When exploring custom keyboard designs, you may come across side-printed keycaps. Instead of placing the legends (letters and symbols) on top of the key, the legends are printed on the front or side wall of the keycap. This subtle style creates a clean, minimalist typing surface that’s popular with enthusiasts. But what exactly are side-printed keycaps, and should you consider them for your setup?

What makes side-printed keycaps unique?

Unlike traditional keycaps where legends are visible from above, side-printed keycaps place the lettering on the front side of the key. From a normal typing angle, the top of the keyboard looks blank, but the legends are still readable if you lean forward slightly.

Main features of side-printed keycaps:

  • Legends printed on the front/side of the keycap
  • Minimalist, clean top surface
  • Often dye-sublimated or laser-engraved
  • Available mostly in PBT or doubleshot sets

Pros of side-printed keycaps

  • Minimalist look – clean, professional keyboard appearance
  • Legends remain visible – easy to find if needed, but not distracting
  • Durable – often made with PBT dye-sub or doubleshot methods

Cons of side-printed keycaps

  • Not ideal for beginners – harder to see legends while typing
  • No RGB shine-through (not suitable for backlit legends)
  • Limited availability compared to standard sets

Community insights

On Reddit (r/MechanicalKeyboards), side-printed keycaps are often praised for their “stealthy” aesthetic. Many users enjoy how they balance form and function: legends are still there if you need them, but the top view looks sleek and minimal. Some typists say they’re a good compromise between blank (no-print) keycaps and fully printed ones.

Side-Printed vs Top-Printed Keycaps

Feature Side-Printed Top-Printed
Legend placement Front/side wall of key Top surface of key
Aesthetics Minimalist, stealthy Traditional, visible
Ease of use Harder for beginners Easy to read
RGB compatibility No shine-through Often shine-through available
Availability Less common Very common

Should you buy side-printed keycaps?

If you want a clean, minimalistic design but still need some legend reference, side-printed keycaps are a great option. They’re especially popular among enthusiasts who don’t need to look at their keyboard often. If you’re a beginner or want shine-through for RGB lighting, top-printed keycaps may be a better fit.

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