“I bought them because they looked cute… but why does typing feel kind of off?”
“Wait, what’s the difference between PBT and ABS?”
If you’ve ever dipped your toes into the world of mechanical keyboards, these questions probably sound familiar. I’ve been there too.
This article is based on my real experience using both PBT and ABS cute keycaps, with a focus on how they actually feel to type on, not just how they look. If you’re considering a cute upgrade to your setup, here’s what you should know.
🎨 Aesthetics Aren’t Everything—Or Are They?
Let’s start with the obvious: cute keycaps are irresistible.
Pastel colors, cats, strawberries, tiny flowers—what’s not to love?
My first set was an ABS set with adorable cat-themed icons. It looked perfect in the photos. But once I started typing…
- The surface felt slippery
- The shine appeared within weeks
- The sound was too high-pitched and plasticky
I quickly realized: cuteness alone isn’t enough if it compromises comfort.
🧪 [Comparison ①] PBT vs ABS — What’s the Actual Material Difference?
| Feature | PBT Keycaps | ABS Keycaps |
|---|---|---|
| Durability | High (resists shine and wear) | Lower (shiny quickly, ages faster) |
| Texture | Matte / slightly rough | Smooth / sometimes slippery |
| Sound | Deeper “thock” sound | Lighter “clacky” sound |
| Print Quality | Dye-sub or doubleshot = long-lasting | Legends may fade or wear off |
| Price Range | Mid–High (Approx. $25–$70 USD) | Low–Mid (Approx. $15–$50 USD) |
⌨️ [Comparison ②] How They Really Feel When Typing
✔️ PBT Keycaps (My current go-to)
- Solid, satisfying keystrokes
- Grippy matte surface feels stable under fingers
- Great for long typing sessions—less fatigue
- Quiet, mellow sound profile (perfect for late-night use)
👉 In short: smooth, grounded, and relaxing to type on.
✔️ ABS Keycaps (Still love the look…)
- Feels light and fast at first—but fingers slip over time
- Sound is more hollow and sharp—can feel “cheap”
- Legends may fade depending on print quality
👉 Verdict: great for the eyes, less so for long-term hands-on use.
💭 Do You Prioritize Cuteness or Comfort?
Look, I get it. Cute ABS keycaps are fun, colorful, and instantly transform your desk into an aesthetic heaven.
But after switching to PBT, I found myself typing more, and even enjoying it more.
The sound, the texture, the subtle details—it all made a difference I didn’t expect.
You don’t have to choose between cuteness and quality. You just need to know what to look for.
✅ Summary: Who Should Choose What?
💖 Choose ABS Keycaps If You:
- Want to create a fun, photogenic desk space
- Don’t type for long hours daily
- Want to try multiple sets without breaking the bank
🧠 Choose PBT Keycaps If You:
- Work or type for long periods of time
- Care about typing comfort and build quality
- Want something that lasts and still looks great
📌 Final Thoughts
Cute doesn’t have to mean compromise.
These days, you’ll find many high-quality PBT keycaps that are just as cute—pastel tones, soft legends, and even artisan touches made with durability in mind.
My personal favorite? A dye-sublimated pastel PBT set with sakura accents.
It’s become my daily driver, and I have zero regrets.