In the world of mechanical keyboards, the right set of keycaps can make all the difference in both aesthetics and typing experience. With a plethora of designs and materials available, keycap brands have upped their game to offer options that cater to every preference, be it for gamers, writers, or enthusiasts. Among the most reputable are GMK for their superb German engineering, Signature Plastics for their vast range of colorways, and Ducky for their exceptional durability. Curious to explore more about the top contenders in the keycap market? Discover our detailed list below.
Illustration of keycaps
Best brands of keycaps in 2025
GMK
GMK is renowned as one of the top producers of keycaps, particularly among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Founded by Manfred Gunter, Jurgen Meinhardt, and Wolfgang Kredler, GMK keycaps are made from Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), known for their vibrant colors and precise legend consistency. Despite the material's tendency to wear down over time, GMK keycaps remain popular for their quality and aesthetic appeal. The artisan keycaps market, which includes GMK, is projected to grow at a CAGR of 12% from 2024 to 2031, reaching USD 735 billion by 2031. For more insight into the market trends, visit the artisan keycaps market analysis.
Ducky
Ducky is renowned as one of the best producers of keycaps, known for using high-quality materials such as true PBT, which ensures durability and resistance to shine and stains. Their keycaps are crafted using a double-shot technique, ensuring that the legends never fade. The Ducky One 3 series, for example, features optimized construction for stability and advanced gaming and typing performance. With a focus on authenticity and acoustics, Ducky's keyboards also incorporate multi-layered padding and hot-swappable mechanical switches. The brand's attention to detail and commitment to quality contribute to its strong presence in the keycaps market, which is expected to grow to $10.2 billion by 2028 at a CAGR of 5.1%.
Varmilo
Varmilo is renowned as one of the best producers of keycaps, known for their high-quality PBT material that ensures durability and longevity. Their keycaps, often used in mechanical keyboards, are produced using a dye-sublimation process, which maintains the color vibrancy over time. Varmilo keycaps are part of a broader mechanical keyboard market that is expected to grow significantly, with the global mechanical keyboard market projected to reach USD 8.80 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 20.2% from 2024 to 2031. The brand's attention to detail, including the thickness and material of the keycaps, enhances the typing experience. Varmilo's products are highly regarded for their elegance and functionality. For more insights into finding the keycaps suitable for your keyboard, visit their blog.
Signature Plastics
Signature Plastics is a renowned manufacturer of keycaps, known for its high-quality products and diverse range of keycap families, including SA, DSA, and DCS. Founded by John Cavers, the company has evolved from its roots in the transistor industry to become a leading provider of custom keycaps for various industries, including POS systems, medical, aerospace, and gaming. Over the years, Signature Plastics has manufactured over 300 unique keyset designs and has doubled its manufacturing capacity with 40 molding machines in operation. The company shifted its focus to retail opportunities in 2013, catering to the growing community of mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Signature Plastics offers advanced manufacturing processes such as insert molding, sublimation printing, and CNC engraving, ensuring precise and durable keycaps. For more information about their offerings, visit their official website.
EnjoyPBT
EnjoyPBT is renowned for producing high-quality keycaps, particularly favored for their durability and aesthetic appeal. Made from PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate) plastic, these keycaps resist shining and are more durable than ABS alternatives, making them a popular choice among keyboard enthusiasts. EnjoyPBT keycaps are manufactured using the dye-sublimation process, ensuring durable and clear legends. They are available in various colors, including beige, black, and white, and feature a Cherry profile, which is compatible with MX switches. EnjoyPBT is considered a leader among Chinese keycap manufacturers, known for their quality and value.
Tai-Hao
Tai-Hao, a leading producer of high-quality keycaps, established in Taiwan in 1962, has gained a strong competitive advantage since 2018 with its double-shot keycaps, driven by robust online marketing and favorable customer reviews. The company leverages high-precision plastic injection technology and holds multiple international patents for double-shot injection technology, ensuring durability, light transmittance, and tactile feel. Tai-Hao's products have passed major global safety certifications, including FCC, EMI, CE, BSMI, CSA, and RoHS. The company has collaborated with brand partners to co-develop products and has achieved significant sales, particularly among esports players. By 2024, Tai-Hao continues to innovate, launching new low-profile double-shot backlit keycaps. For more information, visit their official website.
Drop
Drop, formerly known as Massdrop, is a leading brand in the keycaps market, renowned for its community-driven commerce platform where members vote on and negotiate discounts for group buys, including high-end keycap sets like GMK and SA. In July 2023, Drop was acquired by Corsair Components Inc., enhancing its product portfolio and global presence in the gaming peripheral sector. The acquisition aims to meet the growing demand for customized keycaps, contributing to the market's expected growth from $7.86 billion in 2023 to $8.36 billion in 2024 at a 6.3% CAGR. Drop's expertise in keycaps and mechanical keyboards has been instrumental in driving market trends towards customization and personalization. The brand's integration with Corsair is set to further expand its offerings and customer base.
Jelly Key
Jelly Key is renowned as one of the best producers of keycaps, known for their high-quality, artisanal designs that appeal to keyboard enthusiasts. Since its inception, the brand has garnered a significant following, with many of its limited-edition keycaps selling out quickly. For instance, their 2020 "Sakura" keycap set sold out within 24 hours, highlighting the brand's popularity. Jelly Key keycaps are often handmade, ensuring a unique touch and attention to detail that sets them apart from mass-produced alternatives. With a satisfaction rate of over 95%, Jelly Key continues to be a favorite among keyboard collectors.
NovelKeys
NovelKeys is a prominent brand in the keycaps market, known for its high-quality and customizable mechanical keyboard components. Founded in 2016 and based in Morgantown, WV, USA, NovelKeys has grown significantly, offering a wide range of keycaps, switches, and other accessories. The company is particularly famous for its Cream family of switches, including the Novelkeys Dream Cream switches, which were released in 2022 and feature a unique pre-broken-in design. NovelKeys ships globally and is recognized for its innovative products and commitment to community engagement. The keycaps market, which includes brands like NovelKeys, is expected to grow to $10.2 billion by 2028 at a CAGR of 5.1%. For more information about their products, visit their official website.
RAMA WORKS
Rama Works is a highly regarded brand in the mechanical keyboard community, known for producing premium custom keyboard kits and artisan keycaps. Founded in 2015 in Melbourne, Australia, the company has gained a reputation for its minimalist aesthetic and high build tolerances. Despite recent controversies, Rama Works has historically been praised for its high-quality products, such as the M60 and U80-A keyboards, which have been well-received by the community. The keycaps market, which Rama Works is a part of, has seen robust growth, expanding from $7.86 billion in 2023 to $8.36 billion in 2024, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.3%.
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