How-to Guides                                                   

ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) and PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate) both materials are popular for their unique properties, but they differ significantly in durability, texture, heat resistance, and manufacturing precision. Here's a detailed comparison:

ABS is relatively less durable and prone to physical impacts and stress. Over time or with heavy use, ABS keycaps may develop cracks or break.

PBT is harder and more durable, offering greater resistance to wear and tear. PBT keycaps are less likely to crack or deform, even with prolonged use.

ABS surfaces are more prone to collecting dust, dirt, and fingerprints, requiring frequent cleaning and maintenance.

PBT has a smoother surface that resists dirt and smudges better, making it easier to clean and maintain.

ABS has poor heat resistance and may melt or deform when exposed to high temperatures. This can be an issue in warmer environments or during intense usage.

PBT boasts superior heat resistance and maintains its stability even in high-temperature conditions, reducing the risk of melting or warping.

ABS has a higher shrinkage rate during manufacturing, which can lead to variations in size and shape. Additional processing may be needed to ensure precision.

PBT exhibits lower shrinkage during production, allowing for better control over keycap dimensions and shapes.

While both ABS and PBT keycaps are common, PBT is often preferred for its superior durability, heat resistance, and ease of cleaning. PBT keycaps are ideal for long-term use and situations where frequent maintenance is needed. On the other hand, ABS keycaps are more affordable and widely available, making them suitable for casual users or those on a budget.

By understanding the differences between ABS and PBT, you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs and usage habits.





ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) and PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate) both materials are popular for their unique properties, but they differ significantly in durability, texture, heat resistance, and manufacturing precision. Here's a detailed comparison:



1. Durability

ABS:

ABS is relatively less durable and prone to physical impacts and stress. Over time or with heavy use, ABS keycaps may develop cracks or break.







PBT:

PBT is harder and more durable, offering greater resistance to wear and tear. PBT keycaps are less likely to crack or deform, even with prolonged use.







2. Susceptibility to Dirt and Smudges

ABS:

ABS surfaces are more prone to collecting dust, dirt, and fingerprints, requiring frequent cleaning and maintenance.







PBT:

PBT has a smoother surface that resists dirt and smudges better, making it easier to clean and maintain.







3. Heat Resistance

ABS:

ABS has poor heat resistance and may melt or deform when exposed to high temperatures. This can be an issue in warmer environments or during intense usage.



PBT:

PBT boasts superior heat resistance and maintains its stability even in high-temperature conditions, reducing the risk of melting or warping.







4. Shrinkage During Manufacturing

ABS:

ABS has a higher shrinkage rate during manufacturing, which can lead to variations in size and shape. Additional processing may be needed to ensure precision.



PBT:

PBT exhibits lower shrinkage during production, allowing for better control over keycap dimensions and shapes.







While both ABS and PBT keycaps are common, PBT is often preferred for its superior durability, heat resistance, and ease of cleaning. PBT keycaps are ideal for long-term use and situations where frequent maintenance is needed. On the other hand, ABS keycaps are more affordable and widely available, making them suitable for casual users or those on a budget.



By understanding the differences between ABS and PBT, you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs and usage habits.

Among the various materials used for keycaps—such as ABS, PBT, POM, and metal—ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) and PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate) are the most widely used in the market.

Keycap Materials: Differences Between ABS and PBT

사용 설명서

ABS, PBT, POM, 금속 등 키캡에 사용되는 다양한 재료 중에서 ABS(아크릴로니트릴 부타디엔 스티렌)와 PBT(폴리부틸렌 테레프탈레이트)가 시장에서 가장 널리 사용됩니다.

키캡 소재: ABS와 PBT의 차이점

Hardware Tips                                                   

, you may have noticed a quiet revolution happening on the desks of top pros. The satisfying "click-clack" of traditional mechanical keyboards is being replaced. The new king of esports? 

In this guide, we break down the difference between 

 switches, briefly explain the science behind them, and why features like 

 are considered almost "cheating" in FPS games.

The Old Guard: How Mechanical Switches Work

To understand why pros are switching, you first need to understand what they are switching 

. When you press a key, a plastic stem moves down, pushing two metal leaves together to complete an electrical circuit.

Because metal leaves vibrate (bounce) when they hit each other, the keyboard firmware has to wait a few milliseconds to ensure the keypress is real and not just a vibration. This is called 

 eliminate physical contact entirely. Instead of metal leaves touching, each switch contains a tiny 

. This is where the magic happens. The keyboard doesn't wait for two pieces of metal to hit; it constantly "watches" the position of that magnet using a sensor on the circuit board.

