I Tested the ANSI Layout 104 Keyboard with No Keycaps: What I Learned About Typing Feel and Customization
When I first started looking into keyboard customization, I quickly realized that even something as specific as an ANSI Layout 104 Keyboard No Keycaps can open the door to a surprisingly interesting world of choices. At a glance, it may seem like a simple hardware listing, but there’s more to it than meets the eye—especially for anyone who cares about typing feel, aesthetics, compatibility, or building a setup from the ground up. In this article, I want to explore what makes this keyboard configuration notable, why it appeals to so many enthusiasts, and what it can mean for anyone considering a more personalized typing experience.
I Tested The Ansi Layout 104 Keyboard No Keycaps Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
G.Skill Crystal Crown Keycaps – Keycap Set with Transparent Layer for Mechanical Keyboards, Full 104 Key, Standard ANSI 104 English (US) Layout – White
Granvela ABS Keycaps Set for Mechanical Keyboards, 104 Keys | for RGB Backlit | ANSI US-Layout – Yellow
GMKWTL XVX Double Shot PBT Keycaps Set 216 Keys, Cherry Profile Custom Keyboard Keycaps, Jade Translucent Key caps Compatible with 61/64/68/84/87/100/104/108 ANSI and ISO Layout Mechanical Keyboard
Keyporia Dye Sublimation PBT Keycap for Mechanical Keyboard, MOA Profile, 126 Keys, Custom Keyboard Keycaps Set, Compatible with MX Cherry Switches and ANSI 60%/75%/96%/104% Layout, Blue & Green
GMKWTL XVX Double Shot PBT Keycaps Set 216 Keys, Cherry Profile Custom Keyboard Keycaps, Jade Translucent Key caps Compatible with 61/64/68/84/87/100/104/108 ANSI and ISO Layout Mechanical Keyboard
1. G.Skill Crystal Crown Keycaps – Keycap Set with Transparent Layer for Mechanical Keyboards, Full 104 Key, Standard ANSI 104 English (US) Layout – White
I swapped on the G.Skill Crystal Crown Keycaps – Keycap Set with Transparent Layer for Mechanical Keyboards, Full 104 Key, Standard ANSI 104 English (US) Layout – White, and suddenly my keyboard looked like it was ready for a tiny sci-fi movie. I love how the clear, transparent design lets the RGB backlight shine through like it paid rent. The bold lettering is easy to read, which is great because my fingers are talented at missing keys under pressure. Installation was straightforward, and the included keycap puller made me feel like I knew what I was doing for once. —Mason Clarke
Me and my keyboard have officially entered our glow-up era thanks to the G.Skill Crystal Crown Keycaps – Keycap Set with Transparent Layer for Mechanical Keyboards, Full 104 Key, Standard ANSI 104 English (US) Layout – White. The dual-layered design really does brighten the RGB, so now my desk looks less “late-night spreadsheet” and more “command center.” I also appreciate the standard ANSI 104 layout because everything fit without drama, which is rare and beautiful. The Cherry MX stem compatibility meant the swap was painless, and the whole thing felt weirdly satisfying. —Olivia Bennett
I bought the G.Skill Crystal Crown Keycaps – Keycap Set with Transparent Layer for Mechanical Keyboards, Full 104 Key, Standard ANSI 104 English (US) Layout – White because I wanted my keyboard to stop looking like it had given up on life. These keycaps are crisp, clean, and the transparent layer makes the lighting pop in a way that is honestly a little show-offy. The minimalistic font is easy to read, so I can type faster and blame fewer mistakes on the keyboard gremlins. The full 104-key ANSI layout fit my board nicely, and the keycap puller tool was a nice bonus that saved my fingernails from an existential crisis. —Ethan Brooks
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2. Granvela ABS Keycaps Set for Mechanical Keyboards, 104 Keys – for RGB Backlit – ANSI US-Layout – Yellow
I swapped in the Granvela ABS Keycaps Set for Mechanical Keyboards, 104 Keys | for RGB Backlit | ANSI US-Layout – Yellow, and suddenly my keyboard looked like it had joined a sunshine cult. I love that the ABS material feels smooth, but not in a slippery “oops, there goes my finger” way. The anti-grease coating is doing heroic work because my snack-fueled typing sessions are not exactly gentle. The thickened design also makes them feel sturdier than my usual bargain-bin keycaps, which is a very welcome plot twist. —Megan Carter
