What Are Blank Keycaps and Why You Might Need Them

For those new to keycaps, you might wonder: why do blank keycaps exist? When I first got into keycaps, I had the same question. However, after doing some research, I began to understand the reasons behind them.

The origin of blank keycaps can be traced back to the 1980s and 1990s, during the rise in popularity of mechanical keyboards, though the exact timeline is unclear. Due to differences in aesthetics and usage needs, people have different reasons for preferring keycaps without legends.

Some people favor a minimalist style, and keycaps without legends offer a uniform color or solid design, making the keyboard look more organized and creating a more comfortable workspace, which can help boost productivity.

Blank Keycaps vs. Printed Keycaps

When choosing keycaps, blank keycaps and printed keycaps each offer unique advantages and are suited for different situations. Blank keycaps provide a minimalist and aesthetically pleasing appearance, ideal for users who prefer a clean, uncluttered keyboard layout.

They also help users improve their touch typing skills, as there are no legends to rely on. In contrast, printed keycaps are more suitable for beginners or those who need to frequently look at the keyboard, as they offer a visual reference for quickly locating specific keys.

Although printed keycaps may wear and fade over time, they provide valuable assistance for users learning and memorizing the keyboard layout. The choice between blank and printed keycaps depends on the user's personal preferences, typing habits, and their needs regarding keyboard appearance and functionality.

Benefits of Using Blank Keycaps

I also came across a post on Quora where a user mentioned that plain keycaps, are particularly useful for touch-typing practice, which is essential in professions that require fast typing speeds. The explanation from that user is as follows: "Blank keycaps are used to train people in touch typing. For certain professions where typing speed is crucial, using unprinted keycaps to practice can help improve typing skills."

Additionally, some users might not be satisfied with the custom keycaps available on the market, so they opt for blank keycaps to DIY their own. They can apply stickers they like and easily change them when they get tired of the design, which is more economical than replacing an entire keycap set.

Due to the differences in keyboard layout standards, such as ISO and ANSI layouts, not all keyboards are compatible with each other. Blank keycaps offer flexibility in this regard, allowing users to customize keycaps according to their local keyboard layout.

Lastly, some users have shared that high-end keyboards are expensive, and over time, the printed characters on keycaps can wear off or fade. Blank keycaps eliminate this issue, reducing the cost of replacing keycaps.

How to Choose the Right Blank Keycaps for Your Keyboard

If you're in the market for blank keycaps, check out our guide on choosing the right keycaps for your keyboard for more details. Due to the special material, our keycaps are resistant to fading and chipping, and ceramic craftsmanship also adds an element of artistic value.

 1. What are the benefits of using blank keycaps?

Blank keycaps offer several benefits for keyboard enthusiasts and typists. Firstly, they provide a clean, minimalist aesthetic that enhances the overall appearance of the keyboard, making it visually appealing and unique.

Secondly, blank keycaps encourage touch typing, helping users improve their typing speed and accuracy by forcing them to rely on muscle memory rather than visual cues. Additionally, because there are no printed legends, blank keycaps are more durable in terms of appearance—there's no risk of the legends wearing off or fading over time.

Lastly, they are versatile and universally compatible with any keyboard layout, making them a flexible choice for those who use multiple languages or custom key assignments.

 2. Are blank keycaps suitable for beginners?

Blank keycaps are generally not recommended for beginners or those who are still learning to type without looking at the keyboard. They lack printed legends, which can make it challenging for new users to locate specific keys, especially if they are not familiar with the keyboard layout.

However, if a beginner is interested in improving their touch typing skills and is willing to take on the challenge, blank keycaps can be a great tool for developing muscle memory and enhancing typing proficiency over time.

 3. How do blank keycaps compare to printed keycaps?

Blank keycaps and printed keycaps serve different purposes and appeal to different types of users. Blank keycaps offer a sleek, minimalist look and are favored by those who want a clean keyboard appearance and are confident in their typing abilities. They are ideal for promoting touch typing and reducing visual distractions.

On the other hand, printed keycaps are more practical for beginners, as they provide visible legends that help users quickly find the correct keys. Printed keycaps are also beneficial for environments where multiple users share the same keyboard, as they provide an immediate visual guide. While printed keycaps may wear and fade over time, they offer essential functionality for learning and everyday typing. The choice between the two depends on the user’s skill level, preferences, and how they intend to use their keyboard.