Artisan Vs Custom Keycap Sets
Browse all keycaps guidesKeycaps are the most expressive part of a mechanical keyboard. Whether you’re after eye‑catching flair or a cohesive look, understanding the difference between artisan keycaps and full custom keycap sets helps you pick the right style for your board and budget.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Price | Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|
 Keycap Resin Artisan Keycaps 1U Esc for Cherry Mx Mechanical Switches ... | $26.95 | ★★★★★4.5 | View |
 Womier Pink Shine Through Keycaps, PBT Keyboard Keycaps Cherry Profile... | $26.01 | ★★★★4.1 | View |
 PBT Keycap Set 118 Keys/Set 8008 Keycaps PBT Key Caps for Mechanical K... | Check price | No rating | View |
 Key Caps for Mechanical Keyboard Height Replacement Keyboard Accessory... | $13.59 | No rating | View |
 Glorious Gaming Keyboard - GMMK 2 Hot Swappable TKL Mechanical Keyboar... | $109.99 | ★★★★3.8 | View |
Keycap Resin Artisan Keycaps 1U Esc for Cherry Mx Mechanical Switches -Japanese Style KOI Fish Plastic Keyboard Buttons - Keyboard Custom - Gamers Lovers Gift (Yellow KOI)
Womier Pink Shine Through Keycaps, PBT Keyboard Keycaps Cherry Profile, Custom Keycap Sets Suitable for 60% 65% 75% 80% 100% Mechanical Keyboards
PBT Keycap Set 118 Keys/Set 8008 Keycaps PBT Key Caps for Mechanical Keyboard Dye Sublimation Key Cap Keycap Sets (Color : Wild)
Key Caps for Mechanical Keyboard Height Replacement Keyboard Accessory for DIY Computer Use
Glorious Gaming Keyboard - GMMK 2 Hot Swappable TKL Mechanical Keyboard, Wired, Custom Keyboard - Custom Mechanical Keyboard - Premium Barebones - Compact 65% Keyboard (Black RGB Keyboard)
Why this product type matters
Artisan keycaps are single‑piece, hand‑crafted or 3D‑printed caps that serve as decorative focal points—think a koi‑fish esc key or a miniature figurine. They don’t usually replace an entire set; they sit alongside standard caps to add personality.
Custom keycap sets, on the other hand, replace the full suite of keys (often 60‑100+ caps) and are designed for uniform aesthetics, improved feel, or specific profiles (e.g., Cherry, SA, XDA). They affect typing experience, sound, and overall look. Choosing between them changes how you customize your board: a single statement piece versus a complete visual overhaul.
How to choose
- Purpose – Want a single standout accent? Go artisan. Need a cohesive theme, better typing feel, or to match a new keyboard layout? Choose a custom set.
- Budget – Artisans range from $10‑$40 each; a full PBT set can cost $30‑$150. Mixing a few artisans with a budget set is a cost‑effective compromise.
- Compatibility – Check stem type (most artisans use Cherry MX stems, but some use OEM or specialty stems) and keycap profile (standard 1U, 1.25U, 2U). Custom sets must match your keyboard’s layout (60%, 65%, TKL, full‑size) and switch type.
- Material – Artisans are usually resin, offering vivid colors but can feel fragile. Custom sets often use PBT (durable, matte, low‑shine) or ABS (brighter, more prone to shine).
- Profile & Feel – If ergonomics matter, select a set with a profile you like (Cherry, OEM, SA). Artisans are typically sculpted for visual appeal, not typing comfort.
- Installation – Artisans are installed one‑by‑one; a full set may require keycap puller and a bit of patience to avoid breaking stems.
- Future Flexibility – Artisans let you swap individual caps later without re‑keying the whole board. Custom sets give you a base to build on—add more artisans later for a hybrid look.
Related Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I mix artisan caps with a custom keycap set?
Yes. Most keyboards let you replace any key with an artisan that uses the same stem size (usually Cherry MX). Just ensure the artisan’s size (1U, 1.25U, etc.) matches the target key.
Do artisan caps affect typing performance?
Only on the keys they replace. Because they’re often made of resin and sculpted for aesthetics, they may feel different than standard caps, but the impact is limited to the few keys you change.
How do I know which custom set size I need?
Identify your keyboard’s layout: 60% (60 keys), 65% (around 67 keys), TKL (80‑84 keys), or full‑size (104‑108 keys). Match the set’s key count and included special‑size caps (1.25U, 2U, 1.5U) to your layout.
Are resin artisan caps durable?
Resin caps are sturdy for everyday use but can chip if dropped or pressed hard. Choose well‑reviewed manufacturers and avoid excessive force on the sculpted parts.