One of the most common conversations in specialized gaming keyboard forums is about the most optimal materials for the so-called Keycaps, that is, for the keys themselves. But, the question always arises about which is the most optimal material and quality for gaming, always talking about durability. Is it more optimal to choose an ABS or PBT keyboard or keycap set ?
Doubt corrodes every gamer worth his salt. And it is that when it comes to depositing money in a peripheral as important as a gaming keyboard, you look at the least, mainly because the player has to do the keyboard and not the other way around, even if it seems otherwise. Speed, precision and above all durability are increasingly valued, so distinguishing between good keys and others that are not key.
ABS vs PBT, what is more recommended for a gaming keyboard?
Before answering the question, we are going to know a little what type of materials we have in hand, mainly to understand the reasons for the answer. ABS is the acronym for Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene , a material that is used for PC chassis, certain parts of AIOs, some cases for mice and of course for keys. It is a fairly weak material in terms of molecular structure, but it has the advantage of being resistant to wear and shocks, making it somewhat difficult to break.
It is the most used material in the gaming keyboard industry, with the vast majority of them carrying this material in their Keycaps. On the other hand, PBT or polybutylene terephlalate is a material that compared to ABS is harder in terms of wear, but against it, it leaves a feeling like grainy, sandy to the touch.
Another disadvantage is that it is more fragile on impact or blow, and it is also more expensive to manufacture than ABS, so given its less clean and soft nature, together with the higher price, they have led the industry to not include it as a material. predefined on gaming keyboards.
Why is the industry opting for one in a unison?
Mainly for price, but for users it also has its logic. Most of us don’t know how to properly clean keys. Some use alcohol, others isopropyl and many more aggressive elements.
If the keys were made of PBT the results would be catastrophic: from deformations to premature wear of each key. ABS on the other hand, and although it is also subjected to this degradation in a certain way, it surprisingly withstands chemicals better and therefore has a better reputation among manufacturers and the community.
In addition, the ease of creating the keycap is also a factor to take into account, since the degree of deformation and durability of the keycap is implicit in the shaping process. ABS here has another clear advantage, since it is molded much simpler than PBT and as we have said, much cheaper, which directly impacts the final price of the keyboard.
