What is SpaceFN and why you should give it a try
The SpaceFN concept - setting up your space key as a layer switch when held - is probably one of the most useful tweaks in the keyboard hobby. Let me explain how it works. My SpaceFN article on kbd.news made some rounds recently - quite surprisingly given the age of this concept. This piece you're reading is a condensed version of the full post. If you're left with unanswered questions, you'll most likely find the info you're looking for in the original write-up. On my imaginary top list of the most useful keyboard features, tweaks and hacks, SpaceFN would deserve a podium finish for sure. But what makes it so special? In short: SpaceFN is easy to implement, easy to learn, costs nothing, can be used with any keyboard, and can improve your productivity instantly. I will list its benefits below, but can state right at this point that the SpaceFN concept, setting up your space key as a layer switch when held, is clearly one of the most useful tweaks in the keyboard hobby....
Apr 30, 2024
tl;dr: This is subjective, but no real data on plastics quality but there is noticeable differences on manufacturing quality. To answer your question, the debate between PBT vs ABS in my opinion is purely a subjective conversation. Do you like the feel of ABS or do you like the feel of PBT? There are also several different levels of ABS or PBT quality. For the most part this is perceived quality as there is no real data detailing what the differences in chemical composition between each manufacturer is like. Given that, the community ("some people" above) regard Signature Plastics in Custer, WA USA and GMK in Germany as the two leading keycap manufacturers. There are other companies standing in the mix, but that's for another discussion. With that out of the way, here are some definitions of quality. Comparisons will be from the point of view of SP vs GMK for simplicity sakes as this is getting LOOONG.
Shine Resistance: GMK ABS is considered the most shine resistant out of all the currently available ABS keysets. PBT is considerably more shine resistant, so if you were arguing solely on shine resistance, PBT wins.
Texture: ABS is more slippery, PBT is more textured and "rough". You choose what is best
Sharpness/Clarity of Legends: The doubleshot process in which two plastics are used in construction (1 for the keycap, and 1 for the legend) is considered the sharpest of them all. The doubleshot process varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. However GMK and SP have the best doubleshotting process. I can't really tell the difference between the two. PBT on the other hand can be doubleshot but due to the qualities of the plastic, it is a very expensive process. There aren't too many double shot PBT sets around. The more common form of putting quality legends on a cap is through dye sublimination. Clarity is great but still not as good as double shotting.
Profile: There are many profiles available. GMK only does 1, the Cherry profile. SP does a few including DSA, SA, DCS,G20, and their new DSS. For the most part the Cherry profile is considered the best, but this really is another point of contention. You can find PBT Cherry profiles but you have to consider the rest of the information on "quality" I have provided.
Manufacturing: GMK does not offer PBT, only SP does. However PBT requires a different process than ABS and I believe higher heat too. What happens is that some PBT keys end up being warped (most noticeably the spacebar). This doesn't happen all the time, but often enough.
Colors: Each manufacturer has a different color palette they will work with. If you're looking for a specific shade of blue, both GMK and SP have the most extensive selection. Colors in PBT are different than colors in ABS. If you really are in love with a particular color ONLY in ABS, you probably will choose ABS.
Keycap Thickness: On a whole, GMK keycap thickness is thicker than SP except for maybe the SA profile. Keycap thickness gives better light bleed protection and gives a more satisfying sound as you type.
I'm sure there are a lot more definitions of quality as vast as the number of individuals on reddit. However, I've given you 7 definitions. Pick 3.