Do keycaps affect sound? Absolutely—they can dramatically change how your keyboard sounds and feels with every keystroke. The material, thickness, and shape of your keycaps all play a role in whether your keyboard sounds deep and muted or bright and “clacky.”

Even the profile of the keycap affects how sound bounces off the board. Swapping keycaps is one of the easiest ways to customize your typing experience, making it louder, softer, or just more unique.

If you care about how your keyboard sounds, keep reading to discover how different keycaps can transform your setup and find the perfect fit for you!

Do Keycaps Affect Sound?

Keycaps absolutely change how your keyboard sounds and feels. Material, thickness, and shape all play a part in your typing experience, and every choice leads to a slightly different sound.

How Keycap Material And Thickness Change Keyboard Sound

The material of your keycaps directly impacts keyboard sound. PBT keycaps (polybutylene terephthalate) tend to sound deeper and less sharp than ABS plastic keycaps.

ABS keycaps are usually lighter, sometimes glossy, and create a higher-pitched “clack.” If you’ve ever compared the two side by side, you probably noticed the difference right away.

Keycap thickness matters too. Thick keycaps—often over 1.5mm—absorb and reflect more sound, giving you a more solid, sometimes “thocky” noise. Thin keycaps sound lighter and higher-pitched.

If you want a more muted or balanced sound, you’ll probably lean toward PBT plastic and slightly thicker caps. The combo of material and thickness gives each keyboard its own unique sound signature.

Looking for keycaps that fit your layout? Browse our ISO, ANSI & JIS Keycaps collection for the perfect match.

Keycap Profile, Shape, And Texture: Do They Matter For Sound?

The profile of a keycap describes its height and shape. Cherry profile keycaps are shorter and more curved, which can make the sound softer and less sharp.

SA profile keycaps stand tall and rounded, producing a deeper, fuller sound with more resonance. Keycap shape changes the path of sound and can make typing feel more “hollow” or “dense.”

Texture plays a role too. Glossy keycap surfaces (often ABS) sometimes make typing sound snappier because they reflect vibrations differently than textured caps.

Trying out different profiles can lead to a noticeable sound difference, even if you keep the same switches.

Mods And Other Factors: How Much Do Keycaps Really Matter?

Keycaps play a clear role in keyboard sound, but they aren’t the only thing that matters. Switch type, case material, and even your desk surface all affect the sound you hear.

If you add o-rings under your keycaps, you’ll soften the landing and lower the volume. Mods like foam dampening inside your case can dramatically change your typing sound, sometimes even more than swapping keycap materials.

Still, swapping between PBT and ABS keycaps, or between thin and thick keycaps, gives you a real sound difference. For the biggest changes, combine keycap swaps with other mods. Keycaps are just one piece of the total sound puzzle.

Curious how different materials change your keyboard’s sound? Dive deeper in our article, ABS vs. PBT Keycaps: Keycap Materials You Should Know.

Try Keychron’s Keycap Sets And Artisan Keycaps

Picking the right keycap set can change both how your keyboard sounds and how it looks. The material, production method, and shape all affect their feel and the noise they make.

Double Shot PBT OSA Full Set Keycap Set For Durability And Sound Quality

If you want a keycap that lasts and gives a pleasant, clear sound, Keychron’s double shot PBT OSA set is a solid choice. Double-shot keycaps use two layers of plastic, so the legends don’t fade away.

PBT plastic feels denser and rougher than ABS, giving you a deeper and softer sound. OSA profile feels high and rounded like SA, but it’s shorter and, for many people, more comfortable.

These keycaps resist shine and don’t wear out quickly, so their look and sound stay consistent. Most full sets include extras for different layouts.

Key details:

• Double-shot legends: never rub off
• PBT material: deeper sound, lasting texture
• OSA profile: comfortable curvature

Want keycaps that look and sound great for years? Check out Double Shot Keycaps: Benefits, Styles, and Recommendations.

OEM Dye-Sub PBT Keycap Set – Beach For A Unique Look And Reliable Acoustics

OEM dye-sublimated PBT sets balance unique style with solid typing sound. The Beach set, for example, pops with pastel colors inspired by sea and sand.

Dye-sublimation pushes dye deep into the surface, so the legends stay crisp. PBT plus the OEM profile gives you a snappy but not-too-high-pitched sound.

The OEM profile is a bit taller than Cherry and feels familiar for most people. PBT’s texture resists fingerprints and holds up to heavy use.

Quick facts:

• Dye-sublimated legends for long-term clarity
• PBT: stable, non-shiny surface
• OEM profile: standard height and curve

Cute Fruit Resin Artisan Keycap For A Fun, Custom Touch

Artisan keycaps like cute fruit resin designs add a playful vibe to your board. Each artisan keycap is hand-made, often with vibrant colors and realistic fruit shapes.

These are usually made from resin, making them heavier than standard caps. Put one on your escape or enter key for a personal accent. The material also absorbs some keystroke noise and changes the sound of that key.

Artisan keycaps come in lots of shapes, so check if they fit your keyboard’s layout and switch type. They’re collectible and usually limited edition.

At-a-glance:

• Resin material for distinct look and feel
• Adds weight and dampens sound on used keys
• Works best as a single accent key

Final Thoughts

In short, keycaps do affect sound, but they are just one part of the whole keyboard puzzle. The material, thickness, and shape of your keycaps can make your keyboard sound deeper, quieter, or even more clicky. If you want to fine-tune your typing sound, swapping keycaps is an easy and fun way to start.

Remember, other parts like switches and your keyboard case also play a big role. Try out different keycaps to find the sound you love most. Whether you want something classic or a cool artisan design, there’s a keycap set out there for you!

Want that creamy or thocky typing sound? Explore Keychron’s creamy keyboards, thocky keyboards, and custom keycaps collections to create your perfect setup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you change your keyboard’s sound just with keycaps?

Yes, swapping keycaps can make a clear difference in how your keyboard sounds. Material and shape affect the noise as you press and release keys.

If you switch from thin ABS to thick PBT keycaps, you’ll hear a deeper, more muted sound. But keep in mind, switches, the case, and even your desk surface also play a part in the final sound.

How do thick PBT keycaps alter the sound of keystrokes?

Thick PBT keycaps give off a lower, duller sound than thinner or ABS ones. The extra plastic in thick PBT caps soaks up more vibration.

This tends to cut down on those sharp, high-pitched noises that some folks find annoying. People often say thick PBT keycaps sound less “clacky” and more “thocky,” which makes them a favorite for comfortable typing.

Are expensive keycaps worth it for better sound?

When you pay more for keycaps, you usually get better materials like sturdy PBT and nicer manufacturing. That can mean a sound that’s more satisfying and keycaps that last longer.

But honestly, the biggest factor in sound is the material, not the price tag. Spending a lot doesn’t always mean you’ll get the sound you want if the material isn’t right for you.

Are certain keycaps better for achieving a ‘thocky’ sound?

If you’re after that “thocky” sound, thick PBT or high-quality ABS keycaps are usually the go-to. Taller profiles like SA or MT3 sometimes make the sound even rounder and fuller.

Sure, the switch type and how the keyboard’s built also play a part. Still, the right keycap can push you closer to that soft, deep sound a lot of folks crave.

Do PBT keycaps sound better?

“Better” really comes down to what you like. PBT keycaps usually sound more muted and less sharp than ABS ones.

Plenty of folks prefer their quieter, deeper sound for gaming or typing. I get it—there’s something satisfying about that subtle thock.

PBT keycaps also resist wear and shine better. So your keyboard keeps its good feel and looks fresher for longer.