Dye-sublimation vs. double-shot keycaps: Which is right for you?

What is dye sublimation?

Dye sublimation (also called thermal sublimation) is a production process that uses special sublimation inks. Under high heat, the ink evaporates (sublimates) and penetrates directly into the material, thus applying the desired design directly to the surface.

How does dye sublimation work?

1. Printing the legends
   First, the keyboard labels (legends) are printed on a special transfer paper using sublimation ink.

2. Positioning the keycaps
   The uncut keycaps are then placed in a vacuum transfer press, fixed using a mold, and tightly covered with the printed transfer paper.

3. Heat & Sublimation
   The press is heated to approximately 170°C. At this temperature, the ink sublimates: its color molecules migrate into the surface and even into the interior of the PBT plastic, permanently imprinting the design on the keycap.

Suitable materials

PBT (polybutylene terephthalate) is best suited for this process. That's why Akko offers a wide selection of dye-sublimation PBT keycaps —from colorful anime designs to festive Christmas motifs to romantic pink tones for Valentine's Day.

No matter what style you prefer, with dye-sublimation PBT keycaps you can make your keyboard truly unique and perfectly reflect your personal taste.

Steam Engine ISO Nordic Dye-Sublimation Keycaps Set

Advantages of dye-sublimation keycaps

Variety of colors and designs

Thanks to dye-sublimation technology, the color molecules penetrate deep into materials like PBT. This creates rich, vibrant colors that fulfill many users' desire for customized color combinations—even complex, detailed patterns or elaborate color transitions can be easily realized.

Clearly recognizable labeling

The lettering and motifs on sublimated keycaps are typically printed very finely and are rich in detail. This allows for different fonts, symbols, and design elements to be displayed cleanly – for a clear and pleasant visual experience.

Abrasion-resistant and colorfast

Because the dyes are firmly bonded to the material, a robust, durable coating is created. Sublimation keycaps are therefore particularly resistant to wear—even with extended use, the lettering hardly ever fades or rubs off. Their lifespan is correspondingly long.

Disadvantages of dye-sublimation keycaps

Legends can fade over time

Despite its durability, the color intensity may diminish over time, especially with heavy use, UV light, or contact with skin oils.

Material restriction

Dye-sublimation works excellently with PBT, but is unsuitable or only partially suitable for other plastics (such as ABS). This limits the choice of materials for production.

What is Double Shot?

Double-shot (also called two-component injection molding) is a manufacturing process in which two different plastics are combined. The lettering is not created by printing or lasering, but rather by the color difference between the two plastics used – this makes the colors appear particularly pure and intense.

How does Double Shot work?

1. Design & Mold Making
   First, the design (e.g., the font or symbol) is created, and a corresponding mold is made. Since each key requires a unique mold, the effort involved is correspondingly high.

2. First injection molding process
   In the first step, the first plastic (usually for the legend) is melted and injected into the mold. The mold then cools, allowing the first layer to solidify.

3. Second injection molding process
   Next comes the second layer of plastic—it's injected over or around the first layer to form the actual keycap body. This, too, is then cooled to firmly bond the two layers together.

This two-step process creates particularly durable keycaps with precisely crafted lettering.

Materials used

Double-shot keycaps can be made from a variety of materials, including ABS , PBT , PC (polycarbonate), and POM .

Steam Engine ISO Nordic Double Shot Keycaps Set

Advantages of double-shot keycaps

Extremely long-lasting legends

Because the writing is made of its own plastic and not just printed on, it never wears out – even with intensive use, it remains permanently intact.

High-quality optics

Double-shot keycaps look particularly clear and professional – the fonts are razor-sharp and cleanly defined.

Translucent legends

This process also allows for the creation of transparent or semi-transparent labels for RGB lighting – ideal for illuminated keyboards.

Dye-sublimation vs. double-shot: The key differences

Characteristic	Double-shot keycaps	Dye-sublimation keycaps
Proceedings	Two plastics combined in dual injection molding process	Dye is transferred to the keycap surface by heat
Typeface	Very sharp, precise and durable	Slightly softer, occasional minimal blur
Durability of legends	Extremely durable, writing does not wear out	Good durability, may fade over time
Long-term use	Writing remains permanently preserved	Font may fade with intensive use
Color design	Clear, rich colors with defined contrasts	High design freedom with multi-colored, individual motifs
Material compatibility	ABS, PBT, PC, POM	Mainly PBT
Freedom of design	Rather limited to simple, high-contrast designs	Ideal for complex, artistic and multi-colored designs
Areas of application	Durable, professional use – ideal for frequent typists and gamers	Ideal for personalized keyboards, creative theme designs

Dye-sublimation is perfect for anyone who values creative designs, multi-colored motifs, or themed keyboards. It offers a great deal of design freedom—ideal for collectors or design enthusiasts. While the legends are durable, they can fade over time with heavy use.

Double-shot keycaps are the right choice when it comes to maximum durability. The lettering remains permanently intact – no matter how often or intensively the keyboard is used. They're especially recommended for gamers, frequent typists, or professional environments.

Combination of both methods

Dye-sublimation and double-shot printing can also be combined. A good example is the MonsGeek M1 V5 Contour Lines Mechanical Keyboard . Here, the double-shot process creates transparent legends, while dye-sublimation applies detailed contour line patterns with a 3D effect—creating a unique, visually and functionally high-quality keyboard.

Which option is right for you?

Choose dye sublimation if:

you prefer multi-colored, detailed designs or artistic motifs on your keycaps.

you can live with the idea that the legends might wear out slightly over time – in return you get an individual, high-quality set that stands out from the crowd.

Choose Double-Shot if:

you want extremely durable legends that will never fade or wear out – even after years of intensive use.

you prefer clear, high-contrast labels with a simple, professional look.

What matters more: design freedom or longevity?

The decision depends entirely on what is more important to you – the design freedom and creative expression of a dye-sub set or the maximum durability and clarity of a double-shot design.

Both methods have their own strengths – so it depends on your style and intended use.

Conclusion

Whether you're a fan of dye-sublimation or appreciate the uncompromising quality of double-shot keycaps:

In the end, only one thing counts – the keyboard should suit you.

Because keycaps are more than just functional parts – they are an expression of your personality, your style, and your passion for the keyboard.

So don’t wait – add color and character to your keyboard and make it your very own work of art!