Dye-Sub vs Double-Shot Keycaps: What's the Difference?

When it comes to mechanical keyboards, customization and personalization are key. Every detail, from the switches to the keycaps, contributes to the overall typing experience and aesthetic appeal. 

When it comes to keycaps, two popular choices have garnered significant attention: double-shot and dye-sublimated (dye-sub) keycaps. These keycap types offer distinct features and advantages, and understanding the difference between them is crucial for enthusiasts looking to fine-tune their keyboards to perfection.

In this article, we delve into the intricate world of keycaps, exploring the manufacturing processes, benefits, drawbacks, and how to choose the right keycaps for your unique typing needs. 

What are Keycaps?

You've probably noticed the little plastic covers on your keyboard's keys, right? Those are called keycaps. They're not just for looks. They can significantly influence your typing experience and allow you to personalize your keyboard.

Keycaps are the removable, individual buttons or caps that cover the switches on a mechanical keyboard. They serve as the visible and tactile interface between the user's fingers and the keyboard's switches. 

The Importance of Keycaps

Keycaps are an essential part of the keyboard's design, providing not only the characters or symbols printed on them but also contributing to the overall typing experience by determining factors such as keycap material, shape, and printing method. They play a crucial role in the aesthetics, durability, and usability of mechanical keyboards.

1. Aesthetic appeal: Keycaps are one of the most visible elements of a keyboard and can significantly impact its overall appearance. Keycap design, color, and material can help create a visually appealing and customizable keyboard that suits an individual's style or complements the overall design of a computer setup.
2. Tactile Feedback: The shape and texture of keycaps influence the tactile feedback users receive while typing. Different keycap profiles (such as sculpted or flat) and materials (such as ABS or PBT) can affect how typing feels, making keycaps an important aspect of the typing experience.
3. Durability: Keycaps play a role in the keyboard's durability. High-quality keycaps can resist wear and fading over time, ensuring that the legends (letters or symbols) remain legible even after years of use.
4. Legibility: The clarity and legibility of the characters or symbols on keycaps are crucial for efficient typing, especially for touch typists who rely on muscle memory. Well-designed and long-lasting legends are essential for a comfortable typing experience.
5. Customization: Keycaps offer users the opportunity to customize their keyboard's appearance and functionality. Mechanical keyboard enthusiasts often swap keycaps to achieve a specific look or to optimize keycap materials and profiles to their preferences.
6. Ergonomics: Keycap shape and profile can contribute to keyboard ergonomics. Different profiles may provide better hand positioning and reduce strain during extended typing sessions.
7. Functional Keys: Some keyboards have specially marked keycaps for functions like media control, macros, or shortcuts. These keycaps make it easier for users to access specific features quickly.

Influencing Typing Experience

 Keycaps have a significant influence on how a keyboard feels and performs during typing. The choice of keycap material, profile, thickness, and customization options can all contribute to a personalized and enjoyable typing experience.

1. Tactile feel: The material and shape of keycaps can greatly affect the tactile feedback you receive while typing. Different keycap materials, such as ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) and PBT (polybutylene terephthalate), have distinct textures and properties. PBT keycaps, for example, are known for their slightly rougher texture while ABS keycaps tend to be smoother. The choice between these materials can alter the typing sensation.
2. Keycap profile: Keycaps come in various profiles such as SA, DSA, Cherry, and more. Each profile has a unique shape and height, affecting the way you reach and press keys. Some profiles are sculpted to conform to finger positions better, potentially reducing typing fatigue and increasing comfort.
3. Keycap thickness: The thickness of keycaps can influence the travel distance and actuation force required for keypresses. Thicker keycaps may provide a more substantial feel and alter the keypress experience compared to thinner ones.
4. Legibility: The legibility of the legends (letters or symbols) on keycaps is crucial for typing accuracy. Well-designed and durable legends ensure that you can easily identify keys, which is particularly important for touch typists who rely on muscle memory.
5. Ergonomics: The shape and design of keycaps can impact keyboard ergonomics. Some keycap profiles are designed to provide better hand positioning, potentially reducing strain during extended typing sessions and contributing to a more comfortable typing experience.

