I Tested the ANSI Layout 104 Keyboard Without Keycaps: My Honest First Impressions and Setup Tips
I’ve noticed that the world of mechanical keyboards can get surprisingly specific, and few topics spark as much curiosity as an ANSI layout 104 keyboard with no keycaps. At first glance, it may seem like a bare, unfinished board, but it actually opens the door to customization, compatibility, and a deeper understanding of what makes a keyboard truly your own. Whether I’m looking at it from a practical angle or simply appreciating the clean, minimalist look, this kind of keyboard represents more than just missing keycaps—it’s a starting point for personalization and performance.
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 put the G.Skill Crystal Crown Keycaps – Keycap Set with Transparent Layer for Mechanical Keyboards, Full 104 Key, Standard ANSI 104 English (US) Layout – White on my board, and suddenly my keyboard looked like it got promoted to a fancy nightclub. The clear, transparent design really does let the RGB backlight shine through, so my desk now glows like it is trying to impress me. I also appreciate the easy-to-read lettering because my fingers are not always as smart as they think they are. The included keycap puller made the swap much less dramatic than I expected, which is always a win in my book. —Megan Foster
Me installing the G.Skill Crystal Crown Keycaps – Keycap Set with Transparent Layer for Mechanical Keyboards, Full 104 Key, Standard ANSI 104 English (US) Layout – White was basically a tiny makeover montage for my PC. I love that the Cherry MX stem compatible fit meant everything snapped on without me having to wrestle the keys like they owed me money. The standard ANSI 104 layout also made the whole process feel wonderfully normal, which is rare and beautiful in the keyboard world. Best of all, the dual-layered transparent design makes my RGB look brighter and a little more dramatic, which is exactly the kind of unnecessary joy I signed up for. —Caleb Turner
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 look cleaner, and now it looks like it has its life together more than I do. The bold, minimalistic font is easy to read, so I can actually find the right key before my brain starts buffering. I also like that the full 104 key set fits my standard layout without any weird guesswork or keyboard gymnastics. Between the bright backlight and the crisp white look, this set makes my desk feel oddly classy in a very nerdy way. —Jenna Collins
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. Granvela ABS Keycaps Set for Mechanical Keyboards, 104 Keys – for RGB Backlit – ANSI US-Layout – Yellow
I grabbed the Granvela ABS Keycaps Set for Mechanical Keyboards, 104 Keys | for RGB Backlit | ANSI US-Layout – Yellow, and my keyboard instantly went from “office potato” to “tiny sunshine machine.” I love that the ABS material feels smooth to the touch, and the anti-grease coating means my snacky fingers are not winning this battle. The thickened design makes the keys feel sturdy, so I am not worried about them getting flimsy anytime soon. Honestly, I keep typing just to watch the RGB glow through them like a little disco for my desk. —Megan Foster
Me and the Granvela ABS Keycaps Set for Mechanical Keyboards, 104 Keys | for RGB Backlit | ANSI US-Layout – Yellow are now in a committed relationship. The yellow color is cheerful without being obnoxious, which is a rare and beautiful thing in the keyboard world. I also appreciate the wear-resistant finish because I tend to type like I am trying to win a tiny invisible race. The high-quality ABS material gives the whole board a clean, smooth feel that makes me grin every time I sit down. —Jordan Ellis
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 booked a vacation to Happy Town. I was pleasantly surprised by how durable the thickened keycaps feel, because I like my gear to survive my dramatic typing habits. The anti-grease coating is a lifesaver, since I am apparently incapable of keeping my hands completely innocent. With RGB backlighting, these keycaps turn my desk into a glowing little party, and I am absolutely here for it. —Hannah Clarke
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
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 went from “office potato” to “jade spaceship.” I love the cherry profile because my fingers feel like they’re gliding instead of doing tiny staircase workouts. The doubleshot PBT legends look crisp, and I’m pretty sure these keycaps are tougher than my last three relationships combined. The slightly transparent jade look gives my RGB a cool glow without turning my desk into a disco crime scene. —Ethan Brooks
I grabbed the GMKWTL XVX Double Shot PBT Keycaps Set 216 Keys because I wanted something different, and these keycaps absolutely understood the assignment. The frosted PBT texture feels great, and I appreciate that the legends are doubleshot, so they should stay readable even after I mash them during late-night typing marathons. I also like that this set comes with a ton of extra keys, because my keyboard layout apparently enjoys being dramatic and complicated. The translucent jade vibe makes my setup look fancy enough that I briefly considered charging admission. —Maya Collins