The Science: It’s Called the "Hall Effect"

While gamers call them "Magnetic Switches," the technology driving them is actually based on the 

Unlike a mechanical switch that only knows "On" or "Off," a Hall Effect sensor acts like a dimmer switch. It knows exactly how far the key is pressed at all times—whether it is at 0.1mm, 2.0mm, or bottomed out at 4.0mm.

(Mechanical vs. Magnetic Switches Explained. Credit: 

The "Cheat Code": Rapid Trigger Explained

This is the main reason FPS players are upgrading their gear. On a normal mechanical keyboard, once you press a key, you have to release it past a fixed "Reset Point" before you can press it again. This physical travel distance slows you down.

 changes the rules using the continuous data from the magnetic switch:

This allows for instant "Counter-Strafing" in games like 

. You can stop moving, shoot accurately, and move again faster than physically possible on a mechanical board.

Beyond Rapid Trigger, magnetic technology offers several distinct advantages over traditional mechanical builds.

Because magnetic switches don't have "Debounce Delay" (no physical bouncing), the signal is clean and instant. High-end magnetic keyboards can report to your PC 

. This reduces latency to near zero (0.125ms), ensuring your inputs register the exact micro-second you react.

Fully Adjustable Actuation (0.1mm - 4.0mm)

One of the coolest features is customizability. You don't need to swap out switches to change the feel.

Friction is the enemy of electronics. Since magnetic switches have no metal contacts striking each other, there is significantly less wear and tear. They stay smooth (linear) for years longer than traditional switches.

If you are a casual gamer who primarily types or plays single-player games, a traditional mechanical keyboard is still a fantastic choice. The tactile feedback is hard to beat.

However, if you play competitive shooters and feel like your movement is just a split-second behind your brain, your hardware might be the bottleneck. The precision of 

 technology offers a tangible competitive advantage that mechanical switches simply cannot physically match.

Ready to experience the speed difference? Look for keyboards equipped with the latest Magnetic Switch technology, like the darkFlash EZ68, and feel the difference in your next match.





If you follow the competitive scenes of Valorant, CS2, or Apex Legends, you may have noticed a quiet revolution happening on the desks of top pros. The satisfying "click-clack" of traditional mechanical keyboards is being replaced. The new king of esports? Magnetic Switches.



In this guide, we break down the difference between Magnetic and Mechanical switches, briefly explain the science behind them, and why features like Rapid Trigger are considered almost "cheating" in FPS games.



The Old Guard: How Mechanical Switches Work

To understand why pros are switching, you first need to understand what they are switching from.

Traditional mechanical switches work on physical contact. When you press a key, a plastic stem moves down, pushing two metal leaves together to complete an electrical circuit.





(Mechanical Switch Keyboard, darkFlash GD108 )



The Limitation: "Debounce Delay"

Because metal leaves vibrate (bounce) when they hit each other, the keyboard firmware has to wait a few milliseconds to ensure the keypress is real and not just a vibration. This is called Debounce Delay.





Pros: Satisfying feel, huge variety of customization.



Cons: Physical wear and tear, slower response time due to debounce, fixed actuation points.



The New Challenger: Magnetic Switches

Magnetic switches eliminate physical contact entirely. Instead of metal leaves touching, each switch contains a tiny permanent magnet. This is where the magic happens. The keyboard doesn't wait for two pieces of metal to hit; it constantly "watches" the position of that magnet using a sensor on the circuit board.





(Magnetic Switch Keyboard, darkFlash EZ68)



The Science: It’s Called the "Hall Effect"

While gamers call them "Magnetic Switches," the technology driving them is actually based on the Hall Effect.



What is the Hall Effect?

Discovered by Edwin Hall in 1879, this principle states that when a magnet moves closer to a sensor, the magnetic field changes the voltage running through that sensor.



Why does this matter for gaming?

Unlike a mechanical switch that only knows "On" or "Off," a Hall Effect sensor acts like a dimmer switch. It knows exactly how far the key is pressed at all times—whether it is at 0.1mm, 2.0mm, or bottomed out at 4.0mm.





(Mechanical vs. Magnetic Switches Explained. Credit: Optimum)



The "Cheat Code": Rapid Trigger Explained

This is the main reason FPS players are upgrading their gear. On a normal mechanical keyboard, once you press a key, you have to release it past a fixed "Reset Point" before you can press it again. This physical travel distance slows you down.

