One of the most important parts of a mechanical keyboard is its keycaps. Sure, the switches are the most defining aspect, but the keycaps play a massive role in determining the sound, feel, and look of a mechanical keyboard. Keycaps come in many colorways, profiles, and materials, so it’s crucial to know and understand all the keycap types so that you can find the right set for you. And now some old fashioned FAQ. FAQ Where can I buy it? Are there other distributors apart from Massdrop? Where can I buy it in Europe? The base kit is versatile and compatible with a wide range of keyboard layouts, including fullsize, tenkeyless, winkeyless, 60%, 65%, and 75% mechanical keyboards, such as those from the Drop series like ALT, Carina, ENTR, CTRL, and SHIFT. This adaptability makes the DROP Jukebox keycaps suitable for numerous mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Dye-sub, or dye sublimation, is a way of printing on PBT keycaps that uses heat and dye to permanently stain the plastic with a color. The legends don’t fade or wear away since the dye colors the plastic itself and aren’t just a layer of paint on top of the plastic.

DROP + Matt3o /dev/tty Keycaps, a keycap set that pays homage to the iconic IBM beamspring terminals of the 1970s while offering modern compatibility and durability. Crafted meticulously from dye-sublimated PBT plastic in the Hi-Profile MT3 profile, these keycaps are designed to take your typing experience to the next level. But the appeal of these keycaps doesn’t stop there. The set includes captivating extras like the Marvel logo, Iron Man in flight, his iconic helmet, and the Arc Reactor. These additional keycaps add a touch of individuality to any keyboard, transforming it into a standout piece. One of the key highlights of this set is its Hi-Profile keycap design, which is inspired by the iconic IBM beamspring terminals of the 1970s. The keycaps are meticulously sculpted to recreate the distinctive feel of vintage keyboards. From the heavily slanted design to the scooped and contoured tops of each keycap, this set captures the essence of a bygone era while providing a modern typing experience.Two years and five prototypes later we are finally ready for production! Massdrop and facing reality MT3 profile keycaps are specifically crafted for compatibility with Cherry MX switches and their variants, featuring a distinctive concave shape that deviates from the conventional OEM profile. This keycap profile set draws inspiration from the 1970s IBM beamspring terminals and is meticulously sculpted from high-quality dye-sublimated PBT plastic in a Hi-Profile configuration. Versatile Customization: MT3 keycaps come in an extensive array of colors and designs, providing ample opportunities for customization. You can mix and match different colors and patterns to create a one-of-a-kind keyboard that mirrors your personality and unique style.

MT3, short for “Matt3o’s Sculpted Keycap Profile,” is a keycap profile meticulously crafted by Matt3o, a prominent figure in the mechanical keyboard community. These MT3 profile keycaps stand out for their distinctive design, shape, and tactile experience. Here are several compelling reasons to consider opting for MT3 profile keycaps for your keyboard: Remember that anyone needs at least the Base kit and the mods kit. The base kit alone does not cover a full keyboard! If you are a pro-user you know what the exceptions are :P What spacebar sizes are available? Material: MT3 keycaps are typically crafted from either PBT or ABS plastic. PBT plastic is renowned for its durability and resistance to wear and tear, whereas ABS plastic is lighter and more budget-friendly. Determine which material attribute matters most to you and make your selection accordingly. To make your set future proof and maintain a high resell value you should get: Base kit + Mods kit + Extra mods. Of course if you have a full size keyboard also grab the Numpad. Everything else is up to your taste.

Keycap Printing: Dye-Sub vs. Double-Shot

You understand that the investment for a double-shot set is rather important also considering that Massdrop core business is not actually keycap manufacturing. The DROP + BIIP EXTENDED 2048 MT3 PROFILE DYE SUB PBT KEYCAPS set is a remarkable keycap collection designed to elevate your typing experience to new heights. Drawing inspiration from the iconic Apple Extended Keyboard II of the 1990s, this exclusive MT3 profile keycap set is a result of a collaboration between DROP and the renowned keycap designer, biip, known for their popular sets like Milkshake, Bento, and Bushido. What sets the Extended 2048 set apart is its minimalist icons-based design, paying homage to the classic aesthetic of its predecessor.

dev stands for “device”, /tty for “terminal”. So you can either call it “device terminal” or “dev-t-t-y”. I have more keycaps than keyboards to put them on, what can I do? Apple fans should take the Apple kit and possibly the Novelties kit. The latter is not strictly needed but nice to have. I won’t sugar coat the pill, guys: as soon as you put money on the table you have to sell your soul to the devil. It’s excruciating to see your wonderful dream torn by the reality of production and a company that has to deal with deadlines and turnover. Yanbo, like a perfect funambulist, was able to mediate between my designer’s extravaganza and MD’s big corp logic. No one can tell. The first drop has to be very successful to consider more batches in the future. If I had to guess a very optimistic estimate would be Christmas. Is there a 100 MOQ on the kits? Double-shot needs a mold for the external keycap shape and one for each legend. To cover a standard keyboard you need the above 31 molds plus one tool for each legend, so we are in the range of 140 molds excluding the numpad, international kits, etcetera.

Keycap Materials

Few years ago Topre released the Hi-Pro keyboard which featured a wonderful set of high profile keycaps in a retrolucious beige colorway. I knew it had to be mine! Ergonomic Excellence: MT3 keycaps are ingeniously sculpted to conform to the natural curvature of your fingers. This ergonomic design can significantly reduce strain and fatigue, making marathon typing sessions a breeze. The keycaps are higher in the center and gradually slope down towards the edges, delivering a supremely comfortable typing experience. Color and Design: MT3 keycaps come in a plethora of colors and designs. Take into account the overall aesthetic of your keyboard and opt for keycaps that complement its look. Some users prefer a consistent color scheme, while others find joy in mixing and matching different hues. Now that you have a better idea about ABS and PBT, it’s time to talk about the printing and production methods commonly used in keycaps. The two printing methods most widely seen in higher-end keycap sets are double-shot molding and dye-sub printing. As with most other aspects of mechanical keyboards, neither is definitively better than the other. What sets the /dev/tty keycap set apart is its subtle classic design. The keycaps are sculpted with scooped keys and an angled bottom row to provide a comfortable typing experience. The colorway combines neutral grays with colorful accents, striking a balance between a retro and modern aesthetic that will enhance the look of your favorite mechanical keyboard.