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Replacing your keycaps isn’t just for aesthetics; they can also improve comfort. And while they can’t entirely change your gaming experience, a set of new and comfortable keycaps can also positively affect your user experience. However, not everyone can afford every keycap set’s price tag.
We gathered some of the best keycaps for every budget with the best features you can find. Whether you’re just looking to improve your keyboard’s aesthetics or improve your user experience, these keycap sets might help you. Read on to find out which ones suit your needs and your budget the most.
These days, AKKO is concentrating on the launch of its own collection of boutique keyboards and keycap sets, bringing affordable prices to custom-themed designs. Even though some of AKKO’s keyboards had budget-friendly tendencies in the past, its keycaps were always a strong point, which is why the inclusion of its new keycap sets is so intriguing.
Depending on the colorway you select, these keycaps are either locked or unlocked and come in the Cherry or ASA profiles. Though slightly shorter for a more low-profile feel than the OEM caps delivered with the majority of gaming keyboards, Cherry keycaps are similar to contemporary keycaps. On the other hand, ASA is comparable to the vintage computer terminals’ old-school SA keycaps. However, it is significantly shorter and has a slightly different curvature, which makes it a good compromise between Cherry and full SA.
These keycap sets are impressive for the price. The case is among the greatest keycap storage cases we’ve ever seen, to begin with. Each set is packaged in a plastic box with strong magnets that snap into a lovely cardboard sleeve. Each keycap has internal plastic tabs that fit into the stem.
The keycaps are excellent in and of themselves. They are made of PBT plastic, so you won’t have to worry about them gleaming or fading, which is a concern with the pricier GMK sets. AKKO employs a doubleshot process for its legends, leaving them sharp and looking beautiful (albeit they are not lighted, like most keycaps of this sort).
What you won’t like, though, is the fact that numerous stems have a line cut out of the wall as part of the manufacturing process. It’s only a little issue that doesn’t impair usability for $69, though.
Good aestheticsImpressive for its price
Some stems have a line cut out of the wall
A truly thoughtful touch by Akko is the metal box in which the keycaps are packaged. The numerous keys are each attached to a plastic stem that has been molded into the box’s inside. While this made the initial keycap removal a little difficult, it also ensures that your keycaps won’t be mixed up during shipping. The packaging also contains a metal keycap removal tool.
Despite the keycaps’ claim to be doubleshot PBT, some users notice a tiny bit of shine on the spacebar, which is only noticeable if you look closely.
The homing indent on the “F” and “J” keycaps is still present, but Akko has reduced it to a mere dot rather than underlining. However, as you can still plainly feel this indent, it doesn’t appear that this has had an influence on usability.
Overall, for the price of about $79, this keycap set is of good value for money. Though it would be better if the brand released more aesthetically pleasing colors in the future.
Stable feelMolded into the contours of fingers
Color option isn’t for everyone
Thanks to its brilliant colors, this set of keycaps will undoubtedly catch the attention of everyone who walks in the room. The YMDK Doubleshot Rainbow PBT Keycaps serve essential programs adequately, however, they are incompatible with all of the most recent gaming switches. Modern ANSI MX switches are easily installed by customers and feel light and comfortable, especially after extended use. However, because the YMDK Doubleshot Rainbow Keycaps are incompatible, users are unable to use any Corsair Razer keyboards.
These keycaps feature the typical OEM keycap profile, which always works and feels fantastic. Because it can make or break their decision to purchase these keycaps, customers should be aware that this keycap profile might not be ideal for typing quickly.
The YMDK Doubleshot Rainbow Keycaps are exceptionally comfortable to use because they don’t have any sharp corners and have softly rounded edges. Additionally, these keycaps look fantastic and are ideal for dim conditions thanks to the RGB LED backlighting. Additionally, customers can quickly locate the keycap in the dark if they run into any unanticipated problems thanks to the translucent legends.
Appealing designVarious models and layouts availableWaterproof
AffordableNot compatible with Corsair Razer products
Customers looking for simple, clean designs should consider the YMDK White Black Gray Keycaps. The gray and black color combination is particularly adaptable and ideal for the majority of home and office environments.
