Manufacturing process
Custom laser-engraved keycaps.
Laser engraving etches the legend directly into the cap — permanent, precise, and the go-to for clean shine-through on backlit boards. A low minimum and fast sampling make it easy to trial.
Process: a laser etches the legend into the cap surface — no ink, no mould inserts. MOQ: 500 sets. Sampling: 3–5 days. Production: 15–20 days (standard orders). Best for: backlit / shine-through caps, precise symbols and icons, permanent legends at a low minimum.
How laser engraving works
A focused laser removes or alters a thin layer of the cap to form the legend. On a coated translucent cap, the laser etches through the coating to expose the lighting layer underneath, so backlighting shines cleanly through the legend. Because the mark is physically in the surface, it can't rub off — and because there's no tooling per legend, it's fast and economical to change designs.
What laser engraving is best for
- Backlit & shine-through keyboards — the classic use; clean, precise light through the legend.
- Fine symbols and icons — the laser holds tight detail.
- Permanent legends at low volume — 500-set minimum, fast sampling.
Laser vs the other processes
Laser is ideal for backlit legends and precise marks, but it doesn't produce broad color or full-surface artwork — that's dye-sublimation's job. For molded, maximum-durability legends and shine-through in translucent ABS, compare double-shot. Minimums across processes are in our MOQ guide.
FAQ
What is the MOQ for laser-engraved keycaps?
500 sets. No per-legend mould inserts, so the minimum is much lower than double-shot.
Is laser good for backlighting?
Yes — it etches through a coating to expose the lighting layer, so backlight shines cleanly through the legend.
Do laser legends wear off?
No — the legend is etched into the surface, not printed on top, so it can't rub off.