Keycaps
A keycap is a small cover that sits on top of the individual keys on a keyboard. They are typically made of plastic but can also be made from metal, wood, or even resin. Keycaps have two main functions:
- Protection: They protect the underlying key switch from dust, dirt, and other debris.
- Identification: They display the letter, number, symbol, or function that the key represents.
Keyboard Keycap
- Metal: Metal keycaps are very durable, but they can also be quite expensive and heavy.
- Wood: Wood keycaps can add a unique and stylish look to a keyboard, but they are not as durable as plastic or metal keycaps.
- Resin: Resin keycaps can be made in a wide variety of colors and styles, but they can also be quite expensive.
- Cherry profile: This is the most common profile, and it is considered to be a good all-around option for most typists.
- OEM profile: This profile is similar to the Cherry profile, but it is slightly taller.
- SA profile: This profile is known for its spherical shape, which some users find to be very comfortable to type on.
- DSA profile: This profile is a uniform profile, which means that all of the keycaps are the same height.
Here's a close-up image of a keyboard keycap:
Materials:
The most common material for keycaps is ABS plastic. It is relatively inexpensive, durable, and can be easily molded into different shapes. However, ABS keycaps can become shiny and smooth over time, and they are susceptible to fading, especially if exposed to sunlight.
Another popular material is PBT plastic. It is more expensive than ABS, but it is also more durable and less prone to shining or fading. PBT keycaps also have a slightly rougher texture, which some users find more comfortable to type on.
Other materials that are sometimes used for keycaps include:
Profiles:
Keycaps also come in a variety of profiles, which refers to the shape of the top of the keycap. The most common profiles include:
Customization:
Keycaps are one of the easiest ways to customize a keyboard. They are available in a wide variety of colors, styles, and profiles to suit any taste. Some users even create their own custom keycaps using 3D printing or other methods.