On the other hand, due to its unique features and specifications, the YMDK White Black Gray Keycaps are given higher ratings for the following aspects. Customers can use the 87 61 ANSI MX switches as an example, which are excellent for gaming, streaming, and video editing. Unfortunately, none of the YMDK White Black Gray Keycaps may be used with any Corsair Razer keyboard because they are incompatible with them.
The keycap profile of the YMDK White Black Gray Keycaps is very unusual and has a variety of practical uses. Keycaps for the OEM profile in particular are very stable and long-lasting because of the dense material and manufacturing process.
From this point on, these keycaps are capable of withstanding heavy blows and abuse, but you need to be careful handling the switches because they are prone to breaking.
The YMDK White Black Gray Keycaps are among the coziest featured things in the extensive guide for a variety of factors. First of all, everyone’s fingers and palms can comfortably fit on the keycaps’ excellent smooth and soft feel. Producers also put all of the legends on the front so that people could lift the keyboard and still see the symbols.
Ideal for professional useInstallation is easyBlack and gray colors work well in dark settings
Only comes in one sizing
A PBT dye-sub set with an XDA profile and a simple, if slightly fuzzy, centered typeface is being used. The typeface is tiny in comparison to the key surface, giving the entire set a straightforward, minimalistic appearance. The keys are haptic to the touch and have a matte appearance. They feel considerably softer and smoother than the stock AP2 keys, which you’ll like. The legend does show through between the keys, which is rather aesthetically pleasing, even though the brightness makes it impossible to read it. It is important to notice that these keys are opaque. You’ll appreciate the balance they manage to establish if you find RBG to be a bit overbearing.
It’s important to remember that this keycap set is budget-friendly, thus there will be obvious defects when compared to keycaps from higher price ranges. The bottom edges of the keys are covered with plastic, and the backspace key is rather mushy. The wrapping is completely hidden, and the keyboard’s keys appear to be consistent. Another problem I had was that the F and J keys had no tactile bumps, however, it seems like this is a typical error with the XDA profile.
This set of keycaps creates a wonderful typing experience and sound. If you’ve already used a MacBook Pro butterfly keyboard and loved it, you’ll be right at home with this keycap set. Notably, some users may find the longer keys to be too loud when typing.
Similar feel to MacBook Pro butterfly keyboardSoft and smooth feel
Longer keys produce loud clicks
Most of the keycap sets that HK Gaming provides are based on GMK and ePBT color schemes. Despite the fact that clone keycaps can be a divisive subject among keyboard enthusiasts, customers still seem to be winning, particularly those who are on a tight budget.
The 139-key HK Gaming 9009 set is made of dye-sublimated PBT and has 1.4mm walls. Its profile is Cherry. Its clarity and color will wow you. The icon designs for the modifiers seem to be fairly contemporary. This set exudes quality and is free of molding faults, manufacturing problems, and bent keys. It has 1.4 mm walls and dye-sublimated legends.
These keycaps have a different feel due to their smooth surface rather than their more typical textured PBT finish. You’ll initially find this unusual, but you’ll rapidly adjust, and eventually, it won’t matter. They are smooth yet not slippery.
Compared to Cherry’s profile, this one is really a little bit shorter. It almost meets the criteria for Cherry Low-profile. They don’t sound much different from standard Cherry, but they do sound a little more clacky.
Users will immediately notice the issue since the writing on the number-row keys on the extra ISO keycaps is thicker than it is on the other keycaps in the set. On an ISO layout, this will obviously look pretty uneven. Another small complaint is about the tilde key; the size of the tilde legend is much larger than the other keys.
On HK Gaming sets, the space bar and other bigger keys frequently have mushy travel. Even though this has nothing to do with wobble, it should be noted because some keyboard stabilizers do not work with it.
The HK Gaming 9009 offers fair value overall, despite a few drawbacks. It’s a great buy at roughly $50 if you don’t mind the potential mushiness of the space bar, varied ISO markings, and smooth finish.
Great moldingSmooth finishGood value for money
Some keys could have been improved
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