Posted in: Keycaps

The Best Custom Keycaps for DIY Build (With Unique Design)

Last Updated on October 25, 2023

Customizing your keyboard can be a fun and creative process. Whether you’re a gaming enthusiast, a programmer, or simply someone who spends a lot of time typing, having a unique keyboard can not only enhance your experience but also express your personality. One of the most visually impactful ways to customize your keyboard is by changing the keycap set. In this article, we will explore the “Best Custom Keycaps Sets for DIY Keyboard Build,” with a focus on quality, design, and compatibility.

Keycap SetMaterialPrintingProfileTranslucentRGBManufacturerNumber of KeysPrice
JSJT Magical Elves Themed KeycapsPBTDye SublimationXDANoYesJSJT135$37.99
JSJT Purple Environment ThemePBTDye SublimationOEMNoNoJSJT110$39.99
XVX Japanese Style KeycapsPBTDye SublimationCherryYesYesCOSTOM127$32.99
JSJT Dawn Themed KeycapsPBTSide-PrintedCherryYesYesJSJT126$45.99
Hyekit Strange Cat KeycapsPBTDye SublimationXDANoNoHyekit140$32.99
SDYZ Coral Sea KeycapsPBTHeat SublimationOEMNoYesSDYZ71$19.99
SDYZ Izakaya KeycapsPBTHeat SublimationXDANoNoSDYZ109$22.99
SDYZ Taoism KeycapsPBTHeat SublimationOEMNoNoSDYZ71$19.99
Wunzkii Pink Cat KeycapsPBTDye SublimationXDANoNoWunzkii133$32.99
NACODEX Gradient Purple-Pink KeycapsPBTDoubleshotCherryNoNoNACODEX132$22.49
NACODEX Gradient Blue KeycapsPBTDoubleshotCherryNoNoNACODEX132$29.99
JOMKIZ Mictlan Underground World Themed KeycapsPBTDye SublimationCherryNoYesJOMKIZ146$35.99
Blue Hat BILIBILI KeycapsPBTDye SublimationCherryNoNoBlue Hat121$42.23

1. JSJT Magical Elves Themed Keycaps

JSJT Magical Elves Themed Keycaps
  • Keycap Material: PBT
  • Keycap Printing: Dye Sublimation
  • Keycap Profile: XDA Profile
  • Translucent: No
  • RGB Light: Yes
  • Manufacturer: JSJT
  • Number of Keys: 135
  • Price: $37.99

When it comes to custom keycap sets for DIY keyboard builds, the JSJT Magical Elves Themed Keycaps offer a unique and creative solution. With 135 keys in an XDA profile, these keycaps provide an ergonomic and comfortable typing experience, even during extended use. The use of high-quality PBT material with a dye-sublimation printing process enhances keycap durability and resistance to wear and tear, making them a practical choice for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.

What sets these keycaps apart is their thematic design, inspired by magical elves and cartoon animation. With a wide variety of personalized keys, users have the freedom to create unique and vibrant keyboard layouts, allowing for endless customization possibilities. These keycaps are compatible with a range of mechanical keyboards, including those with ANSI/ISO layouts and various key switch configurations, making them an excellent choice for anyone looking to add a touch of creativity to their keyboard setup.

Pros:

  • Creative and personalized design inspired by magical elves and cartoon animation.
  • Durable PBT material with a dye-sublimation process for extended keycap life.
  • XDA profile for ergonomic and comfortable typing.
  • Compatibility with various keyboard layouts and key switch configurations.
  • Affordably priced at $37.99, making it an attractive choice for customization.

Cons:

  • While the keycaps are thematic and creative, they may not suit all aesthetic preferences.
  • The set’s key count may be more than what some users need, leading to unused keys in smaller layouts.

2. JSJT Purple Environment Theme

JSJT Purple Environment Theme
  • Keycap Material: PBT
  • Keycap Printing: Dye sublimation
  • Keycap Profile: OEM Profile
  • Translucent: No
  • RGB Light: No
  • Manufacturer: JSJT
  • Number of Keys: 110
  • Price: $39.99

Custom keycap sets like the JSJT Purple Environment Theme offer enthusiasts a unique opportunity to personalize their mechanical keyboards. These keycaps are made from high-quality PBT, known for its durability and excellent typing feel. The dye sublimation printing technique ensures that the keycap colors won’t fade over time.

