Are you debating between dye sub and double shot keycaps for your mechanical keyboard? It can be tricky to decide which type is right for you, but don’t worry – this article will help! We’ll discuss the construction techniques of each, their durability, and more. By the time you’re finished reading, you’ll have enough information to make a confident decision. So let’s get started!
What Are Dye Sub Keycaps?
Dye sub keycaps are a type of keyboard keycap that have their legends printed onto them through an innovative process known as dye sublimation. This unique technique involves applying heat to engrave the legends into the plastic, ensuring they won’t fade or rub off over time. These keycaps are usually made from PBT plastic which is highly durable and can withstand abrasion, chemicals, and high temperatures. You can find some of the best PBT keycaps on the market here. You’ll often find dye sublimated keycaps with lighter colored bases than the legend itself, but it is also possible to get reverse dye sub keycaps where the base color is darker than the legend. Dye sublimated keycaps tend to have higher contrast compared to laser-printed ones, making them easily noticeable. For more information, you can check out our article about dye sub keycaps here.
Pros of Dye Sub Keycaps:
Tend to be cheaper than double-shot keycaps: For those looking to get a new keyboard on a budget, dye sublimation keycaps are often the best option as they provide many stylish designs at a fraction of the cost of their double shot counterparts.
A large variety of colors and designs: The expansive range of dye sub caps available means that users can find one which perfectly suits their taste and adds an extra level of flair to their keyboard setup.
Very durable, and the legend won’t fade over time: Dye sublimation keycaps are designed to withstand considerable wear and tear, so you don’t have to worry about them breaking or fading over time—even when exposed to extreme temperatures or humidity levels.
Cons of Dye Sub Keycaps:
Fuzzy edges compared to double shot caps: The gas used in dye sublimation printing can cause some fuzziness around the edges, which may not be desirable for those looking for a super crisp aesthetic with their keyboard set up.
Limited color options for lighter shades: While it is possible to dye a cap darker than its original shade, it is much harder—if not impossible—to do so with lighter shades such as white on black printing with this technology; this limits the design possibilities somewhat for users who desire more unique looks for their keyboards
What Are Double Shot Keycaps?
Double shot keycaps are a type of keycap made from two layers of plastic. The first layer is the legend, which contains the text or symbol printed on the top of the keycap. The second layer is the housing that holds it in place and gives it its shape. It’s called a “double shot” because both layers are molded together during manufacturing, creating a very durable and long-lasting product. This also results in sharper legends that won’t fade over time like other types of keycaps can. They’re easily identifiable by using a keycap puller to check underneath them – if you see more than one color, then you know they’re double shot!
Pros:
Excellent Contrast: Double shot keycaps have a distinct advantage over other printing processes in that the legends are embedded into the plastic of the keycap itself, rather than simply printed on top. This ensures that the contrast between the keys and their associated legends is always clear and sharp, making it easy to find exactly what you’re looking for.
Durability: Because double shot keycaps are made of two separate pieces of plastic which are fused together, they tend to be much more durable than those with other printing processes. The legends won’t scratch off or fade away easily, so your keyboard will look great for years to come!
Satisfying Sound: Double shot keycaps usually have a satisfying sound when pressed, as they make contact with one another before registering a press on your keyboard. It may not be something you notice right away, but once you do it’s quite pleasant!
Cons:
Limited Color Options: Unfortunately, most double shot keycaps only come in two-tone colors; this restricts your choices if you want something flashy or unique for your setup. While there are some premium options available that offer more color options, these often come at a price premium as well.
Expensive: Compared to other printing processes such as pad printing or laser etching, double shot keycaps can be quite expensive due to their complex manufacturing process and higher material costs. If cost is an important factor in your decision making process then this could be a con for you!
Comparison Between Dye Sub Vs Double Shot Keycaps
When it comes to choosing the right keycaps for your mechanical keyboard, you may be debating between double shot and dye sub. Although both types of keycaps have their own advantages, there are some important differences to consider when making your decision.
Price-wise, dye sublimated keycaps tend to be cheaper than their double shot counterparts. This makes them an ideal choice for those on a budget who still want stylish designs for their keyboards. However, if you’re looking for something more unique or flashy with more color options then double shot keycaps are the way to go—albeit at a higher price due to the complex manufacturing process involved in creating them.
In terms of durability, both types of keycaps are known for being quite robust and long-lasting. Dye sublimated keycaps are made from durable plastic which is highly resistant to abrasion, chemicals and high temperatures while double shot ones feature two layers of plastic that are fused together ensuring they won’t scratch off or fade away easily. The downside is that double shot caps has less color options; so if you want something really eye-catching then dye sub might be the better option as there is much more variety available here.
Finally, when it comes to looks and feel one cannot overlook the distinct advantage that double shot has over other printing processes—the legends are embedded into the plastic itself rather than printed on top resulting in sharper contrast and a satisfying sound when pressed against one another before registering a press on your keyboard!
Conclusion
When shopping for a new gaming keyboard, it’s important that you consider what type of keycap material you’d prefer – whether it’s dye sublimated or double shot injection moulded – based off how much money you’re willing spend as well as how durable they need be depending upon your usage habits – whether you’re someone who spends hours playing games on your computer each day or just casually use it throughout week – since these factors will ultimately determine which type works best for you in long run! If you’re still not sure which type of keycap is best for you, our article on how to choose the right keycaps can help guide you in the right direction