What are Double-Shot Keycaps

You've heard about double-shot keycaps, but what're they really? Double-shot keycaps are a type of keycap used in mechanical keyboards, known for their durability and high-contrast legends (letters or symbols) that do not wear off easily. They are constructed using a unique manufacturing process that involves the injection of two different types of plastic to create the keycap's legend and the keycap itself. 

How Double Shot Keycaps are Made

Double-shot keycaps are made using a specialized manufacturing process that involves injecting two different types of plastic into a mold to create the keycap's legend (the characters or symbols) and the keycap itself. 

1. Mold Preparation: The process begins with the preparation of a two-part mold. The mold consists of two halves, one for the main keycap body and the other for the legends. The mold cavities are designed to match the shape and size of the desired keycap and legends.
2. First Injection (Keycap Body): The first type of plastic is injected into one half of the mold to create the keycap's main body. This plastic is typically made from a durable and rigid material like ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) or PBT (polybutylene terephthalate). It forms the outer structure of the keycap, including the sides and the top surface.
3. Cooling: After the first injection, the mold is allowed to cool and solidify the keycap body. This cooling process typically takes a few seconds.
4. Second Injection (Legends): Once the keycap body is solid, the second type of plastic is injected into the other half of the mold to create the legends onto the keycap. This plastic is often a different color from the keycap body and is selected to provide high contrast for better legibility.
5. Fusion: The two halves of the mold are then brought together, sandwiching the keycap body and legends between them. The heat and pressure from the mold fusion process cause the two plastics to bond together at the molecular level. This fusion ensures that the legends become an integral part of the keycap and will not wear off or fade over time.
6. Cooling and Release: The mold, now containing the fully formed double-shot keycap, is allowed to cool and set. Once the keycap has solidified completely, the mold is opened, and the finished keycap is ejected.

Benefits of Double Shot Keycaps

Double-shot keycaps offer several benefits that make them a popular choice among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts and users who prioritize keycap durability and legibility. Here are some of the key advantages of double-shot keycaps:

1. Exceptional Durability: Double-shot keycaps are renowned for their durability. The legends (letters or symbols) are physically integrated into the keycap during the manufacturing process, as opposed to being printed on the surface. This means that the legends are highly resistant to wear, abrasion, and fading, ensuring that they remain clear and legible over an extended period of use.
2. High Contrast Legends: Double-shot keycaps typically feature legends of a different color from the keycap itself. This high contrast makes the legends easy to see and read, even in low-light conditions. The clear contrast enhances the overall typing experience and reduces the chance of typing errors.
3. Longevity: Due to their durability, double-shot keycaps have a longer lifespan compared to keycaps with printed legends. Users can enjoy a consistent and reliable typing experience over the long term without the need to replace keycaps frequently.
4. Resistance to Wear: The integrated legends never fade even with heavy and prolonged use. This is particularly beneficial for gamers and touch typists who put a lot of stress on specific keys during their activities.
5. Customization: While double-shot keycaps often come with standardized legends, some manufacturers offer customization options, allowing users to select keycap colors and legends according to their preferences. This customization capability enables users to create unique and personalized keyboard designs.
6. Tactile Feel: Double-shot keycaps are typically made from high-quality materials like ABS or PBT, which can contribute to a pleasant and satisfying tactile feel while typing. The choice of keycap material can influence the overall typing experience.
7. Resistance to Chemicals: Double-shot keycaps are less susceptible to damage from oils, sweat, and other chemicals that can come into contact with keyboard keycaps during regular use.
8. Minimal Maintenance: Since the legends do not wear off or fade, double-shot keycaps require minimal maintenance. Users do not need to worry about retouching or replacing keycaps due to worn-out legends.

Disadvantages of Double Shot Keycaps

Despite their impressive advantages, these two-part molded keys do come with a few drawbacks. The disadvantages of double-shot keycaps primarily revolve around limitations in customization, potential cost, and specific tactile preferences. 