Furthermore, the OEM profile provides a comfortable typing experience, and with 110 keycaps included, this set fits most 60%, 87 TKL, 104, and 108-key mechanical keyboards, making it versatile for a wide range of builds. The purple and pink color scheme of this set adds a distinct and vibrant touch to your keyboard, making it an ideal choice for those looking to create a personalized and eye-catching DIY mechanical keyboard.

Pros:

  • High-Quality Material: The PBT material and dye sublimation printing ensure long-lasting keycap durability and vibrant colors.
  • Versatility: With 110 keycaps and compatibility with a variety of mechanical keyboards, it’s suitable for many setups.
  • Unique Aesthetic: The purple environment theme with its distinctive color scheme adds a personalized touch to your keyboard.

Cons:

  • Non-Backlit: These keycaps are not suitable for RGB-backlit keyboards.
  • Price: While offering quality, the $39.99 price may be on the higher side for budget-conscious users.
  • Limited Translucency: These keycaps are not translucent, which might be a drawback for users seeking illuminated key legends.

3. XVX Japanese Style Keycaps

XVX Japanese Style Keycaps
  • Keycap Material: PBT
  • Keycap Printing: Dye Sublimation
  • Keycap Profile: Cherry Profile
  • Translucent: Yes
  • RGB Light: Yes
  • Manufacturer: COSTOM
  • Number of Keys: 127
  • Price: $32.99

XVX Japanese Style Keycaps are a unique and visually striking choice for DIY keyboard enthusiasts. These keycaps feature a two-in-one design, combining thermal sublimation and Double Shot Craft to create intricate and durable patterns while allowing keyboard backlighting to shine through. Crafted from oil-resistant Doubleshot PBT, they offer a comfortable typing experience and long-term durability.

With a classic Cherry Profile, these keycaps are engineered for the ultimate typing and gaming experience. The set includes 127 keys, making it compatible with most 60%, 65%, 75%, 80%, 96%, and 100% keyboards, such as Anne Pro 2, RK68, and RK84. The XVX Japanese Style Keycaps are an excellent gift for gaming enthusiasts and are suitable for various occasions.

Pros:

  • Unique two-in-one design with thermal sublimation and Double Shot Craft.
  • Oil-resistant Doubleshot PBT material for durability and comfort.
  • Compatibility with a wide range of keyboard sizes.
  • Classic Cherry Profile for a superior typing experience.
  • Visually striking Japanese-style design.
  • Suitable for gifting on various occasions.

Cons:

  • Price could be a bit high for budget-conscious buyers.
  • Limited availability of keycap sets may be a concern for some.

4. JSJT Dawn Themed Keycaps

JSJT Dawn Themed Keycaps
  • Keycap Material: PBT
  • Keycap Printing: Side-Printed
  • Keycap Profile: Cherry Profile
  • Translucent: Yes
  • RGB Light: Yes
  • Manufacturer: JSJT
  • Number of Keys: 126
  • Price: $45.99

Custom Keycap Sets like the JSJT Dawn Themed Keycaps are an excellent choice for DIY keyboard enthusiasts. Made from durable and oil-resistant PBT material, these keycaps are designed to last. The keycap printing is side-printed, allowing the keyboard’s lights to shine through for a minimalist and clean aesthetic.

These double-shot keycaps are molded with the legends permanently embedded inside, ensuring character clarity that won’t fade. The bold font design enhances visibility and legibility, and the cherry profile keys are ergonomically shaped for a superior typing experience. This set contains 126 keycaps, compatible with various mechanical keyboard layouts, making it a versatile option for your custom keyboard build.

Pros:

  • Durable Material: Made of PBT, these keycaps are resistant to wear and tear, ensuring a long lifespan.
  • Side-Printed Design: The side-printed keycaps create a minimalist look and allow RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing aesthetics.
  • Double Shot Keycaps: Legends are permanently molded inside the keycap, ensuring lasting character clarity.
  • Bold Font: The bold font design improves the visibility of keys and adds a unique touch.
  • Cherry Profile: Ergonomically designed keys for a comfortable typing experience.
  • Compatibility: Compatible with various mechanical keyboard layouts.

