Learn
New to custom keycaps? Start here. We'll walk you through how group buys work, what the different profiles and manufacturers mean, and how to buy your first set.
What's a Group Buy?
A group buy (GB) is a pre-order system used by the custom keyboard community. A designer creates a keycap set, gauges interest, then opens orders for a limited time. Once the window closes, the set goes into production.
The typical lifecycle:
Group buys exist because custom keycap sets are niche products — manufacturers need a minimum order quantity (MOQ) to justify a production run.
Keycap Profiles
The shape and height of each keycap. Different profiles feel different to type on.
Cherry
Named after Cherry, the switch manufacturer. Sculpted rows with a low-to-medium height. The most widely available and popular profile for custom keycaps.
SA
Tall, sculpted, retro-style profile. Spherical top. Deeper sound than Cherry.
MT3
Tall sculpted profile with a deep dish. Similar feel to SA but with scooped tops.
KAT
Medium-height sculpted profile. PBT plastic. Made by Keyreative.
DSA
Low, uniform (non-sculpted) profile. Same shape on every row.
XDA
Uniform profile with a wider, flatter top surface than DSA.
OEM
The profile found on most stock keyboards. Sculpted, medium height. A safe starting point.
DCS
Similar to Cherry but slightly taller. Made by Signature Plastics.
MDA
Medium-height sculpted profile with rounded tops. A hybrid between Cherry and SA.
KAM
Uniform profile with flat tops and thick walls. Made by Keyreative.
Manufacturers
The companies that actually produce keycap sets.
GMK
Based in Germany, GMK produces Cherry-profile keycaps using original Cherry molds. Known for vibrant colors, tight legends, and premium feel. Expect 12-18 month production times for group buys.
ePBT
Enjoyment PBT — Chinese manufacturer offering affordable PBT keycaps with dye-sub legends.
Signature Plastics
US-based manufacturer. Makes SA, DSA, and DCS profiles. Also known as SP.
Domikey
Chinese manufacturer producing Cherry-profile doubleshot ABS keycaps at a lower price point than GMK.
Keyreative
Manufacturer behind KAT and KAM profiles. Known for affordable PBT sets with unique profiles.
JTK
Chinese manufacturer producing Cherry-profile tripleshot keycaps. Known for fast production times.
Milkyway
Chinese manufacturer producing affordable Cherry and SA profile PBT keycaps.
Materials
What the keycaps are made of. Each material has a different feel and sound.
ABS
A smooth, durable thermoplastic. Allows vibrant colors and sharp doubleshot legends. Develops a polished "patina" with extended use — some love the feel, others prefer PBT.
PBT
A harder, more textured plastic than ABS. Retains its matte texture over time and produces a deeper "thock" sound. Legends are typically dye-sublimated.
POM
Polyoxymethylene — dense, smooth plastic. Rare in keycaps. Deep sound signature.
doubleshot
Two separate plastic molds fused together — legends never fade because they're a separate piece of plastic.
dye-sub
Dye-sublimation — legends are heat-printed into the plastic. Durable but limited to darker-on-lighter colors.
How to Buy Your First Set
Browse WTBCaps
Find a set you like. Check the status — if it's an active group buy, you can order now.
Pick your vendor
Choose a vendor in your region for the best shipping rates. We show prices from multiple vendors so you can compare.
Choose your kits
Most sets have a base kit (covers a standard keyboard) and optional add-ons (novelties, numpad, spacebar kits).
Place your order
Pay through the vendor's website. You'll get a confirmation email.
Wait
Production takes months. Your vendor will email you when it ships.
If you missed a group buy, check if extras are available — or watch the aftermarket on r/mechmarket.