What Are Pudding Keycaps? A Beginner’s Guide

If you’re a computer enthusiast or gamer, you know that customizing your keyboard is a great way to express your personal style and enhance your typing experience. And among the most popular customizations in recent times are “pudding” keycaps. This beginner’s guide delves into the world of pudding keycaps, including what pudding keycaps are, why they’re so popular, and how to choose the right set for your keyboard.

Understanding the Basics of a Pudding Keycap

ZOMOPLUS Artisan Keycaps - Custom ONE PIECE: Main characters Keycap for Mechanical Keyboard 92

What Exactly Are Pudding Keycaps?

To put it simply, they’re a type of keycap that has a two-tone look, typically with a translucent bottom part that lets more light through from RGB-backlit or LED keyboards. This gives each key a glowing effect around the edges, reminiscent of the sweet layered dessert—hence the playful name ‘pudding’.

Two-layer Design: Different from Traditional Keycaps

The distinctive feature of the pudding keycap lies in its construction.

  • Translucent Lower Layer: This layer is usually made of a clear or frosted material that allows the RGB lighting on your keyboard to shine through.
  • Opaque Top Layer: The opaque top layer is similar to traditional keycaps. It’s usually made of a solid color plastic, such as white or black, and it has the lettering or legends printed on it.

Materials and Manufacturing

Pudding keycaps come in a couple of standard types of plastic: ABS and PBT. Each has its own feel to the touch and its own way of standing up to wear and tear from your fingers. The cool thing about these keycaps is that they’re made through a special process called double-shot molding. This means that the letters and symbols on the keys are made from a different piece of plastic than the key itself, which keeps them from rubbing off after lots of typing or gaming.

Advantages of Pudding Keycaps

1. Enhanced RGB Lighting Effects

Because the translucent layer allows more light to pass through, pudding keycaps create a brighter and more vibrant look compared to traditional ones. This not only improves the distribution of light across the keyboard but also adds a new dimension to your overall gaming or working environment. Pudding keycaps also help to distribute the RGB lighting more evenly across the keyboard. This creates a more cohesive look and eliminates any dark spots or uneven lighting.

2. Unique Aesthetic Appeal

Pudding keycaps have a distinctly modern and stylish look that can really elevate the overall aesthetic of your keyboard. The combination of opaque and translucent materials creates a visually striking look that is both modern and stylish.

3. Customization Options

Pudding keycaps are compatible with most mechanical keyboard models, so you can easily swap them out and customize the look of your keyboard. Coming in a variety of color schemes, you can choose the one that best fits your personal style and setup. Some popular options include black on white, white on black, and even colorful variants like pink or blue.

4. Improved Typing Experience

The texture and shape of keycaps can alter the feel and sound of typing. PBT pudding keycaps, for example, have a slightly textured surface that can provide a more satisfying typing experience. They can also affect the sound of your keyboard. Because of their two-layer design, they may produce a slightly different sound compared to traditional keycaps. Some people find the sound of pudding keycaps to be more muted and less “clacky” than traditional keycaps.

5. Durability and Wear Resistance

Made to last, these keycaps generally resist wear better than their cheaper, standard counterparts. They hold up well against the constant taps and clacks of daily keyboard use, making them a solid investment for the long-haul typist or gamer.

How to Choose the Right Pudding Keycaps

ZOMOPLUS Artisan Keycaps - Custom ONE PIECE: Main characters Keycap for Mechanical Keyboard 82

1. Material Matters

The material of the keycap can affect both its longevity and the feel. Here’s a quick comparison:

  • ABS: These keycaps are known for their smooth finish and flexibility, but they may develop a shiny patina over time due to oils from fingers.
  • PBT: Tend to be more robust and resistant to shine, with a slightly textured feel that many typists prefer.

2. Fit Check

Before you commit to a purchase, make sure they will fit your keyboard:

  • Keyboard Layout: Ensure the keycaps fit your keyboard layout, whether it’s ANSI, ISO, or a custom layout.
  • Switch Compatibility: Most pudding keycaps are designed for MX-style switches. Double-check if your switches are compatible.

3. Aesthetic and Design

While the classic black tops with white bottoms are a popular choice, shaking things up with different color schemes can add a personal touch to your setup. Think about what vibe you want your workspace to have. Do you want it to be a sleek and modern monochrome? Or maybe a vibrant splash of colors that reflects your personality? The color choices you make can turn your keyboard from a standard peripheral into a centerpiece that catches everyone’s eye.

4. Keycap Profile Picks

Keycap profiles differ in shape and height, which can influence typing comfort:

  • OEM: A common profile that is slightly taller with a sculpted shape.
  • Cherry: Shorter than OEM with a sculpted shape, preferred by many for typing comfort.
  • SA, DSA, etc.: Different profiles offer varying heights and shapes; choose based on personal preference and typing comfort.

5. Tough Keys, Lasting Marks

Starting with legends — that’s the industry jargon for the characters and symbols on each keycap — they are the main touchpoint of interaction with your keyboard. The best way to ensure these critical markers don’t fade away with time and use is to look for keycaps made with a double-shot molding process.

But there’s the thickness. It is akin to the foundation of a house — the sturdier it is, the better the overall structure will feel. Thicker keycaps mean that when you press down on a key, the response is more substantial, giving you a satisfying sense of certainty with every keystroke.

6. Budget for Quality

Set a budget and compare the options within it. Remember, investing a little more can often lead to better quality and longevity of the keycaps.

ZOMOPLUS Artisan Keycaps - Custom ONE PIECE: Main characters Keycap for Mechanical Keyboard 90

Discover the Magic of Pudding Keycaps!

Swapping out your old keycaps for a set of pudding ones might seem like just a tiny tweak, but it can actually make a big difference. These nifty little caps can make the lights on your keyboard stand out more, give your setup a fresh look, and offer tons of ways to make it all your own. Pudding keycaps are a brilliant pick if you want to give your mechanical keyboard a bit of personality. So go ahead, take this info, and show off your style with every click and clack!

Read More

Shopping Cart
Scroll to Top