geekhack
geekhack Community => Keyboard Keycaps => Topic started by: vision-quest on Fri, 17 May 2019, 22:10:18
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How does the EnjoyPBT version compare in feel and color to the GMK version? Hoping to pick one up but would like some comparisons from someone who has checked out both before I pull the trigger :thumb:
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I can not speak to that set, specifically, but PBT to GMK is primarily different in sound, feel and price. epbt is a bit more texture and has more of a "grip". It will not shine near as fast as GMK will. GMK can shine within the first month with heavy use. The epbt should be a bit cheaper as well. Right now market value on GMK 9009 would most likely be over $200.00(I could be wrong on that).
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IMO GMK ABS has a deeper typing sound vs EPBT and the double shot legends are razor sharp. I've read some reviews that point out EPBT caps are excessively textured and many prefer the smoother texture of OG Cherry PBT. It all comes down to opinion and budget. The EPBT 9009 set is still going to be very nice and due to availability I would just go with that for now.
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EPBT color isn't as "crisp" because the PBT isn't glossy. And the legends aren't as clean and sharp either.
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I much prefer GMK's ABS to any PBT keycap set, but the price difference and lack of availability for GMK 9009 means the EPBT set is usually the more attractive option.
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ePBT > GMK.
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The difference is huge because of the difference in materials and construction.
I've been running ePBT 9009 and some GMK keys side-by-side on a switch-testing keyboard all week.
Feel-wise, the GMK feels more plasticy, in a 1990s ABS way.
The ePBT feels creamy and smooth. They have a little more coarseness at first, but it smooths out to near-GMK texture. But the cap surfaces are creamier.
The ePBT is also lower-pitched.
Appearance-wise, the GMK keycaps will be more consistent, brighter, and more lively.
The ePBT is a little rough-around-the-edges, with some flaring at the bottoms of the keycaps. You might have to take a file to some of them, or something. Spacebars and large modifiers may or may not have warping. [Fortunately, it ships with multiple spacebars and other modifiers, so you're bound to get at least one of them right].
If you're going for PBT feel, go ePBT. If you want classic GMK appearance, go with them. It's as simple as that.
Ultimately, GMK produces a more consistent product, with more vivid colours. I assume they are more accurate to the original 9009.
ePBT shoehorned the 9009 colourway into its existing processes, which happen to focus on beige and white keys. [They just had to add some green and pinkish keys].
I find that the ePBT white is 'off-white,' like eggshells or cream. I like it, personally, and it goes with the decor where I am.
But if you're in a brightly-lit modern office, GMK would probably be better. ePBT is more subdued.
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Thanks everyone, very helpful.