What Are Shine-Through Keycaps? A Simple Guide

Mechanical keyboards are as much about looks as they are about performance. If you’ve ever admired a glowing RGB keyboard with light shining vividly through the key legends, you were probably looking at shine-through keycaps. But what exactly are they, how do they work, and should you consider them for your setup?

In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about shine-through keycaps, including how they’re made, their pros and cons, and tips for choosing the right set.

What Are Shine-Through Keycaps?

Shine-through keycaps are are designed with transparent or translucent legends that allow backlighting from your keyboard to pass through the legends (the letters, numbers, or symbols on the keys). Unlike regular keycaps, where RGB lighting only creates an underglow around the keys, shine-through sets make the characters on the keys themselves glow.

This makes it easier to see your keys in dim or dark environments, while also maximizing the visual appeal of your RGB keyboard.

How Do Shine-Through Keycaps Work?

The key difference lies in the manufacturing process:

• Double-shot injection molding: Two layers of plastic are molded together. The legend is made from translucent plastic, while the rest of the keycap is opaque. This ensures the letters never fade and the light shines through clearly.
• Laser-etched ABS: A cheaper alternative where the legend is etched into the keycap, removing the top layer of paint to allow light to shine through. While more affordable, these legends can fade over time.

Most high-quality shine-through keycaps are double-shot PBT or double-shot ABS, offering both durability and consistent lighting.

Why Choose Shine-Through Keycaps? 

Shine-through keycaps aren’t just about looks—they bring both style and practical advantages for gamers and enthusiasts. Here are some of the main reasons people choose shine-through keycaps:

1. Better Visibility in Low Light – Ideal for late-night gaming or work sessions—ensuring accuracy without extra lighting. Perfect for those who type or game in darker rooms.

2. Maximized RGB Aesthetics– Legends glow vividly, making lighting effects and animations stand out. Pudding or transparent styles further amplify the effect, letting RGB truly shine.

3. Gaming Focus– Many gamers prefer clearly visible WASD or ability keys during intense matches. The illuminated legends add both function and a bold, modern vibe to the setup.

4. Customization – Shine-through sets come in different colors, fonts, and profiles, giving your board a unique personality. Some users even create their own hybrid setups by mixing shine-through keycaps with transparent keycaps for maximum RGB visibility.

For example：

• Akko Wasteland Survival 5098B Pre-assembled includes add-on transparent shine-through keycaps for a bold look.
• Veekos Shine60 HE with Love Keycaps, creating a vivid combination that makes the RGB effects stand out even more.

Veekos Shine60 HE with Love Keycaps

Downsides of Shine-Through Keycaps

As with any keyboard accessory, there are trade-offs:

• Material limitations– Many shine-through keycaps are ABS rather than PBT. ABS tends to shine and wear faster.
• Font quality– Some sets use thin or inconsistent fonts that can look unpolished.
• Glare – If you prefer a muted look, the brightness of RGB shining directly through legends may feel distracting.
• Limited aesthetic styles– While they highlight RGB, they often lack the solid, elegant look of non-shine-through PBT keycaps.

Shine-Through Keycaps vs. Non-Shine-Through Keycaps

Benefits of Shine-Through Keycaps

Shine-through keycaps aren’t just about looks—they bring both style and practical advantages for gamers and enthusiasts:

• Immersive RGB Lighting – Legends glow brightly, making animations and colors stand out. Pudding or transparent styles maximize this effect.

• Better Visibility in the Dark – Ideal for late-night gaming or work sessions, ensuring accuracy without extra lighting.

• Stylish Aesthetic – The illuminated fonts give your setup a bold, modern gaming vibe.

Tips for Choosing the Best Shine-Through Keycaps

If you’re considering a shine-through set, keep these factors in mind:

• Material – Go for double-shot or dye-sub PBT for durability and sharper legends. ABS is cheaper but wears faster.

• Legend Clarity – Look for sharp, clean-cut legends that allow RGB or LED lighting to shine evenly. Avoid blurry or misaligned legends that can distort the lighting effect.

• Keycaps Profile – Decide whether you prefer OEM, Cherry, or another profile. Higher profiles may diffuse light differently than lower ones. Choose based on comfort, typing habits, and personal preference.

• Transparency and Thickness – Thicker keycaps tend to give a deeper sound but may slightly dim the light. Full-transparent or pudding-style keycaps maximize RGB glow.

• Aesthetic Fit – Match with keyboard backlight (white backlight vs RGB). Consider theme and colorway—shine-through keycaps come in various styles beyond plain black.

• Shine-through Legend Position – Check whether the legends are placed on the top or the side of the keycaps. Top-printed legends usually provide clearer illumination, while side-printed legends can create a more subtle and stylish glow depending on the keyboard’s LED placement.

• Compatibility – Always check that the keycap set matches your keyboard layout, whether it’s ANSI, ISO, 60%, TKL, or a full-size board. Pay special attention to keys like the spacebar, enter, and shift, as their sizes can vary across layouts.

• Budget vs Value: ABS shine-through sets are usually more affordable but wear out faster, while PBT shine-through sets cost more yet last longer and maintain their quality over time—choose the option that suits your needs best.

Keyboards with Shine-Through Keycaps, Ready to Use

Akko 5075B Plus ASA Clear

Shine-through keycaps combine function and style. They enhance visibility in low light and amplify RGB effects, making them a popular choice for gamers and enthusiasts seeking a striking setup.