Topographic keycaps: give your keyboard a new look without changing keyboards

A keycap set is the cheapest part that transforms a gaming setup the most. These double-shot PBT keycaps feature a contour-line pattern and carry their legends on the side of the key, not on top. They fit any mechanical keyboard with cross-shaped MX stems, replacing the original keys.

What it does

• Double-shot PBT: the legend is moulded into the material, so it doesn't rub off like a surface print. PBT keeps a matte feel and develops less shine than ABS.
• Backlit side printing: the legends are moved to the front face of the key, which keeps the top clean and lets the backlight out at the side.
• Cherry profile: a low, sculpted profile, row by row, closer to the desk than an OEM profile. Switching from one set to another doesn't mean relearning how to type.
• Three set sizes: 97, 98 or 133 keys depending on the variant, from compact layouts to a full keyboard with extra keys.

What it doesn't do

• No keyboard, no switches, no electronics: these are keycaps only.
• The backlight does not shine through the top of the key. With side printing, the light comes out at the side and through the gaps — a keyboard whose LEDs shine upwards will give a more subtle effect than with translucent keys.
• Set designed for an ANSI-type layout. On an AZERTY/ISO keyboard (L-shaped Enter key, short left Shift, extra key next to W), some keys may be missing or not match: compare the number and shape of the keys with your keyboard before ordering.
• The legends use Latin characters without accents and no dedicated AZERTY set: the keys do not carry the symbols of a French keyboard.
• Not compatible with membrane keyboards, scissor-switch laptop keyboards, or stems other than MX (Topre, Alps, low profile).

Compatibility

Mechanical keyboards whose switches have a cross-shaped stem (MX mount): this is the standard on the vast majority of mechanical gaming keyboards. Not suitable for membrane keyboards, low-profile keyboards, or Topre and Alps mounts. The number of keys supplied (97, 98 or 133 depending on the variant) does not guarantee coverage of a particular layout: check the sizes of your keyboard's space bar, Shift and Enter keys.

Skill level required

No soldering, no keyboard disassembly. You remove the old keys with a keycap puller, then fit the new ones by hand, lining up the cross with the stem. Allow 10 to 20 minutes for a full keyboard. A metal wire puller is safer than a plastic ring puller, which can scratch the sides of the keys.

In the box

• 1 PBT keycap set — 97, 98 or 133 keys depending on the chosen variant.
• Colour according to the chosen variant.
• Keycap puller not guaranteed in the box: have your own ready.

Read before ordering: Keycaps