Cons:

  • Price: While offering great features, these keycaps are priced at $45.99, which may be on the higher side for some buyers.
  • Limited Color Option: The Dawn themed color may not be to everyone’s preference, limiting customization options.
  • Keycap Set Size: With 126 keys, this set may include more keys than some users need for their keyboards, leading to unused keycaps.

5. Hyekit Strange Cat Keycaps

Hyekit Strange Cat Keycaps
  • Keycap Material: PBT
  • Keycap Printing: Dye Sublimation
  • Keycap Profile: XDA Profile
  • Translucent: No
  • RGB Light: No
  • Manufacturer: Hyekit
  • Number of Keys: 140
  • Price: $32.99

Custom keycap sets like the Hyekit Strange Cat Keycaps offer enthusiasts a unique and personalized touch to their mechanical keyboards. Crafted from high-quality Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT) material, these keycaps not only look great but are also built to last. The use of advanced dye sublimation technology ensures that the keycap printing is vivid and durable, resistant to oil stains, and maintains its quality over an extended period of use.

The XDA profile adds to the appeal by enhancing typing comfort through its unique shape, providing an improved keycap-to-finger contact surface. This particular set is designed to fit a wide range of mechanical keyboards, making it versatile for various DIY keyboard builds, catering to the needs of both beginners and seasoned enthusiasts.

Pros:

  • High-quality PBT material with anti-grease coating for durability.
  • Advanced dye sublimation technology for vivid and long-lasting keycap printing.
  • XDA profile for enhanced typing comfort.
  • Versatile compatibility with a range of mechanical keyboards.
  • Unique and stylish design with the “Strange Cat” theme.

Cons:

  • The price point is reasonable, but some budget-conscious buyers might find it slightly expensive compared to basic keycap sets.

6. SDYZ Coral Sea Keycaps

SDYZ Coral Sea Keycaps
Image Source: bluesushi48
  • Keycap Material: PBT
  • Keycap Printing: Heat Sublimation
  • Keycap Profile: OEM Profile
  • Translucent: No
  • RGB Light: Yes
  • Manufacturer: SDYZ
  • Number of Keys: 71
  • Price: $19.99

When it comes to crafting the perfect custom keyboard, the SDYZ Coral Sea Keycaps stand out as an exceptional choice. This set comprises 71 keycaps designed for 60% MX mechanical keyboards, making them compatible with popular models like the RK61 series, GANSS ALT61 series, Anne PRO, and more. Crafted from high-quality Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT) material, these keycaps offer a satisfying touch and boast a thickness of approximately 1.5mm.

What sets the SDYZ Coral Sea Keycaps apart is their heat sublimation printing, ensuring that the vibrant Coral Sea design remains unfaded for up to ten years. These keycaps feature an OEM profile, which offers excellent comfort during prolonged usage. With this set, you not only enhance your typing experience but also give your mechanical keyboard a unique, textured appearance.

Pros:

  • Compatibility: Suitable for a wide range of 60% MX mechanical keyboards, making it versatile for DIY keyboard enthusiasts.
  • Durable Material: Crafted from PBT material with heat sublimation printing, ensuring long-lasting, fade-resistant keycaps.
  • OEM Profile: Offers improved typing comfort during extended usage.
  • Unique Design: The Coral Sea pattern adds a distinct and stylish look to your keyboard.
  • Affordable: Priced at just $19.99, it’s a budget-friendly option for customizing your keyboard.

Cons:

  • Limited Translucency: These keycaps are not translucent, so they won’t work with keyboards that rely on backlighting.

