The plastic layer that covers a key on a keyboard is called a keycap. It is the cover that you touch when you type on a keyboard. It essentially identifies the symbol or letter input into the device or computer. In recent times keycaps have become much more than the regular plastic keys, keyboard enthusiasts are often fond of switching keycaps by using customized options. These different kinds of keycaps can come in different shapes, sizes, and every color or texture imaginable. Having a colored keycap or a keycap with a unique texture or form has become a trend.

What makes a keycap?

A keycap is generally made through the process of thermoplastic injection molding thermoplastic. This process involves melting plastic and putting it under pressure so that it forms a steel mold. There are different plastics that are used to make these colored keycaps.

ABS
Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene or ABS is found in many applications and formulations. This is the form of plastic that is most commonly used to create keycaps as the material that it is made with is easily available and less expensive.

PBT
Short for polybutylene terephthalate, this type of plastic is another upcoming favorite material for making keycaps. It is extremely durable but comes with a higher manufacturing cost. PBT does not shine even after long usage. The plastic is hard and it gives the keycap a texture. Most of the keycaps that are found in the aftermarket are made using PBT plastic.

3-D printed keycaps 
With the help of 3-D printers, it has become relatively easy to customize keycap designs. You can choose the shape and color as per your requirement. All you need to have is easy access to a 3-D printer. You can create colored keycaps, or normal keycaps in unique shapes and textures.

Hand-molded keycaps
These keycaps are relatively unique, a tad bit expensive, and highly sought-after because of their unique form and design. The process of making these keycaps is tedious. Artisans make a clay mold in their preferred shape. This is then made into a silicone mold of the design. The last step is to cast it in resin to produce a keycap. This method is extremely time-consuming and fetches a lot of money from the artists who create these keycaps.

POM
This is the least common plastic that is used to make keycaps. These keycaps though durable, are slippery; hence are avoided by manufacturers.

Rubber keycaps
Rubber keycaps are the plastic keycaps coated in an additional rubber layer. The rubber coating allows for a better finger grip and can benefit gamers who are making the jump to PC gaming for the first time.

A brand-new set of keycaps is probably the best way to spiff up the monotonous mechanical keyboard. Just replacing the set of old, poorly made, and thin ABS keycaps with the new awesomely designed colored keycaps is way better. You’ll need to understand the size of the keycaps needed, what row they sit on, and not to forget the specific layout is a must while purchasing a new set of keycaps. Here are some features of the keycaps.                                                                                                                                          

Features of keycaps

The keycap profiles
The shape of the keycap is known as the keycap profile. You can feel the difference in shape and height of the keycap, although it may seem similar in its top-down view. 

• Sculpted and uniform keycap profiles
   Sculpted keycap profiles are profiles that have a distinct shape each at a different angle. Uniform keycaps are keys that have the same/uniform shape and size.                                                                                                                                                   

Various production methods
Various production methods affect the colored keycaps choices, their quality, texture, customizing possibilities, and their durability.                                                              

• 3-D Printed Keycaps
  With the introduction of 3-D printers it has become relatively easy to make a keycap in the shape and color of your choice. You just need to have some practice and easy access to a 3-D printer. You can create colored keycaps, or normal keycaps in unique shapes and textures.
• Hand-molded Keycaps
  These are keycaps that are relatively unique, expensive, and highly sought-after because of their distinctive construction form and design. The process of making these keycaps begins with a clay mold moving onto a silicone mold, this mold is further cast with resin. This method is extremely time-consuming and fetches a lot of money from the artists who create these keycaps.                                                                                                            
• Double-shot keycaps
  Double-shot keycaps are manufactured from a more complex process by injection molding two separate plastics. They are produced this way for the lighting to shine through. These kinds of keycaps are available in both ABS and PBT plastics.                                                                  

Choosing the right keycap profile for gaming
Have you ever thought of how to choose the right keycap profile? You always tend to look for the kind of keyboard with comfortable and easily usable keycaps. Well, the Cherry style of keycaps is the best for gaming purposes. These are sculpted profiles specially made comfortable to press for games. 

These are some features and facts about keycaps. Keycaps are the face of the keyboard and are responsible for the touch, sound, feel, and overall experience.