A gamer, typist or keyboard enthusiast enjoys customizing their keyboard almost as much as using it. With many different companies offering custom keycaps, the choices are vast. You can choose a complete new keyset for your keyboard, a few keycaps to make certain keys stand out, or even a translucent XVX Keycaps 60 Percent by SDYZ.
For use with mechanical keyboards, particularly those with Cherry MX switches, custom keycaps are used to completely redesign a keyboard or to make it easier to see keys that are used most often. Available in many different colors, symbols, and shapes, custom keycaps are designed using ABS or PBT plastic. One company uses high-quality rubber to design their keycaps, and another company adds an aluminum coating. The lettering or symbols are available in printed, etched, or double-shot. Double-shot molding increases the life of letters, numbers, and symbols by helping prevent fading.
There are a few things to consider before purchasing a new set of keycaps. We have put together this guide in hopes of helping you decide on features that are important to you. We have also reviewed 10 custom keycap sets varying from a whole set to that one particular keycap some simply cannot live without. Hopefully you find this custom keycap buying guide helpful in your search.
Best Custom Keycaps – Comparison Table
 | HK Gaming PBT Pudding Keycap Set | Colored topped keycaps Translucent legends Widely Compatible | 4.5 out of 5 |
 | 3. RUNSTAR 9 Keys/Set Orange Backlit Translucent Keycaps | Used PBT material,smooth texture,super strong. High toughness, Good fatigue resistance. | 4.5 out of 5 |
 | NPKC Miami OEM Profile Keycaps | Made of 90% PBT Thickness is around 1.5mm Compatible with most standard ANSI MX switches keyboard | 4.3 out of 5 |
 | HK Gaming Dye Sublimation Keycaps | 139 KEYS: 108 Keys + 39 keys modifiers Compatibility with both Ansi Us International and ISO layout Wire keycap puller included. | 4.4 out of 5 |
 | VULTURE Double Shot Rubber Keycaps | New formula martial Designed to fit any gaming keyboards Rubberized Non-slip Diamond Texture | 4.5 out of 5 |
 | Foamy Lizard Pro Rubber Keycap Set | Rubber Keycap Backlit Set of Cherry MX Compatible With Key Pulle | 4.5 out of 5 |
 | SDYX 60% PBT Double Shot Keycaps Set | Good Material Widely Compatible OEM Profile Keycaps | 4.5 out of 5 |
 | Fitlink FPS and MOBA Gaming Keycaps | Wide Compatibility Luxury Design Visually Striking Colors And Smooth Textured Design | 4.5 out of 5 |
 | 10. Redragon A101 Keycaps | 104 Cherry MX style mechanical keycaps, Inclusive Key Puller Compatible with Redragon mechanical keyboards | 4.5 out of 5 |
10 Best Custom Keycaps for 2021 – Reviews
HK Gaming PBT Pudding Keycap Set
Transform your old keyboard into the perfect one for gaming with this keycap set. Compatible with most 60% mechanical designs, the caps also work with those that have up to 108 keys. Each cap has a translucent bottom that allows the lighting from the keyboard to come through. The caps have a Milk Pudding finish that tones down the bright display to give you the light that you want without bothering anyone around you or hurting your eyes when you game at night. All of the 108 included caps take the place of those on your keyboard and correspond to both letters and numbers as well as different keyboard functions.
Key Features:
- Used PBT material,smooth texture,super strong.
- High toughness,
- Good fatigue resistance.
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
2. AGPtek Electroplating Silver Keyset
AGPtek offers 8 zinc alloy keycaps for the letters W, A, S, D, and 4 symbols. These keycaps are compatible with all mechanical keyboards with Cherry MX switches. Labeled on the side of the keycaps R1-R4 for height, you can easily replace your old keycaps to customize your keyboard. R1 keycaps are for the letters Z, X, C, V, B, N, M, and the numbers 1, 2, and 3 on the number pad. They can also be used for WASD keys and direction keys.
R2 is sized for letters A, S, D, F, G, H, J, K, L, or numbers 4, 5, and 6 on the number pad. R3 fits the letters Q, W, E, R, T, Y, U, I, O, P, keypad numbers 7, 8, 9, and the delete, end, or page down keys. Last, the R4 size keycap fits the escape key, function keys, print, scroll, pause, number lock, tab, shift, CTR, ALT, WIN, backspace, enter, and the top row of numbers.
Key Features:
- R4 size keycap fits the escape key
- 8 zinc alloy keycaps
- Compatible with Cherry MX switches mechanical keyboards
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
3. RUNSTAR 9 Keys/Set Orange Backlit Translucent Keycaps
RUNSTAR offers 9 orange keycaps made of PBT high-quality plastic. The dual-injected keycaps are translucent allowing backlighting to shine through perfectly. Compatible with all Cherry MX switch keyboards, these keys fit WASD, escape, and the arrow keys. The included keycap puller is made of PBT high-quality plastic as well.
Key Features:
- Used PBT material,smooth texture,super strong.
- High toughness,
- Good fatigue resistance.
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
NPKC Miami OEM Profile Keycaps
Turn your old mechanical keyboard into one that you will want to use every time that you play with this keycap set. The set uses bright colors of pink and blue that add a fun touch to your setup. Compatible with most mechanical keyboards, the caps have laser etched printing that will last through millions of strokes and hours of gaming. As long as your keyboard uses LED switches, the caps allow you to see the backlit display that shines through. Though you don’t get a keyboard with this set, you do get a cap puller. Using this puller helps you remove the caps from your old board and ensures that you don’t damage it.