7. SDYZ Izakaya Keycaps

SDYZ Izakaya Keycaps
  • Keycap Material: PBT
  • Keycap Printing: Heat Sublimation
  • Keycap Profile: XDA Profile
  • Translucent: No
  • RGB Light: No
  • Manufacturer: SDYZ
  • Number of Keys: 109
  • Price: $22.99

Custom keycap sets, like the SDYZ Izakaya Keycaps, offer enthusiasts the opportunity to personalize their mechanical keyboards to suit their preferences. With the Izakaya Keycaps, you get a full 109-key set, including modifiers, designed for universal compatibility with various keyboard layouts, from 100% to TKL, 65%, and 60%. These keycaps are constructed from high-grade PBT, known for its durability and textured finish that can withstand intensive gaming sessions while providing satisfying keystrokes.

What sets the Izakaya Keycaps apart is their XDA profile, which offers a larger surface contact area for your fingers. This uniform profile is particularly well-suited for ortholinear and ergonomic keyboard layouts, enhancing your typing experience. Plus, with a variety of aesthetic, eye-catching colors, you can add a stylish and unique touch to your gaming setup. It’s important to note that the set includes keycaps only; no keyboard is included.

Pros:

  • Universal compatibility with a range of keyboard layouts.
  • Durable PBT material ensures long-lasting keycaps.
  • XDA profile provides an ergonomic typing experience.
  • Aesthetic and colorful design options.
  • Key puller and 18-month warranty included.

Cons:

  • Keycap printing and translucency details are not specified.
  • Limited information about RGB lighting compatibility.
  • Keycap set does not include a keyboard.

8. SDYZ Taoism Keycaps

SDYZ Taoism Keycaps
  • Keycap Material: PBT
  • Keycap Printing: Heat Sublimation
  • Keycap Profile: OEM Profile
  • Translucent: No
  • RGB Light: No
  • Manufacturer: SDYZ
  • Number of Keys: 71
  • Price: $19.99

When it comes to enhancing your DIY keyboard build, the SDYZ Taoism Keycaps set stands out as an excellent choice. This custom keycap set comprises 71 keycaps and is specifically designed for 60% MX mechanical keyboards, making it compatible with a range of models, including RK61 series, GANSS ALT61 series, Anne PRO, GH60, and GK64 GK61, among others.

Crafted from high-quality PBT material with a thickness of approximately 1.5mm, these keycaps offer a premium tactile experience. Notably, the keycap printing utilizes heat sublimation, ensuring that the colors remain vibrant and unfaded for up to a decade. Moreover, the OEM profile of these keycaps offers improved comfort during prolonged use, making them an ideal choice for keyboard enthusiasts.

Pros:

  • High-Quality Material: The keycaps are made of PBT material, providing a durable and pleasant tactile experience.
  • Long-Lasting Design: Thanks to the heat sublimation printing, the colors on these keycaps won’t fade, ensuring a stylish appearance for years.
  • Wide Compatibility: These keycaps are compatible with various 60% MX mechanical keyboards, offering flexibility for DIY keyboard builders.
  • Ergonomic Profile: The OEM profile enhances comfort during extended typing or gaming sessions.
  • Affordable Price: At just $19.99, this keycap set is a cost-effective way to customize your mechanical keyboard.

Cons:

  • No Translucency: These keycaps are not translucent, so they won’t work with RGB lighting setups.
  • Limited to 60% Keyboards: While highly compatible with 60% keyboards, these keycaps may not fit other layouts.

9. Wunzkii Pink Cat Keycaps

Wunzkii Pink Cat Keycaps
  • Keycap Material: PBT
  • Keycap Printing: Dye Sublimation
  • Keycap Profile: XDA Profile
  • Translucent: No
  • RGB Light: No
  • Manufacturer: Wunzkii
  • Number of Keys: 133
  • Price: $32.99

Wunzkii Pink Cat Keycaps offer a delightful touch to your DIY keyboard building experience. Crafted from durable Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT) material, these keycaps feature Dye-Sublimation printing, ensuring vibrant and long-lasting key legends. The XDA profile, with its rounded shape, enhances typing comfort by increasing the contact surface between your fingers and the keycaps. With 133 keys in the set, it’s compatible with a wide range of mechanical keyboard layouts, from 60% to 100%, making it suitable for popular models like the Anne Pro 2, RK68, and RK84.

The keycap walls are thickened, providing sturdiness without the premium price tag, and they’re less prone to grime buildup, thanks to the anti-grease coating. Whether you’re a casual typist or an avid gamer, these Pink Cat Keycaps are an affordable, quality choice for customizing your keyboard.

