How to Clean and Maintain PBT Keycaps
By Attack Shark | Premium Gaming Keyboards, Mice, Headsets ... | Published: 2026-10-24
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to clean and maintain PBT keycaps, including step-by-step instructions, common mistakes, and product recommendations for Attack Shark keycaps.
Quick answer
To clean and maintain PBT keycaps, remove them from the keyboard, soak them in warm soapy water, scrub gently with a soft brush, rinse thoroughly, and let them air dry completely before reinstalling.
Why PBT keycaps need different care
PBT keycaps are more durable and resistant to shine than ABS, but they still collect oils, dust, and debris over time. Regular cleaning keeps the matte texture and anti-grease coating working as intended.
Because PBT is a harder plastic, it resists wear from cleaning better than ABS, so you can safely use mild soap and water without worrying about damaging the legends or the surface finish.
What to avoid when cleaning
Avoid using harsh solvents like acetone or alcohol, which can damage the dye-sublimation or double-shot legends. Also, never put keycaps in a dishwasher or use high heat to dry them, as this can warp the plastic.
If your keycaps have a coating, such as the anti-grease coating on Attack Shark PBT keycaps, avoid abrasive scrubbers that could scratch the surface.
Step-by-step cleaning process
- Remove the keycaps: Use a wire keycap puller to gently lift each keycap straight up. Work from the edges toward the center to avoid bending the switch stems. Store them in a bowl or tray to keep them organized. If a keycap feels stuck, wiggle it slightly side-to-side, not up-and-down, to avoid damaging the switch.
- Soak in warm soapy water: Fill a bowl with lukewarm water and add a few drops of mild dish soap. Submerge the keycaps and let them soak for 10–15 minutes. Do not use hot water, as it can warp PBT. Check that the water is warm, not hot, by testing it with your wrist.
- Scrub gently: Use a soft-bristled brush (like a toothbrush) to gently scrub each keycap, paying attention to the sides and corners where grime builds up. Avoid scrubbing too hard on the legends. If you see stubborn residue, let the keycaps soak a few more minutes instead of scrubbing harder.
- Rinse thoroughly: Rinse each keycap under cool running water to remove all soap residue. Soap left behind can attract dust and feel sticky. Give the keycaps a final rinse in a clean bowl of water to ensure no soap film remains.
- Dry completely: Spread the keycaps on a clean towel and let them air dry for at least 24 hours. Do not use a hairdryer or place them near a heat source, as heat can warp the plastic. Make sure the keycaps are completely dry before reinstalling to avoid trapping moisture under the switches.
- Reinstall the keycaps: Press each keycap straight down onto its switch until it clicks into place. Double-check that all keycaps are oriented correctly, especially larger keys like Shift and Enter. If you have spare keycaps, consider swapping in a fresh set while the cleaned ones dry, so your keyboard stays usable.
Products that make maintenance easier
- ATTACK SHARK 149 Keys PBT Keycaps Double Shot Full Keycap Set: This set includes 149 keys with 104 base keys, 33 supplementary keys, and 12 orange supplementary keys, covering most ANSI layouts from 60% to full size. Having spare keycaps means you can swap out a heavily used key while cleaning the rest, extending the life of your set.
ATTACK SHARK 149 Keys PBT Keycaps Double Shot Full Keycap Set - ATTACK SHARK Custom OEM Profile PBT Colored Keycaps: These 13-key sets are made of PBT with a matte texture and anti-grease coating, and they use dye-sublimation for the legends. The matte, anti-grease surface is easy to clean and resists fingerprints, so a quick wipe with a microfiber cloth keeps them looking fresh between deep cleans.
ATTACK SHARK Custom OEM Profile PBT Colored Keycaps
