Mechanical keyboards have evolved over years, and double-shot keycaps have emerged as a favorite among gamers and typists. Unlike traditional printed keycaps, these are known for their long-lasting legends that never fade. They come in various colors, profiles, and materials, making them a solid choice for those looking to upgrade their typing experience.
Many keycap sets are available today, from OEM, Cherry, SA, and Cubic profiles to low-profile options. Brands like GMK, Tai-Hao, Akko, and Ducky specialize in creating crisp, vibrant, and high-quality double-shot keycaps that improve both aesthetics and performance.
Double-Shot Keycaps: A Complete Guide for Mechanical Keyboard Enthusiasts
What Are Double-Shot Keycaps?
Double-shot keycaps are created using a molding process where two layers of plastic are fused together. This ensures the legends remain solid, as they are part of the keycap rather than being laser-etched, dye-sub, or pad-printed. The result is a more durable, high-quality keycap with a distinct feeling when typing.
Most double-shot keycaps are made from ABS or PBT. While ABS Keycaps tend to develop a glossy shine over time, PBT keycaps are more rigid, resist wear, and offer a more natural matte texture. Enthusiasts prefer PBT keycaps for their superior durability, while some appreciate the smoothness of ABS.
Why Double-Shot Keycaps Are the Best Choice
Durability & Legend Longevity
One major advantage of double-shot keycaps is their durability. Since the legends are molded into the keycap, they do not fade over time like laser-etched or pad-printed versions. This makes them a top choice for those who use their keyboards extensively, whether for gaming, programming, or office work.
Unlike single-shot keycaps, which may wear down after a few years, a well-made double-shot keycap set remains crisp and vibrant. Brands like GMK, Tai-Hao, and Akko offer some of the most high-quality keycap sets, known for their premium materials and precise molding.
Typing Feel and Sound Enhancement
The sound and feeling of a keyboard can be dramatically affected by the material of the keycaps. PBT keycaps tend to produce a more solid, deep, and thocky sound, while ABS keycaps are lighter and can be more clacky. If you’re looking to improve acoustics, using thick PBT keycaps with dampening accessories like o-rings and foam can significantly reduce wobble and enhance stabilizers.
Choosing the Right Double-Shot Keycap Set
Material: ABS vs. PBT
- ABS: Smooth texture, more vibrant colors, but tends to develop shine over time.
- PBT: More durable, resist wear, and has a natural, slightly textured surface.
Many brands like GMK specialize in ABS keycaps, while Akko, Tai-Hao, and Leopold offer PBT options. If you prefer a high-end look, ABS is a great choice. If durability and a rigid texture matter more, go for PBT.
Profile and Shape
Keycap profiles play a huge role in typing comfort. Popular options include OEM, Cherry, SA, Cubic, HHKB, and VarmiloProfile. Cherry Profile keycaps are often considered the best for a perfect balance between height and comfort.
If you want a more retro look, SA keycaps are tall and sculpted, while DSA and VarmiloProfile provide a low and uniform design. Finding the right profile is essential for an optimized gaming and typing experience.
Top Double-Shot Keycap Sets for 2025
1. GMK Keycaps
- High-quality ABS keycaps with crisp legends.
- Available in various colors like Miami, Frozen, and Horizon.
2. Tai-Hao PBT Keycaps
- Thick PBT keycaps with a solid texture.
- Best for gaming and mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
3. Akko Keycaps
- Budget-friendly, long-lasting, and available in vibrant colorways.
- Perfect for those who want premium quality at a lower price.
4. Ducky Keycaps
- Specialize in high-performance gaming keycaps.
- RGB-friendly options with pudding and backlit designs.
5. Leopold and Varmilo Keycaps
- Smooth, well-crafted PBT keycaps with etched legends.
- Great for professional use and mechanical keyboard lovers.
Accessorizing Your Keyboard Setup
A great keyboard setup isn’t just about keycaps. Adding accessories like wrist rests, desk pads, stabilizers, and carrying cases can improve comfort and performance. Enthusiasts often use custom cables, DIY dampening kits, and stabilizer mods to reduce wobble and enhance the feel of their keyboards.
For gaming setups, brands like Endgame Gear, Wlmouse, Lamzu, and Pulsar offer high-quality wireless mice with 4K and 8K dongles for seamless response times. Pairing keycaps with a well-tuned mouse, mousepad, and desk accessories creates the ultimate workspace setup.
How to Maintain Double-Shot Keycaps
Maintaining double-shot keycaps is simple. To clean, remove them using a keycap puller and soak them in warm, soapy water. Avoid alcohol-based cleaners as they can damage plastic. Using o-rings or switch dampeners can also reduce sound, while lubricating stabilizers ensures smooth keystrokes.
For gaming keyboards, ensuring your pcb, switches, and stabilizers are properly maintained will extend the life of your setup. Whether you have a Ducky, Keychron, or Filco keyboard, regular cleaning and upgrades keep your keycaps and accessories in top shape.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of keycaps plays a crucial role in both performance and aesthetics. Among the many options available, double-shot-keycaps stand out due to their durability and long-lasting legends. Unlike dye-sublimated-keycaps, which rely on heat to fuse the ink into the plastic, double-shot-keycaps feature legends that are molded directly into the keycap, preventing fading over time. Whether you prefer ABS-Keycaps for their smooth texture and vibrant colors, or PBT-keycaps for their rigid feel and resistance to wear, both provide unique advantages based on your typing style and gaming preferences.
For those who want to elevate their keyboard experience, exploring Artisan-Keycaps can add a personalized touch to any setup. Enthusiasts who appreciate high-end craftsmanship often seek out brands like CRP-keycaps, known for their premium-quality designs and perfect compatibility with mechanical keyboards. If you’re looking for an alternative, POM-keycap sets are another great option, offering exceptional smoothness and a distinctive typing feel. Whether you’re upgrading for aesthetics, comfort, or performance, selecting the right keycap profile, material, and design ensures an optimized and long-lasting keyboard setup.
People Also Asked
What makes double-shot keycaps better than laser-etched or dye-sublimated keycaps?
Double-shot keycaps are long-lasting because the legends are molded as part of the keycap itself, rather than being printed or etched onto the surface. This means they do not fade over time, unlike laser-etched or dye-sub keycaps.
Are PBT or ABS double-shot keycaps better for mechanical keyboards?
It depends on personal preference. PBT keycaps are rigid, more durable, and resist shine over years of use. ABS keycaps, especially from brands like GMK, have crisp legends and more vibrant colors but can develop shine faster.
Which brands offer the best double-shot keycap sets?
Some of the best brands include GMK, Akko, Tai-Hao, Leopold, Ducky, and Varmilo. Each offers different profiles, materials, and colorways like Frozen, Miami, and Horizon, catering to different typing and gaming styles.
How do I clean and maintain double-shot keycaps?
To maintain your keycaps, remove them with a keycap puller, soak them in warm, soapy water, and scrub gently. Avoid using harsh chemicals that may damage the plastic. Using o-rings or dampening pads can also help reduce sound and wobble over time.
What keycap profiles work best for gaming and typing?
For gaming, low-profile keycaps like OEM and Cherry are preferred for their smooth keypresses and ergonomic feel. For typists, SA, Cubic, and VarmiloProfile provide a deep, retro feel with a solid sound. Ducky and Keychron offer great keycap sets that balance both gaming and typing performance.