Happy Balls 60% Keycaps Backlit - Review

In the realm of mechanical keyboards, enthusiasts often opt for a customized look and feel using a combination of different parts, including keycaps. Happy Balls, a lesser-known brand, has recently released a keycap set that promises quality and affordability. In this review, we’ll take a closer look at the Happy Balls 60% Keycaps Backlit PBT Keycap Set, its features, and how it performs in real use.

Design and Features

The Happy Balls 60% keycap set includes 124 keycaps and a keycap puller. It’s designed to fit most standard US and UK layout mechanical keyboards with 60%, 61%, or 68% layouts and Cherry MX switches. The keycaps are made of PBT, a high-quality plastic material that’s known for its durability, resistance to wear and tear, and textured feel.

The set is translucent and features double-shot craftsmanship, which means each keycap is made of two layers of PBT material. The bottom layer is solid while the top layer is transparent with the letters and symbols molded into it. This ensures that the legends won’t fade or wear off even after prolonged use, making it an excellent choice for users who require durability and longevity.

The keycaps are also backlit, which allows the LED lighting of your mechanical keyboard to shine through. The translucent design of the keycaps means that the light passes through the legends and enhances the readability of the keys in low-light conditions. Plus, the backlit feature also adds an aesthetic touch to your keyboard.

The keycap puller that comes included in the set is a great addition and essential tool for removing and replacing the keycaps with ease. It's a thoughtful inclusion from Happy Balls and saves the user the hassle of purchasing one separately.

Compatibility

The Happy Balls 60% keycap set is compatible with most Cherry MX switches and 60%, 61%, and 68% layout mechanical keyboards. However, users should note that there are various types of 60% keyboards, and different brands may have different layouts. As a result, some keys on the Happy Balls keycap set may have different sizes or not fit at all. To avoid any confusion, Happy Balls recommends confirming the compatibility of the set with your keyboard before purchasing.

Installation and Performance

Installing the Happy Balls 60% keycap set is easy and straightforward, thanks to the included keycap puller. Users need to remove the old keycaps using the puller and replace them with the new ones. The keycaps fit snugly and securely on the switches, and there's no wobble or rattle while typing.

The OEM profile of the keycaps has a comfortable slope that provides a pleasant typing experience and reduces finger fatigue. The thickness of the keycaps is around 1.4mm, making them slightly thicker than the standard keycaps that come with most mechanical keyboards.

In terms of performance, the double-shot PBT keycaps feel fantastic to type on. They have a textured feel that’s similar to sandpaper, which provides a superior grip and tactile feedback. The translucent design of the keycaps enhances the readability of the legends, making it easier to type even in dim environments. The backlit feature is also a fantastic addition and adds a subtle glow to the keyboard.

Customer Reviews

The Happy Balls 60% Keycaps Backlit PBT Keycap set has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars on the retailer's website, with 46 reviews to date. Most customers appreciate the affordability, quality, and aesthetic appeal of the keycap set. They praise the double-shot PBT keycaps, which are durable and long-lasting, as well as the comfortable typing experience. Some customers noted that the keycaps are slightly thicker than standard keycaps and may take some time to get used to. Others suggest that Happy Balls should provide more detailed instructions on how to install the keycaps, particularly for new users.

Conclusion

The Happy Balls 60% Keycaps Backlit PBT Keycap Set is a fantastic choice for users looking for a durable, affordable, and aesthetically pleasing upgrade for their mechanical keyboards. The double-shot PBT keycaps and backlit feature are impressive and add a touch of sophistication to any keyboard. The set's compatibility with most standard 60%, 61%, and 68% layout Cherry MX switch mechanical keyboards is a great plus, although users should note that some keys may not fit if their keyboard has a unique layout. Overall, the Happy Balls keycaps are a great value for their price and can enhance the performance and appearance of any mechanical keyboard.

Happy Balls 60% Keycaps Backlit

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