Where to Buy Quality Keycaps
The keycap market can be a little confusing for newcomers. It's generally divided into two main purchasing models: in-stock sets that you can buy right now, and group buys for exclusive, custom-designed sets that are made to order. Understanding the difference is key to managing your expectations (and your wallet).
This guide will help you navigate both markets, find reputable vendors, and choose the right purchasing approach for your needs and timeline.
Finding Your Perfect Set: Where to Buy Keycaps
The keycap market can be a little confusing for newcomers. It's generally divided into two main purchasing models: in-stock sets that you can buy right now, and group buys for exclusive, custom-designed sets that are made to order. Understanding the difference is key to managing your expectations (and your wallet).
In-Stock Keycaps: Instant Gratification
If you want to get your hands on a quality keycap set without waiting months or years, there are many excellent vendors who keep a rotating stock of popular and high-quality sets. This is the best option for first-time builders, anyone who needs a set quickly, or those who simply prefer a standard retail experience.
- Advantages:
- Fast Shipping: Your keycaps typically ship within a few days.
- What You See Is What You Get: No waiting for renders to become real products.
- Easy Returns: Standard consumer protections, returns, and customer service apply.
- Top Vendors for In-Stock Keycaps:
- Drop (formerly Massdrop): A major player that offers a wide range of in-stock sets, including their own excellent and affordable MT3 and DCX profile keycaps. A very reliable and popular choice.
- NovelKeys: Stocks a variety of keycaps, including their own PBT sets, licensed sets, and often has "extras" from popular group buys after they have been fulfilled.
- Omnitype: Known for their high-quality GMK and PBT sets, and often has desirable extras in stock.
- CannonKeys: Often has a good selection of in-stock PBT sets and their own line of CXA and CXX profile keycaps.
- KBDfans: Offers a massive variety of their own affordable PBT keycap sets in many different colorways and profiles. A great budget-friendly option.
- Regional Vendors: Many regions have their own fantastic vendors, such as Prototypist (UK), Mykeyboard.eu (EU), Deskhero (Canada), and Daily Clack (Australia).
Group Buys (GBs): The Enthusiast's Game
The most unique, creative, and high-end keycap sets are typically sold through a group buy model. A designer creates a keycap set, a vendor agrees to produce it, and they collect orders from the community for a limited time (usually a month). If enough orders are placed to meet the manufacturer's minimum order quantity (MOQ), the set goes into production. You are essentially funding the creation of a new product.
- Advantages:
- Access to exclusive, limited-edition designs you can't get anywhere else.
- Opportunity to get the most sought-after sets from manufacturers like GMK.
- Be part of a community process in bringing a creative design to life.
- Disadvantages:
- LONG Wait Times: This is the biggest factor. From the time the group buy ends, it can take anywhere from 9 months to over 2 years for the keycaps to be manufactured and shipped. This is not an exaggeration.
- No Refunds: Once the group buy period is over and the order is placed with the manufacturer, you generally cannot cancel your order. You are locked in.
- Risk of Delays and Color Mismatch: Production delays are common and expected. There is also a small risk that the final colors do not perfectly match the designer's renders.
- How to Participate:
The Aftermarket
What if the group buy for your dream set ended a year ago? The aftermarket is your answer. This involves buying from other users who may have purchased extra sets or are selling their used ones.
- Where to Look: r/mechmarket is the largest and most active community for buying, selling, and trading keyboard components.
- Be Prepared to Pay: Aftermarket prices for desirable, sold-out sets can be significantly higher than the original group buy price.
For your first build, we highly recommend starting with an in-stock set. Once you're deeper into the hobby, the exciting (and sometimes painful) world of group buys will be waiting for you.
This concludes our deep dive into keycaps. Now, let's explore the very foundation of your keyboard's ergonomics: Layouts.