How Custom Keycaps Are Made and Sold

Custom keycaps are one of the primary ways that keyboard enthusiasts and users customize their mechanical keyboards. Changing the color, plastic type, or profile of a single keycap can dramatically alter the look and feel of a board. However, there are many other factors to consider when choosing a new set of keys. Choosing the right keycaps can be confusing as there are many different types of plastic, profiles, and printing techniques that can influence aesthetics and typing experience. This article aims to demystify the various choices and empower enthusiasts to make informed decisions about their next keycap set.

Different keycaps can be made from a variety of materials including ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) and PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate). Most commonly, however, GMK keycaps are produced from polycarbonate plastic. The plastic is injected into molds, which form the keycaps. Keycaps are then printed using either double-shot (where a colored plastic is injected around the legends) or dye-sublimation (where laser-etched legends are infilled with a dye).

Finally, keycaps are finished through paint-washing and UV curing to create a glossy, smooth surface. Depending on the process, there may also be an additional layer of sealant applied to protect the finish against wear and tear.

Once a keycap design is complete, it is often marketed in the keycap community through group buys or preorders. In a group buy, a vendor collects prepayment for the product from a number of customers to fund a minimum order quantity (MOQ) before manufacturing begins. This method minimizes the amount of time between a designer’s excitement about their new keycap set and when it’s delivered to customers.