Keychronus

Backlit keyboards have become a staple for gamers, programmers, and anyone who works late into the night. The glow of RGB lighting not only enhances the aesthetic of your desk but also improves visibility in low-light environments. However, not all keycaps are created equal when it comes to letting that light shine through. Choosing the right keycaps can make or break your backlit keyboard experience. In this guide, we’ll compare shine-through keycaps, side-printed keycaps, and doubleshot keycaps to help you find the best option for your setup. Whether you’re building a custom board or upgrading an existing one, understanding the differences will save you time and money.

Why Keycap Choice Matters for Backlit Keyboards

Keycaps are the interface between you and your keyboard. They affect typing feel, sound, and—crucially—light transmission. Standard opaque keycaps block RGB lighting, leaving your keyboard dim. Shine-through keycaps are designed with translucent legends or side-printing to maximize illumination. Doubleshot keycaps, on the other hand, offer durability and vibrant colors but may limit light passage depending on the design. The right choice depends on your priorities: brightness, longevity, or aesthetics.

Shine-Through Keycaps: The Classic Choice for Maximum Brightness

Shine-through keycaps are the most popular option for backlit keyboards. They feature translucent legends (usually on the top surface) that allow light from the switch to pass through clearly. These keycaps are typically made from ABS or PBT plastic, with PBT being more resistant to wear and shine over time. The legends are often laser-etched or double-shot molded to ensure the light shines evenly.

Pros of Shine-Through Keycaps

• Exceptional brightness: The legends are highly visible even in complete darkness.
• Compatibility: Work with most backlit keyboards, including those with per-key RGB.
• Variety: Available in many colors and profiles (OEM, Cherry, SA, etc.).

Cons of Shine-Through Keycaps

• Legend wear: ABS shine-through keycaps can develop a greasy shine after months of use.
• Limited design options: The translucent area is usually small, so custom artwork is rare.

If you want the brightest possible display, look for PBT shine-through sets. For example, the Cherry Profile Double-Shot PBT Full Set Keycaps - Dolch Red, Gray White Mint, Blue Black Yellow offer excellent light transmission with the durability of double-shot molding, making them a top pick for RGB enthusiasts.

Side-Printed Keycaps: Aesthetic Elegance with Subtle Glow

Side-printed keycaps (also called front-printed or south-facing) place the legend on the side of the keycap facing you. This design creates a unique look where the light spills from the bottom edge rather than shining through the top. Side-printed keycaps are ideal for minimalists who want a clean, uncluttered top surface while still benefiting from backlighting.

Pros of Side-Printed Keycaps

• Clean aesthetics: The top of the keycap is solid, giving a sleek, uniform appearance.
• Reduced glare: Light is directed away from your eyes, reducing eye strain in dark rooms.
• Novelty: Often used by enthusiasts who want a distinctive look.

Cons of Side-Printed Keycaps

• Lower brightness: The light is less intense than top-printed shine-through.
• Limited availability: Fewer options compared to traditional shine-through sets.

Side-printed keycaps shine best on keyboards with south-facing LEDs, which are becoming more common in custom builds. If you’re after a subtle glow, consider pairing them with a Keychron K8 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Mechanical Keyboard (Japan JIS Layout), which supports programmable RGB and can adjust brightness to complement side-printed legends.

Doubleshot Keycaps: Durability Meets Customization

Doubleshot keycaps are made by injecting two layers of plastic—one for the base and one for the legend. This process creates legends that never fade because the legend plastic runs through the entire keycap. While some doubleshot keycaps are designed for shine-through, many are opaque, making them less ideal for backlit keyboards. However, newer double-shot PBT sets with translucent legends offer the best of both worlds: durability and light transmission.

Pros of Doubleshot Keycaps

• Legend permanence: The legends won’t wear off, even after years of heavy use.
• Feel and sound: PBT doubleshot keycaps have a textured feel and produce a deeper sound than ABS.
• Customization: Available in countless color combinations and profiles.

