We have already covered what keycaps are in a number of articles so far.  For the most part, keycaps are almost entirely preference.  Their effects on the quality of a keyboard build are nominal, and for the most part, people choose a set that accents the overall theme of their board.  In the realm of custom mechanical keyboards, though, there is always an expensive option, and keycaps are no exception.

GMK is a brand that manufactures and sells keycaps that are marketed as an ultra premium alternative to popular options.  GMK are double-shot ABS keycaps that feature a vibrant array of colors.  Double-shot refers to the process used to manufacture the keycaps, and it involves pressing two separate molded shells together.  This produces a thicker, more durable keycap than if it was produced using another method.  The other interesting thing is that keyboard manufacturers can copyright different colorways; they ensure that if you want a specific design to complement your keyboard, you must buy it through them.  GMK caps are priced around $120 USD, and they are a favorite among enthusiasts who claim that they enhance acoustics and provide a better typing feel.  The notable issue is that GMK caps are produced in very limited quantities, and are often only available on the aftermarket at a price point of over $300 USD.

So the question remains: is the quality of a GMK set worth $300?  The simple answer is no.  While GMK caps are extremely high quality, the price is hard to justify, especially considering the high quality clones on the market.  Even though the colors are copyrighted, mass manufacturers get around this by slightly altering the shade or the layout of the colors, and can provide reasonable quality keycaps for anywhere from $30-$100 USD on sites like Amazon or Banggood – (another important thing to note is the shipping time; GMK caps can take 3-6 months to ship depending on the production phase).  These of course are not as high quality as GMK, but the money spent can be much better utilized on other components of the keyboard.  If you are building a high budget board, then by all means, splurge on a GMK set.  The colors offered are expansive, and can complement almost any build that exists.  Many would be surprised to hear, but a high end option can range anywhere from $500 to $2000+.  At this price, the price of keycaps is almost irrelevant, but personally, I’d have a really hard time spending that much money on essentially a plastic square.  In the end, though, that’s for you to decide.