How to Choose Keycaps for Your Mechanical Keyboard

Why Keycaps Matter

Keycaps are one of the most visible and tactile parts of your mechanical keyboard. The right set can elevate your desk aesthetic, improve typing feel, and express your personal style. But with so many options out there, where do you start?

1. Understand Keycap Profiles

The profile refers to the shape and height of the keycap. Common profiles include:

  • OEM – The most common profile, slightly sculpted and found on most stock keyboards.
  • Cherry – Shorter than OEM with a more pronounced sculpt. A favourite among enthusiasts.
  • SA – Tall, spherical tops with a retro typewriter feel. Great for aesthetics.
  • XDA / MOA – Flat, uniform profiles ideal for a clean, modern look.
  • DSA – Low-profile and uniform, popular for compact and 60% keyboards.

2. Check Compatibility

Most keycaps use a Cherry MX stem (cross-shaped), which is compatible with the vast majority of mechanical switches. If you're using Alps, Topre, or low-profile switches, you'll need to look for keycaps specifically designed for those.

Also check your keyboard's layout — 60%, TKL, and full-size boards have different key counts and sizes. Make sure the keycap set includes all the keys you need, especially for non-standard bottom rows.

3. Choose Your Material

  • ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) – Smooth, vibrant colours, but can develop shine over time.
  • PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate) – More durable, textured feel, and resistant to shine. Generally preferred by enthusiasts.

4. Consider the Legend Style

Legends are the characters printed on the keycaps. The method affects durability:

  • Pad printing – Cheapest, wears off quickly.
  • Laser etching – More durable but can look faded.
  • Dye-sublimation – Legends are infused into the plastic — very durable, but only works on lighter coloured caps.
  • Double-shot – Two layers of plastic moulded together. The most durable option — legends never fade.

5. Match Your Aesthetic

Finally, think about your desk setup. Are you going for a retro, pastel, dark mode, or minimalist look? Keycaps are one of the easiest ways to tie your workspace together. Browse colourways that complement your desk mat, case, and monitor setup.

Ready to Shop?

At RetroDeskStudio, we curate keycap sets that blend premium quality with standout aesthetics. Whether you're building your first custom keyboard or upgrading an existing one, we've got a set that fits your vibe.

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