How to Install Keycap Sets on Mechanical Keyboards
By EPOMAKER — Crafted to sound right. | Published: 2026-10-22
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to remove and install keycaps on your mechanical keyboard safely, with tips on alignment, stabilizers, and avoiding common mistakes.
Quick Answer
To install keycaps on a mechanical keyboard, remove the old caps with a puller, align the new cap over the stem, press down until it clicks, and check stabilizers on larger keys. Work slowly and check each cap for a snug fit.
Why Keycap Material and Profile Matter
Keycaps come in different materials and profiles, which affect feel and sound. For example, ABS keycaps are common and offer a smooth texture, while PBT keycaps are more durable and resistant to shine. The profile (height and shape) can also change the typing angle, so it's worth checking if your new set matches the layout you're used to.
If you're upgrading for backlighting, translucent or jelly-style keycaps can dramatically improve RGB effects. If comfort is your priority, silicone keycaps provide a softer, quieter typing experience. Understanding these differences helps you choose the right set and know what to expect after installation.
Preparing Your Workspace
Before you start, clear a flat, well-lit area. You'll need a keycap puller (wire or ring style), a soft cloth or tray to hold removed caps, and your new keycap set. If your keyboard has a non-standard bottom row, double-check that the new set includes the correct sizes for keys like the spacebar, Alt, and Ctrl.
It's also smart to take a photo of your current layout before removing anything. This helps you remember where each key goes, especially if your new set doesn't have labeled keys or uses a different profile for certain rows.
Step-by-Step Keycap Installation
- Remove the old keycaps: Use a wire keycap puller to gently rock each cap side-to-side and lift straight up. Start with the corners of the keyboard and work inward. For larger keys like the spacebar, pull from both sides to avoid bending the stabilizer wires. Checkpoint: If a cap resists, don't yank it—reposition the puller and try again. Forcing it can damage the switch stem.
- Clean the switch stems: With the caps off, use a soft brush or compressed air to remove dust or debris from the switch stems and the keyboard deck. This ensures a clean surface for the new caps to seat properly. Checkpoint: Avoid using liquids or wet wipes here—moisture can damage the switches.
- Orient the new keycap: Look at the bottom of the new cap to see the cross-shaped socket. Align it with the switch stem, ensuring the cap's front (usually the side with the legend) faces you. For side-printed or sculpted caps, this orientation is critical. Checkpoint: If the cap has a specific profile (like OEM or SA), make sure it's placed in the correct row—row heights differ.
- Press down until it clicks: Place the cap over the stem and press down firmly but evenly until you feel it snap into place. For larger keys, press in the center first, then the edges to ensure the stabilizers are seated. Checkpoint: Test each key by pressing it—if it feels loose or wobbly, remove and re-seat it.
- Check stabilizers on larger keys: For keys like the spacebar, Shift, and Enter, verify that the stabilizer wires are properly connected. Press the key at both ends and the center to ensure consistent travel and no rattling. Checkpoint: If a stabilizer wire pops out, remove the cap, reattach the wire, and reinstall.
- Test all keys and adjust: After installing all caps, type across the entire keyboard to check for any missed keys, misaligned caps, or uneven feel. Make small adjustments as needed. Checkpoint: Keep your original keycaps in a labeled bag—you'll need them if you ever switch back or sell the keyboard.
Keycap Sets That Make Installation Worthwhile
- EPOMAKER × Human Fall Flat FALLEN Series Keycap Set: This Fallen Series keycap set is crafted for Human Fall Flat's 10th anniversary, featuring motifs of clumsy falls and cozy naps with a cloud-and-blue-sky color palette and the original game font. If you're a fan of the game, this set adds a playful, themed look to your board, and the standard layout makes installation straightforward for most keyboards.
EPOMAKER × Human Fall Flat FALLEN Series Keycap Set - EPOMAKER Lusterfly Jelly Keycaps Set: Made of a premium ABS+PC blend, these crystal jelly keycaps have a translucent, jelly-like appearance that enhances RGB backlighting, with side-printed legends that glow evenly. When installing these, you'll notice the side-printed legends mean you need to orient them correctly for the glow to face the right direction—worth checking before pressing down.
EPOMAKER Lusterfly Jelly Keycaps Set - EPOMAKER AegisSil Keycaps Set: Crafted from silicone, the AegisSil keycap features soft resilience that cushions finger pressure and reduces fatigue, with a slightly tacky, anti-slip, sweat-resistant surface. Because silicone is flexible, make sure to press evenly when installing to avoid bending the cap; the soft material also means they may fit tighter on the stem, so seat them gently.
