Backlit Keycaps Explained: Shine-Through vs Doubleshot vs Dye-Sub
Love RGB? Choosing the right **backlit keycaps** makes a big difference in brightness, durability, and look. Here’s a quick guide to the main terms and what to buy.
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## Key Terms in 30 Seconds
- **Shine-through**: The legends (letters) **let RGB pass through** for bright text.
- **Doubleshot**: Legends are **molded as a second plastic**—they never wear off.
- **Dye-sub**: Legends are **dyed into PBT**; super durable but **opaque** (no light through the text).
> Most **shine-through sets** are ABS doubleshot or laser-etched. **PBT doubleshot shine-through** exists, but is rarer and pricier. **Dye-sub PBT = no shine-through** (text stays opaque).
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## Materials: ABS vs PBT (for backlighting)
- **ABS**: Smooth, bright shine-through, huge color options; can **gloss** over time.
- **PBT**: Textured, resists shine; most dye-sub PBT is **opaque**. Doubleshot PBT shine-through is premium.
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## Quick Comparison
| Feature | Shine-through Doubleshot (ABS/PBT) | Dye-sub PBT (Opaque) |
|---|---|---|
| **RGB Brightness** | ★★★★☆ (bright text) | ★★☆☆☆ (glow around keys only) |
| **Legend Durability** | ★★★★★ (won’t fade) | ★★★★★ (won’t fade) |
| **Feel** | ABS = smoother, PBT = textured | Textured PBT |
| **Look** | Gamer/RGB, readable at night | Clean/aesthetic, softer glow |
| **Price** | $$–$$$ | $$ |
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## Styles That Glow More
- **Shine-through legends** → brightest, easiest to read.
- **Pudding keycaps** → translucent sides for **maximum RGB**.
- **Translucent bars/modifiers** → add glow without changing the whole set.
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## Layout & LED Notes
- **North- vs South-facing LEDs**: North-facing can brighten legends more but may rub certain profiles; south-facing gives nicer switch feel and fewer interference issues.
- **Profiles**: Cherry/OEM work great with RGB; SA/MT3 are taller and may soften direct legend brightness.
- **Compatibility**: Ensure your set covers your layout: **60/65/75/TKL/Full** and **ANSI vs ISO**.
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## What Should You Choose?
**For gaming & readability (night use)**
- Go **shine-through doubleshot** (ABS common, PBT if you find it).
- Consider **pudding** for maximum glow.
**For premium feel & clean aesthetics**
- Go **PBT dye-sub** (opaque). You’ll get a **halo glow** around keys, not through legends.
**Balanced, daily use**
- **PBT doubleshot (shine-through)** if available; otherwise **ABS doubleshot** is a solid RGB pick.
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## Care & Longevity
- Wipe down with a **microfiber**; avoid harsh cleaners.
- ABS may gloss with heavy use—consider swapping to **textured PBT** later while keeping RGB via pudding sides.
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## Quick FAQs
**Do I need shine-through for RGB?**
No. Opaque PBT still lets RGB **around** the keys (underglow). Shine-through just makes the **text** bright.
**Are dye-sub legends permanent?**
Yes. They won’t fade—but they **don’t** pass light.
**Is PBT shine-through a thing?**
Yes, typically **doubleshot PBT**, but it’s less common and costs more.
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## Build Your Look
- Bright & readable: **[Shine-through sets](/collections/keycaps)**
- Clean & premium: **[PBT dye-sub key]()**