What are pudding keycaps? A Comparison of RGB in Keycaps

In the intricate universe of mechanical keyboards, RGB illumination is much more than just a feature, it's a form of self-expression, and it allows for a visually striking typing experience. The interplay of colors often serves as the final touch that elevates the device from ordinary to extraordinary. You can customize it to shine in endless combinations or a single color to match your setup. 

But how much RGB is enough RGB? Is there a sweet spot, or is it a case of 'the more, the merrier'? Deciding on the RGB intensity of your keyboard is akin to ordering a bowl of pasta at an Italian restaurant. When the waiter asks how much grated Parmesan cheese to add to the dish, some prefer modest amounts, while others let the waiter grate until a colossal mountain of cheesy goodness has formed on their plate. The same goes with RGB lighting, it all comes down to personal preference. 

A popular choice for gamers and keyboard enthusiasts is pudding keycaps. These keycaps are known for their vibrant RGB illumination, but filter enough of the light to prevent a full-on light show. Pudding keycaps allow just enough to create a rich and captivating visual experience. Keep reading to learn more about pudding keycaps, and how they compare to other options like translucent and PBT keycaps. 

Before delving into the heart of the matter, let's take a moment to understand what pudding keycaps are. Named for their delectable, dessert-like appearance, pudding keycaps are popular in the mechanical keyboard world. What sets these keycaps apart is the way they manipulate the RGB light. Pudding keycaps are characterized by a dual-layer design, where the outer shell is translucent while the top of the keycap remains opaque. This allows for a luminous, mesmerizing glow to escape from the sides of each key, without being too overwhelming.

You might also be interested in reading about how to clean keycaps. In this blog post, we show you 2 ways to clean your keycaps, step by step.

The unique design of pudding keycaps leads to a mid to high level of RGB illumination. Their translucent side walls allow a generous amount of light to radiate out. Yet, they strike a balanced approach to RGB display. The opaque top layer gently diffuses some of the light, ensuring the glow remains vibrant without bordering on excessive. This subtle restraint on RGB exposure makes pudding keycaps the go-to for users seeking a tasteful balance between aesthetic flair and visual comfort.

Having established the RGB intensity of pudding keycaps, let's delve into a comparative analysis of different keycap types in terms of their RGB illumination potential.

1. Translucent Keycaps: The undisputed champions when it comes to letting RGB light shine through, translucent keycaps don't hold back. They lack the opaque filter characteristic of pudding keycaps and let the RGB colors manifest in their full glory. This makes them the top pick for users seeking the most dazzling RGB display.

2. Pudding Keycaps: In the second place, we have our pudding keycaps. These keycaps offer the perfect balance between the unrestrained vibrancy of translucent keycaps and the muted elegance of ABS and PBT keycaps. They serve as the middle ground for users seeking both style and subtlety in their RGB lighting.

3. ABS and PBT Keycaps: Offering the least RGB shine-through, ABS and PBT keycaps are made of solid plastic, which considerably diffuses the RGB light. While these keycaps do not offer the same intensity of RGB as their counterparts, they hold their unique appeal. 

ABS and PBT keycaps usually showcase their RGB lighting from underneath the keycap, creating a clean, backlit effect. Within this category of keycaps, there are those with transparent legends, and those with non-transparent. Like the name implies, the ones with transparent legends allow light to shine through the engraved numbers, letters, or symbols. Non-transparent legends, on the other hand, only allow illumination from behind the keycap.

Get a deeper understanding of the differences between ABS and PBT keycaps by reading this comprehensive guide.

Choosing the right keycaps for your mechanical keyboard is not just about enhancing your typing experience; it's about creating an aesthetic that speaks to your personal style and preferences. Whether you're a fan of the extravagant RGB display of translucent keycaps, the balanced approach of pudding keycaps, or the minimalist charm of ABS and PBT keycaps, there's a world of choices at your fingertips.

If you're on the lookout for a recommendation, consider the Aura v2 keycaps. With a design that marries style and functionality, these keycaps promise an impressive RGB display and a comfortable typing experience. They bring together the best of all worlds, making them a stellar choice for any keyboard enthusiast. So, go ahead, illuminate your keyboard universe in your unique way. Happy typing!