The Womier Double Shot PBT Cherry profile set is the best overall keycap pick here: it gives you 138 keys with a double-shot legend that cannot wear off, in a low-sculpted Cherry profile that works on 60%, 65%, 75% and full-size layouts. A keycap set is the replaceable top layer of your keyboard, and its profile, plastic and legend method decide how the board feels, sounds and ages. Other sets in this guide suit builders who want shine-through lighting, a taller OEM shape, or a translucent crystal look.
Our Top Picks
Top 3 picks at a glance
Quick List
- Womier Double Shot PBT Cherry (138 keys) – best overall for a durable everyday set
- Womier Pudding PBT Shine-Through (143 keys) – best for lit boards in an OEM profile
- dagaladoo Double Shot PBT Green (138 keys) – best for a colored Cherry profile set
- OHY XVX Starry MDA Crystal (122 keys) – best for a translucent sparkle look in an MDA profile
- dagaladoo Double Shot PBT Retro (138 keys) – best for a retro-toned full-size board
- HITIME XVX Black Clear Ceramic-Style (Cherry) – best for a transparent shine-through look
Which One Is Right for You?
| If you… | Choose |
|---|---|
| want a hard-wearing PBT set that fits many layouts | Womier Double Shot PBT Cherry |
| run RGB or per-key lighting and want legends that glow | Womier Pudding PBT Shine-Through |
| like a taller, rounder OEM shape found on many factory boards | Womier Pudding PBT Shine-Through |
| want a color accent in a Cherry profile | dagaladoo Double Shot PBT Green |
| want a muted, retro color scheme on a full-size board | dagaladoo Double Shot PBT Retro |
| prefer a taller, softer-feeling MDA profile and a decorative look | OHY XVX Starry MDA Crystal |
| want a clear, ceramic-style shine-through set in sizes from 60 to 100 percent | HITIME XVX Black Clear |
Think about lighting, too. Sets that let light through only pay off if your keyboard has per-key LEDs, and the higher caps look different when lit than the low Cherry caps. If your board has no backlight, spend on the plastic and the legend method, not on translucency. The decision rests on three questions: does the set cover your layout, does the profile suit your hands, and do you need light to pass through the legends. If you do not use backlighting, double-shot PBT is the sensible default. If you do, a shine-through set matters more than anything else on the list.
All 6 Picks in Detail
1. Womier Double Shot PBT Cherry (138 keys) – Best overall for an everyday set
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This Womier set uses double-shot PBT, which means the legend is molded as a separate piece of plastic through the key, so it cannot rub off. The Cherry profile is a low, sculpted shape that reduces finger travel and suits typists who prefer a flatter board. The listing says it fits 60, 65, 75 and 100 percent layouts and lists compatibility from 61 to 108 keys, so it is one of the most flexible sets here.
It is an easy recommendation for someone replacing worn stock keycaps. PBT has a slightly textured matte finish that resists finger oil and shine over time, which is why enthusiasts prefer it to thin ABS. Check that the set includes the extra sizes your layout needs, such as split spacebars, ISO Enter or a 6.25U spacebar.
- 138 keys, double-shot PBT
- Cherry profile
- Listed for 61 to 108 key layouts, MX-style stems
- Legends molded through the key
- Shine-through: confirm on listing
Who it suits: anyone replacing worn stock caps on a 60, 65, 75 or full-size board who wants a durable, familiar low profile. Who should skip it: players who want shine-through legends or a very tall profile. Clean the switch tops before you install, and keep the original spacebar if the new one does not match your stabilizer.
Pros
- Durable legends and a matte PBT surface
- Broad layout coverage
Cons
- Low profile may feel short if you are used to OEM
- Check key sizes for unusual layouts
It is the all-rounder, and the Pudding set below is the pick when backlight matters more.
2. Womier Pudding PBT Shine-Through (143 keys) – Best for lit boards in an OEM profile
Pudding keycaps use a two-part design in which the upper layer carries the legend and a translucent base lets light through. This Womier version is PBT, black, in the OEM profile, with 143 keys. OEM is taller than Cherry, so the keys feel chunkier, and it has long been the standard on pre-built keyboards. The listing advertises universal compatibility, but still check your key sizes.