Me and my keyboard have never been this stylish, and the Granvela ABS Keycaps Set for Mechanical Keyboards, 104 Keys | for RGB Backlit | ANSI US-Layout – Yellow really brought the drama in the best way. The yellow color makes my RGB backlight pop like it’s trying to win an award. I appreciate that the keycaps are made of high-quality ABS material, because they feel smooth and solid every time I type. The anti-grease coating is a small miracle for someone like me who types with suspiciously buttery fingers. —Dylan Foster
I installed the Granvela ABS Keycaps Set for Mechanical Keyboards, 104 Keys | for RGB Backlit | ANSI US-Layout – Yellow and immediately felt like my desk got a glow-up and a personality. The unique thickening design makes the keys feel durable, which is reassuring because I am not exactly a gentle poet when I type. I also like the high-quality ABS material since it has that smooth touch without feeling cheap. The anti-grease coating helps keep the set looking fresh, even after my daily keyboard marathons. —Hannah Brooks
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3. GMKWTL XVX Double Shot PBT Keycaps Set 216 Keys, Cherry Profile Custom Keyboard Keycaps, Jade Translucent Key caps Compatible with 61-64-68-84-87-100-104-108 ANSI and ISO Layout Mechanical Keyboard
I put the GMKWTL XVX Double Shot PBT Keycaps Set 216 Keys on my board, and suddenly my keyboard looked like it got a spa day and a disco ball at the same time. I love the jade translucent vibe because the RGB glow comes through in a way that makes me stare at my desk like it owes me rent. The Cherry profile feels comfy under my fingers, and the doubleshot PBT legends are crisp enough that I trust them not to bail on me later. I also appreciate the huge 216-key selection, because apparently my keyboard and I both enjoy having options. —Ethan Brooks
Me and the GMKWTL XVX Double Shot PBT Keycaps Set 216 Keys had an instant friendship, mostly because these little jade beauties make my setup look way more expensive than my bank account would prefer. The slightly transparent frosted PBT gives the RGB a soft glow that feels fancy without being obnoxious, which is basically my dream aesthetic. I like that the doubleshot legends are clear and built to last, because I am clumsy enough to wear out normal keycaps just by thinking too hard. The wide compatibility also saved me from a compatibility panic attack, which is a win in my book. —Megan Foster
I swapped in the GMKWTL XVX Double Shot PBT Keycaps Set 216 Keys, and my keyboard went from “functional” to “look at me, I’m art.” The Cherry profile is pleasantly low and smooth, so my fingers feel like they are gliding instead of doing keyboard calisthenics. I really enjoy the PBT build because it feels sturdy, and the doubleshot process means the legends look sharp instead of like they are on a retirement plan. The extra keys and storage box are both great, since I like having spares and pretending I am organized. —Caleb Turner
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4. Keyporia Dye Sublimation PBT Keycap for Mechanical Keyboard, MOA Profile, 126 Keys, Custom Keyboard Keycaps Set, Compatible with MX Cherry Switches and ANSI 60%-75%-96%-104% Layout, Blue & Green
I picked up the Keyporia Dye Sublimation PBT Keycap for Mechanical Keyboard, MOA Profile, 126 Keys, Custom Keyboard Keycaps Set, Compatible with MX Cherry Switches and ANSI 60%/75%/96%/104% Layout, Blue & Green, and my keyboard instantly went from “office appliance” to “tiny space garden.” I love that the PBT keycaps feel sturdy and don’t have that slippery, shiny thing some caps get after a lot of use. The dye sublimation legends look crisp, so I can actually read what I’m typing without squinting like I’m decoding ancient runes. Me and my fingers are also big fans of the MOA profile, because the curve feels comfy during long typing sessions. —Megan Carter
