NOTES & GUIDES
Doubleshot vs Dye-Sub Legends: How They Differ
Reference content from our earlier concept studio. The current printable prototype is one original 1u MX candidate body; profiles and materials described here are not verified printing options.
Content date:
Legend technique changes how sharp your legends look and how long they last. The two most common methods are doubleshot and dye-sub.
At a glance
| Method | How it works | Look | Best with |
|---|---|---|---|
| Doubleshot | Two plastics molded together | Crisp, high contrast | ABS and some PBT |
| Dye-sub | Dye printed into plastic | Softer, more natural | PBT |
Doubleshot legends
- Very sharp edges and consistent thickness
- Can be shine-through for backlit boards
- Common on ABS sets with strong color contrast
Explore: keycaps.dev/materials/doubleshot and keycaps.dev/styles/shine-through
Dye-sub legends
- Dye is embedded into the plastic surface
- Often used on PBT for durability and a clean, matte look
- Typically not shine-through, so RGB legends look softer
Explore: keycaps.dev/materials/pbt-dye-sub
Which should you pick?
- Choose doubleshot for crisp legends and bold looks
- Choose dye-sub for long lasting legends and a subtle aesthetic
Studio tip
Use Studio to compare legend styles quickly:
- Studio: keycaps.dev/ai-keycaps-generator
- Materials: keycaps.dev/materials