You want to give a new look to your keyboard and confuse on the point that are keycaps universal?
So whether you are a gamer? or you use your computer for work? If you likely use your current keyboard extensively. Chances are, you’ve also noticed that not all keyboards are created equal.
The keycaps on different keyboards can vary quite a bit in shape, size, and material. So, what’s the big deal? Why should you care?
Well, believe it or not, the type of keycaps on your keyboard can significantly impact how well you perform at work and in your favorite games. Read on to learn more about keycap universality and why it matters.
In this blog post we’ve covered your question with all the necessary details that you loved to read and regret to leave. Let’s get started.
Are Keycaps Universal
The simple answer is NO.
Keycaps are not universal because each keyboard uses different sizes and shapes of custom keycaps universal. However, some after-market keycap sets are designed to fit multiple types of keyboards.
These “universal” keycaps usually come in a standard size (such as 104 keys) and use a uniform profile, such as OEM or Cherry.
This means they will fit most keyboards that use that particular profile, but there may be slight discrepancies in the overall appearance.
Nevertheless, universal keycaps offer a convenient way to upgrade the look of your keyboard without having to buy a new one. However it do not make an overall good user experience.
So for a good user experience you need to find some good/perfect compatible keycaps for your keyboard that response you fast, have a good typing experience and give you a pleasent feel.
What are keycaps?
Keycaps are the removable caps that cover the key switches on a keyboard. They come in many different colors. Material choices include ABS plastic, PBT plastic, rubber, and metal.
Keycaps can also be backlit to allow light to shine through them. Some keycaps have textured surfaces to improve grip and feel. Others are smooth.
Some keycaps have legend prints while others are blank.
The most popular keycap profile is OEM. The second most popular is Cherry. There are many other unique profiles as well.
The thicker the keycap wall, the more durable it is. Thinner keycaps tend to show wear more quickly. Keycaps can be purchased pre-assembled or as loose singles.
They can also be purchased in sets. Assembling a custom keyboard with a unique color scheme and layout is a popular hobby among enthusiasts.
Keycaps Compatibility
So the keycaps compatibility is based upon several factors. Keycaps are essential for a keyboard; without them, you won’t be able to press all your keys correctly. So how do they differ?
Let’s take an honest look at these factors that will help determine if one Keycap is going to work with your current setup:
- Key Stems
- Key Profile
- Key Layout
- Key Spacing
- Key Thickness
- Stabilizers
- Backlight Compatibility
Key Stem
The “stem” is the part of the Keycap that inserts into the switch. The most common stems used on the most mechanical keyboard are Cherry (also known as +) and OEM.
Some rarer switches, such as Topre, use their unique branch. It’s important to note that not all Cherry-style buttons are compatible with each other.
For example, Black and Blue cherry MX switches use a different stem than Cherry MX Brown and Red switches. If you’re unsure which stem your keyboard uses, the best way to find out is by looking at the buyers reviews especially their cons about keycaps.
Key Profiles
The key profile is the overall shape of the keys. The most common profiles used on most mechanical keyboards are OEM, Cherry, and SA.
Some keyboards, such as the IBM Model M, use their unique shape.
The critical profile can have a significant impact on typing feel and comfort. For example, some people prefer the low profile of cherry MX keycaps, while others prefer the higher profile of OEM keys.
I shape your desire. If you’re unsure, it’s best to check it’s compatibility, people experiences and sites reviews to check it out. Whether it’s best for your hands or not.
Key Layout
The key layout is the arrangement of the keys on the keyboard. The most common keyboard layouts are QWERTY (standard), Dvorak, and Colemak.
Some keyboards, such as the Kinesis Advantage, use their unique design.
The critical format can have a significant impact on typing speed and accuracy. For example, Dvorak users rank faster and with fewer errors than QWERTY users. Its up to you to choose which layout you select.
If you’re unsure, it’s best to read out their reviews, peoples experiences and guides before making a purchase.
Key Spacing
The key spacing is the distance between the keys on the keyboard. The most common spacings are 19mm, 18mm, and 16mm.
Some keyboards, such as the Ergodox EZ, use their unique spacing. The key spacing can have a significant impact on typing comfort.
For example, people with larger hands may prefer the wider spacing of 19mm keys, while people with smaller hands may prefer the narrower spacing of 16mm keys.
Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide which spacing you want.
If you’re unsure, it’s best to check it’s compatibility, people experiences and sites reviews to check it out. Whether it’s best for your hands or not.
Key Thickness
The key thickness is the distance from the top of the Keycap to the bottom of the Keycap. The most common thicknesses are 1mm, 1.5mm, and 2mm.
Some keyboards, such as the Topre Realforce 87U, use their unique thickness.
