keycap textures, imsto vs gmk doubleshot...

[fishcola]

I know that this is a loaded question since it comes down to personal preference.... But I figured I'd ask:
People love PBT, people love thick PBT, yet people love the pretty legends on double shot caps from what i understand as well. All I have to work with is experience using Model M's and WASD's abs keycaps on my CODE tkl. I would like better keycap texture than what I'm working with... but I find myself getting seduced by the GMK DS legends at the same time!

Right now, I'm torn between investing in a set of blank grey imsto pbt caps, or saving up for a gmk set. I know the gmk set will look really really pretty, but will it be disappointing in terms of texture? I use mx greens and sometimes, i suspect that the strong spring and the abs combine to cause my fingers to slip, specifically when reaching for modifiers... so I'm torn. could you guys provide some insight?

[fishcola]

hmm. no responses because it's a subjective question? hope I wasn't rude... I know there are posts that talk about this, but could anyone please let me know if gmk ds has a higher-friction texture than stock abs?

[awhitedev]

I do not own an imsto or gmk set (yet) but I do own several other types sets in both PBT and ABS. I will soon own GMK Hyper Fuse and one of the reasons I bought it is because I actually prefer textured keycaps. From what I understand... GMK caps have a nice texture to them. I think that's part of the reason that they tend to not shine as quickly as other ABS sets.

[Poplicola]

A keyboard with thin, shiny abs caps w/ worn-off legends is just sad.

I have a few sets of GMK caps and they are gorgeous. I use them with a couple CM QFR TKLs and a couple of WASD TKLs. They are slightly textured but they will get shiny. Nonetheless, for keys with legends on the top, GMK double-shot is the way to go; for even shiny, they look good. 

I also have a Poker II with thick PBT caps.  Texture is more pronounced on the PBT and I wonder if they even wear. So if texture is a "gotta have" factor long term that's where you want to go.  To get legends and max texture, perhaps side-printed PBT would be an option.

Either way there's no replacement for displacement, thick ABS or thick PBT caps definitely.

I learned to type on a manual typewriter in the Jurassic period so I poke keys and bottom-out all the time.  Over time, I haven't had trouble slipping off GMKs.  I wonder if slipping, like fatigue, depends on whether or not one types wrists up or wrists resting.

[fishcola]

haha, no replacement for displacement indeed! I think I'll play it safe and start at thick pbt. I'm fairly certain that some doubleshots will find their way in my life down the road .

[ideus]

You should try GMK or OG Cherry double shots to understand what is a really good typing experience, you will not find, with any other type of cap. Even you are now after textured caps. If what you want under your fingers is a rough texture get thick PBT. ABS double shots will be eventually shiny, like old wine, they will be even better, for the connoisseur.