Are Doubleshot Keycaps Better than Dye-Sub Keycaps?

When choosing new keycaps, the printing method matters as much as the material. Two of the most popular techniques are doubleshot and dye-sublimated (dye-sub). But what’s the difference, and which one is better for your keyboard? In this guide, we’ll compare doubleshot vs dye-sub keycaps and share community opinions to help you choose.

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Doubleshot Keycaps – crisp legends that never fade

Doubleshot keycaps are made by molding two separate pieces of plastic together: one for the keycap body and one for the legend (lettering). This means the legends are not printed on the surface but are part of the plastic itself.

Key features of doubleshot:

• Legends never fade or wear off
• Very sharp and high-contrast lettering
• Available in ABS and sometimes PBT
• Often more expensive due to complex manufacturing

Community insights:
On Reddit, doubleshot legends are praised for their clarity and durability. Enthusiasts say they’re perfect for RGB keyboards since light shines cleanly through the legends. However, doubleshot ABS can still develop shine on the surface, even if the legends last forever.

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Dye-Sublimated Keycaps – durable legends with a unique look

Dye-sublimated (dye-sub) keycaps are made by heating dye into the surface of the plastic. The legends penetrate the material, creating a permanent design. Dye-sub is almost always used on PBT keycaps.

Key features of dye-sub:

• Legends are permanent and resist fading
• Works best with darker legends on lighter caps
• Can produce high-quality, custom designs
• Doesn’t allow for see-through RGB legends

Community insights:
On Deskthority and Reddit, dye-sub is seen as the “premium choice” for enthusiasts who want PBT durability and a matte, textured feel. Some note that dye-sub legends can look slightly softer than doubleshot, but they rarely fade.

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Doubleshot vs Dye-Sub – direct comparison

Feature	Doubleshot	Dye-Sub
Legend durability	Never fades (part of plastic)	Extremely durable, won’t fade
Sharpness	Crisp, sharp, RGB-compatible	Slightly softer, not RGB-compatible
Material	Common in ABS, sometimes PBT	Almost always PBT
Feel	Varies (ABS smoother, PBT textured)	Matte and textured
Price	More expensive	Moderately priced

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Which is better?

If you want RGB shine-through legends and the sharpest possible text, doubleshot keycaps are the best choice. If you want PBT durability, matte texture, and permanent legends, dye-sub is ideal. Both are excellent options, and your choice depends on whether you value RGB compatibility or textured feel more.

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Find your keycaps at RGBKeys

Whether you prefer doubleshot clarity or dye-sub durability, you’ll find the perfect upgrade at RGBKeys. Explore our full keycaps collection to find your ideal set.