Pros:

  • Wide Compatibility: These keycaps are designed to fit a variety of keyboard layouts, making them versatile for DIY projects.
  • Durable Quality: Crafted from PBT material with Dye-Sublimation printing, these keycaps are built to last and resist wear.
  • Unique Design: The Pink Cat design adds a touch of personality to your keyboard, setting it apart from standard keycaps.
  • Comfortable Typing: The XDA profile enhances typing comfort by offering a rounded keycap shape.

Cons:

  • Limited Transparency: These keycaps are not translucent, so they won’t work with RGB lighting if that’s a feature you desire.
  • No RGB Mention: The product description doesn’t specify compatibility with RGB lighting, which may be a drawback for some users.
  • Price Not the Cheapest: While affordable, these keycaps aren’t the cheapest option on the market, so budget-conscious shoppers may need to consider their priorities.

9. NACODEX Gradient Purple-Pink Keycaps

NACODEX Gradient Purple-Pink Keycaps
  • Keycap Material: PBT
  • Keycap Printing: Doubleshot
  • Keycap Profile: Cherry Profile
  • Translucent: No
  • RGB Light: No
  • Manufacturer: NACODEX
  • Number of Keys: 132
  • Price: $22.49

Custom Keycap Sets for DIY Keyboard Builds offer enthusiasts a creative avenue to personalize their mechanical keyboards. The NACODEX Gradient Purple-Pink Keycaps, a mesmerizing blend of purple transitioning into pink, draws inspiration from the enchanting “Luo Sacrifice” mythological tale. These 132 keycaps, compatible with various layouts, including 60%, 65%, 75%, TKL, and full-size keyboards, inject vibrant colors into your setup.

Designed with the ergonomic Cherry profile, they provide a comfortable typing experience with a lower keycap height, perfect for gaming and everyday use. Crafted from high-quality PBT material using doubleshot injection molding, these keycaps feel refined and resist oils and fading. Their compatibility with MX structure switches, including Cherry, Gateron, Kailh, and TTC, makes them an ideal choice for anyone seeking a keycap replacement to transform their mechanical keyboard.

Pros:

  • Stunning Aesthetic: The purple-to-pink gradient design is visually captivating and adds a unique touch to your keyboard.
  • Ergonomic Cherry Profile: The keycaps’ lower height provides a comfortable and efficient typing experience, especially for gamers.
  • High-Quality PBT Material: These keycaps are durable, resistant to oils, and maintain their vibrant colors over time.
  • Wide Compatibility: Compatible with a variety of MX structure switches, ensuring they can fit your mechanical keyboard setup.

Cons:

  • No RGB Light Compatibility

10. NACODEX Gradient Blue Keycaps

NACODEX Gradient Blue Keycaps
  • Keycap Material: PBT
  • Keycap Printing: Doubleshot
  • Keycap Profile: Cherry Profile
  • Translucent: No
  • RGB Light: Yes
  • Manufacturer: NACODEX
  • Number of Keys: 132
  • Price: $29.99

When it comes to enhancing your DIY keyboard build, the NACODEX Gradient Blue Keycaps Set stands out as a top choice. These custom keycaps are designed to elevate your typing experience with their exceptional features. The blue gradient design, inspired by the transition from night to day, adds a touch of artistry to your keyboard, symbolizing a fresh start. With 132 keys in the set, including extra replacements, these keycaps accommodate various keyboard layouts, from compact 60% designs to full-sized 108-key models.

The Cherry profile, known for its ergonomic comfort, provides a typing experience that’s not just efficient but also a delight for gamers and typists alike. The use of high-quality PBT material ensures durability and comfort, resisting oil buildup and maintaining their crisp look. What sets these keycaps apart is their compatibility with a range of MX structure switches, including Cherry, Gateron, Kailh, and more, making them a versatile and ideal choice for anyone seeking a keycap replacement.

Overall, the NACODEX Gradient Blue Keycaps Set is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to enhance their DIY keyboard build with style and functionality. Its unique design, Cherry profile, and compatibility with various switches make it a valuable addition to any mechanical keyboard setup.

