Custom Keycap Set — Kraken Keycaps Review: Colorful, Durable, and Backlit
Looking to refresh the look of your mechanical keyboard without breaking the bank? Kraken Keycaps’ CUSTOM Keycap Set promises a fully customizable, RGB-friendly upgrade with 104 doubleshot PBT keycaps and dozens of color pairings. I spent time testing the set for fit, feel, and lighting performance—this review breaks down what you need to know before buying.
Quick overview: what the CUSTOM Keycap Set does
The CUSTOM Keycap Set from Kraken Keycaps is a fully customizable 104-key keycap set that lets you choose an outer and inner color combination. It’s built from doubleshot PBT for durability and designed as RGB backlit keycaps—so your keyboard’s LEDs shine through the legends. The set is marketed to fit standard 60% (104-key includes full size mapping), TKL (80%) and full-size mechanical keyboards and is compatible with nearly all mechanical and optical switches.
What’s included
- 104 doubleshot PBT backlit keycaps
- Premium keycap puller
- Kraken Keyboards merch sticker
Key features explained (and why they matter)
Doubleshot PBT construction
Doubleshot manufacturing means the legends are made from a separate piece of plastic molded into the keycap, not printed on the surface. That delivers two important benefits:
- Legend longevity — the characters won’t wear off over time.
- Surface durability — PBT resists shine and oils better than ABS, keeping the caps looking new longer.
RGB backlit legends
These keycaps are explicitly designed to be backlit. The doubleshot legends allow RGB to shine through cleanly, producing crisp letters even with subtle lighting modes. If you run per-key RGB on keyboards like the Razer Huntsman Mini, Apex Pro Mini, or Wooting 60HE, expect strong visibility and attractive light diffusion.
Wide compatibility with layouts and switches
Kraken states the set fits 60%, TKL (80%) and full-size layouts and supports almost all mechanical and optical switches. In practice this means:
- Works with mainstream boards such as the Ducky One 2 Mini, Anne Pro 2, GK61, RK61, Redragon, and many prebuilt and custom layouts.
- Fits MX-style stems (the most common), so swapping is quick using the included puller.
Extensive color customization
The standout feature is the color options: you pick an outer and an inner color from a wide palette (Purple, Blue, Mint, Green, Pink, Red, White, Black, Grey, Yellow). That flexibility lets you create subtle two-tone schemes or bold contrasts to match your desk setup or RGB profile.
Real-world benefits
- Visual refresh: Changing keycaps instantly modernizes a keyboard and can better match your setup aesthetic.
- Improved lighting: Backlit doubleshot legends increase legibility in low light and enhance RGB effects.
- Longevity: PBT and doubleshot construction reduce the need to replace keycaps frequently.
- Simple install: The included keycap puller and standard layout coverage make swapping straightforward for most users.
Typing feel and performance
Keycaps don’t change switch actuation, but they do influence feel through profile, texture, and thickness. The PBT material offers a slightly textured, non-glossy surface that helps grip and minimizes finger slip during long typing or gaming sessions. Keys feel solid and stable—no thin, hollow sound that cheaper ABS caps sometimes produce.
Note: Kraken does not list a proprietary profile in the product description, so assume a standard profile suited for general typing and gaming. If you prefer very high-profile or sculpted custom profiles, verify with Kraken prior to ordering.
Installation & fit tips
- Use the included premium keycap puller to remove stock caps—pull straight up to avoid bending switches or bending stabilizers.
- For larger keys (spacebar, enter, shift), ensure stabilizers are seated correctly to avoid rattle; you may want to clean and re-lubricate stabilizers if they sound noisy.
- Check your layout: while the set covers standard layouts, some 65%/75% or nonstandard OEM sizes may require specific keycaps or aftermarket kits.
Price and value
At $39.99 for a full 104-key doubleshot PBT backlit set, the CUSTOM Keycap Set sits in an attractive price range. You get durable materials, RGB-friendly legends, and an extensive color selection—good value compared to many single-color PBT sets at similar prices.
Pros & Cons
Pros
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Cons
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Who should buy this keycap set?
- Buy if you want an affordable, durable upgrade that enhances RGB lighting and gives lots of color options.
- Buy if you have a standard 60%, TKL or full-size mechanical keyboard and want reliable compatibility with MX-style switches.
- Consider alternatives if you need a very specific keycap profile (SA, DSA, or other niche sculpted profiles) or you use an unusually small or split keyboard with nonstandard keys.
Final verdict
The CUSTOM Keycap Set from Kraken Keycaps is an excellent, budget-friendly option for most mechanical keyboard owners. Doubleshot PBT construction and true RGB backlit legends deliver long-term durability and superior lighting performance compared with cheap ABS printed sets. The huge range of outer/inner color combinations is the set’s biggest selling point—create subtle matchups, bold contrasts, or fully themed setups without custom dye-sublimation costs.
Recommendation: Strongly recommended for streamers, gamers, typists, and anyone who wants a straightforward, attractive RGB-ready keycap upgrade at a reasonable price. If you demand a specific sculpted profile or have an exotic keyboard layout, double-check key compatibility before ordering.
Bottom line: Durable, RGB-friendly, and highly customizable—Kraken’s CUSTOM Keycap Set is a practical way to refresh your keyboard’s look and lighting for under $50.
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