Where to Buy Keycaps That Fit Your Mechanical Keyboard

When it comes to mechanical keyboards, where precision meets personalization, keycaps play a vital role. These small but essential components are not merely the tools with which we type; they are the means through which we infuse our keyboards with character, style, and functionality.

In this article, we will unravel the world of keycaps, delving into the factors to consider when choosing them and discovering the diverse sources where you can find keycaps that transform your mechanical keyboard into a unique and personalized masterpiece. Whether you want to upgrade your keyboard, seek classic profiles, artisanal creations, or themed designs, the world of keycaps offers something for every keyboard enthusiast. 

Introduction

The Keycaps for mechanical keyboards are removable, individual covers that sit on top of the switches of a mechanical keyboard. They are an essential component of a keyboard as they are the part that you press when typing. Keycaps serve both functional and aesthetic purposes in the context of mechanical keyboards:

1. Functionality: Keycaps play a crucial role in how you interact with your mechanical keyboard. Different keycap profiles (shapes) and materials can significantly affect the typing experience. Keycap profiles, such as Cherry, OEM, SA, and DSA, determine the shape and height of the keycaps, which can impact the ergonomics and feel of typing.
2. Customization: One of the most prominent features of mechanical keyboards is their high degree of customization, and keycaps are a central part of this. Users can swap out keycaps to change the keyboard's appearance, feel, and functionality. This customization allows for unique and personalized keyboard designs.
3. Aesthetics: Keycaps come in a wide variety of colors, designs, and materials, allowing users to personalize their keyboard's appearance. Many enthusiasts use keycaps as a form of self-expression, incorporating themes or colors they enjoy.
4. Durability: High-quality keycaps are often more durable than the stock keycaps that come with some mechanical keyboards. This durability ensures that key legends (letters, numbers, symbols) do not wear off quickly with use.
5. Artisan Keycaps: Some mechanical keyboard enthusiasts collect artisan keycaps, which are unique, handcrafted keycaps with intricate designs. These are often considered collector's items and can be quite valuable.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Keycaps That Fit Your Mechanical Keyboard

As you delve into the world of custom keycaps, it's crucial to consider a few compatibility factors for your keyboard. Taking these important factors into account ensures that you select the right set that suits your preferences and needs. Here are the key factors to keep in mind:

1. Keycap Material
   • ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene): Commonly used for keycaps, ABS offers a smooth and shiny finish but is more prone to wear and shine over time.
   • PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate): PBT keycaps are known for their durability and resistance to wear, providing a matte texture that resists shining.
   • POM (Polyoxymethylene): POM keycaps are durable, smooth, and resistant to wear, making them a good choice for those who prefer a smooth feel.
2. Keycap Profile
   • Different profiles, such as Cherry, OEM, SA, and DSA, offer varying keycap shapes and heights, affecting typing comfort and ergonomics. Try different profiles to find the one that suits your typing style.
3. Keycap Legends
   • Consider whether you want keycaps with printed legends, etched legends, or blank keycaps, depending on your typing proficiency and aesthetic preferences.
   • Double-shot keycaps have legends that are physically molded into the keycap, ensuring durability and longevity.
4. Compatibility
   • Ensure that the keycap set is compatible with your keyboard's layout (e.g., ANSI, ISO) and switch type (e.g., Cherry MX, Topre). Some layouts, like split or ortholinear keyboards, may require specialized keycap sets.
5. Keycap Profile
   • Different profiles, such as Cherry, OEM, SA, and DSA, offer varying keycap shapes and heights, affecting typing comfort and ergonomics. Try different profiles to find the one that suits your typing style.
6. Aesthetic Design
   • Choose keycaps that match your preferred color scheme, theme, or style. Many keycap sets come in various colorways and designs to suit different tastes.
7. Durability
   • Consider the durability of the keycaps, especially if you type extensively. PBT and POM keycaps tend to be more durable than ABS and are less likely to develop shine over time.
8. Texture and Feel:
   • Think about the texture you prefer. PBT keycaps often have a rougher, matte texture, while ABS keycaps are smoother and shinier. The texture can affect your typing experience.
9. Backlight Compatibility
   • If your mechanical keyboard has RGB backlighting or single-color backlighting, make sure the keycaps are compatible with backlighting to allow the light to shine through.
10. Budget
    • Keycap sets can vary significantly in price. Set a budget that aligns with your preferences and needs, as high-quality and artisan keycaps can be quite expensive.
11. Customization Options
    • Some keycap sets offer additional customization options, like novelty or artisan keycaps. These can add a unique touch to your keyboard.
12. Reviews and Recommendations
    • Research and read reviews from other users to gain insights into the quality, durability, and overall satisfaction with specific keycap sets and brands.
13. Group Buys
    • Consider participating in group buys, as they often offer unique and limited-edition keycap sets at a more affordable price.