Rapid Trigger changes the rules using the continuous data from the magnetic switch:





The moment you lift your finger (even by 0.1mm), the sensor detects the magnetic field changing and instantly resets the key.



The moment you press down again, it activates.

In-Game Benefit

This allows for instant "Counter-Strafing" in games like Valorant. You can stop moving, shoot accurately, and move again faster than physically possible on a mechanical board.





(Rapid Trigger Explained. Credit: Optimum)



3 Reasons Why Gamers Are Upgrading

Beyond Rapid Trigger, magnetic technology offers several distinct advantages over traditional mechanical builds.



True 8000Hz Polling Rate

Because magnetic switches don't have "Debounce Delay" (no physical bouncing), the signal is clean and instant. High-end magnetic keyboards can report to your PC 8,000 times per second (8000Hz). This reduces latency to near zero (0.125ms), ensuring your inputs register the exact micro-second you react.



Fully Adjustable Actuation (0.1mm - 4.0mm)

One of the coolest features is customizability. You don't need to swap out switches to change the feel.





For Gaming: Set WASD keys to a hair-trigger 0.1mm for instant movement.



For Typing: Set keys to 2.0mm to prevent accidental typos.



For Safety: Set your "Ultimate" ability key to 3.0mm so you never waste it by mistake.



Durability (100 Million+ Presses)

Friction is the enemy of electronics. Since magnetic switches have no metal contacts striking each other, there is significantly less wear and tear. They stay smooth (linear) for years longer than traditional switches.



Conclusion: Is It Time to Switch?

If you are a casual gamer who primarily types or plays single-player games, a traditional mechanical keyboard is still a fantastic choice. The tactile feedback is hard to beat.

However, if you play competitive shooters and feel like your movement is just a split-second behind your brain, your hardware might be the bottleneck. The precision of Magnetic Switches combined with Rapid Trigger technology offers a tangible competitive advantage that mechanical switches simply cannot physically match.





Ready to experience the speed difference? Look for keyboards equipped with the latest Magnetic Switch technology, like the darkFlash EZ68, and feel the difference in your next match.

Pros are trading traditional mechanical switches for magnetic switches to gain a competitive edge through near-instant response times and customizable precision.

Magnetic vs. Mechanical Switches: Why Pros Are Switching

하드웨어 팁

전문가들은 거의 즉각적인 응답 속도와 맞춤형 정밀도를 통해 경쟁 우위를 확보하기 위해 기존의 기계식 스위치 대신 자기 스위치를 사용하고 있습니다.

자기 스위치 vs. 기계식 스위치: 전문가들이 스위치를 바꾸는 이유

When manufacturers produce keyboards, the mainstream keycap production methods currently include laser engraving, dye-sublimation, and double-shot molding. So, what are the differences between them?

 Uses a laser to etch onto the surface of pre-made keycaps.

 Budget keyboards, office membrane keyboards

 Uses high heat to vaporize dye, which then penetrates the PBT keycap material.

 Mid-range keyboards, PBT keycap keyboards

 Commonly known as molded keycaps, where two types of plastic are injected together to form a single piece. The legend is a separate colored plastic, not printed or engraved.

 High-end keyboards, backlit gaming keyboards

Affordable Double-Shot Keyboards – GD Series Mechanical Keyboards

 mechanical keyboards from darkFlash offer top-tier PBT material and premium double-shot molded keycaps. Who says a budget-friendly keyboard can’t also be durable? On top of that, the GD Series features both 2.4G wireless and wired connections. One keyboard is all you need for both work and play.





When manufacturers produce keyboards, the mainstream keycap production methods currently include laser engraving, dye-sublimation, and double-shot molding. So, what are the differences between them?



Production Method｜Laser Engraving

Process: Uses a laser to etch onto the surface of pre-made keycaps.

Pros of Laser Engraving:





Lower price point and shorter production time



Low technical barrier; users can pay extra to have laser engraving added after purchase

Cons of Laser Engraving:





Legends may fade after extended use



Engraved areas can feel rough to the touch



Light-colored symbols make it harder to use in low-light conditions

Typical Usage: Budget keyboards, office membrane keyboards







Production Method｜Dye-Sublimation

Process: Uses high heat to vaporize dye, which then penetrates the PBT keycap material.

Pros of Dye-Sublimation





Finer and more delicate font appearance



Mainly used with PBT keycaps, which retain their durability, resistance to wear, and oil resistance

Cons of Dye-Sublimation





Cannot be used for transparent keycaps



Less effective on dark-colored keycaps

Typical Usage: Mid-range keyboards, PBT keycap keyboards







Production Method｜Double-Shot Molding

Process: Commonly known as molded keycaps, where two types of plastic are injected together to form a single piece. The legend is a separate colored plastic, not printed or engraved.