1. Limited Customization: Double-shot keycaps often come with pre-designed legends and color combinations. While some manufacturers offer limited customization options, they are not as versatile as some other keycap types, such as dye-sublimation or custom-designed keycaps. This limitation may be a drawback for users who desire highly personalized keycap designs.
2. Thicker Keycaps: Double-shot keycaps tend to be thicker than keycaps with printed legends. While this thickness can contribute to durability, it may alter the overall typing feel of the keyboard. Some users prefer thinner keycaps for a different tactile experience.
3. Potentially Higher Cost: Double-shot keycaps can be more expensive to manufacture due to their complex manufacturing process. This can result in a higher cost for keyboards or keycap sets that use double-shot keycaps. Users on a tight budget may find more affordable alternatives with different keycap types.
4. Limited Color Options: While double-shot keycaps offer high-contrast legends, they are limited to two colors: one for the keycap body and another for the legends. Users who desire intricate and multi-colored designs may find dye-sublimation or other printing methods more suitable.
5. Keycap Texture: The choice of keycap material, such as ABS or PBT, can impact the keycap's texture. Some users may prefer the texture of other keycap materials, and double-shot keycaps might not provide the exact feel they desire.
6. Complex Manufacturing Process: The manufacturing process for double-shot keycaps is more intricate and involves multiple steps, which can make them more challenging and costly to produce compared to keycaps with printed legends. This complexity can result in longer lead times for manufacturing and availability.
7. Incompatibility: Some mechanical keyboards may not be compatible with double-shot keycaps due to variations in keycap mountings. Users must ensure that their keyboard's keycap mounting style (e.g., Cherry MX, Alps, Topre) matches the keycap set they wish to purchase.
8. Weight: Due to their two-layer construction, double-shot keycaps can be slightly heavier than single-layer keycaps. While this may not be a significant issue for most users, some individuals might have specific preferences regarding keycap weight.

What are Dye-Sublimated Keycaps

Now that you've got a handle on double-shot keycaps, let's switch gears and delve into dye-sublimation keycaps, or dye-sub keycaps.

Dye sublimation process (dye-sub) keycaps are a type of keycap used in mechanical keyboards, known for their ability to produce high-quality and long-lasting legends (letters or symbols) on the keycap's surface. 

How Dye-Sub Keycaps are Made

Dye-sublimation (dye-sub) keycaps are made using a specialized printing process that involves transferring ink or dye into the keycap material at a molecular level. Here's a step-by-step explanation of how dye-sub keycaps are made:

1. Keycap Material Selection: Dye-sub keycaps are typically made from durable materials like PBT (polybutylene terephthalate) or POM (polyoxymethylene). These materials are chosen for their resistance to wear and ability to absorb dye-sublimation ink effectively.
2. Ink Formulation: Special dye-sublimation inks are formulated for the process. These inks are designed to sublimate, which means they can change from a solid to a gas state without going through a liquid phase. This is essential for the dye-sublimation process.
3. Coating: The keycap surface is coated with a layer of dye-sublimation ink. This is typically done using a specialized printer or printing equipment designed for dye-sublimation.
4. Print Transfer: For legends to be printed onto the keycaps, a printed transfer paper with the desired legends is created. This paper contains the mirror image of the legends to ensure they appear correctly on the keycap.
5. Heat Press: The keycaps, along with the printed transfer paper, are placed in a heat press or heat transfer machine. The machine applies heat and pressure to the keycaps and the transfer paper simultaneously.
6. Sublimation: As the heat press applies heat, the dye-sublimation ink on the transfer paper sublimates, turning it into a gas without passing through the liquid phase. This gas is absorbed by the keycap material, becoming a permanent part of it. The keycap material is porous and can absorb the ink molecules at a molecular level.
7. Cooling and Solidification: After the dye-sublimation process, the keycaps are allowed to cool and solidify. During this cooling process, the ink molecules become trapped within the keycap material, forming the legends.

Benefits of Dye-Sub Keycaps

Dye-sub keycaps are known for their durability, sharp legends, customization options, and resistance to wear and fading. These keycaps provide a high-quality typing experience while offering the flexibility to create unique and personalized keyboard designs.