How About Keycap Sets

Whether or not to buy keycap sets for your mechanical keyboard depends on your specific preferences, needs, and goals for customization. 

Pros of Buying Keycap Sets

1. Consistency: Keycap sets are designed to match in terms of color, style, and profile. This ensures a consistent and cohesive look for your keyboard.
2. Compatibility: Keycap sets are often designed to fit standard keyboard layouts, making them easy to install without compatibility issues.
3. Customization: Keycap sets come in various colorways and themes, allowing you to personalize your keyboard's appearance to match your preferences and aesthetics.
4. Quality: Many keycap sets are made from high-quality materials like PBT, which tend to be more durable and resistant to wear than stock keycaps.
5. Options: Keycap sets often include extra keycaps for different layouts and offer a wide range of profiles, legends, and designs.
6. Ease of Purchase: Keycap sets are readily available from reputable retailers, making them accessible for keyboard enthusiasts.
   
   

Cons of Buying Keycap Sets

1. Cost: High-quality keycap sets can be relatively expensive, especially when compared to the cost of the keyboard itself.
2. Limited Availability: Some popular keycap sets may be in high demand and sold out quickly, making it challenging to find specific sets.
3. Limited Customization: While keycap sets offer customization options, they may not cater to highly specialized layouts or unique preferences.
4. Artisan Keycaps: If you're interested in collecting artisan keycaps, these are typically sold individually and may not match the theme of your keycap set.

Recommendation

Buying keycap sets is a good choice for most mechanical keyboard enthusiasts, especially if you're looking for a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing keyboard setup. These sets offer a balance between customization and ease of purchase, ensuring a quality typing experience.

However, if you have very specific layout requirements or desire a highly unique and customized look for your keyboard, you might consider mixing and matching keycaps or even exploring artisan keycaps to add a personal touch.

Ultimately, the decision should align with your goals for keyboard customization, your budget, and your willingness to invest in the look and feel of your mechanical keyboard.

Types of Keycap Profiles To Fit Your Keyboard

You'll find that keycap profiles can significantly impact your typing experience and the aesthetics of your keyboard. They're not just about looks; each profile has a unique feel, affecting the way you type. Whether you're a fan of flat or sculpted, there's something out there for everyone.

Flat profiles like DSA or XDA offer a uniform look and feel across the board. You've got the freedom to rearrange keys as you please without worrying about row-specific heights. However, if you crave contouring, consider sculpted profiles such as Cherry or OEM. These have varied heights that mimic natural finger movements when typing.

Curved Profile Keycaps

Screenshot from keycaps.info

A curved keycap profile, often referred to as a "sculpted" keycap profile, is one in which the individual keycaps have different shapes and heights across the keyboard to create a more ergonomic and comfortable typing experience. Curved keycap profiles are designed to accommodate the natural curvature of your fingers and hand positions when typing.

1. Rows: Keycaps are typically organized into rows, with each row having a distinct shape and height. The rows are usually labeled numerically, starting from the bottom row (Row 1) to the top row (Row 4 or higher, depending on the profile).
2. Row Profiles: Each row has its own unique shape. For example, the bottom row (Row 1) keycaps are often shorter and flatter, while the top row (Row 4) keycaps are taller and more rounded. The middle rows (Row 2 and Row 3) are shaped accordingly to create a smooth transition between the different heights.
3. Ergonomics: The purpose of a sculpted keycap profile is to improve typing ergonomics by reducing strain on the fingers and wrists. The varied keycap heights allow your fingers to reach keys more comfortably and naturally, reducing the need for excessive stretching or awkward hand positions.
4. Tactility: Curved keycap profiles often enhance tactile feedback by providing a more pronounced curve to the keycaps. This can help users feel the position of their fingers on the keyboard more intuitively.

