When it comes to crafting keyboard keycaps, ABS and PBT stand out as the two most common plastic materials. ABS, dominant due to its ease of molding and recyclability, competes with PBT, which boasts enhanced durability and resistance to wear. This has led to PBT becoming the material of choice for high-quality keyboard keycaps in the current market.
These two keycap materials differ in feel, appearance, and typing sound. Let's delve into their dissimilarities to help you better understand which keycaps might align with your preferences, with the assistance of KZZI.
First, let's explore PBT Keycaps:
Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT):
PBT is also a thermoplastic, but it possesses a semi-crystalline structure, making it stronger and more heat-resistant than ABS. It is mainly used inside electronic appliances to better withstand internal heat and electricity (All of KZZI's keyboards feature PBT keycaps, enhancing durability and overall typing experience!).
Pros of PBT:
- Hardness and Density: PBT is known for its hardness and density, making it thicker, stronger, and more durable than ABS.
- Oil and Chemical Resistance: PBT exhibits resistance to oil and chemicals, less likely to develop a greasy appearance.
Cons of PBT:
- Manufacturing Challenges: PBT is more expensive and challenging to mold than ABS, posing more manufacturing challenges for PBT keycaps.
- Coloring and Light Transmittance: PBT's coloring and light transmittance are not as good as ABS, making it harder to achieve the desired brightness and color saturation.
Now, let's uncover ABS Keycaps:
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS):
ABS is a thermoplastic polymer with a low melting point, making it easy to mold and reshape. Its recyclability adds to its convenience, and it finds widespread use in products with plastic exteriors, such as toys, mice, keyboards, and more.
Pros of ABS:
- Low Density: ABS plastics have low density, making them easy to process and color during manufacturing, commonly used for crafting keyboard keycaps.
- Aesthetic Appeal: ABS keycaps boast an attractive appearance. The production process results in a fine and smooth keycap surface while remaining within an affordable price range.
Cons of ABS:
- Prone to Wear: Being softer, ABS keycaps tend to wear out more quickly over time, and the glossy finish may become shiny and sticky to the touch.
- Glossy Appearance: ABS's softness can lead to a glossy appearance, especially in frequently used areas, impacting the overall look and feel.
Which Keycaps are Best for You?
Both ABS and PBT keycap materials have unique traits, and the choice depends on your priorities. Generally, PBT is considered better for long-term use, resisting wear and greasiness, and suitable for individuals with sweatier hands. ABS keycaps, on the other hand, offer more vivid color options and a silky, skin-like touch, better suited for those seeking a more fun flair in their desk setup. Whatever your preferences, consider the manufacturing techniques we've mentioned, as different materials significantly impact keycap quality. Be cautious, as there are instances of subpar and cheap PBT keycaps with extremely low PBT content that might even be worse than ABS.
Personal Insights:
When choosing keycap materials, overall, PBT keycaps hold a relative advantage over ABS keycaps. Their durability, resistance to wear and oil resistance make them an ideal choice for long-term usage. While PBT keycaps come with a higher price tag, the superior performance might make the investment more worthwhile for consumers.
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