How to Guide
2025/04/29

Keycap Craftsmanship Revealed: Laser Engraving, Dye Sublimation, and Double-Shot Molding

When manufacturers produce keyboards, the mainstream keycap production methods currently include laser engraving, dye-sublimation, and double-shot molding. So, what are the differences between them?

Production Method|Laser Engraving

Process: Uses a laser to etch onto the surface of pre-made keycaps.

Pros of Laser Engraving:

  • Lower price point and shorter production time

  • Low technical barrier; users can pay extra to have laser engraving added after purchase

Cons of Laser Engraving:

  • Legends may fade after extended use

  • Engraved areas can feel rough to the touch

  • Light-colored symbols make it harder to use in low-light conditions

Typical Usage: Budget keyboards, office membrane keyboards

Production Method|Dye-Sublimation

Process: Uses high heat to vaporize dye, which then penetrates the PBT keycap material.

Pros of Dye-Sublimation

  • Finer and more delicate font appearance

  • Mainly used with PBT keycaps, which retain their durability, resistance to wear, and oil resistance

Cons of Dye-Sublimation

  • Cannot be used for transparent keycaps

  • Less effective on dark-colored keycaps

Typical Usage: Mid-range keyboards, PBT keycap keyboards

Production Method|Double-Shot Molding

Process: Commonly known as molded keycaps, where two types of plastic are injected together to form a single piece. The legend is a separate colored plastic, not printed or engraved.

Pros of Double-Shot Molding

  • Legends don’t wear off over time

  • Best color and backlight compatibility

  • Premium production method that results in precise and durable keycaps

Cons of Double-Shot Molding

  • Requires custom molds, which increases development cost

  • Higher product price

Typical Usage: High-end keyboards, backlit gaming keyboards

Affordable Double-Shot Keyboards – GD Series Mechanical Keyboards

The GD Series mechanical keyboards from darkFlash offer top-tier PBT material and premium double-shot molded keycaps. Who says a budget-friendly keyboard can’t also be durable? On top of that, the GD Series features both 2.4G wireless and wired connections. One keyboard is all you need for both work and play.