Common keycap profiles that use sculpted or curved designs include:

• SA Profile: SA (Spherical All) profile is known for its spherical shape, with each row having a distinct curve. SA keycaps are often associated with a vintage typewriter look and provide a unique typing experience.
• MT3 Profile (Matt3o): MT3 is another sculpted profile designed to provide ergonomic comfort. It features a spherical shape with sculpted rows for a vintage aesthetic.
• DCS Profile (Doubleshot Curved Sculpted): DCS keycaps, while not as common as some other profiles, also feature a sculpted design with varying keycap heights.

Stepped Profile Keycaps

Screenshot from deskthority.net

A stepped keycap profile is a type of keycap design where certain rows of keys have different heights or "steps" compared to the adjacent rows. These steps create a visual and tactile distinction between the rows, making it easier for the user to identify and press the correct keys while typing.

1. Rows with Steps: Typically, the keycap rows that have steps are the bottom row (often referred to as the "spacebar row") and sometimes the top row. These rows have keycaps that are noticeably taller or shorter than the standard rows in between.
2. Tactile and Visual Guidance: Stepped keycaps serve as tactile and visual guides for the user's fingers. The different heights of the keys help users locate the home row position (usually the second row) without having to look at the keyboard.
3. Enhanced Ergonomics: By providing a clear distinction between rows, stepped keycaps can promote more ergonomic typing. Users can maintain proper hand and finger placement, reducing strain and minimizing typing errors.
4. Aesthetic Appeal: Some users appreciate the aesthetic appeal of stepped keycap profiles. They can add a unique and visually interesting aspect to a mechanical keyboard's design.

One of the most common examples of a stepped keycap profile is the SA (Spherical All) profile. SA keycap sets often include a taller spacebar row with pronounced steps, which can be aesthetically pleasing and ergonomic for some typists. SA keycaps are known for their spherical shape and sculpted rows.

Flat Profile Keycaps

Screenshot from deskthority.net

A flat keycap profile, also referred to as a "uniform" keycap profile, is a design in which all the keycaps on a mechanical keyboard have the same shape and height. Unlike sculpted keycap profiles that feature varying heights and contours across different rows of keys, flat keycap profiles maintain a consistent keycap shape and height throughout the entire keyboard.

1. Uniformity: In a flat keycap profile, each keycap has the same shape and height, regardless of its position on the keyboard. This uniformity means that all keycaps are identical in terms of their top surface.
2. Simplicity: Flat keycap profiles are known for their simple and minimalist design. They lack the sculpted curves and height variations found in many other keycap profiles.
3. Typing Feel: The typing feel on flat keycaps is consistent across the entire keyboard. Users don't experience the tactile transitions that are characteristic of sculpted profiles, which can be preferable for some typists who value consistency.
4. Aesthetics: Flat keycap profiles can offer a clean and modern appearance to a mechanical keyboard. They provide a sleek, understated look that some users find appealing.
5. Versatility: Because all keycaps have the same shape and height, flat keycap profiles are highly versatile and can be used on various keyboard layouts, including non-standard ones.

Common flat keycap profiles include:

• DSA Profile: DSA keycaps have a flat, uniform surface and are often used in ortholinear keyboards or non-standard layouts. They are well-suited for users who prefer a consistent typing feel.
• XDA Profile: XDA keycaps are similar to DSA but have a slightly larger surface area, offering a uniform typing experience across the keyboard.
• G20 Profile: G20 keycaps are extremely flat and are designed to provide a low-profile typing experience. They are known for their minimalistic appearance.

Chiclet Profile Keycaps

Screenshot from deskthority.net

A Chiclet keycap profile, often referred to as Chiclet-style or Chiclet keys, is a design commonly found on laptop keyboards and some low-profile external keyboards. Chiclet keys are named after the popular chewing gum brand "Chiclets" due to their resemblance to small, rectangular gum pieces. These keycaps have several distinctive characteristics:

1. Flat and Square: Chiclet keys are flat, square or rectangular in shape, and typically have a consistent height across the keyboard. They lack the curved or sculpted design found in traditional mechanical keyboard keycap profiles.
2. Minimal Travel: Chiclet keys have a relatively short key travel distance compared to many mechanical keyboards. The keypress tends to feel shallower, providing a different tactile experience.
3. Separated Keys: Each Chiclet key is separated from adjacent keys by a small gap or spacing, helping to reduce accidental key presses and improve accuracy.
4. Low-Profile: Chiclet-style keyboards are often associated with low-profile designs, making the keyboard itself thinner and more compact.
5. Scissor or Rubber Dome Mechanism: Most Chiclet-style keyboards use a scissor switch or rubber dome mechanism rather than mechanical switches. This contributes to the keys' shorter travel and quieter typing experience.