1. Durability: These are highly durable keycaps. The legends (letters or symbols) are embedded within the keycap material at a molecular level during the sublimation process. As a result, the legends are resistant to wear, scratching, and fading. This durability ensures that keycap labels remain clear and legible even after years of use, making dye-sub keycaps an ideal choice for heavy typists.
2. Sharp and Clear Legends: Dye-sublimation produces sharp, clear, and high-contrast legends on keycaps. This enhances the legibility of the keycap labels, even in various lighting conditions. Users can easily identify keys, reducing the likelihood of typing errors.
3. Customization: Dye-sub keycaps offer customization possibilities. Manufacturers can create keycaps with intricate and multicolored legends, allowing for unique and detailed designs. Some manufacturers also offer custom dye-sublimation services, enabling users to personalize their keycaps with specific symbols, logos, or graphics.
4. Smooth Legends: Dye-sublimated legends have a smooth and seamless appearance on the keycap's surface. Unlike some other printing methods that can result in slightly raised legends, dye-sub legends feel consistent with the keycap's texture.
5. Material Options: Dye-sub keycaps are often made from high-quality materials like PBT (polybutylene terephthalate) or POM (polyoxymethylene), which are known for their durability and resistance to wear. The choice of keycap material can contribute to a pleasant tactile feel while typing.
6. Resistance to Chemicals: Dye-sub keycaps are less susceptible to damage from oils, sweat, and other chemicals that can come into contact with keyboard keycaps during regular use. This resistance ensures that the keycap labels remain intact.
7. Longevity: Due to their durability and resistance to wear, dye-sub keycaps have a long lifespan. Users can enjoy a consistent and reliable typing experience over an extended period without the need to replace keycaps frequently.
8. High-Quality Printing: Dye-sublimation is a high-quality printing process that allows for intricate and detailed legends. The resulting keycaps have a professional and polished appearance.
9. Minimal Maintenance: Dye-sub keycaps require minimal maintenance since the legends do not wear off or fade. Users do not need to worry about retouching or replacing keycaps due to worn-out labels.

Disadvantages of Dye-Sub Keycaps

The drawbacks associated with keycaps made via dye sublimation technique are mainly centered on constraints related to color choices, the intricate manufacturing process, potential expenses, and the limited flexibility in altering designs.

1. Limited Color Palette: Dye-sublimation is limited by the number of ink colors that can be used in the printing process. This limitation can make it challenging to achieve extremely vibrant and complex color combinations on keycaps. Users who desire intricate and multi-colored designs may find other printing methods more suitable.
2. Complexity of Production: Dye-sub keycaps require a more complex manufacturing process compared to some other keycap types, such as pad printing or laser etching. This complexity can result in longer lead times for manufacturing and availability.
3. Inflexible Design Changes: Once the dye-sublimation process is complete, it is challenging to modify or change the keycap's design. This means that any errors or design changes may require producing an entirely new set of keycaps, which can be costly.
4. Cost: Dye-sub keycaps can be relatively expensive to produce due to the specialized equipment and materials required for the dye-sublimation process. This cost may result in higher-priced keycap sets or keyboards.
5. Limited Compatibility: Some mechanical keyboards may not be compatible with dye-sub keycaps due to variations in keycap mountings. Users must ensure that their keyboard's keycap mounting style (e.g., Cherry MX, Topre) matches the keycap set they wish to purchase.
6. Smooth Texture: While the smooth surface of dye-sub legends is a benefit for many users, some individuals may prefer keycaps with a different texture, such as the slightly rougher texture of PBT keycaps.
7. Printed Area Size: Dye-sublimation ink cannot cover the entire keycap surface. This limitation may result in the keycap legends being smaller than desired, which could affect legibility for users with visual impairments.
8. Print Resolution: The quality of dye-sublimation printing can be influenced by the print resolution of the equipment used. Lower-resolution prints may result in less crisp and detailed legends.

Comparing Dye-Sub and Double-Shot Keycaps

Now that you're familiar with both double-shot and dye-sub keycaps, let's delve a little deeper into the differences between dye-sub and double-shot keycaps.

