[Explained] Do Pudding Keycaps Work on Any Keyboard?

If you’re a keyboard enthusiast or simply looking to upgrade your typing experience, you’ve probably heard about pudding keycaps. These eye-catching keycaps have gained popularity for their unique design and aesthetic appeal. 

Before making a purchase, you may be curious about whether pudding keycaps are compatible with all keyboards. The answer is yes, they will work on any keyboard. However, there are some essential details you should be aware of.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to pudding keycaps compatibility, covering everything you need to know to ensure that your new keycaps will fit your keyboard perfectly.

Is It Possible to Use Pudding Keycaps on any Keyboard?

The short answer is yes, but there’s more to it than meets the eye—or should I say, meets the keycap. Pudding keycaps, with their translucent top and contrasting sides, can add a touch of flair to your keyboard. However, their compatibility depends on several factors, so let’s break it down.

Keyboard layout

Pudding keycaps are typically made for keyboards with a standard bottom-row layout. If your keyboard has a non-standard bottom row, you may have difficulty finding pudding keycaps that fit.

If your keyboard has a standard bottom row, then it is likely compatible with most pudding switch sets. A standard bottom row has the following key sizes:

• Spacebar: 6.25u
• Enter: 2.25u
• Shift: 2.25u/2.75u
• Ctrl/Alt/Tab: 1.25u

Keycap size 

Pudding keycaps are available in a variety of different sizes, so you need to make sure that you purchase a set that is compatible with your keyboard. Till your keyboard has a standard lower bottom row, you can use the keycaps with different-sized keyboards. For example, the HK Gaming Pudding Keycap set has 108 keys but it can fit most 104, 87, 84, 82, and 60% keyboards. Additionally, it also can be used with ANSI US Layout.

Keycap stems 

Pudding keycaps use Cherry MX-style stems, which are the most common type of switch stem used in mechanical keyboards. However, there are some keyboards that use different types of switch stems, such as Kailh BOX switches or Gateron optical switches. If your keyboard uses a non-Cherry MX-style switch stem, you will need to purchase pudding keycaps that are specifically designed for your switch type.

In Which Keyboard Pudding Keycaps Can’t Be Used?

Pudding keycaps cannot be used with membrane keyboards. Membrane keyboards use a different type of switch than mechanical keyboards, and pudding keycaps are designed specifically for mechanical keyboards.

Membrane keyboard switches have a rubber dome that is pressed down to register a keystroke. Mechanical keyboard switches have a spring-loaded stem that is pressed down to register a keystroke. Pudding keycaps have a cutout on the bottom that allows RGB lighting to shine through. This cutout would not work with membrane keyboard switches, as the rubber dome would block the light.

What are the Conditions for Using Pudding Keycaps?

Imagine that you are trying to put on a pair of shoes. The shoes must fit your feet in order to be comfortable and functional. In the same way, pudding keycaps must fit your keyboard in order to be used properly. The three conditions listed above are like the three requirements that a pair of shoes must meet in order to fit your feet:

Condition 1: Cherry MX-style switches or a similar type of switch stem

Pudding keycaps use a Cherry MX-style switch stem. This is the most common type of switch stem used in mechanical keyboards. However, there are some keyboards that use different types of switch stems, such as Kailh BOX switches or Gateron optical switches. If your keyboard uses a switch stem that is not Cherry MX-style, you will need to purchase pudding keycaps that are specifically designed for your switch type.

Condition 2: Standard Bottom Row Layout

Most pudding keycaps are designed for keyboards with a standard bottom row layout. This means the spacebar, shift keys, and other keys on the bottom row are all the same size. However, some keyboards have non-standard bottom-row layouts. For example, the Corsair K70 RGB TKL has a non-standard bottom row layout. If your keyboard has a non-standard bottom row layout, you may have difficulty finding pudding keycaps that fit.

Condition 3: Correct keycap size

Pudding keycaps are available in a variety of different sizes. You need to make sure that you purchase a set of keycaps that is the correct size for your keyboard. If you purchase keycaps that are too large or too small, they will not fit on your keyboard properly.

Condition 4: Full-Size vs. Tenkeyless vs. Compact Keyboards

The size of your keyboard matters. Pudding keycap sets are typically designed for full-size and tenkeyless (TKL) keyboards. If you have a compact or specialized keyboard, you might need to hunt for specific pudding keycaps designed for that form factor.

Pudding Keycaps Compatibility

Now that we’ve covered the conditions, let’s talk about compatibility with some popular keyboard brands

1. Corsair Keyboards 

Many Corsair mechanical keyboards come with a non-standard bottom row, which can affect keycap compatibility. Corsair does offer its own pudding keycap sets that are designed to fit these keyboards.

2. HyperX Keyboards 

HyperX pudding keycaps are specifically tailored to HyperX keyboards. If you own one, you’re in luck – these keycaps should fit seamlessly.

3. Custom-Built Mechanical Keyboards 

If you’ve built your own mechanical keyboard, compatibility depends on the keycap size and layout you’ve chosen. Most custom layouts should accommodate pudding keycaps.

In summary, pudding keycaps can work with a wide range of keyboards, but you need to consider the keycap profile, keyboard type (mechanical or membrane), and size before making the switch.

Conclusion

Pudding keycaps are an excellent choice if you want to add a touch of style and flair to your mechanical keyboard. While they can work with many keyboards, it’s essential to check compatibility based on your keyboard’s profile, type, and size. Always double-check with the manufacturer or refer to user reviews to ensure a seamless fit. Happy typing, and may your keys be as sweet as pudding!

If you have any more questions or need further clarification on using pudding keycaps with your specific keyboard, feel free to drop a comment below. Your keyboard journey is our priority!

Questions You May Ask

Can I use pudding keycaps on a laptop keyboard?

Pudding keycaps are designed primarily for mechanical keyboards and may not fit standard laptop keyboards due to their different keycap profiles and sizes.

Are pudding keycaps compatible with Razer keyboards?

Some Razer keyboards have a non-standard bottom row, which may affect compatibility. It’s best to check if Razer offers specific pudding keycap sets for your model.

Do pudding keycaps affect the typing experience?

Pudding keycaps don’t typically affect the typing experience. They are primarily for aesthetic purposes, but some users find the translucent design enhances the RGB lighting on their keyboard.

Are pudding keycaps durable?

A4 Pudding keycaps are generally made of double-shot PBT plastic, which is durable and resistant to wear and tear. However, longevity also depends on usage and care.

Can I mix and match pudding keycaps with other keycap sets?

Mixing and matching keycap sets can be done, but it’s essential to ensure compatibility with the profiles and sizes of the keycaps you want to combine.