Dye-Sublimation vs. Doubleshot Keycaps: How They're Printed

When building or upgrading a mechanical keyboard, one of the most important decisions you'll make is choosing the keycaps. The material, profile, and design of the keycaps can significantly affect your typing experience and the aesthetic of your keyboard. Among the different options available, Dye-Sublimation and Doubleshot are two of the most popular methods for printing the legends (the letters, numbers, and symbols) on keycaps.

But how exactly are these keycap printing methods different, and which one is better for you? In this article, we’ll compare Dye-Sublimation and Doubleshot keycaps, focusing on how they’re printed, their advantages, and which method is right for your setup.

1. What Are Dye-Sublimation Keycaps?

Dye-Sublimation (Dye-Sub) is a keycap printing process that uses heat to transfer dye into the keycap material. This process results in vibrant, long-lasting legends that become part of the keycap’s material rather than sitting on top of it.

How Are Dye-Sublimation Keycaps Printed?

Step 1: Design: The first step is creating a design or legend for the keycap. The artwork is printed on a special transfer paper using a dye-based ink.
Step 2: Heating: The transfer paper is then placed on top of the keycap, and both are exposed to high heat. The heat causes the dye to turn into a gas and penetrate the keycap material.
Step 3: Cooling: The keycap is then allowed to cool, and the dye is permanently embedded into the keycap’s surface.

Advantages of Dye-Sublimation Keycaps:

Long-lasting Legends: Since the dye becomes part of the keycap itself, the legends won’t fade, chip, or wear down over time.
Affordable: Dye-Sub keycaps are generally more affordable than other high-end keycap printing methods like Doubleshot.
Soft Feel: The legends are smooth to the touch, as they are not raised above the surface of the keycap.

Disadvantages of Dye-Sublimation Keycaps:

Limited Material Options: Dye-sublimation works best on PBT plastic, so the material choices for Dye-Sub keycaps are more limited compared to Doubleshot.
Color Limitations: The dye-sublimation process is most effective on light-colored keycaps, and it’s difficult to achieve vivid colors on dark-colored keys.

2. What Are Doubleshot Keycaps?

Doubleshot keycaps are made by molding two layers of plastic to form a keycap. The legends are created by injecting two different colored plastics into the mold, which results in the legend being part of the keycap itself, rather than being printed on the surface.

How Are Doubleshot Keycaps Printed?

Step 1: Two-Plastic Injection: During the manufacturing process, two different types of plastic are injected into the mold: one for the base of the keycap and another for the legends. The legend portion is a different color from the base, making it more visible.
Step 2: Molding: The keycap is then molded, and the two layers of plastic are fused together, creating the keycap with double-colored legends.
Step 3: Finished Product: Unlike other printing methods, the legends are integrated into the keycap and won’t wear off, providing extremely durable and vibrant legends.

Advantages of Doubleshot Keycaps:

Durable Legends: The legends are part of the keycap itself, not printed on top, which makes them extremely durable. The legends won’t fade or wear off over time.
Vivid Colors: Doubleshot keycaps offer the ability to create vibrant, multi-colored legends on dark-colored keycaps, something that’s challenging with dye-sublimation.
Higher Customization: With Doubleshot keycaps, you can choose from a wider range of color combinations for both the base and the legends, offering more customization options.

Disadvantages of Doubleshot Keycaps:

More Expensive: The manufacturing process for Doubleshot keycaps is more complex, which makes them more expensive than Dye-Sub keycaps.
Heavier Feel: The two layers of plastic make Doubleshot keycaps heavier compared to other types of keycaps, which may feel different when typing.

3. Dye-Sublimation vs. Doubleshot: Which is Better?

Both Dye-Sublimation and Doubleshot keycaps have their advantages and disadvantages, and choosing the right option largely depends on your preferences and needs. Here’s a breakdown of the key differences to help you decide:

Feature	Dye-Sublimation Keycaps	Doubleshot Keycaps
Printing Process	Dye is transferred into the keycap material	Two layers of plastic are injected into the mold
Durability of Legends	Long-lasting, but legends may fade on darker keycaps	Extremely durable and won’t fade or wear off
Material Compatibility	Best with PBT plastic	Works with a variety of plastics
Color Options	Limited to lighter keycaps and colors	Can achieve vibrant colors on dark keycaps
Feel	Smooth, legends are part of the keycap surface	Legends are raised, providing a tactile feel
Price	More affordable	More expensive due to complex manufacturing
Customization	Limited in color and design options	Highly customizable with multiple color layers

When to Choose Dye-Sublimation Keycaps:

Budget-Conscious Buyers: Dye-sublimation keycaps are generally more affordable than Doubleshot keycaps.
Durability is Key: If you need keycaps that will last and are okay with slightly limited color options, Dye-Sub is a good choice.
For PBT Keycaps: Dye-sublimation works best with PBT plastic, so if you prefer this material for its durability and feel, Dye-Sub is the way to go.

When to Choose Doubleshot Keycaps:

Vibrant and Customizable Legends: If you want bright, colorful legends that stand out on darker keycaps, Doubleshot keycaps offer the best solution.
Long-Term Investment: Doubleshot keycaps are extremely durable and won’t wear down over time, making them a good choice if you’re willing to invest in a premium product.

4. Conclusion: Which Keycap Printing Method is Right for You?

Ultimately, the choice between Dye-Sublimation and Doubleshot keycaps comes down to your personal preferences and budget.

If you're looking for affordable keycaps with long-lasting legends and don't mind a limited color range, Dye-Sublimation is a great option.
If you want vibrant, customizable legends and ultimate durability, and are willing to spend a bit more, Doubleshot keycaps are an excellent choice.

Both printing methods provide high-quality results, so it’s important to choose the one that aligns with your needs and aesthetic preferences.

FAQs

Q1: Can Dye-Sublimation be used on any keycap material?
No, Dye-Sublimation works best on PBT plastic, as it allows the dye to bond effectively with the material.

Q2: Will the legends on my Doubleshot keycaps ever wear off?
No, the legends on Doubleshot keycaps are made from a second layer of plastic, so they will never fade, wear off, or rub away.

Q3: Are Doubleshot keycaps worth the price?
If you’re looking for premium durability and vibrant designs, Doubleshot keycaps are definitely worth the investment. They offer better long-term value.

Q4: Are Dye-Sublimation keycaps suitable for dark-colored keycaps?
Dye-Sublimation works best on lighter-colored keycaps. It can be more challenging to achieve vivid legends on dark keycaps with this method.

Q5: Which keycap printing method is better for gaming?
Both methods are great for gaming, but Doubleshot keycaps are often preferred for their vibrant legends and tactile feel, making them ideal for gamers who want a customizable setup with long-lasting durability.