Japanese keycaps

One central element to an awesome computing experience might not always be recognized, which is the impact and selection of Japanese keycaps. Users' comfort is an important element that must be taken into consideration for the ultimate working or gaming experience.

What are the benefits of using Japanese keycaps?

The main benefits lie in the aesthetics, as users can choose the color and design of the backlit Japanese keycaps of their liking, which gives rise to the RGB lighting to flourish, as well as the customized mechanical keyboards. The custom Japanese keycaps are durable, which means the print on the keycaps won't disappear after some heavy use, especially for heavy gamers. In addition, by customizing the profile design, users can have a Japanese keycap set that feels comfortable to the touch and is efficient to type on.

Do Japanese keycaps come in different sizes?

It's important to understand the keyboard layouts, as well as their size, especially if the user's keyboard does not conform to the common layout. Namely speaking, there are five sizes, which are 100%, 80%, 85%, 75%, and 60%. The RGB Japanese keycaps measurements are referred to as u. 1u refers to the smallest 1x1 unit used for numbers, letters, arrow keys, the function row, and so on. Larger keys are referred to in proportion to those 1u keys. For example, a standard Tab key is 1.5u—it's 1.5x the size of a 1u key, like the numbers or letters.

What are the materials used for Japanese keycaps?

ABS is the cheapest and most common plastic used for shine-through Japanese keycaps. ABS Japanese keycaps are mass-produced because they are injection-molded. PBT plastic is less common but is usually of higher quality than ABS. Custom ABS Japanese keycaps feel smoother to the touch but could develop a greasy gloss over time, while PBT Japanese keycaps feel textured and durable. PBT is considered superior than ABS since it is more durable and has little to no wear and tear over time. That being said, there are some pretty lovely ABS Japanese keycap sets available, and it all comes down to personal preferences and budget.