The key thickness can have a significant impact on typing feel and comfort. For example, some people prefer the thin profile of 1mm keys, while others prefer the thicker profile of 2mm keys.
Its up to you to choose the thickness that you prefer. If you’re unsure, it’s best to try out a few different types before making a purchase.
Stabilizers
As you may know, not all keys on a keyboard are the same size. The larger keys (like the spacebar and left shift) require what is known as a stabilizer to function correctly.
Stabilizers come in two different varieties: costar and cherry. Costar stabilizers are typically found on lower-end keyboards, while cherry stabilizers are most commonly used on higher-end boards.
Some people prefer the feel of costar stabilizers, while others find them too stiff. Its up to you to choose which type of stabilizer you prefer.
If you’re unsure, it’s best to read out their reviews, peoples experiences and guides before making a purchase.
Keycap Material
The keycap material is the material used to construct the keycaps. The most common materials are ABS and PBT. Some keyboards, such as the Ducky One 2 Mini, use their unique material.
The keycap material can have a significant impact on typing feel and comfort. For example, some people prefer the softer feel of ABS keys, while others find them too slippery.
It’s up to you to choose the material you choose.
If you’re unsure, it’s best to check it’s compatibility, people experiences and sites reviews to check it out. Whether it’s best for your hands or not.
Keycap Color
The keycap color is the color of the keycaps. The most common colors are black, white, and grey. Some keyboards, such as the Razer BlackWidow, use their unique color.
The keycap color can have a significant impact on typing comfort and style.
For example, some people prefer the understated look of extra keys, while others find them too bland.
Its up to you to choose the color you desire. If you’re unsure, it’s best to try out a few different types before making a purchase.
Keycap legends
The keycap legends are the symbols, numbers, or letters printed on the keys.
The most common legends are QWERTY, Dvorak, and Colemak. Some keyboards, such as the Matias Ergo Pro, use their unique legend.
The keycap legend can have a significant impact on typing speed and accuracy.
For example, Dvorak users tend to type faster and with fewer errors than QWERTY users. Its up to you to choose the legend you prefer.
If you’re unsure, it’s best to read out their reviews, peoples experiences and guides before making a purchase.
Ensure Keycap Compatibility
Before buying a new keycap, it’s essential to ensure it will be compatible with your keyboard. First, you must identify the type of switch your keyboard uses. The most common types are cherry, scissors, and dome.
Once you know the type of switch, you can narrow your search to keycaps designed for that specific type.
Finally, pay attention to the color scheme and design of the keycaps to guarantee they will match the rest of your keyboard.
Conclusion
In Conclusion, there are a lot of factors to consider when it comes to keycaps. However, the most important thing is choosing the right keycaps for you.
Please keep all the factors we’ve discussed in mind when deciding.
And we’ve mentioned it a lot, so please take it serious that if you’re unsure, it’s always best to read out a few different types reviews & compatibility before making a final purchase. Thanks for listening to us!
FAQs
Do All Keycaps Fit In All Keyboards?
Keycaps are not universal, and not all will fit all keyboards.
Each keyboard has a unique switch type that determines what type of Keycap will be compatible.
You will also want to check the measurements of your existing keycaps to ensure the new ones will fit.
Finally, pay attention to the color scheme and design of the keycaps to guarantee they will match the rest of your keyboard.
How Do I Know Which Keyboard Keycaps Are Compatible?
To determine which keycaps are compatible with your keyboard, you must first identify the type of switch your keyboard uses.
The most common types are cherry, scissors, and dome. You can then narrow your search to keycaps designed for that specific type.
Finally, please pay attention to the color scheme and design of the keycaps to ensure they match the rest of your keyboard.
Are Keycaps Interchangeable?
Most keycaps are interchangeable, but there are a few exceptions.
For example, the keycaps on a laptop keyboard are not typically interchangeable with those on a desktop keyboard.
Additionally, some gaming keyboards use unique keycaps incompatible with other keyboards if you’re unsure whether or not the keycaps on your keyboard are interchangeable.
Are Keycaps Standard Size?
No, keycaps are not all standard size.
Each keyboard has a unique switch type that determines the size and shape of the keycaps that will be compatible.
You will also want to check the measurements of your existing keycaps to ensure the new ones will fit.
Finally, please pay attention to the color scheme and design of the keycaps to ensure they match the rest of your keyboard. keycaps for your needs.
Are Mechanical and Membrane Keyboards Keycap are Same?
No, membrane keycaps are typically made from a thin plastic film, while mechanical keycaps are made from various materials, including aluminum, brass, and stainless steel.
Membrane keycaps also usually have less travel distance before they register a keypress.