Common on Laptops: Chiclet keys are commonly found on laptop keyboards, including those made by Apple (MacBooks) and other laptop manufacturers. However, they are also used on some external keyboards designed for desktop use.

Chiclet-style keyboards have a sleek and modern appearance. They are often preferred by users who appreciate the low-profile design and the reduced noise compared to traditional mechanical keyboards. However, they may not provide the same tactile feedback and typing experience as mechanical keyboards with more traditional keycap profiles.

Chiclet-style keys are typically non-removable and non-customizable, which differs from the mechanical keyboard community, where keycap customization is a popular aspect of keyboard personalization.

Best Places to Buy Keycaps For Your Keyboard

You're interested in procuring the perfect keycaps for your keyboard, and there's a multitude of options to explore.

Amazon

Amazon is one of the best places to find keycaps for your keyboard. Being the biggest online store in the world, it's easy to get quality keycaps. 

1. Wide Selection: Amazon offers a vast and diverse selection of products, including keycap sets and accessories. You can find keycaps in various profiles, materials, colors, and designs, catering to various preferences.
2. User Reviews: Amazon provides user reviews and ratings for products, allowing you to read about the experiences of other customers who have purchased the same keycaps. These reviews can provide valuable insights into the quality, compatibility, and overall satisfaction with the product.
3. Prime Membership Benefits: If you have an Amazon Prime membership, you can benefit from free or expedited shipping on eligible keycap sets. This can save you time and money on shipping costs.
4. Easy Returns: Amazon has a user-friendly return policy, making it relatively hassle-free to return or exchange keycaps if they do not meet your expectations or if there are any issues with the product.
5. Trust and Reliability: Amazon is a well-established and trusted online marketplace with a reputation for reliability and customer service. This can provide peace of mind when making a purchase.
6. Variety of Sellers: While Amazon itself sells a wide range of products, it also allows third-party sellers to offer keycap sets. This means you may find unique and niche keycap sets from various sellers.
7. Competitive Pricing: Due to the competitive nature of the Amazon marketplace, you can often find keycap sets at competitive prices, potentially saving you money compared to other retailers.
8. Convenience: Amazon's website and mobile app make it easy to browse, compare, and purchase keycaps from the comfort of your home.

Etsy

Etsy is a popular online marketplace known for its unique and handmade products, making it a good place to find keycaps that fit your mechanical keyboard:

1. Artisan Keycaps: Etsy is home to numerous artisan keycap makers who craft unique, custom, and handcrafted custom keycap sets. These artisans often produce one-of-a-kind or limited-edition keycap designs you may not find elsewhere.
2. Customization: Many Etsy sellers offer custom keycap design and customization services. This allows you to create keycaps tailored to your specific preferences, including colors, materials, and even personalized engravings.
3. Unique Designs: You can discover many creative and artistic keycap designs on Etsy, including themes inspired by pop culture, gaming, and various artistic styles. If you're looking for keycaps with a unique flair, Etsy is a great platform to explore.
4. Supporting Small Businesses: Purchasing from Etsy supports independent artists and small businesses. Many artisan keycap makers are passionate individuals or small teams who put great care and craftsmanship into their work.
5. Handmade Quality: Artisan keycaps on Etsy are often handcrafted with attention to detail, ensuring high-quality and unique pieces.
6. Community Engagement: Some Etsy sellers actively engage with the mechanical keyboard community, sharing their work and participating in discussions and forums. This can provide you with valuable insights and opportunities to connect with artisans.
7. Custom Orders: Etsy sellers may be open to custom orders and collaborations, allowing you to create a set of keycaps that perfectly matches your vision for your keyboard.
8. Reviews and Ratings: Etsy provides reviews and ratings for sellers, enabling you to assess the reputation and reliability of individual keycap makers. You can read about the experiences of previous customers.
9. Secure Transactions: Etsy provides secure payment processing and buyer protection, ensuring a safe and trustworthy shopping experience.
10. International Options: Many Etsy sellers offer international shipping, making it possible for customers around the world to access unique keycap designs.

Hirosart

If you're into custom modding, Hirosart's got some of the most distinctive artisan pieces out there to give that personal touch. Hirosart is a relatively new and niche artisan keycap maker or retailer specializing in custom and handcrafted keycaps that fit your keyboard. 

