If you’re part of the mechanical keyboard community — whether you’re a casual typist, gamer, or hardcore enthusiast — you know that upgrading your keycaps is one of the easiest, most satisfying ways to customize your setup. Recently, I decided to switch out my old keycaps for a fresh look, and after some digging, I landed on a brand that caught my attention: XDK Custom Keycaps.
I’ll be honest — I hadn’t heard much about XDK before. It’s a relatively new name in the custom keycap space. But what drew me in was their promise of high-quality PBT material, clean dye-sublimated legends, and unique colorways, all at a price that didn’t make my wallet cry. After using them for a while, here’s my in-depth take on their build, feel, design, and whether they truly live up to the hype.
Why Choose XDK Custom Keycaps for Your Mechanical Keyboard?
When it comes to keycaps, there are a ton of options out there. From high-end GMK and EPBT sets to budget-friendly Amazon finds, the spectrum is vast. What intrigued me about XDK was how well it seemed to bridge the gap between quality and affordability.
As someone who’s swapped keycaps multiple times, I was after something that wouldn’t just look good on my board but would also stand up to daily typing and gaming sessions. XDK’s offering promised PBT dye-sub keycaps in an XDA profile — a combo that’s typically reserved for pricier sets.
After reading through a mix of glowing reviews and a few critiques, I was convinced it was worth a shot. Plus, I liked the idea of supporting a new, hungry brand trying to make its mark in the mechanical keyboard world.
Advantages of XDK Custom Keycaps
1. Practical and Protective Packaging
XDK skips the luxury packaging of brands like AKKO or GMK but delivers a clean, functional, and protective plastic shell inside a branded box. Despite the shipping label being stuck directly on the retail box (a bit of a cost-cutting move), my set arrived without any scratches or damage. It’s not glamorous, but it gets the job done — and at this price point, that’s what matters.
2. Inclusive Extras and Novelties
One of the standout perks of this set is the included novelty keycaps and extra keys. It came with everything I needed for my 75% layout, plus a few fun options to swap in whenever I wanted a fresh look.
Where most brands charge extra for modifiers or specialty keys, XDK’s all-in-one approach saves you money and makes customization easy. It’s a huge plus for both beginners and seasoned keyboard enthusiasts alike.
3. Excellent Price-to-Quality Ratio
Considering the solid PBT material, clean dye-sub legends, and unique colorways, this set offers exceptional value for money. Several reviewers — and my own experience — confirm that it competes with much pricier options in the market.
Potential Downsides: Compatibility and Sound Considerations
As with any product, it’s only fair to acknowledge a few drawbacks. While I didn’t experience major issues, some reviewers noted:
- A hollow, cheap sound on certain boards — especially high-end keyboards like GMMK Pro.
- Space bar sizing quirks on non-standard layouts.
Neither of these problems was a deal-breaker for me, and I suspect the sound issue is more related to case acoustics and stabilizer tuning than the keycaps themselves. But if you’re sensitive about your keyboard’s sound or use a unique layout, it’s something to be aware of.
Build Quality and Sound Profile: What to Expect from PBT XDA Keycaps
Right out of the box, the XDK Custom Keycaps impressed me. They’re made from solid PBT plastic, which means they’re resistant to shine and should hold up better over time compared to cheaper ABS alternatives. The dye-sublimation process ensures the legends won’t fade, and the text on my set was sharp, clean, and aligned beautifully.
One thing that stood out to me was the smooth texture on the top surface — there’s almost no texture, which pairs well with the flat, uniform XDA profile. The F and J keys have tactile bumps, making it easy to find your home row without looking.
Now, about the sound profile — it’s a point of mixed opinion in the community. Personally, I found the sound to be satisfying: a nice, crisp tap without excessive hollowness. However, I did notice a couple of reviews mentioning a hollow, cheap-sounding feel, especially on high-end boards like the GMMK Pro. While I didn’t experience this myself, it’s something to keep in mind if you’re ultra-sensitive about acoustics.
Pro tip: If you’re particular about sound, consider adding a case foam or switch dampeners — it can dramatically improve the acoustics of any keycap set.
What Sets XDK keycaps Apart from Other Keycap Brands?
The mechanical keyboard scene is packed with brands — from artisan keycap makers to mass-market heavyweights like Akko, Tai-Hao, and Drop. So what makes XDK worth a look?
For me, it’s their unique, playful designs paired with solid construction at a reasonable price. It’s rare to find a brand that offers novelty keycaps included in the base set. With XDK, you’re not forced to buy a base kit, modifiers, and novelties separately. Everything you need to customize your layout comes in one package.
A reviewer on Amazon put it best: “It’s great getting extras like this, especially at this price point.” I agree — it made customizing my keyboard a fun, stress-free experience without the usual nickel-and-diming.
Is It Worth the Price? Comparing XDK to GMK and EPBT
If you’re comparing this set to high-end keycap brands like GMK or EPBT, the price-to-performance ratio is where XDK really shines.
I found the price very acceptable compared to other products in the market. It’s affordable enough for beginners to dip their toes into custom keycaps, yet good enough for experienced builders who don’t want to spend $120+ on a GMK set.
Several reviews echoed this sentiment:
“These keycaps are amazing. Especially for the price. They feel and sound great. The print is nice and clear. I have gotten keycaps from different sellers on Amazon and these are definitely by far the highest quality ones I have found for the price.”
That pretty much sums it up. No, it won’t dethrone GMK or EPBT for collectors, but it offers tremendous value for everyday users and budget-conscious enthusiasts.
Final Thoughts: Will XDK Become a Recognized Name in the Mechanical Keyboard World?
After using XDK Custom Keycaps for a while, I can confidently say they’re a hidden gem in the affordable keycap market. Great material, eye-catching colors, clean legends, and a thoughtful assortment of extras — all at a reasonable price.
I genuinely believe this brand is on its way to becoming a recognized name in this niche. They’ve already proven they can deliver great quality and design at an approachable price, and with a little fine-tuning, they could easily rise to the top.
If you’re looking for budget-friendly custom keycaps that punch above their weight, give XDK a shot. I did, and I’m not looking back.
Explore more opinions for XDK Custom Keycaps:
4/5 stars opinion ⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Slightly taller and smoother than my old XDA set. Overall I like the colour and the style. They were easy to put onto my AKKO switches. All the lettering is centered and I am a fan of the font style. They sound slightly more “plasticy” than my last set did.
5/5 stars opinion ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This set of xda height pbt keycaps impressed me from the jump. They come in a neat tray making install a breeze instead of looking for caps through a jumble on the table.
Keycaps are a good thickness and an audibly noticeable improvement from the cheap sounding keycaps that come on certain budget boards. Color quality for the novelties is also great and the white is more of an eggshell as shown in indirect as well as direct sunlight.
Overall I cannot speak to the durability of the legends as I returned this item due to my personal inability to type well on xda profile keycaps. They look great but they weren’t for me.