Cons of Doubleshot Keycaps

• Cost: Typically more expensive than single-shot or dye-sub keycaps.
• Light blockage: Opaque doubleshot keycaps block most RGB light. You need specifically designed shine-through doubleshot sets.

For a reliable, long-lasting option that still lets your RGB shine, the Cloud and Snow - Cherry Profile Dye-Sub PBT Full Keycap Set is a great choice. Although dye-sub, these keycaps offer sharp legends and a soft, frosty aesthetic that works well with backlighting. If you prefer true doubleshot, look for sets labeled "shine-through double-shot" to ensure compatibility.

Comparing Shine-Through, Side-Printed, and Doubleshot Keycaps

Feature	Shine-Through	Side-Printed	Doubleshot (Opaque)	Doubleshot (Shine-Through)
Brightness	High	Medium	Low	High
Durability	Medium (ABS) / High (PBT)	Medium	High	High
Aesthetics	Standard	Unique, minimalist	Customizable	Customizable + bright
Price	Low to medium	Medium	Medium to high	High
Best for	Gamers, RGB lovers	Minimalists, office use	Typists, collectors	Enthusiasts who want it all

Key Takeaway

If your priority is maximum brightness and you don’t mind replacing keycaps after a few years, go with shine-through ABS keycaps. For a balance of durability and light, choose PBT shine-through doubleshot keycaps. Side-printed keycaps are perfect for those who want a clean look and softer glow. And if you’re building a keyboard purely for typing and don’t care about RGB, standard doubleshot keycaps are the way to go.

How to Choose the Right Keycaps for Your Backlit Keyboard

1. Consider Your Keyboard’s LED Placement

North-facing LEDs (above the switch) work best with standard shine-through keycaps. South-facing LEDs (below the switch) are ideal for side-printed keycaps. Check your keyboard’s PCB layout before purchasing.

2. Match Keycap Profile to Your Typing Style

Cherry profile keycaps are lower and sculpted, offering a comfortable typing experience for long sessions. OEM profile is taller and more curved, preferred by many gamers. SA profile is high and spherical, giving a vintage feel. For backlit keyboards, Cherry profile often provides the most even light distribution.

3. Think About Longevity

If you type heavily or plan to keep the keycaps for years, invest in PBT doubleshot keycaps. They resist wear and yellowing better than ABS. Avoid cheap ABS shine-through sets if you want the legends to stay clear.

4. Don’t Forget About Sound

Thicker keycaps (like those made from PBT) produce a deeper, more satisfying sound. Thinner ABS keycaps can sound clacky and hollow. If acoustics matter to you, choose keycaps with a wall thickness of at least 1.5mm.

Top Recommendations for the Best Keycaps for Backlit Keyboards

Here are three standout options for different needs:

• For maximum brightness: Look for double-shot PBT shine-through sets like the ones from Keychron’s accessory line. They offer crisp legends and consistent lighting.
• For a unique aesthetic: Side-printed keycaps are rare but worth seeking out. They work especially well on compact keyboards like the Keychron B36 Wireless Keyboard, where space is limited and the side glow creates a halo effect.
• For durability and style: The Graffiti Party - Cherry Profile Dye-Sub PBT Full Keycap Set combines vibrant artwork with PBT durability. While dye-sub isn’t as bright as double-shot for backlighting, the bold colors compensate in well-lit rooms.

Final Thoughts: Making the Right Choice

The best keycaps for backlit keyboards depend on your personal preferences. If you’re a gamer who loves RGB showpieces, shine-through keycaps are non-negotiable. If you’re a writer who works in dim light, side-printed keycaps offer a pleasant, glare-free glow. And if you want a set that lasts a lifetime, invest in high-quality doubleshot PBT keycaps. No matter what you choose, upgrading your keycaps is one of the most satisfying ways to personalize your keyboard.

Ready to upgrade your typing experience? Explore our full collection of premium keycaps, including the Cherry Profile Double-Shot PBT Full Set Keycaps, and find the perfect match for your backlit keyboard today.