Pros:

  • Artistic Blue Gradient Design: The keycaps feature a beautiful blue-to-white gradient design, adding a unique and artistic touch to your keyboard.
  • Versatile Compatibility: These keycaps are compatible with a variety of MX structure switches, ensuring broad usability.
  • Ergonomic Cherry Profile: The Cherry profile offers a comfortable typing experience, making it ideal for both gaming and daily use.
  • Durable PBT Material: The keycaps are made from high-quality PBT material, making them durable, resistant to oil, and resistant to fading.
  • Extensive Key Coverage: With 132 keys, including extra replacements, these keycaps suit a wide range of keyboard layouts.

Cons:

  • Price: While these keycaps offer excellent features, they might be considered slightly more expensive compared to basic keycap sets.

11. JOMKIZ Mictlan Underground World Themed Keycaps

JOMKIZ Mictlan Underground World Themed Keycaps
  • Keycap Material: PBT
  • Keycap Printing: Dye Sublimation
  • Keycap Profile: Cherry Profile
  • Translucent: No
  • RGB Light: Yes
  • Manufacturer: JOMKIZ
  • Number of Keys: 146
  • Price: $35.99

The JOMKIZ Mictlan Underground World Themed Keycaps, with its 146 keys in a Cherry Profile, caters to a wide range of mechanical and optical keyboard layouts, making it an ideal choice for DIY keyboard builders. The dye sublimation printing on high-quality PBT keycaps not only enhances durability but also ensures that your unique keycap designs won’t wear off with extended use. Cherry profile keycaps provide a comfortable and ergonomic typing experience, perfect for those long typing sessions. However, it’s important to note that these keycaps may not fit certain keyboard brands like Razer, Logitech, and Corsair due to their unique switch designs.

Pros:

  • Extensive compatibility with various keyboard layouts.
  • Durable PBT keycaps with dye sublimation printing.
  • Ergonomic Cherry Profile for comfortable typing.
  • Unique Underground World theme adds a personalized touch.
  • Backlit for enhanced aesthetics during nighttime use.

Cons:

  • Not compatible with some major keyboard brands (Razer, Logitech, Corsair).
  • Limited to the Japanese key layout.
  • Some users may find the Japanese key layout less suitable for their typing needs.

12. Blue Hat BILIBILI Keycaps

Blue Hat BILIBILI Keycaps
  • Keycap Material: PBT
  • Keycap Printing: Dye Sublimation
  • Keycap Profile: Cherry Profile
  • Translucent: No
  • RGB Light: No
  • Manufacturer: Blue Hat
  • Number of Keys: 104
  • Price: $42.23

When it comes to custom keycap sets for DIY keyboard enthusiasts, the Blue Hat BILIBILI Keycaps stand out as an intriguing choice. These keycaps are designed for those who appreciate a unique and eye-catching keyboard setup. The keycaps feature a charming and distinctive design, adorned with animated images of women, primarily in pink, blue, and white color schemes. This aesthetic appeals to those looking to add a touch of personality and creativity to their keyboard.

Quality is another highlight of the Blue Hat BILIBILI Keycaps. Constructed from thick PBT plastic, these keycaps offer excellent durability, ensuring they can withstand the rigors of daily use. The Cherry Profile provides a comfortable typing experience, making it a reliable option for both typing and gaming. With a total of 121 keycaps, including 17 additional ones, you’ll have plenty of flexibility for customizing your keyboard. The compatibility of these keycaps extends to most Cherry MX, Gateron MX, Kailh MX, and other MX switches, making them suitable for a wide range of mechanical keyboards. Whether you’re looking to enhance your typing experience or express your individuality through your keyboard, the Blue Hat BILIBILI Keycaps are a captivating choice.

In summary, the Blue Hat BILIBILI Keycaps are an excellent choice for those looking to infuse their DIY keyboard build with a unique aesthetic and durable keycaps, though users should be aware of compatibility limitations.