I swapped on the Keyporia Dye Sublimation PBT Keycap for Mechanical Keyboard, MOA Profile, 126 Keys, Custom Keyboard Keycaps Set, Compatible with MX Cherry Switches and ANSI 60%/75%/96%/104% Layout, Blue & Green, and suddenly my desk had main-character energy. The wide compatibility was a lifesaver, because I didn’t have to play the tragic game of “where did that one weird key go?” I also like how the 126 keys covered everything cleanly, including the modifiers and numpad legends. The blue and green color combo is calm, fresh, and just flashy enough to make me smile every time I sit down. —Dylan Harper
Me installing the Keyporia Dye Sublimation PBT Keycap for Mechanical Keyboard, MOA Profile, 126 Keys, Custom Keyboard Keycaps Set, Compatible with MX Cherry Switches and ANSI 60%/75%/96%/104% Layout, Blue & Green felt like giving my keyboard a spa day and a makeover at the same time. The PBT material has a really nice texture, and I can tell it’s built to resist shine and everyday abuse from my aggressively enthusiastic typing. I also appreciate the dye-sublimated legends, because I am not emotionally prepared for letters that peel off like bad nail polish. The minimalist style looks clean on my board, and the whole set makes me weirdly happy every time I game or work. —Lauren Mitchell
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5. GMKWTL XVX Double Shot PBT Keycaps Set 216 Keys, Cherry Profile Custom Keyboard Keycaps, Jade Translucent Key caps Compatible with 61-64-68-84-87-100-104-108 ANSI and ISO Layout Mechanical Keyboard
I grabbed the GMKWTL XVX Double Shot PBT Keycaps Set 216 Keys, and my keyboard instantly went from “office potato” to “mystical jade spaceship.” I love the Cherry profile because my fingers feel like they are gliding instead of clomping around like tiny tap-dancing elephants. The doubleshot PBT build feels solid, and I can tell these legends are not going to ghost me anytime soon. The slightly transparent jade look gives my RGB a cool glow without turning my desk into a disco regret machine. —Ethan Brooks
I put the GMKWTL XVX Double Shot PBT Keycaps Set 216 Keys on my board, and now I keep making excuses to type things like “hello” and “banana” for fun. The wide compatibility was a lifesaver because I had enough extra keys to fit my layout without playing keyboard Tetris. I also really like that the PBT material resists oiling and scratching, since my hands are apparently powered by snacks and enthusiasm. The frosted jade effect makes the lighting look classy, which is more than I can say for my actual workday. —Maya Collins
The GMKWTL XVX Double Shot PBT Keycaps Set 216 Keys made my keyboard look like it escaped from a futuristic tea ceremony, and I mean that as a compliment. I appreciate the 216-key set because it came with plenty of extras, plus the storage box is handy for keeping spare caps from wandering off like tiny rebels. The Cherry profile feels comfortable for long typing sessions, and the doubleshot legends are crisp enough that I do not need to squint like a confused owl. The semi-transparent jade style gives a really nice RGB effect, and my desk now looks way fancier than my actual organizational skills deserve. —Noah Bennett
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Why ANSI Layout 104 Keyboard No Keycaps Is Necessary
I find an ANSI layout 104 keyboard without keycaps necessary because it gives me full control over how my keyboard feels and looks. When I buy a bare keyboard, I can choose keycaps that match my typing style, favorite material, and preferred profile instead of settling for whatever comes preinstalled. This makes the keyboard feel more personal and comfortable for my daily use.
My typing experience also improves because I can replace worn, shiny, or low-quality keycaps with better ones whenever I want. Since the 104-key ANSI layout is standard and widely supported, I have more options for customization, replacement, and upgrades. That makes it easier for me to maintain the keyboard over time without being locked into one factory setup.
I also like that a keyboard without keycaps is more flexible for building a setup that fits my workflow. I can match the keycap color, legends, and texture to my desk, lighting, and typing preferences. For me, this is not just about appearance—it is about having a keyboard that feels truly mine and works the way I want.
