Deeper Dive into Keycaps: What are Legends and Sub-Legends?

As a keyboard enthusiast, you may have come across the terms 'legends' and 'sub-legends' when exploring different types of keycaps. In this article, we will take a deeper dive into what these terms mean and how they can affect your typing experience.

What are Keycaps?

Keycaps are the plastic or metal pieces that cover the switches on a keyboard. They come in different shapes, sizes, and colors, and can be customized to match your preferences. Keycaps are an essential part of any keyboard, as they are the physical interface between you and the keys.

What are Legends?

Legends are the characters or symbols that are printed or engraved on the keycaps. They indicate the function of each key and can be in different languages, fonts, and colors. Legends are crucial for typing accuracy and efficiency, as they allow you to identify and press the correct keys quickly.

What are Sub-Legends?

Sub-legends are additional symbols or characters that are printed or engraved on the keycaps. They are usually located on the side or bottom of the keycaps and provide additional information about the function of the key. Sub-legends can be used to indicate secondary functions, keyboard shortcuts, or other useful information.

Types of Legends and Sub-legends

There are various types of legends and sub-legends that you may encounter when shopping for keycaps. Here are some of the most common ones:

1. Double-shot legends: Double-shot legends are created using a two-shot molding process, where two different types of plastic are used to create the legend and the keycap itself. This process results in a durable and long-lasting legend that will not wear off over time.

2. Laser-etched legends: Laser-etched legends are created by using a laser to remove the top layer of the keycap, exposing the underlying plastic. This process creates a permanent legend that will not wear off, but it can be less durable than double-shot legends.

3. Pad-printed legends: Pad-printed legends are created by using a silicone pad to transfer ink onto the keycap. This process is quick and cost-effective, but the legends can wear off over time with heavy use.

4. Dye-sublimated legends: Dye-sublimated legends are created by using heat to transfer dye onto the keycap. This process creates a long-lasting and high-quality legend, but it can be more expensive than other methods.

When it comes to sub-legends, they can be used for a variety of purposes, such as:

1. Indicating secondary functions: Sub-legends can be used to indicate secondary functions of keys, such as media controls or macros.

2. Providing keyboard shortcuts: Sub-legends can be used to provide keyboard shortcuts for common tasks, such as copy and paste.

3. Displaying logos or icons: Sub-legends can be used to display logos or icons for specific programs or applications.

Conclusion

Legends and sub-legends are important factors to consider when choosing keycaps for your keyboard. They can affect your typing accuracy, efficiency, and overall experience. Double-shot legends and dye-sublimated legends are the most durable and long-lasting options, while laser-etched legends and pad-printed legends are more affordable but can wear off over time. Sub-legends can provide additional information and functionality to your keyboard, such as secondary functions, keyboard shortcuts, and program logos. We hope this article has provided you with a better understanding of keycaps, legends, and sub-legends, and helped you make an informed decision when choosing keycaps for your keyboard.