How to Choose Between GMK and NovelKeys PBT Keycaps

Updated

Choose GMK if you want thick ABS double-shot keycaps with a deep, resonant sound and the widest selection of group-buy colorways. Choose NovelKeys PBT if you want dye-sublimated keycaps that resist shine and feel slightly more textured. On NovelKeys, the two lines also differ in how they're sold: GMK sets are split into Base, Extension, Novelties, and Alpha kits at different prices, while NovelKeys' own PBT sets are typically sold as a single complete set.

The core material difference

GMK (ABS double-shot) NovelKeys PBT (dye-sublimation)
Material ABS PBT
Legend method Double-shot (two molded plastics) Dye-sublimation (ink bonded into plastic)
Surface feel Smooth, slightly glossy over time Textured, grippier
Shine resistance Lower — ABS develops shine with heavy use Higher — PBT resists shine longer
Sound profile Deeper, more "thock" Higher, crisper
Color options Very wide, driven by group buys Narrower, in-house designs

Double-shot legends can't wear off because the legend is a separate piece of plastic, not printed on top. Dye-sublimation legends are dyed into the cap surface, so they also resist fading — but the two processes produce different surface textures and sound.

How the two lines are sold

This is where the buying decision actually gets made. GMK sets on NovelKeys are modular:

  • Base — the main kit covering a standard layout. Example: GMK CYL Evil Dolch The Split R2 Base at $79; GMK CYL Prussian Alert Base at $175.
  • Extension — adds coverage for non-standard layouts (e.g., 40%, ortholinear, or unusual bottom rows). Example: GMK Centinela Extension Kit Essentials at $60.
  • Novelties — decorative accent keys with themed artwork. Example: GMK CYL Evil Dolch The Split R2 Novelties at $12.
  • Alpha kits — alternate alphas, often Cyrillic or other script. Example: GMK CYL Prussian Alert Cyrillic Alphas at $105.
  • Alertless — a variant base without the "alert" accent keys. Example: GMK CYL Prussian Alert Alertless at $55.

Prices in the evidence range from $12 (novelties) to $175 (a full base kit). A complete GMK build can therefore cost well over the base price once you add extensions or novelties.

NovelKeys' own PBT keycaps are sold as complete sets rather than split kits, so there's no kit-compatibility math to do — you buy one product and it covers a standard layout.

Deciding factors

Pick GMK if:

  • You want a specific colorway that only exists as a GMK group buy.
  • You prefer a deeper sound and don't mind ABS developing shine over years of use.
  • You need extension or novelty kits for a non-standard layout.

Pick NovelKeys PBT if:

  • You want a single purchase with no kit assembly.
  • You type heavily and want to delay visible shine.
  • You prefer a textured surface and a crisper sound.

Preorder and stock caveats

Many GMK sets on NovelKeys are preorders, not in-stock items. The site's preorder terms state that the product "does not currently exist in our inventory," that placing a preorder commits you to purchase, and that there are no refunds or order cancellations. The timeline is described as an estimate that "could change without notice."

Two practical consequences:

  1. Preorder and in-stock items ship separately. The site notes that if your cart mixes a preorder with a product shipping on a different date, you must purchase them separately.
  2. "Limited stock" and "limited preorder" labels appear on some sets (e.g., GMK CYL Prussian Alert is marked limited stock), so availability isn't guaranteed even during a preorder window.

Check whether a set is in stock or preorder before committing, and confirm the kit contents cover your keyboard layout — a Base kit alone won't fit every board.