What Are Double Shot Keycaps? Why Gamers Love Them?

Have you ever been frustrated when the legends (characters) on your beloved mechanical keyboard keycaps start to fade and turn shiny after just a few months of use? It’s a common issue, but there is a near-perfect solution: double-shot keycaps. They are not just an aesthetic upgrade; they are an investment in durability. So, what are double shot keycaps and what makes them so special? In this comprehensive guide, we will dive deep into every aspect: from the definition and the complex manufacturing process to comparisons with other types, helping you decide if this is the right choice for you.

What Are Double-Shot Keycaps?

Double-shot keycaps are a type of keycap created from two separate layers of plastic molded together. The outer layer forms the body of the keycap, and the inner layer forms the legend (the character/letter). Because the legend is a physical part of the keycap—not just an ink print on the surface—it will never fade, rub off, or peel away over time.

If you were to cut a double-shot keycap in half, you would clearly see the two distinct layers of plastic. This dual-layer construction is the evidence of their legendary durability, ensuring the legends will last as long as the keycap itself.

How Does the Double-Shot Molding Process Work?

Imagine the process through these simple steps:

1. First Shot: A mold is used to first create the plastic piece that will form the legend. This layer of plastic usually has a contrasting color to the main keycap body.
2. Second Shot: The freshly molded legend piece is transferred to a larger mold. The plastic for the main keycap body is then injected, filling the space around the legend and forming the complete keycap shape.
3. Finishing: The two plastic layers cool and bond permanently, creating a single, inseparable keycap where the legend can never be erased.

How Double-Shot Keycaps Are Made

Understanding the materials and the technique helps you assess the quality of a double-shot set.

Materials Used (ABS vs. PBT)

Double-shot keycaps can be made from the two most popular plastic types:

• ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene): Easier to mold, resulting in vibrant and brighter colors. However, ABS plastic tends to develop a shine after use due to wear from your fingers. High-end sets from companies like GMK often use high-quality ABS.
• PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate): Harder, more durable, and offers superior shine resistance. PBT surfaces often have a slightly textured feel, providing a more solid typing sensation. Manufacturing double-shot PBT is more difficult, so colors can sometimes be less vibrant than ABS.

The Injection Molding Technique Explained

The double-injection molding process is a complex and costly manufacturing technique that demands extremely high-precision machinery and molds. This increased cost is precisely why double-shot keycap sets are often priced higher than typical printed keycaps.

Why Do the Legends Never Fade?

Unlike laser-etched or pad-printed keycaps, the legend on a double-shot keycap is not a layer of ink on the surface. It is a separate, solid piece of plastic that runs all the way through. You could literally wear the keycap down until it’s thin, and the legend would still be intact. This is the single biggest benefit, making them the top choice for heavy typists and gamers.

Double-Shot vs. Other Keycap Types

How do you know if double-shot is your best choice? Let’s compare it with its main competitors.

Criteria	Double-Shot	Dye-Sublimation (Dye-Sub)	Laser-Etched
Legend Durability	Permanent, never fades.	Very durable, ink permeates the plastic.	Medium, can wear off over time.
Material	Usually ABS or PBT.	Only works well on PBT.	ABS or PBT.
Color Visibility	Can create light legends on a dark background.	Can only create darker legends on a lighter keycap.	Usually the color of burned plastic, slightly yellowish.
Surface Feel	Smooth, you cannot feel the legend.	Smooth, you cannot feel the legend.	Can feel a slight indentation from the etching.
Price	High.	Medium to High.	Low to Medium.

Benefits of Using Double-Shot Keycaps

Unmatched Durability and Shine Resistance

This is the undeniable advantage. Investing in a double-shot set means you never have to worry about the legends fading. If you choose PBT material, you also get the added benefit of shine-resistance, keeping your board looking new for longer.

Premium Typing Feel and Aesthetics

Double-shot keycaps are often thicker and heavier than standard keycaps, resulting in a more solid and substantial typing feel, and a deeper, more satisfying sound profile. The sharp contrast between the legend and the keycap body also provides a premium, high-quality aesthetic.

Perfect for RGB and Backlit Keyboards

With “pudding” double-shot keycaps or designs with translucent legends, the light from your RGB LEDs can shine directly through the characters. This creates a much brighter and clearer lighting effect than standard printed keycaps, resulting in improved aesthetics for your keyboard.

Who Should Use Double-Shot Keycaps?

• For Gamers Who Need Long-Term Durability: The WASD, Shift, and Spacebar keys often take a beating. Double-shot keycaps ensure these critical legends will never disappear mid-battle.
• For Typing Enthusiasts Who Value the Feel: The sturdy, substantial typing feel and satisfying sound that double-shot keycaps provide will elevate your daily typing experience.
• For Custom Keyboard Builders: With countless colorways and profiles, double-shot keycaps are an essential component to create a truly unique keyboard that reflects your personality.

Double-Shot Keycap FAQs

Are double-shot keycaps worth the money?

Absolutely, if you prioritize durability and quality. It’s a one-time investment for a set of keycaps that will last you for years without the legends ever wearing out.

Do double-shot keycaps fade over time?

The legends will never fade. However, the color of the keycap body (especially ABS plastic) can be slightly affected by UV light if exposed to direct sunlight for a very long time.

Are all double-shot keycaps made of PBT?

No. Both ABS and PBT plastics are widely used. GMK, one of the most premium brands, only produces ABS double-shot keycaps.

Double-shot keycaps represent the pinnacle of keycap manufacturing technology in terms of durability. With their unique two-layer plastic construction, they guarantee your legends will stand the test of time while offering a superior typing feel and aesthetic. Whether you are a gamer, a programmer, or just someone who appreciates quality, upgrading to a set of double-shot keycaps is a decision you won’t regret.