If you're reading this, you probably already know what artisan keycaps are. You've seen them on Reddit, you've zoomed in on someone's build photo, and now you want one (or four) for your own board. The hard part is figuring out which ones are actually worth it and which ones look great in photos but wobble on the stem or have sloppy casting.
We make zinc alloy artisan keycaps at PureKeycap, so yes, this list is biased toward our own stuff. But we also use these daily, and we'll be honest about what each one does well and where it fits.
Everything here is Cherry MX compatible, which also means Gateron, Kailh, Akko, and most other MX-style switches.
What Makes a Great Artisan Keycap?
Before the list, here's what we actually check on every unit before it ships:
- Stem fit. No wobble, no loose rocking. If it doesn't seat tight on an MX stem, it doesn't leave the shop.
- Casting quality. Clean edges, no visible mold lines, even color. Die-cast zinc alloy helps a lot here because the molds hold tighter tolerances than resin pours.
- Weight. A metal keycap should feel like metal. You should notice the difference the first time you press it.
- Design clarity. The sculpt needs to read clearly at keycap scale. A lot of cool-looking 3D models turn into blurry blobs once you shrink them to 1U.
1. Zinc Alloy Moon Keycap — Our Bestseller
I keep a Cream White moon on my ESC key. Have for about eight months now. The high-gloss lacquer has held up fine, no chipping, and the weight still makes every other key on the board feel slightly hollow by comparison.
This is our most popular keycap, and we think it's because the crescent shape just works at 1U scale. The curved edges come out sharp from the die-cast mold, which is something you really can't get with hand-poured resin at this price. Available in Cream White and Golden Yellow.
If you're only buying one artisan keycap, this is the one we'd pick. Fits any Cherry MX stem, 1U.
2. Zinc Alloy Arrow Keycap Set
Material: Die-cast zinc alloy with electrostatic spray lacquer
Here's the thing about artisan keycaps: almost all of them are designed for ESC. That's fine, but it means your arrow cluster just sits there looking stock.
We designed this set specifically to fix that. Four directional arrows, all zinc alloy, all matching, all Cherry MX compatible. The sculpted relief on each key makes the direction readable by touch alone, which actually matters if you game or do a lot of spreadsheet work in dim lighting. This is the set we recommend to people who already have an ESC artisan and want to keep going.
3. Zinc Alloy Lightning Bolt Keycap
Bold. Angular. Not subtle at all.
The lightning bolt is for people who want their keyboard to have some edge. The sharp zigzag profile is where zinc alloy really earns its keep, because resin versions of this design tend to come out with soft, rounded edges that kill the whole point. We offer it in cream white, cobalt blue, and a few other colorways.
Works well on ESC or anywhere in the function row. Popular with gaming builds and cyberpunk-themed setups.
Fits: 1U, Cherry MX compatible
4. White Minimalist Keycap Set
Not everyone wants a skull or a dragon on their keyboard. We get it.
This matte white zinc alloy set is the quiet option. On a white or light gray board, they blend in until someone looks closely and notices the weight and the texture are different from the rest of the keys. That's the whole point. We sell a lot of these to people with clean desk setups who want metal keycaps without the "look at my keycaps" energy. All 1U, Cherry MX stem.
Honestly, this set photographs the worst out of everything we sell, but in person it's one of our favorites.
→ Shop White Minimalist Keycap Set
5. Vinyl Record Artisan Keycap
Okay, this one is just fun. The miniature vinyl record actually spins when you flick it.
Material: ABS plastic body with stainless steel components
Size: 1U, Cherry MX compatible
It's not zinc alloy. It's ABS and steel, because the spinning mechanism needs a lighter body to work. The trade-off is worth it. The painted metallic details look good, and the steel components give it more weight than a pure plastic cap.
We designed this for music lovers, but it ended up being our most gifted product. People buy it for friends who don't even care about keyboards. It's just a cool little object.
6. 4-Pack Geometric Keycap Set
Material: Die-cast zinc alloy, multi-color lacquer
Includes: Lightning bolt, moon, star, and arrow — four distinct sculpts in one box
This is the set for people who can't pick just one. You get four different shapes in coordinated colors, all Cherry MX compatible, and you can line them all up in a row or scatter them across the board. Either way looks good. Comes in a foam presentation case, which makes it an easy gift if you know someone who's into mechs.
Price-wise, the 4-pack is the best value we offer. You're getting four individual keycaps for less than buying them separately.
Quick Comparison
| Keycap | Material | Style | Price Range | Good For | Our Take |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moon | Zinc Alloy | Celestial | $15–20 | ESC | Our favorite. The one we'd pick if we could only sell one. |
| Arrow Set | Zinc Alloy | Directional | $30–60 | Arrow keys | Best upgrade after you've already got an ESC cap. |
| Lightning Bolt | Zinc Alloy | Bold | $15–20 | ESC / F-row | Looks incredible on dark boards. |
| White Minimalist Set | Zinc Alloy | Clean | $30–60 | Any accent key | Better in person than in photos. Trust us. |
| Vinyl Record | ABS + Steel | Novelty | $20–25 | ESC | The one people buy as gifts. |
| Geometric 4-Pack | Zinc Alloy | Mixed | $35–60 | ESC + arrows | Best value if you want several. |
How to Choose
By placement:
- Replacing ESC only → Moon, Lightning Bolt, or Vinyl Record
- Replacing arrow keys → Arrow Set or Geometric 4-Pack
- Multiple accent keys → any set
By desk style:
- Dark or gaming build → Lightning Bolt, Arrow Set
- Clean and minimal → White Minimalist Set, Moon in Cream White
- Playful or creative → Geometric 4-Pack, Vinyl Record
By budget:
- Under $20 → Single keycaps (Moon, Lightning Bolt)
- $30–50 → Sets (Arrow Set, Geometric 4-Pack)
FAQ
Are these artisan keycaps compatible with Gateron, Kailh, or Akko switches?
Yes. Every keycap on this list uses a standard Cherry MX stem, which means it fits Gateron, Kailh, Akko, Outemu, and virtually any MX-style switch. If your current keycaps pull off with a standard keycap puller, these will fit.
Will zinc alloy artisan keycaps damage my switches?
No. The extra weight sits on top of the switch housing, not on the stem itself, so the spring and stem take on almost no additional load. We've run our own daily-driver boards with zinc caps for over a year with zero switch wear. The only thing to be aware of is that metal keycaps can scratch each other in transit, so store them separately.
How do I install and remove a metal artisan keycap?
Use a wire keycap puller, not a plastic ring-style one. Hook the wire under two opposite sides of the cap and lift straight up. Metal caps are heavier than ABS or PBT, so pull evenly — don't tilt. Installation is the opposite: line the stem up and press down firmly until you feel it seat.
Can I use these on hot-swap keyboards?
Yes, with one tip. On hot-swap boards, the switch itself can pop out of the socket when you pull a tight-fitting keycap. To avoid this, hold the switch housing down with one finger (or a switch puller) while you lift the cap.
Do artisan keycaps work with low-profile switches?
No. All the keycaps in this list are for standard-height Cherry MX switches only. Low-profile switches (Kailh Choc, etc.) use a different stem and a different overall height.
Related Reading
- What Are Artisan Keycaps? A Beginner's Guide
- How to Install an Artisan Keycap Without Damaging Your Switch
- Zinc Alloy vs Resin Artisan Keycaps: Which Should You Buy?
If you've got questions about fit, color matching, or which cap works with your specific board, just message us. We answer everything — usually within a few hours. You can see the full catalog at PureKeycap.