A shine-through set is the right choice if your keyboard has per-key LEDs. If your board has north-facing switches, OEM profile helps avoid collisions between the keycap and the switch’s LED housing. If you do not use lighting, you pay for a feature you will not use.
- 143 keys, PBT
- OEM profile
- Shine-through legends with a translucent lower layer
- Black color scheme
- Layout coverage: confirm on listing
Who it suits: builders with a backlit board who want a larger key count and glowing legends. Who should skip it: people who prefer a low, flat board. Compare the included key sizes to your layout, because 143 keys covers most variations but may not include every special size.
Pros
- Legends glow when the board is lit
- Large key count helps with unusual layouts
Cons
- Taller profile can be tiring for some users
- Translucent base may show fingerprints
Choose it over the Cherry set only when backlighting is part of your build.
3. dagaladoo Double Shot PBT Green (138 keys) – Best for a colored Cherry profile set
This dagaladoo set brings a green color scheme to the same double-shot PBT, Cherry profile recipe as the first pick. It has 138 keys and the listing describes it as full size, with compatibility with 60, 65, 75 and 100 percent boards. The colored legends and keycaps give a clear visual identity to a desk setup, and the double-shot method keeps the legends intact over years of typing.
The main question is color matching. Make sure the green works with your case and any lighting, because dye batches can differ between sets. Also compare the key list against your layout, since a set that has 138 keys may still lack a special modifier size.
- 138 keys, double-shot PBT
- Cherry profile
- Green color scheme
- Listed for full-size and compact layouts
- Shine-through: confirm on listing
Who it suits: a builder who wants a green theme with durable molded legends. Who should skip it: anyone matching an existing set, since green tones differ by maker. Look at the supplied key chart, and order a smaller accessory first if the exact shade is important.
Pros
- Distinctive color with durable legends
- Same low profile as the Womier Cherry set
Cons
- Color match depends on your other parts
- Limited details on extra key sizes
It is the same idea as the Womier Cherry set, so choose it for its color rather than any structural difference.
4. OHY XVX Starry MDA Crystal (122 keys) – Best for a translucent sparkle look
This is the most decorative set in the guide: a side-printed, translucent black crystal design with a sparkle finish in the MDA profile. MDA sits between Cherry and SA in height and gives a rounder, deeper sound than a Cherry set. The listing describes a double-shot PC plus ABS construction for MX-style switches, which is a different material from PBT, so expect a smoother and glossier finish with more potential for shine over time.
With 122 keys, check that the set covers your layout, particularly a full-size board with a numpad and function row. The side-printed legends are meant to show light from the edge of the keycap, so they pair well with lit boards but not with plain typing for a minimalist look.
- 122 keys, double-shot PC and ABS
- MDA profile
- Translucent crystal black with sparkle finish
- Side-printed legends
- For MX-style switches; layout coverage to confirm on listing
Who it suits: a showcase build with lighting, where the sparkle finish and side-printed legends are part of the appeal. Who should skip it: typists who want textured PBT. Confirm that the 122 keys include the sizes your layout needs, and think about how fingerprints will look on a glossy surface.
Pros
- Striking appearance with light passing through
- Rounder MDA profile feel
Cons
- Not PBT, so it may develop shine sooner
- Lower key count than the 138-key sets
It is the decorative option compared with the practical Womier sets.
5. dagaladoo Double Shot PBT Retro (138 keys) – Best for a retro-toned full-size board
This second dagaladoo set follows the same build as the green one but in a retro color scheme. It has 138 keys in double-shot PBT and a Cherry profile, listed for full-size keyboards and 60, 65, 75 and 100 percent compatibility. The retro palette is a good match for cream or beige cases, where a stark black set would feel out of place.
The same practical checks apply: look at the key list for ISO or split layouts, and confirm that the modifiers you use are included. If you would like to keep the original legends for gaming, double-shot makes a good long-term choice because the characters are part of the keys.
