Side Printed Keycaps vs Top Printed: Which Should You Choose?

When building or upgrading a mechanical keyboard, keycaps are more than just a visual flair — they directly impact your typing experience. Among the many options available, one particular design decision often sparks debate: side printed vs top printed keycaps.

If you’re wondering which is the better choice for your setup, let’s explore the real differences, use cases, and trade-offs to help you make a confident, informed decision.

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What Are Side Printed and Top Printed Keycaps?

• Top Printed Keycaps are what most people are familiar with — legends (the letters or symbols) are printed on the top surface of each key.

• Side Printed Keycaps (also called front printed or front-facing) have their legends printed on the front-facing side of the key, typically visible only from the typing angle.

Both serve the same functional purpose, but they differ in look, feel, and even in how they wear over time.

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Aesthetics: Clean vs Traditional

A big reason users opt for side printed keycaps is minimalism. With the legends moved to the side, the top of the key appears blank, creating a sleek, modern look. This style is especially popular among keyboard enthusiasts who favor custom builds or desk setups that lean toward a minimalist or high-end aesthetic.

Top printed keycaps, on the other hand, offer the familiar look of a traditional keyboard. If you’re switching from a standard prebuilt keyboard or want something straightforward and functional, top printed legends feel intuitive and classic.

✅ Choose side printed for a clean, streamlined look.
✅ Choose top printed if you prefer clear, conventional legends.

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Durability and Legend Fading

Legend fading is a common concern for long-time keyboard users. Here’s how the two styles compare:

• Top Printed Keycaps are more exposed to oils and friction from fingers, making them more prone to wear over time — especially if the legends are pad-printed.

• Side Printed Keycaps avoid direct contact during typing, so legends typically last longer and maintain their crispness.

However, this also depends on the printing method. Dye-sublimated or double-shot legends, for example, are highly durable regardless of position.

🎯 For longevity, side printed legends have a slight edge — particularly with cheaper printing methods.

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Visibility and Learning Curve

If you’re a new typist or frequently glance at your keyboard while working or gaming, top printed keycaps offer clear visibility. The legends are always in your line of sight, reducing the chance of missed keys or hesitation.

Side printed keycaps require a bit more familiarity. While they’re still visible from a sitting angle, they can be harder to read quickly, especially under low lighting.

💡 Beginners may find top printed easier to use.
💡 Experienced typists often enjoy the cleaner look of side printed caps without compromising usability.

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Backlighting and RGB Considerations

If your keyboard has RGB or white backlighting, top printed keycaps allow the light to shine through — provided they’re made with translucent legends (e.g., double-shot or laser-etched). This enhances visibility and creates a vibrant, gamer-friendly aesthetic.

Side printed keycaps rarely support backlight passthrough. Most are made from thick PBT plastic without transparent legends, which can block or diffuse light. While this isn’t a dealbreaker, it’s worth noting if RGB is part of your setup’s personality.

🌈 For full RGB shine-through, top printed wins.
🌈 For a subtle, matte look, side printed is ideal.

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Final Verdict: Which Should You Choose?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer — your ideal keycap style depends on how you use your keyboard and what matters most to you.