When shopping for custom keycaps, you’ll often see terms like double-shot, dye-sublimation, laser-etched or UV-printed. But what do these actually mean? And which method is best depending on your budget, aesthetics, and durability needs? Let’s break down the most common legend application methods in the mechanical keyboard world.
🔍 Key Legend Methods Explained
| Method | How it works | Common plastics | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Double-Shot Injection Molding | Two plastics are molded together: one for the cap body, one for the legend. The legend is literally part of the keycap. | ABS, sometimes PBT, PC, POM | Extremely durable, legends never fade, crisp look, great for shine-through RGB | Expensive to manufacture, limited design flexibility, usually higher price |
| Dye-Sublimation (Dye-Sub) | Heat transfers dye into the plastic, bonding color into the surface. | Mostly PBT | Long-lasting, allows multi-color legends and designs, matte texture feel | Doesn’t support RGB shine-through, can fade slightly over time, less vibrant colors |
| Laser Engraving / Etching | A laser burns the legend into the cap, sometimes filled with paint for visibility. | ABS, PBT | Precise and detailed, relatively low cost | Legends can wear, less premium look, not ideal for RGB |
| Pad Printing / Screen Printing | Ink is printed onto the surface via pad or screen method. | ABS, PBT | Cheap, fast, allows colorful complex designs | Least durable—legends wear quickly under heavy use |
| UV Printing | UV-curable ink is printed and hardened on the surface. | Various plastics | High design flexibility, full-color prints, modern process | Legends can chip or fade, not as durable as double-shot or dye-sub |
🧮 How They Compare
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Durability vs. Design → Double-shot is the king of durability, while dye-sub offers more creative design options.
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RGB Compatibility → Only double-shot legends (with translucent plastic) allow light to shine through cleanly. Dye-sub and print methods usually block light.
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Typing Feel → Laser-etched legends may feel slightly rough; double-shot and dye-sub usually have smooth, consistent surfaces.
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Budget → Double-shot tends to be the most expensive; dye-sub is mid-range; pad print and UV print are the cheapest but least durable.
🏆 Which One Should You Choose?
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For gamers with RGB builds → Double-shot ABS or PBT is ideal.
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For durability & clean aesthetics → PBT dye-sub is a great long-term choice.
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For budget builds or novelty designs → Pad print and UV print get the job done, but won’t last forever.
📦 Where to Get Quality Keycaps
At KEYGEM.com, we offer a wide variety of keycap sets—whether you’re looking for durable double-shot PBT, classic dye-sub legends, or unique printed designs. Explore our collection and find the perfect keycaps for your setup.
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