Key Features:
- Made of 90% PBT
- Thickness is around 1.5mm
- ompatible with most standard ANSI MX switches keyboard
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
HK Gaming Dye Sublimation Keycaps
One of the best ways to customize your mechanical keyboard is with this set of new keycaps. Available in a red and white design, the two colors shown on each cap helps you find the right key whenever you need it. With 139 caps included in the box, you get all of the caps that you need for battle and racing games along with typing and checking your email. In addition to the 109 standard keys, the set comes with caps that help you modify your keyboard and make it work for you. You also get a puller that helps you remove your existing caps before using the caps in this set.
Key Features:
- 139 KEYS: 108 Keys + 39 keys modifiers
- Compatibility with both Ansi Us International and ISO layout
- Wire keycap puller included.
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
VULTURE Double Shot Rubber Keycaps
VULTURE helps you give an old mechanical keyboard a fresh look with this keycap set. The caps are compatible with any keyboard that has a Cherry XM switch as long as your old caps have a plus sign (+) under them. Included with the caps is a basic puller that anyone can use. It lets you slip under the existing caps and pull them out without causing any damage. You can then easily install the new caps. Suitable for use with backlit displays, the keys allow the colors that you choose to come through. Many like the soft purple color of the caps and how well they can stand up to presses and strokes.
Key Features:
- New formula martial
- Designed to fit any gaming keyboards
- Rubberized Non-slip Diamond Texture
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
Foamy Lizard Pro Rubber Keycap Set
When it comes to changing or fixing your mechanical keyboard, you should consider this cap set from Foamy Lizard. Made from a special type of rubber, the keys have a textured surface that helps you easily slide across them in the middle of a game. They have a shine-through design that makes sure you can see the backlit design of your keyboard. Though the set of black keys work with most systems, the set also comes in different colors to help you customize your setup. Also included in the box is a key puller that helps you remove your old caps without damaging the keyboard or other caps.
Key Features:
- Rubber Keycap
- Backlit Set of Cherry MX Compatible
- With Key Pulle
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
SDYZ XVX Keycaps 60 Percent
The gray and purple design of this keycap set offers something a little different that appeals to both men and women. Made from PBT, the caps are double shot to stand up to your daily routine and long gaming sessions. Many like the OEM height that has an ergonomic design to help you feel more comfortable when playing. You don’t need to worry about breaking or damaging your old and new caps because the set comes with a cap puller. It helps you easily remove the old caps and add your new ones. XVX gives you an extended warranty on this cap set, too.
Key Features:
- Good Material
- Widely Compatible
- OEM Profile Keycaps
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
Fitlink FPS and MOBA Gaming Keycaps
Get more out of your mechanical keyboard with this keycap set that includes caps designed for computer games. The key puller is easy to use and helps you remove any broken caps without damaging those nearby. Each cap has a clear display with printing on the top that allows you to see what they do while also viewing the backlit display as it shines through. The caps are resistant to both scratches and corrosion and can last through millions of presses. As a bonus, you can configure the keys in both MOBA and FPS setups to make them work with your system and how you use your keyboard.
Key Features:
- Wide Compatibility
- Luxury Design
- Visually Striking Colors And Smooth Textured Design
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
10. Redragon A101 Keycaps
Redragon is a familiar namebrand for most gamers. They offer a complete set of 104 keycaps with double-shot injected molding to prevent fading. Made of ABS high-quality plastic, these keycaps are also translucent allowing backlighting to shine through. The black keycaps have large easy to read letters, numbers, and symbols that are 100% anti-ghosting. Redragon designed this set for Cherry MX switches, but it will fit most mechanical keyboards.
Key Features:
- 104 Cherry MX style mechanical keycaps,
- Inclusive Key Puller
- Compatible with Redragon mechanical keyboards
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
Things to Consider Before Purchasing
Compatibility
The majority of custom keycaps are designed to fit keyboards with Cherry MX switch keys. However, several keycaps will fit other mechanical keyboards. Be sure to read the product description before purchase.
Keycap Material
Most keycaps are made of high-quality ABS or PBT plastic. We did review a rubber keycap set, and some have zinc alloy incorporated into the design to help prevent fading.
Translucent
Not all keycaps will allow backlighting to shine through. If this is an important feature to you, be sure to check the product description.
A Whole Keycap Set or Just a Few
Many companies offer a keycap set to completely redesign your keyboard. Others may offer anywhere from 1 custom keycap to 18 keycaps.
Character Key
Some gamers and keyboard enthusiasts love the idea of one custom keycap to stand out among the others. Custom designs include symbols for Ironman, Agents of Shield, Hammer of Thor, Resident Evil, and more.
Key Puller
A key puller is a must-have tool when switching out keycaps. It’s always a bonus when one is included in the set.
Font
Although they may come in a different color, a lot of custom keycaps have a similar font to what we are used to. A few use a larger size making the letters easier to read. There is also one keycap set we reviewed that has a large completely different font on the keycaps.
Color
You can pretty much find any color keycap, but not all colors are offered by the same company. Keep in mind the color of your backlighting when choosing a color also as the backlighting colors will affect the look of your new keycaps.
We hope you have enjoyed our custom keycap buying guide and reviews. Our best advice is to decide which features you are looking for, narrow down the choices that fit your criteria, and then read as much as possible about each set before purchasing. We wish you the best of luck finding the perfect keycaps to customize your keyboard.
