Tech & Work

You really need these custom keycaps right now

By // August 10, 2017, 11:12 AM PST

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  • '3D Hammer'

    We've rounded up 27 striking keycaps, sets and individuals. All are designed to fit most Cherry MX-equipped mechanical keyboards, except where noted. Some may work with other types of switches, too; check the vendors' detail pages to confirm. Prices were current as of publication.

    First: You'll feel the power with this aluminum-and-titanium sculpture. Get it at GeekKeys for $32; a small metal storage box is included.

    HolyOOPS via GeekKeys

  • 'Damn It'

    When your day goes south, feel free to click this one just a little harder. Get it at Pimp My Keyboard for $2.

    Pimp My Keyboard

  • Darth Vader

    "Luke, I am your escape key. " Get the Dark Lord in aluminum for $25.50 at GeekKeys.

    HolyOOPS via GeekKeys

  • Solid-brass skull

    You don't mess around -- and neither does your keyboard. This handmade keycap is available via Etsy for $13. Copper ($18) and sterling-silver ($60) varieties also available.

    BGkeycaps via Etsy

  • Toy brick

    This piece of fun is produced by a 3D printer. The nylon-plastic brick, available in a variety of colors, can be had for $5.70 at Shapeways. (Or, only $4.70 for one in white matte-finish.) Splurge, and get one in platinum for $3,000.01.

    The Gizmo Bazaar via Shapeways

  • 'Mediterranean Beach Resort'

    You can almost feel the sea breeze. Prices start at $31 per key from artisanal keycap-maker Jelly Key.

    Jelly Key

  • 'Hammer MUMMIE Artisan Keycap - Black'

    Unwrap this one at Mechanical Keys for $33. Other colors and designs are available. Prices vary.

    Mechanical Keyboards

  • Hunk of cheese

    Let the office know who's the big you-know-what. Available in yellow-colored nylon plastic for $6.50 from Shapeways. Other finishes and colors available (prices vary); all produced via 3D printing.

    The Gizmo Bazaar via Shapeways

  • Escape to the extraordinary

    This key makes a run for it on backlit and non-backlit keyboards. Get it for $3 at Max Keyboard.

    Max Keyboard

  • PlayStation 4 controller icons

    Get your game on with this set of four keys. Available at Amazon.com for $11.49.

    KR-NET via Amazon.com

  • Datamancer retro-typewriter keycaps

    Datamancer makes "extraordinary," steampunk-style mechanical keyboards; its 104-piece keycap sets are no less magical. Four, metal-wrapped designs are available; $125 each.

    Datamancer

  • Bomb

    Next time, don't just press a key; blow off steam. Light the fuse on this laser-etched keycap for $3 at Max Keyboard.

    Max Keyboard

  • LeagueKeys

    Up your game with these League of Legends-inspired keycaps. The set of six is available from Amazon.com for $12.99.

    LeagueKeys via Amazon.com

  • Dice

    Get lucky with this set of six keycaps. Available from Max Keyboard for $9.99.

    Max Keyboard

  • 'Raven - Green - Red Eyes'

    You'll feel like someone -- or something -- is watching you. Available from Mechanical Keyboards for $29.

    Hot Keys Project via Mechanical Keyboards

  • Custom-text keycaps

    Your keycap; your catchphrase. Customize it your way (including key color and size) for $7 at WASD Keyboards; buy two for $5.

    WASD Keyboards

  • Dreamcast

    Time-travel back to the 1990s with this Sega-channeling escape key. Available via Etsy for $5.

    DecentKeyboards via Etsy

  • Blank-white keycaps

    Go minimalist in a big way with this 104-piece set in PBT plastic for $40 from WASD Keyboards. Keycap-puller included.

    WASD Keyboards

  • Metal WASD keycaps

    In a sea of keyboard black, this set of four, zinc-alloy keycaps with silver electroplating shines. Available from Amazon.com for $12.99.

    AGPtek via Amazon.com

  • 'Nuke Key'

    Please strike this one with caution. Get it at TechKeys for $3.

    TechKeys

  • 'Heroes of the Storm'

    Look battle-ready. Prices range from $6.82 for a keycap produced in white matte-finish plastic to $5,236.60 for the platinum model (pictured). Available from Shapeways.

    Jtlie via Shapeways

  • Walnut keycaps

    Get this four-piece set of all-hardwood, hand-finished keys for $23 at Etsy.

    MechanicalleeKBs via Etsy

  • 'Portal'

    Dodge GLaDOS with this two-piece set. Available via Amazon.com for $11.99; keycap-puller included.

    Max Keyboard via Amazon.com

  • Razer metallic keycap set

    This seven-piece set is understated, but, owing to its high-density, metal-alloy design, substantial. The keycaps are only compatible with Razer BlackWidow mechanical keyboards. (Razer uses proprietary switches.) Get it for $29.99 from Razer; keycap-puller included.

    Razer

  • Textured keycaps

    Get a feel, literally, for your keyboard. Order and customize the keycaps individually, for $3 each. WASD Keyboards allows you to specify keycap size and color, and choose from one of four design textures: crosshatch; horizontal lines; dot matrix; and, radial.

    WASD Keyboards

  • Sterling-silver keycap

    No logo, no design, no joke. It's just solid and silver -- and eye-catching. Get one for $55 at Etsy.

    BGkeycaps via Etsy

Related Topics:

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'3D Hammer'

We've rounded up 27 striking keycaps, sets and individuals. All are designed to fit most Cherry MX-equipped mechanical keyboards, except where noted. Some may work with other types of switches, too; check the vendors' detail pages to confirm. Prices were current as of publication.

First: You'll feel the power with this aluminum-and-titanium sculpture. Get it at GeekKeys for $32; a small metal storage box is included.

HolyOOPS via GeekKeys

About Joal Ryan

Joal Ryan thinks Pokemon Go is a plot.

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