DIY Keyboard Essentials: How to Choose Cherry MX Keycaps Based on Your

Building your own mechanical keyboard is a rewarding experience that allows you to craft a unique typing and gaming setup. One of the most exciting parts of the DIY journey is selecting the perfect keycaps for your Cherry MX switches. The right keycaps not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of your keyboard but also impact the feel and sound of each keystroke. In this guide, we’ll break down the essential factors to consider when choosing Cherry MX keycaps that match your personal style and preferences.

1. Understanding Keycap Materials: Durability and Feel

The material of your keycaps significantly influences their durability, texture, and typing feel. Here are the most common materials used for Cherry MX keycaps:

ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)

Pros: Affordable, smooth texture, vibrant colors.
Cons: Prone to developing a shiny, greasy appearance over time.
Sound: Higher-pitched, “clacky” sound.
Best For: Budget builds and colorful themes.
Style Tip: Choose ABS keycaps if you want bright, striking colors and don’t mind replacing them after heavy use.

PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate)

Pros: Durable, textured surface, resistant to shine and wear.
Cons: Slightly more expensive, limited vibrant colors.
Sound: Deeper and more muted “thock” sound.
Best For: Long-lasting builds and a professional look.
Style Tip: Opt for PBT keycaps if you prefer a matte finish and long-lasting quality.

POM (Polyoxymethylene)

Pros: Smooth and dense, excellent durability.
Cons: Limited availability, generally more expensive.
Sound: Solid and slightly dampened.
Best For: Premium feel and durability.
Style Tip: Use POM keycaps for a smooth, luxurious typing experience.

Ceramic Keycaps

Pros: Unique texture, luxurious aesthetic, durable.
Cons: Fragile if dropped, expensive.
Sound: Sharp, “clacky” sound with a ceramic resonance.
Best For: Artistic builds and showcase keyboards.
Style Tip: Use ceramic keycaps for an eye-catching, premium aesthetic with a unique sound profile.

2. Choosing Keycap Profiles: Comfort and Aesthetics

The profile of your keycaps affects the typing angle, comfort, and overall aesthetic. Here are the most common profiles to consider:

SA Profile (Spherical All)

Height: Tall and spherical.
Shape: Curved, rounded top.
Typing Feel: Satisfying, deep, and heavy keypress.
Best For: Vintage and retro-themed builds.
Style Tip: Pair with muted or earthy colors for a classic typewriter look.

Cherry Profile

Height: Medium, sculpted.
Shape: Curved with a comfortable ergonomic shape.
Typing Feel: Low-profile, easy to press.
Best For: Ergonomic and modern setups.
Style Tip: Use darker colors for a professional, sleek design.

OEM Profile

Height: Medium to high.
Shape: Slightly curved, standard on many mechanical keyboards.
Typing Feel: Comfortable and familiar.
Best For: General use and versatile setups.
Style Tip: Combine vibrant colors for a gamer-friendly aesthetic.

DSA Profile (Dye-Sub All)

Height: Low and uniform.
Shape: Flat top, spherical surface.
Typing Feel: Consistent across the board.
Best For: Uniform, minimalist builds.
Style Tip: Use pastel or monochrome colors for a clean, modern look.

XDA Profile

Height: Similar to DSA but slightly higher.
Shape: Uniform and flat, but with a larger surface area.
Typing Feel: Smooth and stable.
Best For: Compact layouts and ortholinear boards.
Style Tip: Choose subtle gradients or single-color schemes for a sophisticated feel.

3. Color and Design: Express Your Personality

Color schemes and design choices can make your keyboard stand out or blend seamlessly into your workspace. Here are some popular styles to consider:

Monochrome Elegance

Colors: Black, white, or gray.
Vibe: Professional, clean, and minimalistic.
Best For: Office setups or minimalist desks.
Tip: Combine white and black PBT keycaps for a balanced, timeless look.

Retro Vibes

Colors: Cream, beige, brown.
Vibe: Nostalgic and classic.
Best For: Vintage-themed keyboards.
Tip: Go for SA profile keycaps to enhance the retro aesthetic.

RGB-Enhanced Pudding Keycaps

Colors: Translucent sides with solid tops.
Vibe: Vibrant and dynamic.
Best For: RGB-heavy gaming setups.
Tip: Use ABS pudding keycaps to maximize light diffusion.

Custom Themed Sets

Colors: Tailored to a specific theme (e.g., Cyberpunk, Space, Anime).
Vibe: Personalized and unique.
Best For: Showpiece keyboards and fandom setups.
Tip: Add artisan keycaps to highlight important keys.

4. Printing and Legends: Enhancing Readability and Aesthetics

The printing technique used on keycaps affects durability and readability:

Double-Shot Injection: Legends are molded into the keycap and never fade. Best for PBT and ABS.
Dye-Sublimation: Durable and vivid printing, usually found on PBT keycaps. Legends may fade slightly over long periods.
Laser Engraving: Precise and sharp legends but can wear out on ABS keycaps.
Pad Printing: Economical but prone to fading, often seen on cheaper ABS sets.

Style Tip: Choose double-shot or dye-sublimated keycaps for long-lasting quality, especially if you type frequently or game intensively.

5. Sound and Feel: Acoustic Preferences

The sound profile of your keyboard is not only dictated by the switches but also by the keycaps. Here’s how different materials and profiles influence sound:

ABS Keycaps: High-pitched "clack" sound.
PBT Keycaps: Deeper and more muted "thock" sound.
POM Keycaps: Solid, dampened sound.
Ceramic Keycaps: Sharp, almost musical "ping" with a dense feel.

Style Tip: If you prefer quieter typing, go for PBT or POM keycaps. For a more tactile and resonant sound, ABS or ceramic keycaps are ideal.

6. Custom and Artisan Keycaps: Add a Personal Touch

For those who want their keyboard to stand out as a true work of art, artisan keycaps are a must. These handcrafted keycaps come in unique shapes, colors, and designs, often inspired by pop culture, nature, or abstract art.

Single Key Highlight: Use a single artisan keycap on the escape or spacebar key for subtle flair.
Themed Clusters: Create a cohesive theme with multiple artisan caps.
Premium Feel: Choose materials like resin or metal for a luxurious touch.

Conclusion

Choosing the perfect Cherry MX keycaps for your DIY keyboard project is all about balancing comfort, durability, and personal style. Whether you prefer the sturdy feel of PBT, the vibrant colors of ABS, or the elegant uniqueness of ceramic keycaps, your choice will greatly impact both the aesthetics and typing experience.

From selecting the ideal profile to experimenting with colors and materials, let your creativity shine through your keyboard. Your mechanical keyboard is more than just a tool—it’s a statement of your personality. So go ahead and build a setup that not only feels amazing to type on but also captures your individual style!

DIY Keyboard Essentials: How to Choose Cherry MX Keycaps Based on Your Style