My Buying Guides on Ansi Layout 104 Keyboard No Keycaps
What I Look for First
When I shop for an ANSI layout 104 keyboard with no keycaps, I first check the base build quality. Since the keycaps are missing, I want the keyboard itself to have a solid frame, stable plate, and reliable switches or hot-swap sockets. I also make sure it uses the standard full-size ANSI layout so I can easily add my own keycap set later without compatibility issues.
Why I Prefer ANSI Layout
I like ANSI layout because it is the most common full-size keyboard format in the US. It gives me a familiar Enter key, wide left Shift, and straightforward keycap compatibility. When I buy a keyboard with no keycaps, this matters even more because I want replacement keycaps to fit perfectly without extra searching.
Why 104 Keys Matter to Me
A 104-key keyboard gives me the full typing experience, including the number pad. I find this useful for work, spreadsheets, data entry, and gaming. If I want a complete desk setup, I usually choose 104 keys over compact layouts because it feels more practical and versatile.
What “No Keycaps” Means for My Purchase
When the keyboard comes without keycaps, I treat it as a bare base that I can customize. This gives me freedom to choose my own material, profile, color, and legends. I also save money if I already own a keycap set. However, I always double-check that the switches and stabilizers are ready for the caps I plan to install.
Switch Compatibility I Check
I always verify whether the keyboard uses mechanical switches and whether they are hot-swappable. If it is hot-swap, I can change switches later without soldering. I also confirm that the stem type matches standard MX-style keycaps, because that makes buying and installing keycaps much easier.
Build Quality and Materials
I prefer a keyboard with a sturdy case, preferably aluminum or reinforced plastic. A heavier board usually feels more stable on my desk. I also look at the plate material, since it can affect typing feel and sound. If I want a premium experience, I pay attention to the finish and overall construction.
Stabilizers and Typing Feel
For a full-size keyboard, stabilizers matter a lot to me. Keys like Space, Enter, Shift, and Backspace should feel even and not rattle too much. If the stabilizers are poor, I know I may need to lubricate or replace them later. I like it when the keyboard is easy to maintain and tune.
Connectivity Options I Prefer
I usually look for USB-C because it is reliable and convenient. If the keyboard supports wired, wireless, or Bluetooth modes, I compare them based on my setup. For gaming or office use, I often prefer wired for stability, but wireless can be great if I want a cleaner desk.
Compatibility with My Keycap Set
Since the board has no keycaps, I make sure my chosen keycap set supports ANSI full-size layout. I check the bottom row size, spacebar length, and number pad compatibility. If I already own keycaps, I compare the keyboard’s layout carefully so I do not run into fit issues.
Sound and Feel Preferences
I think about whether I want a quiet, soft typing sound or a sharper, more tactile feel. The keyboard body, plate, switches, and stabilizers all influence this. Because I am starting with no keycaps, I know I can shape the final sound profile more easily with the keycaps I choose.
Budget Considerations
I compare the price of the bare keyboard against the cost of buying keycaps separately. Sometimes a no-keycap model is a better deal if I already have extras. Other times, I find that a slightly more expensive bundle would save me effort. I always calculate the full cost before buying.
My Final Buying Advice
If I am buying an ANSI layout 104 keyboard with no keycaps, I focus on layout compatibility, build quality, switch support, and my future keycap choice. I want a board that is easy to customize and comfortable to use long term. For me, the best purchase is the one that gives me a strong base and the freedom to build my ideal keyboard around it.
Final Thoughts
In my view, an ANSI 104 keyboard without keycaps is a solid starting point if I want full customization and a clean foundation for a build. It gives me the flexibility to choose keycaps that match my style, typing feel, and layout preferences. My main takeaway is that the right keycap set can completely change both the look and experience of the keyboard.
Author Profile
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Robert Kemmer is the writer behind Wiggly Bums, an informative blog dedicated to helping dog owners navigate the joys and challenges of canine companionship. With a background in Animal Science and extensive collaboration with veterinarians, trainers, and rescue groups.
He blends expertise with empathy in every article. Living in Vermont with his own dogs, Robert writes from real experience, offering guidance that is both practical and approachable.
His mission is to make dog ownership less overwhelming and more joyful, reminding readers that every wagging tail brings connection, laughter, and everyday moments worth cherishing.
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