My Top 5 Keycap Designs of 2024
It all starts with an idea. Each of these designers spent months perfecting their keycap concepts, dedicating countless hours to ensure every detail was just right. This year, I had the privilege of seeing over 50 keycap sets. While there were countless amazing designs, these are the ones that truly stood out to me. To keep things fair, I’ve excluded my own designs as well as any sets I didn’t have the chance to see in person.
Now, let’s dive in.
5. GMK CYL MARS CADET
If you’ve been following me this year, you’ll know I’m fully in my orange era. Ever since I started designing Orenji, my obsession has only grown. Then along came Mars Cadet, and wow—this set has been a staple ever since. I absolutely adore the orange accents and the clever little Easter egg hidden in the design. The golden keys are a standout feature, adding a unique touch and so much depth to the overall look. This set is definitely going to remain one of my favorites for a long time.
Designer: nephl0ck
4. PBTFans X-RAY
This set stands out as a unique, low-contrast design. Inspired by the resurging trend of old-school transparent tech, these keycaps beautifully reveal the inner construction of a double-shot keycap. Depending on the lighting, they can appear blank or showcase the depth of the legends, making them dynamic and versatile. This build is my go-to when I’m looking for something minimal yet captivating for my setup. I also admire how Matthew expanded the concept into the full X-Ray collection—every item contributes to the cohesive and thoughtful theme.
Designer: Mod Musings
3. GMK CYL TRIBAL
Lately, I’ve been drawn to WoB sets with unique twists, and Tribal is a perfect example of this. What makes it truly special is how it pays homage to the designer’s culture, creating a deep and meaningful connection that shines through in the design. The colorful sub-legends add a vibrant touch, beautifully contrasting with the dark base, while the hand-drawn novelty symbols and masks elevate the set to another level. This has quickly become my new favorite dark keycap set—it’s bold, cultural, and absolutely stunning.
Designer: Oh.type
2. AL GESTALT
This is easily one of the most insanely creative sets I’ve ever come across. Every legend and icon is meticulously hand-crafted using shapes to form the letters and symbols, making the design truly one of a kind. The bold yet tasteful color scheme is striking, and the PBT keycap material enhances the overall aesthetic, allowing the design to truly shine. Admittedly, it took me a little time to adjust to the unconventional legends since I’m not a touch typist, but once I did, it was an absolute dream to use and photograph.
Designer: Akuko Labs
1. MV GMK CYL EXPO
This keycap set has an undeniable hold on me. The fully custom legends and immaculate novelties are nothing short of impressive. The pearlescent finish gives the keycaps a stunning, sparkling shine that catches the light beautifully. The versatile color palette makes Expo an easy choice for so many builds. I find myself reaching for this set over and over—it’s just that good. Without a doubt, this one has earned my top spot for the year.
Designer: MVKB