From above, they look identical. The same shape, the same letter, the same function. And yet two keyboards with identical switches can sound completely different, light up in a different way, and wear at a completely different rate. The secret lies in what the keycaps are made of – PBT or ABS. Three letters versus three, and you can feel the difference from the very first use.
Let’s see where this contrast comes from.
PBT – durability, texture and a deeper sound
PBT, or polybutylene terephthalate, sounds like something straight out of a chemistry textbook, but you can feel the effect of using it immediately under your fingertips. The material is denser, harder and thicker than the cheaper plastics used in budget keyboards. Its surface has a naturally matte, slightly rough finish that provides a more secure grip and retains its texture through thousands of hours of use.
A key feature of PBT is its resistance to so-called shine, the glossy effect that appears on keys due to friction. PBT keycaps usually retain their matte finish for much longer, and this is not a marketing claim but a physical property of the material. PBT simply absorbs less moisture, is more chemically resistant and withstands higher temperatures without changes to its surface structure.
That durability does come at a price. The material is harder to mould, so the choice of colours is usually more limited. You will most often find it in muted shades that suit its raw, technical character. In practice, this means a keyboard that feels more solid, sounds deeper and keeps its appearance for many years.
ABS – colours, backlighting and a lighter character
Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene is a plastic known, among other things, from LEGO bricks. There is a reason for that: ABS is softer, easier to mould and takes vivid colours better. Keycaps made from this material have a characteristic smooth sheen – their surface feels more slippery, which for some people means faster finger movement and for others a less secure grip.
One of the biggest advantages of ABS is better light transmission. Thin walls and a less dense structure make RGB lighting look more intense and colours appear cleaner. If the keyboard is meant to be the main lighting accent on your desk, ABS clearly wins this contest.
However, it is not a material without drawbacks, and there is no point pretending otherwise. Over time, the surface starts to polish, and the most heavily used keys – the space bar, WASD or arrow keys – develop extra shine after prolonged regular use. For some, that is the natural patina of their gear; for others, it is a sign that it is time to order a new set of keycaps.
Keyboard sound also depends on the keycaps
The sound associated with keycaps is an aspect that is very often overlooked when comparing keyboards. Yet the keycap material affects acoustics almost as much as the switches or the case construction.
Thicker, denser PBT dampens higher frequencies and emphasises lower tones. The mechanical keyboard community calls this effect thock – a deep, full sound that many users today consider the benchmark for a good-sounding keyboard.
ABS keycaps produce a more pronounced and sharper sound. Thinner walls reinforce higher frequencies, creating the characteristic clack. That does not mean they sound worse – they simply offer a completely different character.
RGB backlighting – when the material makes a difference
RGB fans should be aware that classic PBT keycaps with solid walls let less light through than ABS. The legends remain readable, but the key itself glows much more subtly.
The answer came in the form of Pudding keycaps, in which the upper section is made from PBT and the lower section from a translucent material. This lets the light escape through the sides, creating a characteristic glow without giving up the durability of PBT.
Good examples are the ENDORFY PBT Pudding Onyx White sets and the classic ENDORFY PBT Pudding. They combine the durability of Double Shot technology with a lighting effect that until recently was associated mainly with ABS keycaps.
Legend durability – the material is only half the story
The material alone does not determine keycap durability. The way the legends are made is just as important.
- Double Shot – two layers of plastic moulded together. The character is part of the keycap, so it is practically impossible to wear it off.
- Dye-sublimation – dye penetrates the PBT structure under high temperature. A very durable method, although it offers fewer colour options.
- Laser etching – the legend is applied with a laser. Durable, but usually less contrasting.
- Pad printing – a classic surface print. The cheapest and least durable solution.
That is why, when choosing keycaps, it is worth paying attention not only to the material but also to the technology used to make the legends. The combination of PBT and Double Shot (used in most ENDORFY keyboards, by the way) is now regarded as one of the best standards on the market.
Summary
When choosing a keyboard, it is easy to focus on switches, backlighting or the key layout. Yet the keycaps are the part you touch with every keystroke. That is why it is worth paying attention not only to what is under the key, but also to the keycap itself. Sometimes it is the part that changes the everyday keyboard experience the most.
