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Legend printing on keycaps comes in many shapes and sizes. The most common legend printing methods involve painting the legends onto the keycaps with paint. However, these legends aren’t very durable and can degrade or fade away as you use the keyboard. One popular method of legend printing that is often used with artisan keycaps is dye sublimation. Let’s assess this method of legend printing.

What Is Dye Sublimation in Keycap Printing?

Dye sublimation is a method of dye printing where the printer applies dye to a surface then heats it up to transfer the dye. It’s a very durable method of printing that exceeds the durability of standard painting and is slightly less durable than double-shot plastic.

What Are the Advantages of Dye Sublimation?

One of the primary advantages of dye sublimation printing in keycaps is the ability to print keycaps with more technically advanced designs. Double-shot printing is the most durable type of legend printing, but it doesn’t lend well to intricate designs with fine lines. Dye sublimation is more accessible for designs that require more detail and can be used to create ultra fine lines on keycaps where double-shot printing would fail.

Can You Do Dye Sublimation Printing at Home?

For keycaps, it is possible to print your own keycaps using dye sublimation transfers. You’ll need transfer paper, stencils, compatible dye, and a hair straightener, but you simply apply the dye stencil to the keycap and close the hot straightener at the highest setting over the stencil. Hold that for a minute and the dye will transfer.