Injection Molded vs Dye-Sublimated Legends

 Injection molding involves creating double-shot legends as an integral part of the keycap, ensuring excellent durability but limiting customization.

On the other hand, dye-sublimation printing offers vivid, highly customizable legends but may be less durable over time.

This trade-off between durability and customization is pivotal in tailoring the keyboard's look, feel, and long-term performance to the user's preferences and requirements.

Material Composition: ABS vs PBT

When it comes to the material composition of keycaps, the choice between ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) and PBT (polybutylene terephthalate) is a consideration for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.

ABS keycaps are known for their smooth texture, making them comfortable to touch and type on. However, they can be more prone to shine and wear over time due to their softer nature.

In contrast, PBT keycaps are favored for their durability and resistance to wear, with a slightly rougher texture that some users find appealing. 

Choosing the Right Keycaps for Your Keyboard

Choosing the right keycaps for your keyboard involves considering various factors to ensure that they meet your specific needs and preferences. 

1. Determine Your Usage: Consider how you primarily use your keyboard. Are you a gamer, a typist, or do you use it for professional work? Different keycaps may be better suited for specific use cases.
2. Material Composition: Decide between ABS and PBT keycaps. ABS keycaps offer a smooth feel but may wear over time, while PBT keycaps are more durable and have a slightly rougher texture. Choose the material that aligns with your tactile preferences and longevity expectations.
3. Printing Method: Decide between double-shot and dye-sublimated keycaps. Double-shot keycaps provide durable legends with high contrast, while dye-sublimated keycaps offer customization options with vibrant designs. Your preference for durability, customization, and aesthetics will influence this choice.
4. Keycap Profile: Consider the keycap profile, which affects the shape and height of the keycaps. Different profiles, such as SA, DSA, Cherry, and others, can impact typing comfort and ergonomics. Experiment with different profiles to find the one that suits your typing style best.
5. Legend Style: Evaluate the legibility and design of the legends. Clear, easy-to-read legends are essential for efficient typing. Choose a style that aligns with your visual preferences and typing needs.
6. Customization: If you enjoy personalizing your keyboard, look for keycaps that allow for customization. Some keycap sets offer blank keycaps or the option to create custom legends to match your aesthetic preferences.
7. Budget: Set a budget for your keycap purchase. High-quality, customized, or specialized keycaps may come at a higher cost. Determine what you're willing to invest in your keyboard's appearance and performance.
8. Compatibility: Ensure that the keycaps you choose are compatible with your keyboard. Check for the keycap mounting style (e.g., Cherry MX, Topre) and the layout (e.g., ANSI, ISO) to ensure a proper fit.
9. Reviews and Recommendations: Research keycap sets and brands by reading reviews and seeking recommendations from keyboard enthusiasts and communities. Learning from others' experiences can help you make an informed decision.
10. Try Before You Buy: If possible, try out different keycap types, materials, and profiles before making a final decision. Some stores or meet-up events may allow you to test various keycaps on your keyboard.
11. Consider the Aesthetics: While functionality is essential, aesthetics matter too. Choose keycaps that complement your overall keyboard and workspace design to create a visually pleasing setup.
12. Future-Proofing: Think about how long you plan to use your keyboard and whether you want keycaps that will last for the long term or if you're open to changing them periodically for a fresh look.

Conclusion

Whether you're a newbie or a seasoned mechanical keyboard enthusiast, understanding the differences between double-shot and dye-sub keycaps is crucial. The choice between double-shot and dye-sublimation (dye-sub) keycaps represents a pivotal decision for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts and users seeking the perfect keycap solution.

Each kind of keycap offers its unique strengths and trade-offs. Doubleshot keycaps excel in durability, featuring legends that resist wear and fading over time. They provide high-contrast labels for optimal legibility, although customization options may be limited.

On the other hand, dye-sub keycaps offer vibrant and customizable legends, allowing for intricate and personalized designs. While they may not match the durability of double-shot keycaps, they provide a visually appealing and uniquely tailored keyboard experience.