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geekhack Community => Keyboard Keycaps => Topic started by: Snarfangel on Mon, 27 April 2015, 13:42:47

Title: How do polycarbonate keycaps compare to ABS, PBT, and POM?
Post by: Snarfangel on Mon, 27 April 2015, 13:42:47
I've tried ABS and PBT (and like most people, prefer the latter), and I've ordered a set of POM keycaps to try out because I was curious about their feel. I've even tried PVC on a Dell keyboard (at least, I think it was PVC -- it felt different than either ABS or PBT, but kind of nice).

So...how do polycarbonate keycaps sound and feel when you type away on a keyboard? About the same as one of the other materials, or different? Any advantages other than transparency? Or any disadvantages that come to mind?

I was wondering because MassDrop is offering a polycarbonate keycap set geared toward LED enthusiast, and I didn't know if it would be worthwhile to try in a non-LED board.

Title: Re: How do polycarbonate keycaps compare to ABS, PBT, and POM?
Post by: nightdriver on Mon, 27 April 2015, 14:46:59
i'm actually typing on that exact set right now on a non-LED board.  they do feel different than either PBT or ABS, but i'm not sure exactly how to explain it.  the feel is, hmm, a little firmer, i guess i'd say?  i rather like them, the texture is pretty nice.  they look real good on a non-LED board too.

i think maxkeyboards has a set of just the arrow keys you could get to try out before you go all-in, but the massdrop will probably be over before you receive them.
Title: Re: How do polycarbonate keycaps compare to ABS, PBT, and POM?
Post by: nightdriver on Mon, 27 April 2015, 14:47:48
oh, i should add that they're not terribly thick, so if you're somebody who needs thick keycaps you probably wouldn't like them.
Title: Re: How do polycarbonate keycaps compare to ABS, PBT, and POM?
Post by: burn1nsun on Sat, 02 May 2015, 13:56:58
I wonder whats the best kind of material there is, that people don't even probably know about.
Title: Re: How do polycarbonate keycaps compare to ABS, PBT, and POM?
Post by: absyrd on Sat, 02 May 2015, 13:59:57
I wonder whats the best kind of material there is, that people don't even probably know about.