I have ABS keycaps but they aren't backlit and I do like them quite a bit since they're custom colored

From my current knowledge PBT keycaps have a little bit of grip/brittle on the top and sound different from ABS, I don't think there is a concrete answer as to what is better but they have different sounds and feels -- comes down to personal preference.

I'd Youtube soundtests and just see which ones sound better to you lol

However, personally, despite the fact that I have ABS, I would say to go for PBT since (I think) they are better made in terms of plastic quality and the texture looks nice.

Edit: I lied, I have had PBT keycaps before on my Vortex KBT Oni default keycaps and they are for sure a solid set of keycaps and I would recommend

The PBT keycaps on Poker 2 are top quality, personally I'd choose them over ABS with backlight.
PBT usually have a slightly rougher texture and they don't really get shiny/smooth like ABS (not as fast at least). As far as I know, PBT keycaps are thicker than ABS on Poker 2.

If you're willing to spend more, you can get both PBT and backlight on Massdrop (could be a problem if you want DE layout though):
https://www.massdrop.com/buy/kbc-poker-2
Of course the backlights won't shine through PBT keycaps as they would through ABS but it'll still look amazing.

Ask yourself if you really need the backlight and if yes, just order that version - you can always get a set of PBT keycaps later.

I bought some PBT caps for my majestouch 2. Can confirm they're significantly nicer to type on (I was skeptical at first too).

Left is stock filco keycap which is already significantly better than my k70's keycaps, on the right is the ducky PBT cap.

http://puu.sh/ddhvP/c49332796e.jpg

i am never ever ever gonna use ABS again

Can you link the ones you bought? I have a Majestouch 2 Ninja and might buy new key caps soon.

http://www.kustompcs.co.uk/acatalog/info_30294.html

Surprised they got new stock in.
My keyboard afterwards:

http://puu.sh/ddmZM/af7cca9a7e.jpg

Personally, I find backlighting to be cool, but not as cool as you would think. When I got my first keyboard I really wanted it backlit, but at the time there were no good options in my price range. later, I got my nephew a Ducky Shine for his birthday and got him it backlit and when he set it up I was just underwhelmed.

Now as for PBT v. ABS I am incredibly happy with my PBT set. I have what is reported to be slightly-smooter than average PBT (Leopold Cherry profile set), and it feels great. It has a very slight texture that feels nice and they are just a little more solid. Another benefit for me is they don't hold dirt/grease as noticeably as ABS plastic. What had always bothered me with ABS was that after a few hours of gaming you could see where my fingers had been on my WASD keys and I would feel compelled to clean them all the time. The buildup still happens on PBT but much less so and I can't notice anything till it's been a few days to a week.

That all said, if you really want backlighting you can buy keycaps later that are PBT. A set like this. If you eventually want both things it makes most sense to buy a backlit keyboard first and buy your keycaps later.

http://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=1003

I haven't had POM plastic yet but people really love it, and they are double shot so they should last forever. You might not really notice the POM part of the keys though because I assume they are just for the lettering.

ABS are cheaper, thinner, but are more easily customizable. PBT keys are thicker and won't wear down after use. Your legends (the key symbols) won't shine/wear down with PBT keys, but will with ABS keys. All of my old keyboards have their wasd legends, including my CM QFR Storm. My ducky and filco have PBT keys and show no signs of wear.

Thanks for your responses, I think I'll go with the PBT variant then!

Why not just get the backlit and then get custom keycaps?

Sorry for bumping this but what would the difference between pbt keys vs uv coated abs keys? I found these and they are way more expensive than any 104 set of pbt caps I could find so I was just wondering if the uv coated abs keys were worth the extra money.

WASDkeyboards is basically just overpriced since they allow you to order the custom color layout. UV coating doesn't really mean much in this context, they will still feel and last as long as ABS caps generally speaking.

Summary- not worth the money, unless you prefer the smoother feel of ABS caps and would like to pay a premium for a custom color scheme.

http://oi59.tinypic.com/2r62l3r.jpg

http://oi57.tinypic.com/aka59k.jpg

http://oi60.tinypic.com/124docx.jpg

KBP 60% with white PBT keycaps

I'm pretty sure UV coating does very little to affect the feel of the key. It will still be as thick as regular ABS and feel like ABS. I think the upside to UV coating is it can be done over pad printing to allow the printing to last a little longer. But that isn't really a benefit to you as a consumer, it is a benefit to the maker of the key because they don't have to use more expensive (and higher quality) methods to print long-lasting legends.

And, like Spllit said, WASD is only good for getting the color scheme you want. Or if you're willing to pay a lot, a bunch of custom printed keycaps.

http://deskthority.net/wiki/Keycap_construction