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geekhack Community => Keyboard Keycaps => Topic started by: jcoffin1981 on Sun, 07 November 2021, 16:50:09

Title: PBT vs ABS
Post by: jcoffin1981 on Sun, 07 November 2021, 16:50:09
I really prefer PBT keycaps.  I like the texture, the feeling of actuation, and the sound. However, as far as asthetics go, there are some really nice GMK caps.  I have never owned quality, thick, ABS before.  I would really like GMK Nord, Dracula, or Samurai, but I'm worried that I won't like the texture or sound.  Does the thicker ABS still smooth out and get that greasy feeling?  Does it still have that cheap, hollow, clacking sound?  Is there anyone who prefers ABS and if so, why?
Title: Re: PBT vs ABS
Post by: MIGHTY CHICKEN on Sun, 07 November 2021, 16:52:35
I'm not sure I can answer the first 2 questions, but from trying both PBT and ABS, I generally prefer a smoother feeling, while KAT/KAM do scratch that itch, most PBT has a "sandy" feeling almost which I don't really like so I stick to either ABS or smoother profiles
Title: Re: PBT vs ABS
Post by: treeleaf64 on Sun, 07 November 2021, 16:59:15
Pre-shined, new GMK is really nice to type on... unfortunately, it goes away in about a week for me. Becomes smooth and sad : (
PBT doesn't have the cheap hollow clacking sound; usually switch determine that sound.

I don't like ABS
Title: Re: PBT vs ABS
Post by: MIGHTY CHICKEN on Sun, 07 November 2021, 18:23:51
Pre-shined, new GMK is really nice to type on... unfortunately, it goes away in about a week for me. Becomes smooth and sad : (
PBT doesn't have the cheap hollow clacking sound; usually switch determine that sound.

I don't like ABS

hello tree, new gmk is very nice, personally I think smoother shinier better, even though GMK is rough kinda, ABS makes it feel smooth which is nice
Title: Re: PBT vs ABS
Post by: MIGHTY CHICKEN on Sun, 07 November 2021, 18:34:06
Then again, it could be that texture preference is just me being used to it. There was a time when I think I liked PBT, and ABS felt weird to touch
Title: Re: PBT vs ABS
Post by: jcoffin1981 on Sun, 07 November 2021, 20:22:05
Pre-shined, new GMK is really nice to type on... unfortunately, it goes away in about a week for me. Becomes smooth and sad : (
PBT doesn't have the cheap hollow clacking sound; usually switch determine that sound.

On a board with very cheap ABS, like the standard dell keyboard that shipped with every Dell purchase for like 10 years; it will have a very unpleasant sound.
Title: Re: PBT vs ABS
Post by: Hyperdimension on Sun, 21 November 2021, 06:19:24
my gmk definitely does get that greasy feeling after a while, but a quick wipe fixes it.
Title: Re: PBT vs ABS
Post by: Surefoot on Sun, 21 November 2021, 07:44:58
Texture is defined by the mold. There are completely shiny PBT keycaps, KAM glossy sets come to mind for example.
Title: Re: PBT vs ABS
Post by: treeleaf64 on Sun, 21 November 2021, 08:28:02
Texture is defined by the mold. There are completely shiny PBT keycaps, KAM glossy sets come to mind for example.


Yes, and PBT wears a lot slower. Therefore textured ABS will not last as long as textured PBT as it wears down with finger oils