Dye-Sub vs Double-Shot Legends in Keyboard Keycaps

There are two main keycap manufacturing methods called Dye-sub and double shot, but what exactly does that mean, and what is the difference between the two? In this article, I go over some of the pros and cons of each method to help you decide which keycap legend type is right for you!

First, I want to go over dye-sub keycaps. Dye-sub keycaps have the legends printed onto the keycap, and the process involves lots of heat, dye, and a laser to print it onto the keycap itself. Now just like everything in this hobby, dye-sub has its pros and cons.

Dye-Sub Pros

• Generally cheaper to make/purchase, although this will depend on the total number of keys and complexity of the layout and design.
• Lasts a long time.
• Doesn’t change the feel of the keycap.

Dye-Sub Cons

• Sometimes lower quality in terms of sharpness as the legends are printed on the keycaps using heat.
• Legends color must be darker than the keycap color (unless reverse dye-sublimation is used, which is basically printing around the legend and is generally much more expensive than conventional dye-sublimation and can lead to QA issues.)
• Can only be used with PBT/non-backlit keycaps as the legends are printed onto the keycap, so there's no way of making them transparent.

Dye-sub keycaps are great when you are on a budget, and still want something that has great colors and quality, but sometimes if you go too cheap, the quality of sharpness when it comes to the keycap legends may suffer because of it. If you don’t need a backlit keycap set or want something other than PBT such as ABS or POM, then dye-sub is a great option as it is very similar in terms of quality, feel, and durability when comparing it to double-shot keycaps.

Double-shot keycaps are made by using a process called injection molding where the keycap has two layers of plastic one for the keycap and another for the legend. This provides a great quality keycap, but it usually comes at a steeper price compared to dye-sub if you wanted something other than just black or white keycaps.

Double-Shot Pros

• Very sharp legends. The legends are part of the keycap mold itself, so the legends will be as sharp as possible.
• Any colors are possible for both legends and keycaps (unlike dye-sublimated keycaps, which generally require dark legends or reverse dye-sublimation).
• Legends will never fade, even if harsh chemicals are used to clean the keycaps.
• More material options for double-shot legends.
• Can be used on both non-backlit and backlit keycap legends. Note dye-sublimation can be done on transparent keycaps as well, but the legends will be dark.

Double-Shot Cons

• Usually more expensive, depending on the number of keys and layout. This is mainly to cover the huge cost of injection molding all of the keycap legends, especially if the set contains one-off legends (i.e. novelties.)
• More restrictive layouts and legends, as any change to the layout or legends requires a mold update in the manufacturing process, which can cost thousands of dollars.

Double-shot keycaps have a lot more variety when it comes to color options and material options, but of course, that also comes at a higher price because of it. In terms of quality, they are almost on par, but double-shot has a small edge over dye-sub due to it having sharper legends because of the way these keycaps are made.

Overall, both double-shot and dye-sub keycaps will provide great quality, and if you didn’t need a lot of color options or care about backlit keycaps, then dye-sub is a great affordable option for you to choose. If you wanted something that is a little bit higher quality with plenty of more color options and material options to choose from, then double-shot keycaps are right up your alley, but it does come at a steeper price. At the end of the day, it all comes down to what you are looking for and how much you are willing to spend.

Frequently Asked Questions

These are some of the most frequently asked questions that I've seen with regards to dye-sub versus double-shot legends on keycaps:

What is better dye-sub or double shot?

Ultimately, this comes down to the colorway of the keycap set itself, as dye-sublimation and double-shot allow for different capabilities. Dye-sublimation allows printing multiple colors and designs on a keycap, while double-shot is generally restricted to 2-3 colors at most. Both options will last many years if made by a reputable brand.

Are double shot keycaps better?

On paper, double-shot keycaps are the best for legends as the legends are injected into the plastic and are impossible to remove, but high quality dye-sublimated keycaps will last just as long if you buy from a reputable brand.

Does Dyesub fade?

If purchased from a high quality, reputable brand, such as PolyCaps, Omnitype, Cannoncaps, and Novelkeys, your dye-sub legends will never fade.

What are the disadvantages of dye sublimation?

The main disadvantage of dye sublimation is that the legends are printed onto the keycaps using heat, so there can be small variations across set to set, and if a strong chemical (i.e. acid) is used to clean the keycaps, the legends may rub off.

Is dye sublimation high quality?

If purchased from a high quality, reputable brand, such as PolyCaps, Omnitype, Cannoncaps, and Novelkeys, your dye-sub legends will never fade.

What are the smoothest feeling keycaps?

Generally, ABS keycaps shine faster and feel smoother than PBT keycaps, but PBT keycaps come in all shapes and sizes ranging from glass-smooth to textured depending on the style chosen by the keycap designer.

How long will dye sublimated PBT keycaps last?

If purchased from a high quality, reputable brand, such as PolyCaps, Omnitype, Cannoncaps, and Novelkeys, your dye-sub legends will never fade.

What does dye subbed mean?

Dye subbed refers to dye-sublimated keycaps, which means the legends of the keycap are printed using high heat. If purchased from a reputable brand, these legends should last nearly forever.

Does dye sublimation crack?

If purchased from a reputable brand, dye-sublimated legends on a keycap should last a lifetime and will not crack (for example some vintage keyboards from the 80s used dye-sublimated legends that never faded!)