5 Best Gradient Side Print Keycaps in 2023

Are you looking to make one of the most unique gaming or work computer setups out there?

If so, there are many different things you can add to help you achieve this. One of the better options out there is to change the keycaps on your keyboard. But you don’t want just any keycaps; you want something unique.

One of the best options out there are gradient side print keycaps. These keycaps are provided in a gradient of color so that when you put them on the keyboard, they look awesome.

They also have the letters printed on the side rather than the top. Similar to the best pudding keycaps, this allows them to have a clean look while viewed from above but still lets you see where every letter and character is while you’re typing.

Key Takeaways:

• Best Overall: Sumgsn Gradient Side Print Keycaps: This is the best overall choice. With a durable construction and plenty of colors to match your aesthetic, you’ll be sure to find the best fit for you.
• Best Runner-Up: JOLINTAL Gradient Side Engraved Keycaps: This set comes with plenty of keycaps that go through multiple processes to ensure durability while in use. Plus, the colors look awesome.
• Best Alternative: Tsungup Gradient Side Print Keycaps: This set is best for those with Cherry, Gateron, or MX-style switches. There are two colors, and the switches are extra thick to ensure sturdiness and durability.
• Best Budget: XVX Shine Through Side Print Keycaps: This is the best budget option out there. These keycaps don’t lack quality, and there are lots of colors to choose from.
• Best Budget Alternative: Guffercty kred Gradient PBT Keycaps: This set is one of the better choices for minimalist setups with its single-color option. The double-shot PBT material makes them extremely durable, so you won’t have to worry about them breaking over time.
• Need some help? Check our FAQs section for answers to some of the most commonly asked questions regarding gradient side print keycaps.

Best Overall: Sumgsn Gradient Side Print Keycaps

Key Takeaways:

• Available in packs of either 134 or 105 keycaps
• Made from durable PBT
• Six different color gradient options to choose from

The best overall option is the Sumgsn Gradient Side Print Keycaps set. These keycaps are extremely durable, as they’re made from doubleshot PBT material. They are extremely wear-resistant, and the characters printed on the side won’t fade over time.

When it comes to colors, here are your options:

• Cyan
• Grey
• Blue
• Pink
• Dark Gray
• Purple

There are two different options when it comes to how many keycaps are included. You’ll find options with either 105 or 134 keycaps. The printed caps in both sets will cover boards up to 104 standard keys.

The options that include the extra 30 keycaps are not printed with a legend. The availability for the amount of keycaps will vary depending on which color you decide to go with. Additionally, the side print is transparent to allow RGB passthrough.

Pros:

• Two options for the amount of keycaps included
• Six different color choices
• Durable PBT construction to ensure a long lifetime

Cons:

• Not all colors are available with all pack sizes

Best Runner-Up: JOLINTAL Gradient Side Engraved Keycaps

Key Takeaways:

• 134 keycaps in each pack
• Three color choices
• Durable PBT construction and colors that won’t fade

A great runner-up choice is the JOLINTAL Gradient Side Engraved Keycaps set. These keycaps are made with PBT (like the previous set), which ensures they’ll be extremely durable while in use.

Each keycap is wear-resistant and non-stick, so the color won’t fade over time, and you’ll have a great typing experience every time you’re at your desk.

For colors, here’s what they offer:

• Seaweed
• Purple
• Blue

Each pack of these contains 134 individual keycaps. This lets you have as many as you’ll need, whether you have a compact or full-sized keyboard. Plus, the side print is translucent, so your RGB lighting can shine through easily.

Pros:

• Durable PBT construction
• Each color won’t fade easily over time
• All colors are available in packs of 134 keycaps

Cons:

• There are only three colors to choose from

Best Alternative: Tsungup Gradient Side Print Keycaps

Key Takeaways:

• Each pack contains 135 keycaps
• There are two color options to choose from
• Extra thick PBT walls to improve durability

If you want a good alternative option, go with the Tsungup Gradient Side Print Keycaps set. These keycaps are each made from PBT. This material has also been thickened to make them even more durable and sturdy. Each keycap receives an oil-resistant coating and features dye sublimation technology to keep it from fading.