1. Unique Artistry: Artisan keycap makers often create unique and artistic designs that set their products apart from mass-produced keycaps. Hirosart may offer a range of creative and distinctive keycap designs.
2. Handcrafted Quality: Artisan custom keycaps are typically handmade or produced in small batches, ensuring a level of craftsmanship and attention to detail that may be hard to find in mass-produced keycaps.
3. Customization: Some artisan keycap makers, including Hirosart, may offer customization options, allowing you to tailor keycaps to your preferred color schemes, themes, or even personalized engravings.
4. Limited Editions: Artisan keycaps are often released in limited quantities, making them collectible items for keyboard enthusiasts. Hirosart may offer unique limited-edition keycap sets.
5. Community Engagement: Artisan keycap makers often engage with the mechanical keyboard community, sharing their work, participating in discussions, and collaborating with other enthusiasts.
6. Supporting Independent Artists: Buying from artisans like Hirosart supports independent artists and small businesses, contributing to the growth of the mechanical keyboard community.
7. Hand-Painted Details: Some artisan keycaps feature intricate hand-painted details, providing a level of artistry and customization that can be highly appealing.
8. Quality Materials: Artisan keycap makers typically use high-quality materials, such as resin, to ensure the durability and longevity of their keycaps.
9. Buyer Reviews: If available, you can read reviews and feedback from previous customers to gauge the quality and satisfaction level of Hirosart's products.
10. Secure Transactions: Reputable artisan keycap makers often use secure payment processing methods and offer buyer protection to ensure a safe and reliable shopping experience.

Drop

Drop, formerly known as Massdrop, is a well-known and reputable online marketplace for enthusiasts of various hobbies and interests, including mechanical gaming keyboards.

1. Curated Selection: Drop offers a curated selection of keycap sets, often featuring high-quality and unique designs. These keycaps are carefully chosen based on their quality, aesthetics, and appeal to the mechanical keyboard community.
2. Collaborations: Drop frequently collaborates with keycap designers and manufacturers to produce exclusive and limited-edition keycap sets. These collaborations can result in one-of-a-kind keycap designs that are highly sought after by enthusiasts.
3. Group Buys: Drop is known for organizing group buys for keycap sets. Group buys allow enthusiasts to purchase keycaps at a discounted price by committing to a bulk order. This can be an excellent way to access unique keycap designs and save money.
4. Community Engagement: Drop actively engages with the mechanical keyboard community. They often seek input from enthusiasts, host discussions, and provide a platform for community members to suggest and vote on products they'd like to see available on the platform.
5. User Reviews: Drop's website features user reviews and ratings for products, giving you valuable insights into the quality and satisfaction level of keycap sets based on the experiences of other buyers.
6. Collaborative Projects: Drop sometimes collaborates with well-known designers and artisans in the mechanical keyboard community, resulting in innovative and highly desirable keycap sets.
7. Exclusive Drops: The platform occasionally offers exclusive drops or pre-orders for in-demand keycap sets, providing an opportunity to secure popular designs that may be challenging to find elsewhere.
8. Community and Forums: Drop has an active community section and forums where mechanical keyboard enthusiasts can discuss products, share experiences, and seek advice from fellow members.
9. Secure Transactions: Drop provides secure payment processing and buyer protection, ensuring a safe and trustworthy shopping experience.
10. International Shipping: Drop offers international shipping, making it accessible to customers around the world.

KPRepublic

You'll be able to find lots of keycaps at KPRepublic. KPRepublic (sometimes abbreviated as KPR) is an online retailer that specializes in mechanical keyboard components and accessories, including keycaps. 