- 138 keys, double-shot PBT
- Cherry profile
- Retro color scheme
- Full-size listing with compact layout compatibility
- Shine-through: confirm on listing
Who it suits: a full-size or tenkeyless board in a cream, beige or gray case where a retro tone suits the rest of the desk. Who should skip it: people who want bright accent colors. Check the key list for the modifier sizes you use, and keep a soft cloth handy for lighter caps.
Pros
- Muted colors that suit light-colored cases
- Durable PBT with molded legends
Cons
- Light colors can show dirt more easily
- Specific key sizes need confirming
It differs from the green set mainly in color, so pick the palette that suits your build.
6. HITIME XVX Black Clear Ceramic-Style (Cherry) – Best for a transparent shine-through look
The HITIME set is a transparent shine-through design styled after ceramic keycaps, offered for 60, 75 and 100 percent boards in a Cherry profile. Clear keycaps put the switch and the lighting on display, so they suit a showcase build. The listing name does not state the plastic or key count, so confirm both on the product page before you rely on it for a full layout.
Transparent caps show every dust fleck and fingerprint, and they feel different from a textured PBT surface. They are a style choice rather than a durability choice.
- Transparent black-clear design with shine-through legends
- Cherry profile
- Listed for 60, 75 and 100 percent layouts
- Ceramic-style look
- Material and key count: confirm on listing
Who it suits: a lit, open-case or showcase board where seeing the switches is part of the look. Who should skip it: buyers who want a textured finish and are not sure about the plastic. Confirm the key count and material on the product page, and clean the switch tops before fitting clear caps.
Pros
- Maximum light transmission for RGB builds
- Low Cherry profile for comfortable typing
Cons
- Shows fingerprints and dust
- Listing leaves material details unstated
It is the best fit when the look matters more than the texture, and the Womier sets are better for everyday durability.
Specs Compared
| Set | Keys | Profile | Material | Legend method | Layouts listed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Womier Double Shot PBT Cherry | 138 | Cherry | PBT | Double-shot | 60, 65, 75, 100 percent |
| Womier Pudding PBT Shine-Through | 143 | OEM | PBT | Shine-through, pudding style | confirm on listing |
| dagaladoo Double Shot PBT Green | 138 | Cherry | PBT | Double-shot | 60, 65, 75, 100 percent |
| OHY XVX Starry MDA Crystal | 122 | MDA | PC and ABS | Double-shot, side-printed | confirm on listing |
| dagaladoo Double Shot PBT Retro | 138 | Cherry | PBT | Double-shot | 60, 65, 75, 100 percent |
| HITIME XVX Black Clear | confirm on listing | Cherry | confirm on listing | Shine-through | 60, 75, 100 percent |
How We Chose These
We collected the keycap sets in the current catalog that are marketed for mechanical keyboards and compared their listing fields: key count, profile, plastic, legend method and layout compatibility. We favored sets that name a durable material and a molded legend, and that state which layouts they cover. Where a listing did not give a material, key count or lighting behavior, we flagged it for confirmation. This is a research-based comparison drawn from published product information. We also looked at how each set’s profile, plastic and legend method fit common layouts, and we noted where a listing was silent on material or key count so you know what to verify before ordering.
What to Look For
Profile: Cherry, OEM or MDA
The profile is the height and shape of the keycap rows. Cherry is a low, sculpted profile, about 9.5 mm tall by some measurements, and it is common in aftermarket sets. OEM is taller, nearer to 12 mm, and it is the stock shape on most pre-built boards. MDA is a medium-height profile that sits between Cherry and SA and typically sounds deeper than Cherry. If you want to keep the feel of your current board, choose the profile you already use; if you want a flatter board, choose Cherry.
Material: PBT versus ABS
PBT is a harder plastic with a matte, slightly textured finish that resists the oily shine that develops on keys over time. ABS is smoother and usually takes bright colors and thin shine-through legends more easily, but it tends to get glossy with use. Thick PBT can block light, which is why shine-through sets often use special designs such as pudding caps or other materials. Choose PBT for longevity and ABS or PC blends for glow.
