If you want to give your keyboard a fresh new look, swapping out the keycaps is one of the most effective upgrades. The right keycap set can completely change the character of your setup — from subtle elegance to bold gamer vibes. Below are five standout keycap sets, followed by what to check before buying so you pick something that looks great and works well.
🔍 What to Consider Before Buying Keycaps
Before you dive into shopping, here are key factors (pun intended) to keep in mind:
- Material: PBT vs ABS. PBT tends to be more durable, less shiny over time. ABS can offer very bright colors or certain finishes but may wear faster.
- Legend Printing: Double-shot, dye sublimation, pad printing, etc. Double-shot and dye sub are more durable.
- Profile: Cherry, OEM, SA, XDA, ASA, etc. The profile affects feel, height and how it looks.
- Layout Compatibility: Make sure your set has all the keys for your layout (60%, TKL, ISO vs ANSI, weird right-shift sizes, etc.).
- Thickness / Sound / Texture: Thicker keycaps often sound deeper. Texture (matte vs gloss) and thickness can influence feel + sound.
- Aesthetic & Colorway: Match or contrast with your keyboard case, desk, lighting, etc. RGB transparency or side-light lets matter if you use backlighting or RGB.
⭐ Top 5 Keycap Sets (India-Friendly Picks)
Here are five keycap sets you can use right now — each has its own style and strengths. Prices and availability are from Indian or India-shipping sources (or known to have options).
Keychron OEM Profile Retro PBT Keycap Set
₹2,999
•
Keychron India
Keychron Cherry Profile Double Shot PBT Full Set
₹2,549
•
Keychron India
Tobo Double‑Shot PBT 104‑Key Set
₹1,599
•
Flipkart
Gengar Side Backlit Cherry Doubleshot Keycaps
₹1,999
•
CuriosityCaps
XVX Topographic Keycaps Set
₹3,300
•
meckeys.com
Black Marble PBT Keycap Set
₹2,400
•
meckeys.com
Here are the top picks:
- Keychron OEM Profile Retro PBT Keycap Set
Style & Aesthetic: Classic retro color tones (muted/earthy/cream/dark contrasts) that go well with vintage or minimalist setups. Good if you want something subtle yet charming.
Specs: OEM profile, thick PBT, reliable legends.
Why Choose It: If you’re tired of bright gamer RGB colours and want something more versatile. Also pairs nicely with wooden desks or neutral desktops. - Keychron Cherry Profile Double Shot PBT Full Set
Style & Aesthetic: More traditional Cherry profile — lower and often more uniform. Double-shot legends mean the characters are solid and unlikely to fade.
Specs: Full set, PBT, double-shot fabrication. Good for those who like a more “pressed-in” look & clean lines.
Why Choose It: If you want premium feel + durable printing. Works well with both RGB and non-RGB backlighting (though legends may or may not be shine-through depending on the model). - Tobo Double‑Shot PBT 104‑Key Set
Style & Aesthetic: More affordable option, full 104-key layout, double-shot PBT. Decent thickness and legends quality for the price.
Specs: PBT, double-shot, decent compatibility with standard layouts.
Why Choose It: Great mid-budget set. If you want a full layout set without spending too much but still want durability. - Gengar Side Backlit Cherry Doubleshot Keycaps
Style & Aesthetic: Bold style, side-lit or backlit friendly — for setups with RGB lighting where you want the legends or side walls to glow. Cherry profile helps with visibility and sleekness.
Specs: Double-shot, side/backlit-friendly; Cherry profile.
Why Choose It: If you use RGB lighting and want your setup to pop at night or under ambient lighting. - XVX Topographic Keycaps Set
Style & Aesthetic: Unique texture or design (topographic / raised terrain / contour) – gives a strong visual theme. Great if you want something artistic or standout.
Specs: Depending on version, likely thick PBT, solid legends; maybe some novelty keys.
Why Choose It: For people who want their keyboard to be a focal point. This kind of set is more about style and personality.
🛒 More India-Available Notables
Aside from the ones above, here are some other sets or colourways worth checking out:
- Credkeys OEM Dye-Sub PBT Keycap Full Sets in colorways like Wheat Grey, Hacker, Morse Code, Unicorn. Credkeys
- Keychron’s OEM Dye-Sub PBT “Hacker” set — durable, modern design, solid option. Keychron
- “Spyself Pudding” style OEM Pudding Keycap Set (130 keys thick PBT) — great for brilliant RGB glow and dual-tone styling. ARCADE
✅ How to Choose the Best Based on Your Needs
| Your Priority | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Long-lasting look & minimal shine | Thick PBT material + dye-sublimation or good double-shot printing. Avoid thin ABS if you want durability. |
| Lighting / RGB effects | Transparent sides or pudding-style caps. Also pay attention to profile height (higher might block light more) and legends printing that allows backlight or side light. |
| Typing comfort | Lower profiles like Cherry, OEM if you prefer something more neutral. Higher profiles (SA, DSA, MT3) if you like vintage “chunkier” feel. |
| Full compatibility | Ensure the set includes all keys you need (modifier keys, odd size shifts, ISO/ANSI differences). Check spacebar size. |
| Aesthetic match | Colourways and finish should go with your case/desk. If you have a wooden desk, earthy tones or retro pastels work; for dark gaming setups, bright colours or side-lit pudding styles; for minimal setups, monochromes or subtle accents. |
🎯 Final Thoughts
A good keycap set is one of the fastest, most affordable ways to refresh your keyboard aesthetic. If you combine the right material, profile, colourway, and compatibility, you get far more than just a new look — you also get a better typing feel and possibly better sound.