Pros:

  • Unique and eye-catching design with animated images of women, ideal for those seeking a distinctive look.
  • Made from thick and durable PBT plastic, ensuring longevity and resilience.
  • Cherry Profile keycaps offer a comfortable and reliable typing experience.
  • Compatibility with a variety of MX switches makes them versatile for different mechanical keyboards.
  • Includes a total of 121 keycaps, providing customization options for your DIY keyboard project.

Cons:

  • Limited compatibility; not suitable for keyboards from certain brands, such as Corsair, Razer, Rapoo V500 mixed light version, and SteelSeries 6GV2, 7G.
  • Lack of information regarding translucency or RGB lighting capabilities may not cater to users looking for illuminated keycaps.

Before You Buy

Before buying custom keycap sets for your DIY keyboard build, there are several essential factors to consider. Here’s a list of key considerations:

  1. Keycap Material:
  2. Printing Method:
    • Different printing methods, such as dye sublimation, double-shot, or laser-etched, affect the longevity of keycap legends. Dye sublimation tends to be more durable.
  3. Keycap Profile:
    • Keycap profiles like Cherry, OEM, DSA, and XDA offer distinct typing experiences. Select a profile that feels comfortable to you.
  4. Translucency:
    • Consider whether you want translucent keycaps to allow RGB lighting to shine through, or if you prefer opaque keycaps for a different look.
  5. RGB Compatibility:
    • If you have an RGB-backlit keyboard, ensure that the keycaps are compatible with RGB lighting to achieve the desired visual effects.
  6. Manufacturer:
    • Research the reputation of the manufacturer to ensure quality and reliable customer support. Well-known manufacturers often provide better products.
  7. Number of Keys:
    • Check if the keycap set includes all the keys you need for your keyboard layout. Some sets may offer extra keys for customization.
  8. Price:
    • Set a budget for your keycap set. Prices can vary widely, so find an option that fits your budget while meeting your requirements.
  9. Design and Aesthetics:
    • Choose a design that matches your personal style or complements the overall theme of your keyboard setup.
  10. Compatibility:
    • Ensure that the keycap set is compatible with your specific keyboard’s layout and switch type. Some sets may not fit certain keyboard brands or layouts.
  11. Typing Experience:
    • Consider the typing feel provided by the keycaps. Some profiles are more ergonomic, while others are better for gaming or typing.
  12. Durability:
    • Assess the keycaps’ durability and resistance to oils and fading. Higher-quality materials and printing methods typically provide longer-lasting keycaps.
  13. Versatility:
    • Think about whether you want keycaps that can be easily swapped in the future. Some sets are designed for specific keyboard models and may not be transferable.
  14. Availability:
    • Check the availability of the keycap set, as some custom sets may have limited stock or be produced in limited runs.
  15. Customer Reviews:
    • Read customer reviews and seek feedback from others who have purchased the same keycap set to gauge their satisfaction and any potential issues.
  16. Return Policy:
    • Familiarize yourself with the seller’s return or exchange policy in case you encounter any issues with the product.

By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision and select the custom keycap set that best suits your needs and preferences for your DIY keyboard build.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are a variety of custom keycap sets available for DIY keyboard enthusiasts, each offering unique features to enhance the aesthetics and functionality of mechanical keyboards. The choice of the best keycap set ultimately depends on individual preferences, including design, material, profile, and compatibility.

The JSJT Magical Elves Themed Keycaps stand out for their thematic design and affordability, making them an attractive choice for those seeking creativity on a budget. However, the extensive key count may be more than some users need.

For those interested in a distinctive design with durability, the XVX Japanese Style Keycaps, featuring a unique two-in-one design, are an appealing option. The compatibility with various keyboard layouts adds to their versatility.

The NACODEX Gradient Blue Keycaps and the NACODEX Gradient Purple-Pink Keycaps offer an artistic touch with their gradient designs and versatile compatibility with MX switches, making them a great choice for those who want to express their style through their keyboards.

If you’re looking for an artistic and distinctive aesthetic, the Blue Hat BILIBILI Keycaps feature animated images and vibrant colors, though users should be aware of compatibility limitations.

Each keycap set in the table offers its own set of advantages and potential drawbacks, so it’s important to carefully consider your priorities and preferences when choosing the best custom keycap set for your DIY keyboard build.

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