Legend method
Double-shot caps mold the legend and the keycap as two pieces of plastic, so the print cannot wear off. Dye-sublimation prints ink into PBT and lasts a long time, though not as long as molded legends. Laser etching and pad printing can fade. If you type thousands of words a day, double-shot or dye-sub legends are the better long-term pick, and double-shot is the easiest to find in sets like these.
Layout coverage and key count
Check that the set includes every key size on your board. A standard full-size ANSI layout needs about 104 keys, but extras like 1.25U modifiers, a 2U Backspace, ISO Enter or a 6.25U spacebar add to the count. Worked example: a 75% board with 84 keys might need three different Shift sizes and a 2.25U Shift. A 138-key set usually covers this, while a 122-key set may not cover a full-size board with unusual modifiers. Compare the key chart on the product page to a photo of your own board.
Sound and feel
Keycaps change how a keyboard sounds more than most people expect. Thicker walls, as found in many double-shot PBT sets, produce a deeper, lower-pitched sound, while thin ABS caps tend to sound higher and clackier. Taller profiles such as OEM leave more air inside the cap, and a thicker cap mutes that. If you are chasing a particular sound, keep the switches, plate and case in mind as well, since the caps are only one part of the sound chain. A good rule: change one variable at a time so you can hear what it did.
Colors, themes and matching. Decide on a color plan before you buy. A base set with contrasting modifiers gives a classic look, while a single-tone set gives a clean, uniform board. Match the set to your case color, desk mat and any lighting. Keep in mind that photos on listings are often color-corrected, and colors can differ from batch to batch, so buying a complete set at once is better than mixing two orders. If you use a numpad or media keys, check that the colors extend to those keys.
Compatibility and installation. Most sets use MX-style cross stems, which fit Cherry MX and compatible switches from Gateron, Kailh and others. Some keyboards use low-profile or Topre-style switches, which need different stems. Pull your old keycaps straight up with a keycap puller, clean the switch tops, and press the new caps down evenly. Keep the spacebar and large keys in line with their stabilizers so they do not bind.
Care and long-term wear. Wipe keycaps with a slightly damp microfiber cloth every few weeks, and deep-clean them a couple of times a year. Avoid sunlight for long stretches, which can yellow light-colored plastics. Replace a worn spacebar or Enter key by buying a single replacement from the same maker, since color and texture on those heavily used keys tend to wear first.
Questions
What does double-shot mean?
Double-shot means two layers of plastic are molded together, so the legend is part of the key rather than printed on top. It lasts longer than printed legends and does not wear off with use.
Is PBT better than ABS?
For durability, yes. PBT resists shine and keeps its texture longer. ABS can look more vibrant and is easier to light through, so it is a better fit for some shine-through sets.
Will these keycaps fit my keyboard?
If your board uses MX-style cross-stem switches, most standard sets fit. Check the key sizes against your layout, and be careful with non-standard boards such as low-profile or split-layout designs.
Which profile is best for gaming?
There is no single best. Cherry is low and quick for fast finger movement, and OEM is taller and familiar. Choose the one that matches your hands and the board you already use.
Do shine-through keycaps work on any keyboard?
They only help if your keyboard has per-key LEDs under the switches. Switch orientation matters too: some low-profile Cherry caps can collide with LED housings on north-facing switches, so OEM is often the safer match there.
How do I clean PBT keycaps?
Remove them, soak in warm water with a mild dish soap, rinse and dry fully before refitting. Avoid harsh solvents and high heat, which can warp the plastic or damage the legends on some designs.
Update History
- October 20, 2026 – Initial publication; product set drawn from current catalog listings.
- Check the product page for current specifications and availability before buying.
Sources
- Retailer listing titles and specification fields for each set
- Keyboard enthusiast guides and manufacturer articles on keycap profiles, materials and legend methods
- Switch-compatibility notes from mechanical keyboard vendors
