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ABS or PBT?
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EnormousAtom
17
Aug 26, 2022
I'd love a full set of aluminum keys or even the ceramic ones that were on kickstarter recently looked fucking awesome! A full ceramic set with shine-through would be ideal. I like the color pop of my ABS keys, but being black they do be getting shiny. I just make it a habit to clean my keys on the regular.
A community member
Mar 12, 2022
ABS all the way. PBT feels like chalk; its sensation on my skin is so uncomfortable and unpleasant, that I recoil when I touch it. And the colors are so muted due to the limitations of dye-sub, they're basically pastel.
Since I only buy SA ABS these days, and it's already shiny from the start, I don't even notice shine on any of the keys. For me, shine = vintage and used, and that's the aesthetic I want.
arcalus
0
Sep 18, 2021
PBT is the best. You didn’t mention the durability. Your favorite set will be looking the same in 5 years and not feeling like you’re typing in a sweaty armpit.
BloodyMarvel
35
Jun 26, 2021
You can't just say ABS or PBT. Both come in different variants. Printed, dye sublimated, double shot. Printed is clear and precise, but it wears off. Dye sublimated is blurry, but it'll last forever. Double shot is clear and precise and will last forever, but it's expensive.
There is nothing like GMK ABS. It's the best hands down. But if you gotta pick between cheaply made ABS or PBT, PBT is better.
DoesNotEqual
7
Jun 24, 2021
PBT straight-up feels better. Have never had PBT legends "smudge" or wear off, and they feel more substantial and "chunky" to type on. ABS feels like cheap crap, dunno how anyone could ever prefer it.
gnoop
100
Mar 31, 2021
I wanna see caps in torlon to match a couple of my guitar picks :P
Else PBT feels better so long as the texture is minimal to non-existent.
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ABS
PBT
- More expensive
- textured
- matte or semi matte
- usually cannot smudge
- generally thicker
Both PBT and ABS can have double-shot legends applied to them and both have been used in high quality sets.Dasher and Dancer (ABS)
Granite (PBT)
So who wins? Well I sure don't know but you probably do and I want your opinions so please post which plastic is better AND what set you love most made from that plastic. :3
Or if you like POM caps that's cool too.