What Are Doubleshot Keycaps? (And Are They Better?)

If you’re in the mechanical keyboard game and looking to upgrade your keycaps–you might come across several different terms. “ABS” and “PBT” and “doubleshot.”

Doubleshot keycaps are made from two separate pieces of plastic that are injection molded (stuck together) to create the keycap.
This manufacturing process allows for the keycap legends (numbers, letters, and symbols on top of the keycap) to be transparent so the RGB backlighting shines through (rather than painted on the keycaps).
Doubleshot keycaps are available in both PBT and ABS plastics.

But what about pudding keycaps? ABT vs PBT? Dye sub??

What Are Doubleshot Keycaps (Double shot PBT)?

The term “double-shot” refers to the process through which keycaps are made. (This process has been around since the 1970s!)

Plastic is “shot” (or injected) in two different molds during construction.

The first piece of plastic is the keycap with a hollow legend
The second piece is transparent and includes the legend. It’s pushed up inside the outer keycap piece

The two pieces form together into one smooth keycap (you can’t feel where the two plastics meet at all. It’s smooth).

How are Double Shot keycaps made?

Here’s how the process works:

A mold of either PBT or ABT plastic is shaped into the keycap
This “outer” plastic has a “cutout” of the legend missing on the top, and is also thinner than standard keycaps (because they are about to add another layer of plastic underneath)
A 2nd mold is created (usually with transparent plastic) that will fit underneath the 1st mold
This insert molding has the legend protruding from the top, which will fill into the open space from the first top mold

The two pieces are then injected together to form one solid keycap.

Doubleshot keycaps pros and cons

There are several distinct advantages and disadvantages to using doubleshot key caps on your keyboard.

PROS

Transparent doubleshot keycaps let RGB backlighting shine through if you’re into that sorta thing
Generally more durable
The legend won’t scratch or wear off
Maximum contrast legends, and they’re usually sharper and less prone to printing mistakes

CONS

Often more expensive (because the manufacturing process is a bit more involved)
Fewer color options (doubleshot keycaps are usually 2-tone only, no fancy prints)

But honestly, that’s about it. Doubleshot keycaps are available just about anywhere these days and are of fantastic quality!

ABS vs PBT plastic – what’s the difference?

Like we mentioned already, double shot key caps can come in either ABS or PBT plastic.

Both of these also have advantages and disadvantages depending on your personal preference!

What are ABS keycaps?

ABS stands for “acrylonitrile butadiene styrene,” and is a long-time material used for keycaps.

ABS plastic is…

Generally cheaper
Feel very smooth
Look more shiny (especially after years of use)

ABS keycaps themselves will be very durable, but the biggest drawback is that the plastic will wear down and become more shiny and smooth overtime. The legends might even fade away at some point (unless it’s a doubleshot ABS)!

But actually, some people (myself included!) actually ENJOY the shiny, worn-down look! Gives my keyboard a vintage feel. In fact, I’m typing this blog post on dye sub ABS plastic keycaps, the SA Gas Attack keycaps.

What are PBT keycaps?

On the other hand, there is a relatively new plastic called PBT (“Polybutylene Terephthalate”).

PBT keycaps are…

More expensive
Feel a bit textured
More of a matte finish

PBT is also a bit thicker (and therefore louder) than ABS plastic.

Here are some PBT Akko keycaps on a GMMK keyboard: