Top 5 Types of Artisan Keycaps for Every Keyboard Style
Get to know the different types of artisan keycaps and find your perfect match—whether you love vibrant resin caps or bold sculpted statement pieces.
If you’ve ever scrolled through mechanical keyboard communities, you’ve likely seen stunning resin keycaps, metal keycaps, and sculpted keycaps that turn typing into a tactile artform. In this guide, we explore the types of artisan keycaps every enthusiast should know. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just customizing your first board, this breakdown will help you choose the perfect artisan cap for your setup.
Understanding Each Types of Artisan Keycaps
Artisan keycaps are custom-made, often hand-crafted, and released in limited batches. Their uniqueness and expressive designs set them apart from standard caps. Below are the most common types of artisan keycaps you’ll find across the enthusiast space.
Resin Keycaps – Vibrant, Durable, and Customizable
Among all artisan options, resin keycaps are the most popular. Made from high-quality epoxy or urethane resin, these keycaps can contain intricate layers, embedded figures, and dazzling effects like glitter or glow-in-the-dark elements.
Pros:
Lightweight yet sturdy
Offers high detail and color accuracy
Often hand-poured, making each piece unique
Jelly Key and Dwarf Factory are industry leaders in creating jaw-dropping resin scenes encased inside a single key.
Metal Keycaps – Sleek, Modern, and Heavy-Duty
Metal keycaps are made from aluminum, brass, or zinc alloy, delivering a premium feel and long-lasting durability. They’re ideal for minimalist setups or those who love a bit of weight and shine on their keyboard.
Pros:
Extremely durable
Resistant to fading or wear
Adds a tactile and auditory click
Cons:
Heavier than plastic or resin
Often higher priced
ZOMO’s metal “artisan paws” and escape keys are a fan favorite for those looking for something sleek yet playful.
Sculpted Keycaps – Whimsical & Expressive Designs
Sculpted keycaps are miniature works of art shaped like animals, characters, skulls, food, or even full scenes. These caps can be made from resin, clay, or hybrid materials. Their standout designs often occupy a single key—or take up multiple spaces for extra visual impact.
Pros:
Highly creative and fun
Great for themed builds
Can be mixed with other cap types
Cons:
Not always compatible with every layout
Might be less ergonomic for typing
BroCaps and Hot Keys Project are legendary for releasing collector-level sculpted keycaps.
Hybrid Keycaps – Mixing Materials for a Unique Twist
Some keycap creators blend resin with metal, wood, or even silicone to create hybrid artisan keycaps. These offer the best of both worlds—vibrant visuals and textural variety.
Pros:
Combines visual flair with unique feel
Great for custom themes
Often limited edition
Keyreative and Binge Studio have both explored hybrid techniques in their cap drops.
Artisan Profile Shapes and Compatibility
Beyond materials, artisan keycaps come in different profiles—SA, Cherry, OEM, DSA, and more. This affects the height, shape, and feel of the key when you type. Most artisan caps are designed for the ESC or number row but double-check compatibility before buying.
Choosing the Right Artisan Keycap for You
Not sure which style to pick? Here’s how to decide:
For Aesthetic Variety: Try resin keycaps with layered visuals or embedded objects.
For Durability & Shine: Opt for metal keycaps for a luxe, industrial finish.
For Expressive Builds: Add sculpted keycaps as centerpieces.
For Uniqueness: Explore hybrid combinations or limited-edition collabs.
🛒 Ready to shop? Explore MCraftin’s artisan keycap collection and elevate your typing experience.
Conclusion
From resin keycaps with dreamy depths to bold, shiny metal keycaps, and fantastical sculpted keycaps, each artisan style offers a way to showcase your individuality. Understanding the different types of artisan keycaps will help you choose the right one for your typing style and personality.
👉 Want more guides? Check out our Keycap Care Tips or our article on Top Artisan Keycap Brands to learn more!