As for colors, here are the choices:

• Purple
• Red

Regardless of color, you receive 135 keycaps in the set. This allows you to completely fill out any sized keyboard that features Cherry, Gateron, or MX-style switches. Similar to the other choices so far, the side printing is transparent to allow RGB lighting to shine through.

Pros:

• 135 keycaps included in the pack
• Extra thick walls for added durability and sturdiness
• Made to work with Cherry, Gateron, and MX-style switches

Cons:

• Only two color options are available

Best Budget: XVX Shine Through Side Print Keycaps

Key Takeaways:

• Five different colors to choose from
• Durable double-shot PBT construction at a great price point
• 136 keycaps included in each set

If you’re on a budget, go with the XVX Shine Through Side Print Keycaps set. Similar to our best overall pick, these keycaps are made from double-shot PBT material.

The surface of each keycap is also textured to help improve your grip. The legends on the sides are molded directly into the inside of each keycap so they won’t wear over time.

You get multiple color options for this keyboard, including:

• Purple
• Gray
• Pink
• Seaweed Green
• White

When it comes to the amount included in the pack, there are 136 total keycaps. This is available regardless of color, so you can get whichever one looks best to you and not have to worry about not having enough keycaps for your entire keyboard. Just like the other options, the side print legends are transparent to allow RGB lighting to be visible.

Pros:

• Five different colors to choose from
• 136 keycaps included
• The lowest cost on the list

Cons:

• Some reviewers noted that the RGB shine-through isn’t as great as they’d like it to be

Best Budget Alternative: Guffercty kred Gradient PBT Keycaps

Key Takeaways:

• There are 135 keycaps included
• Durable double-shot PBT material used in the construction of each keycap
• One minimalist-looking color choice is available

Another great budget option is the Guffercty kred Gradient PBT Keycaps set. These keycaps are made from double-shot PBT to ensure durability. Even after long hours of use, you shouldn’t experience colors or legends fading.

This is the most limited option so far when it comes to color options, as there’s only one choice. It’s a white, grey, and black gradient that is designed primarily to fit into minimalist setup aesthetics. However, the side legends are transparent to help RGB to shine through if your keyboard does that.

This set comes with 135 total keycaps. This makes it compatible with all keyboards (for the most part). They also use a cherry profile to help increase their effectiveness while used for gaming.

Pros:

• 135 keycaps included
• Double-shot PBT construction
• Great minimalist look

Cons:

• Only one color choice

FAQs About Gradient Side Print Keycaps

What are gradient side print keycaps?

Gradient side print keycaps combine a smooth color transition (gradient) with legends printed on the sides. This design offers both aesthetic appeal and functionality, as the side-printed legends are less prone to fading.

How durable are gradient side print keycaps?

Their durability varies based on the material and printing method. Generally, high-quality keycaps with laser-etched or double-shot legends are more durable, resisting wear and fading over time. Since the letters are on the side, fingers never come into contact with them, so they tend to last a lifetime.

Can I use gradient side print keycaps on any keyboard?

They are compatible with most mechanical keyboards, but ensure the keycap profile matches your keyboard’s switch type (like Cherry MX).

Do gradient side print keycaps affect typing experience?

They don’t inherently affect typing performance, but the keycap material and profile can influence the feel and sound of typing.

Are custom designs available for gradient side print keycaps?

Custom designs are possible, especially from specialized manufacturers or through mixing a variety of standard, gradient, and even blank keycaps, allowing for personalized aesthetics.

How do I clean gradient side print keycaps?

Clean them gently with a damp cloth, avoiding harsh chemicals. For deep cleaning, remove the keycaps and use mild soap and water.