1. Diverse Selection: KPRepublic typically offers a wide range of keycap sets and key sizes in various profiles, materials, colors, and designs. This diversity allows you to find keycaps that match your specific preferences and aesthetics.
2. Affordable Options: KPRepublic often provides keycap sets at competitive price points, making them accessible for budget-conscious mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
3. Compatibility: Keycap sets available on KPRepublic are usually designed to be compatible with popular keyboard layouts and switch types, ensuring a hassle-free buying experience.
4. Customization: Some keycap sets on KPRepublic may offer customization options. You can choose keycap colors and styles that suit your preferences.
5. International Shipping: KPRepublic typically offers international shipping, making it possible for customers around the world to purchase their products.
6. Group Buys: KPRepublic sometimes hosts group buys for keycap sets. This allows you to join bulk orders and secure keycaps at discounted prices. Group buys can be an excellent way to access unique and limited-edition designs.
7. Additional Accessories: In addition to keycaps, KPRepublic may offer other mechanical keyboard accessories and components, such as switches, keyboard stabilizers, and cases, allowing you to source multiple items in one place.
8. User Reviews: Check for user reviews and ratings on KPRepublic's website or other platforms to gauge the quality and satisfaction level of keycap sets based on the experiences of other buyers.
9. Responsive Customer Service: KPRepublic typically provides customer support to address inquiries and concerns, enhancing the overall shopping experience.
10. Secure Transactions: Reputable online retailers like KPRepublic typically use secure payment processing methods and offer buyer protection to ensure a safe and reliable shopping experience.

Mechanicalkeyboards.com

MechanicalKeyboards.com stands out as a reputable online retailer specializing in mechanical keyboards, keycaps to customize your mechanical keyboard, and related accessories for your keyboard needs. 

1. Extensive Variety: MechanicalKeyboards.com boasts a comprehensive and diverse selection of keycap sets, encompassing various profiles, materials, colors, and designs. This wide array ensures that you can discover keycaps that precisely match your preferences and keyboard configuration.
2. Premium Brands: The retailer often stocks keycap sets from esteemed and well-recognized brands, ensuring the quality, longevity, and performance of the products they offer.
3. Compatibility: Keycap sets featured on MechanicalKeyboards.com are typically thoughtfully crafted to accommodate a broad range of mechanical keyboard layouts and switch types. This simplifies the process of finding keycaps that seamlessly integrate with your specific keyboard.
4. Customization Options: Some keycap sets available on the platform provide customization choices, allowing you to handpick keycap colors and styles that harmonize with your individual tastes and aesthetic preferences.
5. User Reviews: MechanicalKeyboards.com includes user reviews and ratings for its products, granting you access to firsthand experiences and insights from fellow customers who have purchased the same keycaps. This valuable resource aids in assessing the quality and overall satisfaction associated with these products.
6. Educational Resources: The website often offers educational resources, articles, and guides pertaining to mechanical keyboards and keycaps. These resources equip you with knowledge to make well-informed buying decisions.
7. Community Engagement: MechanicalKeyboards.com actively participates in the mechanical keyboard community, fostering discussions, disseminating information about product launches, and taking part in keyboard-related events.
8. Secure Transactions: Renowned online retailers like MechanicalKeyboards.com typically employ secure payment processing methods and provide buyer protection mechanisms, ensuring a secure and reliable shopping experience.
9. International Shipping: The retailer commonly extends its shipping services internationally, enabling customers worldwide to access its diverse product offerings.
10. Responsive Customer Service: MechanicalKeyboards.com typically offers responsive customer support to address inquiries and concerns, thereby enhancing the overall shopping experience.
11. Group Buys: The retailer may organize group buy events for keycap sets, allowing you to partake in collective orders and secure keycaps at discounted rates. This practice is prevalent in the mechanical keyboard community and offers access to distinctive and limited-edition designs.

Brick-and-mortar computer stores

While it's often overlooked, brick-and-mortar computer stores can also be a great place to discover unique accessories for your tech needs. You're not confined by the boundaries of online shopping; you can freely browse shelves stacked with a large variety of keycaps. It's a hands-on experience where you can physically touch and examine each item before making a choice.

1. Physical Inspection: One of the most significant advantages of shopping at a physical store is the ability to physically inspect and touch the keycaps. This allows you to assess the quality, texture, and feel of the keycaps before making a purchase, helping you make an informed decision.
2. Immediate Availability: Keycaps are often available in physical stores. They typically have keycap sets in stock, so you can purchase them and take them home immediately. This is especially convenient if you need keycaps urgently or want to avoid waiting for shipping.
3. Compatibility Check: In a physical store, you can bring your keyboard to ensure that the keycaps you want to buy are compatible with your keyboard. Sales representatives may also assist you in finding keycaps that fit your specific keyboard layout and switch type.
4. Expert Advice: When it comes to custom mechanical keyboards, many brick-and-mortar computer stores have knowledgeable staff who can provide expert advice on keycap options, materials, profiles, and compatibility. They can help you find keycaps that suit your preferences and needs.
5. Returns and Exchanges: If you encounter any issues with the keycaps you purchase, returning or exchanging them is often more straightforward at a physical store compared to online retailers.
6. Variety: Larger computer stores may carry a variety of keycap sets, profiles, and designs, allowing you to explore different options in one place.
7. Accessories and Add-Ons: Physical stores often offer a range of mechanical keyboard accessories and add-ons, such as switches, stabilizers, and wrist rests, allowing you to purchase all the components you need in a single visit.
8. Local Support: Supporting local businesses can have a positive impact on the community and local economy. You may also establish a relationship with the store for future purchases and support.
9. Tutorials and Demos: Some physical stores may provide tutorials or demos on keycap installation or customization, helping you make the most of your purchase.
10. Testing Typing Feel: You can test keycap sets on display models in the store to get a sense of how they affect the typing experience.

