Guide to Mechanical Keyboard Keycaps
For a more in-depth guide to mechanical keyboards in general, please consult the r/mk wiki.
What are Mechanical Keyboards?
Most keyboards manufactured in recent times utilize rubber dome switches underneath each key to register when a key is pressed. This is a very low-cost solution, and such keyboards aren’t terribly enjoyable to type on.
“Mechanical” keyboards on the other hand use switches which work on mechanical principles, such as the buckling or contraction of a metal spring. Such keyboards are usually more expensive than their rubber dome counterparts, but infinitely more pleasant to use and generally last far longer.
Different keycaps are compatible with different mechanical switches
Keypress Graphics sells keycaps usable only on mechanical keyboards, but its important to recognize most keycaps can only be mounted on one type of mechanical switch, and there are a variety of switch choices available.
Cherry MX, Topre and IBM Buckling Spring are the most common switches being manufactured these days, and Keypress Graphics sells keycaps to suit each of these. Although keycaps are designed to fit only one type of switch, all the keys on each mechanical keyboard will use the same type for key-mounting purposes so each keycap can essentially replace any key the user desires.
Keycap row and what it means
For 3D “Artisan” keycaps that is generally where compatibility issues end, but for flat keycaps there are two more factors to consider – Row and Profile.
Profile affect the way flat keycaps are sculpted, while Row designates which row of the keyboard the keycap is designed to be placed in. Row 1 is generally the front row containing the spacebar while Row 4 is the back row including the ESC and Function keys. Rows are generally abbreviated to “R1”, “R4” and so on. Row is not a concern for artisan keycaps because they are invariably designed to be placed in the back row.
Flat keycaps come in different profiles
A flat keycap’s profile affects the general shape of the key. Keys may be flatter in some profiles and more concave in others, taller or shorter, or the shape of their top face may vary. Although it is perfectly possible to mix & match flat keycaps of various profiles so long as they all fit the same type of switch, this is generally not ideal and most users ensure all flat keys on their keyboard use the same profile.
In most cases Profile is not a concern for Topre & Buckling Spring users since virtually all Topre keys use the same profile, with the same true for Buckling Spring. Cherry MX users have more choices and will want to take care that any flat keys they add match the Profile of their existing set.
Keycaps are made from different materials
Keycaps are manufactured using various methods in an assortment of materials, but their material type does not affect their switch compatibility. Almost all flat keycaps are mass-produced in large factories in either ABS or PBT plastic, or in rare cases metal. Artisan keycaps represent a niche market and are most commonly hand-casted in resin, although an increasing number are being 3D printed.
PBT plastic is generally preferable to ABS for flat keycaps because it is harder-wearing and generally feels sturdier to type on. For artisans, resin is probably the ideal material with 3D printed frosted plastic not far behind. 3D printed nylon is a poor choice due to its rough finish, while metal keycaps are generally not popular due to their added cost.