Are Doubleshot Legends Really Permanent? – Keycap Durability Explained

When researching mechanical keyboard keycaps, you’ll quickly come across the claim that doubleshot legends are permanent. But is this true, and how does the process compare to other printing methods like dye-sublimation or laser etching? Let’s dive into what makes doubleshot keycaps unique and whether their legends really last forever.

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How does the doubleshot process work?

Doubleshot molding is a manufacturing technique where two separate pieces of plastic are molded together: one for the keycap body, and one for the legend. Because the legend is its own piece of plastic, it can never fade or wear off – even after decades of heavy typing.

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Advantages of doubleshot legends

• Truly permanent – legends will not fade, chip, or wear
• Crisp and clear – high contrast and sharp designs
• Perfect for RGB – transparent plastic can be used for shine-through effects
• Premium look – vibrant colors compared to dye-sub

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Limitations of doubleshot legends

• Cost – more expensive to produce than pad-print or dye-sub
• Material – most doubleshot sets are ABS, which can become shiny over time (though legends remain intact)
• Yellowing – white ABS caps may discolor with UV exposure, even though the legends remain unaffected

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Community insights

On Reddit (r/MechanicalKeyboards) and Geekhack, doubleshot legends are universally considered the gold standard for permanence. Users often report decades-old vintage doubleshot sets where the legends are still flawless, even if the plastic itself has yellowed. Many agree that while PBT dye-sub is nearly permanent, doubleshot is unmatched in legend durability.

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Comparison with other printing methods

Method	Durability	Appearance	Common use
Pad-print	Poor – fades within months	Basic, cheap	Budget keyboards
Laser-etched	Moderate – can fade or yellow	Sharp but not permanent	Backlit keyboards
Dye-sub	Excellent – decades of durability	Sharp, matte	Premium PBT sets
Doubleshot	Permanent – legends never fade	Crisp, vibrant	Premium ABS and some PBT sets

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So, are doubleshot legends really permanent?

Yes – doubleshot legends are truly permanent. They won’t fade, wear, or chip, even after decades. While ABS plastic may shine or yellow over time, the legends themselves remain as sharp as the day they were made. For anyone seeking the longest-lasting keycap legends, doubleshot is the top choice.

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Explore keycaps at RGBKeys

At RGBKeys, we offer premium keycaps with both doubleshot and dye-sub legends.