Choosing Keycaps for Mechanical Keyboards

When selecting keycaps for your mechanical keyboard, it's essential to consider several factors to ensure they align with your preferences and requirements. 

1. Keycap Profile
   • Make a choice regarding the keycap profile that suits you best, such as SA, Cherry, DSA, XDA, and others. Each profile offers a distinct shape and typing experience, so opt for the one that matches your typing style and comfort.
2. Material
   • Keycaps can be crafted from various materials, including ABS (affordable but less durable), PBT (durable and wear-resistant), POM (smooth and durable), and PPS (heat-resistant and robust). Evaluate the material's durability, texture, and tactile feel.
3. Keycap Thickness
   • Consider the thickness of the keycaps, as thicker ones tend to provide a more substantial feel and can dampen keystroke noise. However, they may influence the overall acoustics of your keyboard.
4. Profile and Legend Printing
   • Decide on the printing style for the keycap legends, whether front-printed, top-printed, or side-printed. The legend refers to the characters or symbols on the keycap, and the printing method affects both appearance and durability.
5. Keycap Sets vs. Individual Keycaps
   • Determine whether you intend to replace all keycaps on your keyboard with a complete keycap set or only specific keys with individual keycaps. Keycap sets offer a unified design, while individual keycaps allow customization for specific keys.
6. Keycap Material Finish
   • Some keycaps feature additional finishes like double-shot, dye-sublimation, or laser-etched legends, impacting both durability and visual aesthetics.
7. Keycap Legends and Language Layout
   • Verify that the keycap legends match your language layout and keyboard configuration (e.g., ANSI or ISO). Additionally, consider keycaps with alternate legends or custom icons if desired.
8. Keycap Profile Compatibility
   • Ensure that the selected keycap profile is compatible with your keyboard's layout and switch type, as various layouts (e.g., ANSI, ISO, or HHKB) may necessitate specific keycap sets.
9. Backlight Compatibility
   • If your mechanical keyboard incorporates RGB backlighting or LED lighting, choose keycaps that allow light to shine through if you wish to maintain this feature.
10. Keycap Aesthetics
    • Deliberate on the visual aspects of the keycaps, including color schemes, themes, and customization possibilities. Keycaps are available in a variety of color options and artistic designs, enabling personalized keyboard aesthetics.
11. Durability and Wear Resistance
    • Evaluate the durability and resistance to wear of the keycaps, as well as their ability to resist shine (surface glossing over time). PBT keycaps, for instance, are known for their lasting durability.
12. Texture and Tactile Feel
    • Contemplate the texture and tactile feel of the keycaps, considering whether you prefer a smooth, textured, or matte finish for enhanced grip.
13. Budget
    • Establish a budget for your keycap purchase, as prices for high-quality keycap sets can vary significantly. Determine the amount you're willing to invest.
14. Artisan Keycaps
    • Decide whether you wish to include artisan keycaps in your setup. These keycaps are typically handcrafted and can add unique aesthetics to your keyboard.
15. Vendor or Retailer
    • Choose reputable vendors or retailers that sell keycaps to ensure product quality, dependable customer support, and a trustworthy shopping experience.

Conclusion

It turns out you've got plenty of options when you want to find keycaps. Keycaps are more than just functional components; they are opportunities for individual expression and personalization. The process of selecting the perfect keycaps can be simultaneously thrilling and daunting due to the sheer variety available.

With the right keycaps adorning your keyboard, you can transform it into a personalized masterpiece that enhances both your productivity and your delight in the fascinating world of mechanical keyboards.