Tired of ABS and PBT keycaps? Want to explore more about other keycap materials that you might like? We got you covered! We will be going through some exotic keycap materials that you can find.

Metal

Source: hirosarts

Metal keycaps provide maximum durability and luxurious appearance. These keycaps are made from various types of metal such as aluminum, brass, stainless steel, zinc alloy, or titanium. So this results in the keycaps feeling really solid when typing. That being said, metal keycaps are hard to find and often times very expensive. The keycaps also easily get cold or hot due to the low heat capacity values of metal. This is not necessarily bad as some might appreciate the cold or hot sensation when typing.

Source: hirosarts

Additionally, metal keycaps produce a heavier and more resonant sound which some enthusiasts might enjoy. You will also need to mod or swap switches to accommodate the increased weight of the metal keycaps. You can find high quality metal keycaps on the awekeys website.

POM

Source: hirosarts

POM keycaps are similarly smooth like ABS but less prone to wear. These keycaps provide a silky texture and are translucent which allow RGB shine through. There are no legends on POM keycaps so it contributes to a cleaner keyboard look. However, POM keycaps can lead to slower typing as some people are not used to the slippery feel of the keycaps and tend to slide their fingers across keys.

Source: hirosarts

Additionally, POM keycaps provide softer and thocky sound. They are also generally more expensive than ABS keycaps. All in all, POM keycaps are great for those who are seeking for a distinct typing experience different from the common ABS and PBT keycaps.

PVC

If you are looking for exotic keycaps but on a budget, then you have come to the right place. PVC is a synthetic plastic material known for its flexibility and affordability. PVC keycaps can be produced in various shapes and forms, allowing for customizations which otherwise cannot be achieved using other materials. Due to the nature of PVC being sensitive to high temperature, it is one of the least durable among other materials.

Clay

Source: hirosarts

Clay keycaps are intricate and have artistic designs as they are exquisitely handcrafted. You can even make your own clay keycaps as the material can be easily shaped. However, these keycaps can break easily because clay is soft and can break apart. Clay keycaps are also expensive as they are handmade.

Resin

Source: hirosarts

Resin keycaps are handcrafted by artisans and produced in a small scale which makes them artistic and unique. These keycaps are also highly customizable as various elements can be embedded into the resin. They also support RGB shine through as they are often translucent or semi-transparent, further enhancing the design. Not only are resin keycaps visually stunning, these keycaps also feel smooth and glossy when typing. 

Wooden

Source: hirosarts

Wooden keycaps are made of various types of wood like walnut, cherry, rosewood or bamboo. Their rustic and natural aesthetics make them stand out from other common plastic material. Wooden keycaps are heavier compared to regular keycaps and require more care and maintenance as they are susceptible to damage from moisture.

Ceramic

Ceramic keycaps are made of alumina ceramic which makes them resistant to impact and do not rust or degrade easily. However, ceramic keycaps require regular cleaning as the surface is a fingerprint magnet. Ceramic stem holders are stiff which makes installing keycaps harder. All in all, these are great for those who want durable and impact-resistant keycaps. You can find high quality ceramic keycaps on the cerakey website.

Key-takeaway:

• There are upsides and downsides to using exotic material keycaps. It's all down to personal preference.
• DM @thekapco if you have any questions.