Dye-Sub vs. Double-Shot Keycaps – Which one out of the 2 is The Best For You

Summary

This video script explores the differences between dye sublimation and double shot keycaps for keyboard customization. Dye sublimation fuses dye into the keycap, making it resistant to wear, but with a limited color palette and the need for a lighter keycap base. Double shot keycaps, created by merging two plastic pieces, offer a sharper legend and are virtually indestructible, though with a more restricted color range. The choice between the two depends on the user's preference for color variety and durability.

Takeaways

• 🖨️ Dye sublimation and double shot are two prominent printing techniques used for keycaps in keyboard customization.
• 🌈 Dye sublimation involves imprinting dye into the keycap, causing it to become one with the plastic, while double shot involves mixing two pieces of plastic.
• 🔍 Dye sub keycaps can show signs of wear over time, unlike double shot keycaps which are virtually impervious to fading.
• 📏 The legend on double-shot keycaps is sharper due to being made of solid plastic, compared to dye sub keycaps.
• 🎨 Dye sub keycaps offer a wider range of colors than double shot keycaps, which have a more limited color palette.
• 🔥 The dye sublimation process requires high temperatures to fuse the printed legend onto the keycap.
• 🚫 Dye sub keycaps necessitate that the keycap color be lighter than the legend color for the process to work effectively.
• 💰 If seeking the best quality or a wide variety of colors and material options, double shot keycaps are recommended.
• 📐 The choice between dye sub and double shot keycaps ultimately depends on personal preference for durability, sharpness of legend, and color options.

Q & A

What are the two keycap printing techniques mentioned in the transcript?

The two keycap printing techniques mentioned are dye sublimation and double shot printing.

How does dye sublimation work in the context of keycaps?

Dye sublimation is a method where dye is imprinted into a keycap, causing it to become one with the plastic rather than forming a separate layer.

What is the main difference between dye sub and double shot keycaps?

Dye sub keycaps have the legend imprinted into the plastic, while double shot keycaps are made by mixing two pieces of plastic, one for the legend and one for the rest of the keycap.

Which type of keycap is more resistant to wear and tear, dye sub or double shot?

Double shot keycaps are virtually impenetrable to wear and tear, making them more resistant than dye sub keycaps.

Why is the legend on a double-shot keycap sharper than on a dye sub keycap?

The legend on a double-shot keycap is sharper because it is made of solid plastic, as opposed to being imprinted like in dye sub keycaps.

What is the limitation of dye sub keycaps in terms of color options?

Dye sub keycaps can be made in any color, but double shot keycaps have a limited color palette due to the process of mixing two pieces of plastic.

What is the requirement for the keycap color when using the dye sublimation technique?

The keycap color must be lighter than the legend color when using the dye sublimation technique.

Which type of keycap is recommended if you want the best quality and a lot of color and plastic options?

Double shot keycaps are recommended if you want the best quality and a wide range of color and plastic options.

What is the process of making dye sub keycaps according to the transcript?

The process involves printing the legend on special paper and then fusing it to the keycap using high temperatures.

What is the main advantage of dye sub keycaps in terms of resistance to wear and tear?

Dye sub keycaps are resistant to wear and tear due to the dye becoming one with the plastic, although they can still exhibit signs of wear over time.

Why might someone choose dye sub keycaps over double shot keycaps?

Someone might choose dye sub keycaps for their ability to be made in any color and for the unique aesthetic that comes from the dye being imprinted into the plastic.