What Are Double-Shot Keycaps and Are They Worth It?
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If you’ve ever shopped around for keycaps, you’ve probably seen the term “double-shot keycaps” show up a lot. They sound fancy—but what exactly are they? And are they really worth the hype (and often, the price)?
Let’s break it down.
What Are Double-Shot Keycaps?
Double-shot keycaps are made using a two-part molding process. Instead of printing the legends (letters/numbers) onto the keycaps, manufacturers mold them using two separate pieces of plastic—one for the legend, and one for the main keycap body.
The result? A super crisp, permanent legend that will never fade, wear out, or rub off—no matter how much you type or game.
How Are They Made?
The “double-shot” process involves:
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Molding the Legend: A thin piece of plastic is shaped into the exact letter or symbol.
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Molding the Keycap Body: Another layer of plastic is then molded around the legend to form the full keycap.
Because the legend is physically part of the keycap, it’s not painted or laser-etched—it’s actually built into the plastic.
Why People Love Double-Shot Keycaps
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Legends Never Fade: Perfect for heavy typists or gamers.
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Sharp, Clean Look: The legends are crisp and clear, with great contrast.
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Durability: Double-shot keycaps are often made from high-quality materials like PBT, making them extra tough.
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Premium Feel: Thicker construction means better sound and feel on your mechanical keyboard.
Double-Shot vs Other Legend Methods
Here’s how double-shot compares with other legend techniques:
| Method | Fade-Resistant | Look | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Double-Shot | ✅ Yes | Very Sharp | 💰💰💰 | Most durable |
| Laser-Etched | ❌ No | Decent | 💰 | Can fade over time |
| Pad-Printed | ❌ No | Average | 💰 | Cheapest but wears fast |
| Dye-Sublimated | ✅ Yes (on PBT) | Soft Look | 💰💰 | Great for pastel/aesthetic sets |
Are Double-Shot Keycaps Always PBT?
No—double-shot refers to the molding method, not the material. You can find double-shot keycaps made from ABS or PBT.
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Double-shot ABS: Cheaper, but may get shiny over time.
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Double-shot PBT: Best of both worlds—legends that don’t fade, and material that doesn’t shine.
Are Double-Shot Keycaps Worth It?
If you care about:
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Long-term durability
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A clean, premium look
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Legends that never wear off
Then yes—double-shot keycaps are 100% worth it. They’re a solid investment for anyone building a custom keyboard or upgrading their mechanical keyboard setup.
Plus, with more custom keycap sets available than ever, you don’t have to sacrifice style for quality.
Final Thoughts
Double-shot keycaps combine premium aesthetics with serious durability. Whether you’re a gamer, coder, or just someone who types a lot, they’ll elevate your typing experience and keep your setup looking sharp for years to come.
Looking for double-shot keycaps? Check out our collection of high-quality, side-printed and classic sets—crafted for everything from 60% builds to full-size mechanical keyboards.
