If green is your colour then the new Kinetic Labs Code PBT keycaps is definitely something you’ll fancy. Code PBT to put it simply, is a Green-on-Black set of keycaps, and it retails for US$64.99, and will be an in-stock item.
Tech specs
| Manufacturer | PolyCaps |
| Material | PBT |
| PBT feel | Slightly textured |
| Legends | Double-shot |
| Profile | Cherry |
| Compatibility | Compatible with conventional ANSI layouts, including 100%, 75%, 65%, 60%, as well as Alice layouts. See the layout image below for a complete view of the layout. These are Cherry profile, so they may cause interference with north-facing switches. |
Unboxing
Kinetic Labs Code PBT keycaps comes in an art-styled box, which has crossword on the back. Go here and provide 3 words and you’ll get a nice surprise from Kinetic Labs. In the box, you’ll find 3 trays of keycaps and a keycap puller.
Keyboard layout support
There is only one kit option for Kinetic Labs Code PBT and the kitting is mainly for ANSI layouts. Code PBT keycaps will fit conventional keyboard layouts (60%-100%), as well as Alice. Do note that since these are Cherry profile switches, ensure that you keyboard does not use north-facing switches.
Keycaps quality
Kinetic Labs Code PBT use the same molds as the ever popular Whale PBT and Seal PBT V2. The legends on the Code PBT uses a double-shot process which produces sharp legends, that have consistent font sizing throughout. In terms of general aesthetic, the font size on the keycaps are not as large as what you’ll get on the Hippo PBT. And the modifiers in Code PBT are text-based instead of icon-style.
When it comes to texture, the Code PBT felt similar to the Hippo PBT, where it is closer to smooth than rough. Lastly, the PBT plastic on the Code PBT feels slightly thinner than those used on Hippo PBT or Seal V1 PBT.
Colourway & mounted on keyboards
Given this is a black set, I’ve chosen to mount the Code PBT on the Qwertykeys QK65 keyboard, which I have in black to create a clean look throughout. The bright neon green legends and accent keys really pops and it does kind of mimic having green under-glow from a PCB.
Code PBT has a computer theme designed, like the qPBT Terminal. It reminds me of the Matrix movie franchise given how iconic the green binary codes are always displayed on black background. Below are more photos the Kinetic Labs Code PBT in different backdrops and lighting to see the Code PBT in varying angles.
Where to buy
There is still no word of an Asian vendor so you can only purchase the Kinetic Labs Code PBT keycaps directly from Kinetic Labs. They retail for US$64.99 which is rather affordable but the shipping out of US on their site is typically expensive. So if you’re interested in purchasing, try to see if you can collate orders to split the shipping cost. Alternatively, you can try using freight forwarding services such as EzShip to reduce the shipping cost.