PBTfans X-ray Keycaps
Best for enthusiasts seeking a modern, transparent aesthetic for custom keyboards.
Experience the PBTfans X-ray Keycap set, a modern take on transparent tech nostalgia. Designed by Matthew Encina, these keycaps feature clear ABS plastic that highlights internal structures when illuminated, with subtle white legends that play with light and shadow. Manufactured with precise double-shot injection molding, the set offers comprehensive layout support, including 40% configurations. The collection also features optional artisan keycaps with a unique modular design, blending machined aluminum and polycarbonate for a distinctive look on your mechanical keyboard.
$84.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
1604
/ 6540
#1604 in Keyboard Keys & Caps
Price vs Category Average
+98%
Above average
Material
ABS Plastic, Metal
/ ABS Plastic, Metal
Who it's for
- Typists who prioritize long-lasting, high-quality keycap construction
- Gamers wanting a vibrant, light-filled desk setup
- Minimalists seeking a futuristic, eye-catching keyboard aesthetic
Who should skip it
- Users who dislike frequent cleaning of oily surfaces
- Typists who rely on high-contrast, easily readable legends
- Aesthetes bothered by uneven or distracting LED light hotspots
Performance breakdown
Aesthetic Uniqueness
Transparent design captures a striking, modern take on vintage tech nostalgia.
Build Precision
Double-shot injection molding ensures crisp legends and high-quality structural integrity.
Layout Versatility
Comprehensive support covers everything from standard layouts to niche 40% boards.
Artisan Craftsmanship
Modular aluminum and polycarbonate construction offers a premium, tactile desk presence.
Lighting Interaction
Clever shadow-play legends create dynamic visual depth under varied lighting conditions.
Switch Compatibility
Standard MX-style stems ensure seamless installation across most mechanical keyboard switches.
Key Specs
Material
ABS Plastic, Metal
Manufacturing Method
Double shot injection molding
Profile
Cherry Profile
Compatibility
MX-style switches
Base Kit Support
Full layout support, including 40%
Artisan Materials
Aluminum and Polycarbonate
Artisan Profile
Cherry Profile, R1
Printing Method
Double-shot
Features
- Minimalist translucent design inspired by vintage tech.
- Shadow-revealing legends based on light direction.
- Semi-transparent keycaps with dynamic appearance.
- Modular artisan keycaps by Salvun.
- Designed by Matthew Encina (Mod Musings).
- Opaque base prevents RGB shine-through.
- Durable double-shot ABS construction.
- Full layout support including 40%.
What customers say
The PBTfans X-ray Keycaps earn high praise primarily for their striking design and premium quality. Users love the innovative aesthetic, which pairs durable PBT material with unique translucent elements, creating a captivating look, especially with RGB lighting. The material offers a satisfying texture and sound profile that enthusiasts appreciate. Legends are consistently clear and visible. While the set commands a premium price, the overall consensus celebrates this as a successful, high quality execution of a novel visual concept that significantly elevates a keyboard's appearance.
Know before you buy
The PBTfans X-ray set is compatible with any keyboard using standard MX-style switches. They feature a Cherry profile and provide extensive layout support, including compatibility for 40% keyboards.
No, the keycaps feature an opaque base specifically designed to prevent RGB shine-through. The light interacts with the semi-transparent top and the white legends to create a shadow effect rather than illuminating the keycap from within.
Double-shot injection molding ensures that the legends are physically part of the keycap structure rather than printed on the surface. This means the legends will never fade or wear off, even with heavy daily use.
The artisan keycaps are designed by Salvun and feature a modular construction that combines machined aluminum with polycarbonate. This creates a distinct aesthetic that complements the transparent theme of the main set while offering a premium, weighted feel.
The legends are designed to play with light and shadow based on the direction of your room's lighting. Because the keycaps are semi-transparent, the appearance of the legends shifts slightly depending on your viewing angle and the ambient light hitting the keycap.
Despite the brand name PBTfans, this specific X-ray set is manufactured using high-quality ABS plastic. This material is chosen to achieve the necessary clarity and transparency required for the set's signature look.
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