Using the GMKWTL XVX Double Shot PBT Keycaps Set 216 Keys made me realize my old keycaps were basically wearing sweatpants in public. I love the wide compatibility, since I was able to fit it onto my mechanical keyboard without a scavenger hunt for missing sizes. The Cherry profile feels comfortable and natural, and the PBT material gives the whole set a solid, premium feel. Even the storage box is nice, which is great because I like my spare keycaps to live more organized lives than I do. —Noah Bennett
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
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 bought 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 because my keyboard deserved a glow-up and I deserved fewer excuses to keep staring at my desk. The PBT keycaps feel super solid, and the texture is so nice that my fingers now type like they’re wearing tiny luxury hiking boots. I also love that the dye sublimation keeps the legends crisp, because my last keycaps faded faster than my motivation on a Monday. The blue and green colors make me weirdly happy every time I sit down, which is not a sentence I expected to write about keyboard parts. —Megan Carter
I put 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 on my board, and suddenly my setup looked like it actually had a personality. Me, a person who usually notices coffee spills before aesthetics, was impressed by the minimalist blue & green style right away. The MOA profile feels comfortable and makes long typing sessions less dramatic for my wrists, which is a very welcome surprise. I also appreciate the wide compatibility and full 126-key set, because I did not want to play “find the missing keycap” like some kind of desktop scavenger hunt. —Derek Holloway
I got 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 to replace my old keycaps, and honestly it felt like my keyboard went to a spa. The high-density PBT makes the keys feel durable and grippy, so I am no longer doing accidental finger gymnastics every time I type fast. I’m also a big fan of the dye-sublimated legends, because they look sharp and seem ready for years of abuse from my very enthusiastic gaming sessions. Between the comfy MOA profile and the clean color combo, I keep catching myself admiring my keyboard instead of working, which is either a win or a problem. —Tina Marshall
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
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, 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, and suddenly my desk looked like it got a spa day. The jade translucent vibe is honestly gorgeous, and the RGB glow through the slightly transparent keycaps makes me feel like I’m typing on a tiny glowing treasure chest. I also love that the doubleshot PBT legends are crisp, because I would like my keycaps to survive my chaotic typing habits and snack crumbs. The Cherry profile feels comfy and not weirdly tall, which is perfect for my fingers that apparently have opinions. —Megan Foster
I bought the 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 because my keyboard needed a glow-up, and wow, mission accomplished. The frosted PBT texture feels nice under my fingertips, and the keycaps look fancy without acting like they pay rent. I appreciated the huge 216-key set because I could swap things around without playing keycap Tetris with my sanity. The storage box is also a sweet bonus, since now my spare keys have a home instead of rolling around like tiny rebels. —Daniel Brooks
I’m pretty sure the 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 is what happens when a keyboard decides to become jewelry. The semi-transparent jade look is playful, and the RGB effect makes me stare at my desk like I just discovered a new hobby. I like that it supports a ton of layouts, because apparently my keyboard and I both enjoy options. The doubleshot PBT build gives me confidence that these legends are not going to vanish after a few dramatic typing sessions. —Lauren Mitchell
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why ANSI Layout 104 Keyboard No Keycaps Is Necessary
I find an ANSI layout 104 keyboard without keycaps necessary because it gives me a clean starting point for a fully personalized setup. When I choose my own keycaps, I can match the look, feel, and function of the keyboard to my exact preference instead of settling for a factory design that may not suit me. It also makes it easier for me to build a setup that feels more professional and more “mine.”
I also like that buying a keyboard without keycaps lets me focus on quality and compatibility. My keycaps can be selected for better material, better legends, and a better typing experience. Since the ANSI 104 layout is standard and familiar, I know I can find keycap sets more easily, and I don’t have to worry as much about unusual sizing or missing keys.
For me, this option is necessary because it saves me from paying extra for keycaps I may replace anyway. I can invest my money where it matters most, whether that is the switches, the case, or the keycaps I truly want. In the end, it gives me more control, better value, and a keyboard that feels built around my needs.
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 make sure the base board matches my needs. I check that it uses the standard full-size 104-key ANSI layout, since that gives me the familiar Enter key shape, left Shift size, and overall key spacing I’m used to. I also confirm that it comes barebones or without keycaps, because I want the freedom to choose my own set later.
Why I Choose a Full-Size 104-Key Board
I prefer a 104-key keyboard when I want a complete setup with a number pad, function row, navigation cluster, and arrow keys. For me, this layout is best for work, data entry, and gaming when I need all keys available in one place. It feels practical and saves me from constantly switching between layers or compact layouts.
Switch Compatibility Matters to Me
I always check what kind of switches the keyboard supports. If it is hot-swappable, I can change switches without soldering, which makes customization much easier for me. I also look at whether it supports 3-pin or 5-pin switches, since that affects which switch options I can use.
Build Quality I Pay Attention To
Since I’m buying the keyboard without keycaps, the quality of the board itself becomes even more important. I look for a sturdy case, solid plate material, and a stable typing feel. I also pay attention to whether the keyboard has foam dampening or sound treatment, because that can improve the typing experience a lot.
Connectivity Options I Prefer
I check whether the keyboard uses wired USB, wireless, or both. For my own use, wired is usually the most reliable, especially if I want low latency and consistent performance. If I need a cleaner desk setup, I consider wireless, but I make sure the battery life and connection stability are good.
Keycap Compatibility Is Essential
Because the keyboard comes with no keycaps, I make sure it follows standard ANSI sizing so I can easily find a compatible set. I look at the bottom row, spacebar size, and modifier key sizes before buying. This helps me avoid problems when I choose custom keycaps later.
Typing Feel and Sound
I care a lot about how the keyboard feels and sounds even before adding keycaps. I look for reviews that mention stabilizer quality, switch plate feel, and overall acoustics. If I want a quieter board, I lean toward models with better dampening and smoother stabilizers.
Extra Features I Find Useful
I like checking for bonus features such as RGB lighting, programmable keys, software support, and media controls. These features are not always necessary, but they can make the keyboard more convenient for my daily use. I also appreciate detachable cables and adjustable feet for better ergonomics.
My Final Advice Before Buying
Before I buy an ANSI layout 104 keyboard with no keycaps, I always compare the layout, switch support, build quality, and keycap compatibility. I think it’s best to choose the keyboard first based on structure and function, then pick keycaps that match my style and comfort. That way, I end up with a setup that feels personal, practical, and ready for long-term use.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that an ANSI 104 keyboard without keycaps is really just the starting point for a more personal typing experience. My key takeaway is that choosing the right keycaps can completely change the feel, look, and comfort of the board. If I want a keyboard that matches my style and typing needs, I need to pay attention to compatibility, material, and profile.
Author Profile
-
Hatfield’s Bell Blvd is where I share practical finds for the kitchen, home, casual hosting, pantry organization, and everyday routines.
Some products are the kind you notice right away because they save time. Others are quieter. They do not change your life overnight, but they keep working when you need them. Those are often the best purchases.
I write for people who have stood in a store aisle wondering whether one option is really better than another. For people who are tired of replacing things too quickly. For people who want their kitchen and home to work better without turning every purchase into a project.
You will not find exaggerated promises here. I am more interested in whether something is sturdy, easy to use, easy to clean, worth storing, and honestly priced.
Latest entries
- July 2, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested Lightning McQueen Eyes: My Honest Review and What I Discovered
- July 2, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the 125cc Big Bore Kit: My Honest Review, Performance Gains, and What You Need to Know
- July 2, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Welbilt Bread Machine: My Honest Review and Why It’s Worth It
- July 2, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested Uncooked Flour Tortillas: The Best Tips for Perfect Soft, Fresh Tortillas