It is common for users to alter the look and feel of mechanical keyboards by changing the default keycaps. Usually, custom keycaps can be very costly, because of the small demand. It is surprised for HyperX to release a set of replacement keycaps for an extremely affordable price of $25 USD (MSRP). Let’s take a look.
Unboxing
The keycap set is offered in two options, black and white. Our review sample is the black version (HXS-KBKC3). You should be familiar with the white and red color scheme of the packaging, from other HyperX products. You get a glimpse of how the pudding keycaps look from the photos on the box. A short list of features are explained in nine different languages at the back.
Inside, there is a keyboard layout map with all the locations of the keycaps, which makes the installation more convenient and straightforward. The total of 104 keys and the included keycap puller are vacuum-sealed into three separate plastic bags.
HyperX Double Shot PBT Pudding Keycaps
The HyperX keycap set is guaranteed to work with all HyperX mechanical keyboards. Most other keyboards, using the Cherry MX style key stem and standard layout, should also be compatible.
The so-called “pudding” design is featured on the keycaps, with the white base and black top. The RGB LED lighting will be able to pass through the frosted white portion to create a more dramatic and pleasant effect.
The keycaps are made from PBT (Polybutylene terephthalate) plastic, which is considered to be the more premium option for keycaps. Unlike the more mainstream ABS plastic, the surface of the keycaps will not become shinny, because of the oil from your fingers. The keycaps are also double shot-injected, where the top black layer and the bottom white layer are molded together. Therefore, the legends will never wear off over time.
The keycaps fit perfectly to the HyperX Alloy Elite RGB (its review here).
Review
The HyperX PBT keycaps have a more textured surface or a matte finish, which do not attract as much oil/grease as the stock ABS keycaps. They are expected to be very durable with thicker walls, which may contribute to better typing experience.
The three vacuum-sealed plastic bags do a good job in protecting the keycaps during shipping, but they cannot be re-used once opened. It would be awesome, if HyperX includes a tiny carry pouch or box to store the removed stock keycaps from the keyboard.
Overall, the build quality of the keycaps are excellent. However, some (not many) keycaps will have minors defects from the injection molding process.
The translucent white plastic of the pudding keycaps allows for the awesome light diffusion. The effect makes it seems like the RGB LEDs are installed directly inside the keycaps.
Conclusion
If you want to further improve the RGB lighting of your existing mechanical keyboard, the simplest way is to get the HyperX Double Shot PBT Pudding Keycaps. Non-shinny keycaps with long-lasting legends are the added benefits.
The keycap set is priced at $24.99 USD (MSRP), but is currently on sale for $19.99 USD at the time of this review. A 2-year warranty is provided. A custom set of PBT keycaps can easily costs you over $50 USD. I would recommend considering the HyperX keycaps first, especially if you already owned a HyperX mechanical keyboard.
You can purchase the keycap set from your local/online resellers or the links below from Amazon and Newegg.
- Amazon US: HyperX Double Shot PBT Pudding Keycaps
- Newegg US: HyperX Double Shot PBT Pudding Keycaps
Thanks HyperX for providing us the keycap set for review. (Review Sample)
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