The 10 Best Gaming Keycaps
Special Honors
Crafting a Green World Just like discarded keyboards, the keycaps you get rid of when customizing your gaming space don't have many future prospects. Since they aren't on any recycling schedules and the few charities that accept old computer accessories rarely deal with individual donations, the handful of near-immortal plastic bits your left with is destined for a landfill sooner or later. Wouldn't it be great if you could use your old keys to make useful items like refrigerator magnets, bulletin board pins, kids' necklaces, and more? This website has plenty of suggestions in this vein, as well as other examples that might inspire you to use your old keycaps in a constructive manner. craftingagreenworld.com
KPRepublic If all this talk about keycaps is getting you more hyped than the suggestions above can handle, consider heading over to this purveyor of custom computer goods. They have a hoard of keycaps available including blank, metal, ABS, PBT, and more, not to mention novelty options, a rotating selection of 3D designs, and mixed grab bags. As if that isn't enough, they also offer a range of peripheral devices and have a Discord channel you can join. kprepublic.com
Editor's Notes
May 28, 2020:
Serious gaming requires repeated strokes that can wear down keys. Between oily build up, loss of labeling, and other cap-related issues, every dedicated gamer eventually reaches that point where they have to consider investing in serious hardware to help improve their play. Keycaps are just one of many smart purchases you can make to enhance your experience alongside more advanced items like ergonomic gaming mice and simpler solutions such as wrist pads for keyboards.
Aesthetically, keycaps serve two main purposes. First, they make important keys more visible and/or tractive, which can help increase both precision and actions per minute. Second, they add a touch of personal style, which can go a long way in building morale, or looking good in front of followers when streaming. If you’re considering getting custom keycaps and you don’t already have a backlit keyboard, we suggest taking a look at some, since most keycaps are made to accommodate lighting.
The majority of the options on the list are intended for standard mechanical keyboards, and only the Razer Upgrade Set, Bossi Profile, and Max Keyboard Universal feature full sets capable of replacing most or all keys on any given board. Unfortunately, the only option specifically designed for programmable keypads that made the list is the X-keys Compatible, but the good news is it’s a great offering that is also compatible with mechanical keyboards, and there are many programmable boards out there that use standard mechanical keys anyway.