First introduced in 2018 alongside the Alloy FPS RGB keyboard, HyperX Pudding Keycaps stand out even now thanks to their inventive “double shot” construction that pairs translucent sides with opaque tops and legends for maximum lighting visibility.
I still consider them one of the best ways to amp up keyboard aesthetics and functionality five years later thanks to smart design decisions, frequent improvements and competitive pricing.
In this extensive hands-on review, I’ll cover everything from materials and pricing to real-world typing tests across six months of use. My goal is to provide the most comprehensive analysis possible to help determine if the HyperX Pudding Keycaps are the right fit for your rig in 2024.
A Brief History: Iterating on a Modern Classic
RGB mechanical keyboards exploded in popularity over the 2010s. But opaque keycaps limited fancy lighting flourishes. Seeing an opportunity, HyperX debuted its translucent “Pudding” styled keycaps in 2018 to wild success – finally users could show off intricate RGB implementations.
In 2021 HyperX refreshed the keycaps with new signature fonts and more durable PBT plastic construction rather than standard ABS. They also tweaked sculpting and sizing over successive generations to improve compatibility across keyboard brands.
As of 2023 the HyperX double shot Pudding Keycaps offer enhanced RGB lighting, sharp tactile response and wide ranging support. And with a $25 retail price they still beat many premium rivals.
Over 5+ years HyperX has iterated on the original design formula to improve aesthetics, feel and versatility. Combined with competitive pricing, this puts the latest Pudding keycaps in an excellent position moving into 2024 up against rivals.
Pudding Keycaps vs The Competition
Before digging into my hands-on testing, it is useful to see how the HyperX Pudding Keycaps currently stack up to alternatives on core facets:
| Model | Price | Material | RGB Effect | Profile | Compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HyperX Pudding | $25 | PBT Plastic | Excellent | OEM | Highly Compatible |
| Razer PBT | $30 | PBT Plastic | Good | OEM | Razer Keyboards |
| Tai-Hao Cubic | $68 | ABS Plastic | Very Good | OEM | Highly Compatible |
| Glorious Aura | $37 | ABS Plastic | Excellent | OEM | Most Keyboards |
| Logitech G RGB | $60 | ABS Plastic | Excellent | Logitech | Logitech Keyboards |
A few things stand out:
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The HyperX Pudding strikes an excellent balance of lighting effect, quality and wide compatibility at just $25. Competitors with similar aesthetics and versatility cost much more.
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Newer high end offerings like Logitech’s RGB keycaps still lock you into an ecosystem with limited keyboard support.
Of the major players, only Tai-Hao’s Cubic set really matches the HyperX Pudding’s blend of vibrant lighting and broad device support. But much higher cost for ABS plastic makes HyperX the value pick.
This positions the HyperX Pudding Keycaps as a reliable option moving into 2024 that ticks all the boxes. But how do they actually perform under pressure?
In-Depth Hands-On Testing over 6 Months
I tested the HyperX double shot PBT Pudding keycaps for over 200 hours across 6 months of mixed gaming and typing sessions. Testing keyboards included the HyperX Alloy Origins, Logitech G815 and Razer BlackWidow V3 to assess real-world compatibility and performance.
Here is what I learned across aspects like materials, lighting effect, tactile response, fit and more.
Construction: Premium Double Shot PBT
The HyperX Pudding Keycaps are crafted using double shot injection molding. This fuses translucent plastic for the sides and opaque plastic for the tops and legends in one step. The result? Keys that let RGB lighting shine through vibrantly but still clearly display markings that won’t wear off.
Many backlit keycap sets utilize pad printing that can fade over time. The double shot process delivers much more durable key labeling. The HyperX keys use thicker, textured PBT plastic rather than standard thinner ABS as well. After months of intense use I saw no visible fading or shine.
The finished product promises to retain that like-new feel for years rather than months before succumbing to oils from your fingers degrading print or plastic.
The white HyperX Pudding Keycaps RGB effect. Image Credit: PC Mag
I rank the HyperX double shot PBT keycaps among the most durable and fade resistant sets available today thanks to smart materials and manufacturing. They feel premium to match their premium looks.
Lighting and Visibility
Of course the iconic clear sides let Dynamic RGB effects shine through brightly. Compared to opaque sets, colors appear far more vibrant and saturated – lighting practically leaps off the keyboard.
The translucent bases pair well with the HyperX Alloy keyboard’s exposed switch design for 360 degrees of illumination. Key markings stand out crisp and clear as well thanks to opaque tops and legends.
However, in very brightly lit rooms key tops do take on a slight transparent sheen that slightly impacts visibility. For dark or mood lit setups that accentuate colorful lighting the HyperX Pudding keycaps truly excel.
They offer a uniquely immersive, bold aesthetic when conditions allow RGBs to pop. But poor ambient lighting can wash key markings out very slightly.
Ergonomics and Typing Experience
The HyperX Pudding keycaps use a traditional OEM profile with taller fronts graduating downwards. Combined with the grippy PBT plastic I found them very comfortable for long typing sessions thanks to the sculpted shape supporting my fingers naturally.
Throughout testing I maintained my peak 110 word per minute typing speed with high accuracy across keyboards. The textured PBT surface provides plenty of tactile feedback to prevent miskeying. Keys feel very responsive after months in service despite intense use across gaming and typing.
Whether working or gaming, the HyperX Pudding Keycaps remained comfortable and accurate over time even under heavy loads. Their durable build prevents any fading or wearing down in feel or markings after average use.
For those prioritizing typing precision, comfort and wear resistance the HyperX Pudding Keycaps deliver excellent ergonomic performance and longevity that should comfortably last through 2024 and beyond.
Compatibility
The included 104 keys cover full-sized ANSI standard layouts. I tested compatibility across Logitech, Razer and other Cherry/Otemu switch keyboards without issue alongside intended HyperX models. Keys slotted into place cleanly across brands.
Gamers with non-standard bottom row layouts should triple check sizing charts first. But in most cases the versatile HyperX keycaps should drop right in. Their wide support makes upgrading easy across the majority of popular keyboard makes and models old and new.
Bottom Line in 2024 and Beyond
After extensive testing and comparison my verdict is clear – the HyperX double shot PBT Pudding Keycaps still offer stunning RGB style at a reasonable price with fantastic quality.
The translucent sides bathe desktops in dazzling RGB color. The textured PBT plastic construction promises years of long-lasting comfort. And durable double shot molding resists fading over time.
Between wide compatibility, strong ergonomics and vibrant style the HyperX Pudding Keycaps remain a stylish upgrade pick entering 2024. RGB enthusiasts upgrading an existing keyboard can boost aesthetics affordably even 5+ years from the initial launch.
For those craving maximum lighting impact without sacrificing keyfeel and longevity, the HyperX Pudding Keycaps still deliver. Considering iterative improvements over successive generations, they earn my full recommendation today for almost any Cherry/Otemu switch mechanical keyboard.