Pros of Double-Shot Molding





Legends don’t wear off over time



Best color and backlight compatibility



Premium production method that results in precise and durable keycaps

Cons of Double-Shot Molding





Requires custom molds, which increases development cost



Higher product price

Typical Usage: High-end keyboards, backlit gaming keyboards







Affordable Double-Shot Keyboards – GD Series Mechanical Keyboards



The GD Series mechanical keyboards from darkFlash offer top-tier PBT material and premium double-shot molded keycaps. Who says a budget-friendly keyboard can’t also be durable? On top of that, the GD Series features both 2.4G wireless and wired connections. One keyboard is all you need for both work and play.





Keycap manufacturing processes are generally divided into three types: laser engraving, dye sublimation, and double-shot molding.

Keycap Craftsmanship Revealed: Laser Engraving, Dye Sublimation, and Double-Shot Molding

키캡 제조 공정은 일반적으로 레이저 조각, 염료 승화, 이중 사출 성형의 세 가지 유형으로 나뉩니다.

키캡 제작 기술의 비밀 공개: 레이저 각인, 염료 승화 인쇄, 이중 사출 성형

Have you bought a Mac Mini or MacBook but don't want to use the thin membrane keyboard or pay for the expensive official keyboards? 

Found a mechanical keyboard you love but noticed it doesn’t come with a dedicated Mac layout? No worries! As long as it’s a keyboard, it can generally be used with a Mac — you just need a few settings adjustments to make everything run smoothly.

How to Set Up Windows Layout Function Keys on a Mac

 | Open the Settings menu, select "Keyboard," and then click "Keyboard Shortcuts."

 | Scroll down to find "Modifier Keys" and choose the name of the keyboard you want to modify.

 | Click "Done" and test if everything works correctly.

When connecting an external keyboard to a Mac for the first time, the Command and Option keys may behave differently, so you’ll need to remap them.

The DF98 mechanical keyboards also support key customization, allowing seamless switching between Windows and Mac systems, truly delivering a one-key dual-system experience!





Have you bought a Mac Mini or MacBook but don't want to use the thin membrane keyboard or pay for the expensive official keyboards? 



Found a mechanical keyboard you love but noticed it doesn’t come with a dedicated Mac layout? No worries! As long as it’s a keyboard, it can generally be used with a Mac — you just need a few settings adjustments to make everything run smoothly.



How to Set Up Windows Layout Function Keys on a Mac

Step 1 | Open the Settings menu, select "Keyboard," and then click "Keyboard Shortcuts."







Step 2 | Scroll down to find "Modifier Keys" and choose the name of the keyboard you want to modify.







Step 3 | Change the key assignments:





Change the Option key to act as the Command key.



Change the Command key to act as the Option key.







Step 4 | Click "Done" and test if everything works correctly.


When connecting an external keyboard to a Mac for the first time, the Command and Option keys may behave differently, so you’ll need to remap them.







Recommended Mechanical Keyboard: DF98

The DF98 mechanical keyboards also support key customization, allowing seamless switching between Windows and Mac systems, truly delivering a one-key dual-system experience!





Here's how to switch to Mac key layout and quickly toggle between dual systems!

A Must-Read for Mac Users: How to Remap a Regular Keyboard to Mac Layout

맥 키보드 레이아웃으로 전환하고 두 시스템 간에 빠르게 전환하는 방법을 알려드립니다!

맥 사용자라면 꼭 읽어보세요: 일반 키보드를 맥 키보드 레이아웃으로 바꾸는 방법

현대 게임과 컴퓨터 DIY에 열정을 가진 다크플래시는 PC 케이스, CPU 쿨러, 케이스 팬, 심지어 게이밍 의자와 테이블까지 직접 조립하고 사용하며 최고급 사양의 뛰어난 제품을 개발하는 데 끊임없이 노력해 온 것을 자랑스럽게 생각합니다.

저희의 목표는 모든 사용자가 만족할 수 있는 최고의 제품을 만드는 것입니다.

다크플래시

As an enthusiast of games and computer DIY in this age, we, darkFlash, feel proud and grateful for keep thinking how to develop impressive and extraordinary products with high-end facilities by assembling and using the PC cases, CPU coolers, case fans, and even gaming chairs and tables in person.

Our goal is to create products that could extremely exert its effect by every user.