Dye-subbed, or printed? How to tell the difference?

[davkol]

The title says it all. How to tell, whether keycaps are dye-subbed, or high-quality pad-printed?

I've tried to scratch the keycap, but lettering wasn't damaged. There might be some sort of coating though.

[CPTBadAss]

If they're pad printed, the letters will be *slightly* raised and you should be able to feel the difference. It's been very obvious on my 700R and Filco MJ2 caps.

[davkol]

I can't feel it, that's why I'm asking.

[MKULTRA]

I can't feel it, that's why I'm asking.

Post pics?

[phx]

if you can't feel it then it's dye sub.
a lot of modern rubber domes are dye sub I think.

[CPTBadAss]

I can't feel it, that's why I'm asking.

Sounds like it might be dye-sub. But on my 700R, I know they're pad printed and then there's a coating/sticker applied. So it feels smooth but they're pad printed.

[phx]

well.... the sure way to tell is to cut one in half  )

[Melvang]

Another way to tell is to hold the cap up so you can catch a reflection off the legend.  While moving it around slightly if you catch a very shiny spot only if a very close proximity to the legend than it is pad printed.  I believe the reason for this is in the printing process.  If my theory is correct it comes from the heat of the ink in the machine that puts the legends on and essentially polish's the area right next to the legend.

[esoomenona]

It's because they add a UV coating over the pad printing to add durability to the printing process.

[Melvang]

Thats right i stand corrected

[rowdy]

Some pictures of this would be nice, if anyone has any.

[Melvang]

Trying to catch that shiny spot around the legend might be a little on the difficult side

[rowdy]

What about asking Dianoda?

His macro photos are fantastic!  See here.