Keycaps are your direct tactile touchpoint. The two primary materials, ABS and PBT, produce drastically distinct acoustic resonances and wear characteristics.
- PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate): Highly durable, matte textured, resistant to fingerprint oils and shine over years of heavy usage. Tends to produce a deeper, bass-heavy acoustic pitch (‘thock’).
- ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene): Yields extremely crisp legends and vibrant saturated colors, but develops a glossy patina over time.
Profiles like Cherry and OEM provide angled, sculpted rows that decrease the fingertip travel distance when reaching for numbers and function rows.
