Manufacturing process
Custom double-shot keycaps.
Double-shot is the process for legends that can never wear off. We tool the inserts, mold both plastics and inspect every batch in-house — the durable, brand-consistent choice for OEM keycap lines and backlit boards.
Process: legend molded as a second plastic, not printed — permanent by design. Materials: ABS or PBT. MOQ: 2,000 sets. Sampling: ~15 days (includes tooling). Production: 15–20 days (standard orders). Colors: solid legend colors per shot; translucent ABS for shine-through / backlit. Best for: brand OEM lines, reorder-consistent legends, backlit keyboards.
How double-shot molding works
Two separate plastics are molded into one cap. First the legend is injected into a mould, then the cap body is molded around it. The legend runs all the way through the top surface — you could sand the cap down and it would still be there. That is why double-shot legends never fade, rub off or wear smooth, no matter how many millions of keystrokes.
What double-shot is best for
- Brand OEM lines that must look identical across every reorder — solid, crisp, repeatable legends.
- Backlit and RGB keyboards — a translucent legend molded in clear ABS lets light shine through cleanly (shine-through keycaps).
- High-use products where legend durability is a warranty and returns issue.
Materials and colors
We run double-shot in both ABS and PBT. ABS gives the brightest, most repeatable colors and is standard for shine-through, because it comes in translucent grades. PBT double-shot is available when a customer wants PBT's texture and shine resistance with molded legends. Each shot is a solid color; multi-color artwork and gradients belong to dye-sublimation instead.
MOQ, tooling and lead time
Double-shot has an MOQ of 2,000 sets and ~15-day sampling because every legend set requires its own mould inserts, tooled before the first sample. That fixed tooling cost is what raises both the minimum and the sampling time versus printed processes — the full economics are in our MOQ guide, and the head-to-head with printing is in double-shot vs dye-sub.
For buyer-focused supplier information, see double-shot keycap manufacturer.
FAQ
What is the MOQ for double-shot keycaps?
2,000 sets. Each legend set needs its own mould inserts and each colorway a changeover, so the minimum is higher than printed processes.
How long does double-shot sampling take?
Around 15 days, because the legend inserts must be tooled before the first sample. Production time is confirmed with the quote.
Can double-shot keycaps be shine-through?
Yes — a translucent ABS legend lets backlighting shine through cleanly, which is why double-shot is the standard for backlit boards.