How to Store and Sort Keycaps in 3 Layer Keycap Trays
By Keycaps for Mechanical Keyboard|Keyreative | Published: 2026-11-03
Category: Anleitungen
A practical, step-by-step method for sorting keycaps by row and set, then storing them in a 3 layer keycap tray so nothing gets scratched or lost.
Quick answer
Sort keycaps by keyboard row first, then by set or colorway, and store each group in its own layer of a 3 layer keycap tray. Label the layers so you can pull a full row without digging through loose caps.
Why row-first sorting beats color-first sorting
Most keycap sets are sculpted by row, so a cap that looks identical from above can sit at a different height or angle. If you sort by color first, you will eventually rebuild a board and find two caps that do not match the row you need. Sorting by row keeps every group usable as a unit.
Colorway sorting still matters, but treat it as a second pass inside each row group. That way a spare R2 cap from one set never gets mixed into another set's R2 pile.
When a 3 layer tray is the wrong choice
A three-layer tray works best for one or two active sets plus spares. If you rotate through many full sets, a single stack can become a labeling puzzle, and you may spend more time hunting than building. In that case, keep one tray per active set or store rarely used sets separately.
Also check that your tallest caps clear the layer above before closing the tray. Deep sculpted rows and tall artisans can exceed the space a flat tray layer allows, so test-fit a few caps first.
Step-by-step keycap sorting and tray storage
- Empty and clean the tray first: Wipe each layer with a dry microfiber cloth and check for grit before adding caps. A single hard particle can leave a mark on a cap finish. Never stack caps into a tray that has not been checked for dust or debris.
- Pull one full set and separate by row: Take the set you plan to store and lay the caps out by row, using the sculpt or legend position as your guide. Keep each row in its own small pile. If a cap's row is unclear, set it aside rather than guessing and mixing it into a row group.
- Assign layers by frequency of use: Put the row groups you swap most often, such as alphas or the top function row, in the top layer. Store less-used modifier rows and spares in lower layers. Label each layer with a small sticker or tape note so the assignment survives the next rebuild.
- Seat caps face-up and slightly apart: Place caps with the stem side down where the layer depth allows, and leave a small gap between caps. Avoid pressing them tightly together, which can rub edges during handling. Do a quick height check on the tallest row before closing the tray.
- Record what is stored where: Write a short inventory note listing the set name, row groups, and any missing caps. Keep the note with the tray or photograph the open layers. A photo of each layer is the fastest way to confirm nothing was left out after a build.
Product facts
- 3 Layer Keycap Trays - Excluded Keycaps: The 3 Layer Keycap Trays hold keycaps across three stacked layers and are sold without keycaps. You get separate compartments for row groups or spare sets, but you need to supply and sort the caps yourself.
3 Layer Keycap Trays - Excluded Keycaps
