On June 19, 2024, Kopec Japan updated its official X to announce that the Japanese version of the Keychron K8 Pro will be available with double-shot PBT keycaps.
The product is only available for purchase at Yodobashi.com and SUPERKOPEK stores.
At first glance, the appearance of the new model is almost the same as the previous model, but the type of resin material utilized for the keycaps has been changed from ABS to PBT.
The ABS we had been using was single shot (made from one type of resin material) and the key tops were laser printed.
ABS is not bad by any means, but it is “shiny” when used, and since it was laser printed, the printing could be lost.
The resin also tends to produce a high-pitched “click” sound, which is slightly different from the “thocky” sound quality that has become popular in recent years.
On the other hand, with the newly adopted double-shot PBT, the printing on the key tops is made by a separate part fitted inside the keycap, so the printing will not physically disappear.
In addition, PBT has excellent abrasion and oil resistance, and the keycaps are not considered shiny when used.
Also, compared to ABS plastic material, it is said to have different acoustic characteristics, and thus tends to produce a lower “thump” = so-called “thocky” typing sound.
As for recent Keychron models, such as the Keychron Q3 Max, there is a tendency to use double-shot PBT even for JIS layouts, so this may be a very welcome development for JIS layout fans.
