, appearing straight when viewed from the side of the keyboard. Another widely used standard is the Cherry profile, which is very similar to OEM but with the distinction that the keycaps are lower in height.

The table below summarizes some of the patterns used, including those of the keycaps from AliExpress. However, it’s important to note that there are more than 10 different profiles, which have been analyzed in detail in this article on thekeeblog.

In the case of Romoral’s keycaps, they adhere to the CSA profile, featuring a spherical top that inherently brings a distinct typing experience while maintaining the concept of profiles with varying heights between keys.

What Else to Consider Before Buying a Keycap Set?

In addition to the points already mentioned, it’s essential to pay attention to a few more details. For example, the majority of keycap sets sold on AliExpress or other foreign stores are tailored to the ANSI standard. This implies that you may encounter difficulties if your keyboard follows a different standard, such as ABNT2, where keys like [Ç] may be missing. This situation could lead to the same issue observed in the keyboard used in the illustrative photos of this article.

Another crucial point to consider is the stabilizers, as most of these kits are Cherry-style. However, some slightly older keyboards may come with Costar-style stabilizers, which are not compatible with each other. That said, if someone found the keyboard used to demonstrate the keycaps peculiar, it’s because this detail was overlooked, and the incompatibility only became apparent later.

So, this AliExpress Keycap Set Worth It?

With all these considerations in mind, yes, it can be said that this Romoral kit is a good option. You get a set with 149 keycaps in the ANSI standard, therefore without [Ç], but interestingly, it includes an [ENTER] key in the shape of a boot, characterizing the ABNT standard. These keycaps are manufactured from robust PBT Doubleshot material, making them notably sturdier than the original ones found on keyboards readily available in the market.

If the goal is to customize the keyboard without breaking the bank or to replace worn-out keycaps, this can be a good alternative, available in 7 different color patterns. Of course, it’s essential to stay mindful of compatibility issues to avoid any potential frustrations.