How to Laser Mark Keycaps: Step by Step Tutorial

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Keycaps

2025-05-16

Key Information

Laser Machines
Material Needed
PBT & Coated ABS Keycaps
Project File Download
Settings
ABS Laser Marking
Speed: 100mm/s
Power: 20%
Frequency: 50kHz
Line Interval: 0.08
Bi-directional: On
Number of Passes: 1 Pass
Settings
PBT Laser Marking
Speed: 1000mm/s
Power: 20%
Frequency: 50kHz
Line Interval: 0.08
Bi-directional: Off
Number of Passes: 2 Passes

Introduction

Laser marking on ABS and PBT keycaps makes your keyboard setup truly stand out.


With clean and precise laser marking, coated ABS keycaps allow backlighting to shine through their legends, while PBT keycaps create bold opaque characters that resist wear. Whether you are building a gaming keyboard, customizing a work setup, or creating keyboard accessories for your product line, custom keycaps add personality to every keystroke.


In this tutorial, you will learn how to position ABS and PBT keycaps, import the marking file, set the correct focus, frame the design, and complete personalized keycaps with Aurora Fiber.

Before your work begins

Make sure the machine is connected and operating normally
Remove the lens cover before marking
Keep the ABS and PBT keycaps clean, level, and stable on the laser bed
Test the ABS and PBT marking settings before processing the final keycaps

Operational Process

STEP01

Prepare & Position the Keycaps

Choose the ABS or PBT keycaps you want to customize and place them on the laser bed.


Make sure the keycaps are clean, stable, and positioned with the marking surface facing upward. Stable placement helps keep each legend sharp and prevents the design from shifting during marking.

keycaps for laser marking
STEP02

Import & Adjust the Marking File

Load your design into LightBurn software, then adjust the size and position to fit the ABS and PBT keycaps.


ABS and PBT materials use different laser marking settings, so check both parameter groups carefully before starting. Correct settings help create clear legends and consistent results across different keycap types.

laser marking PBT keycap settings
laser marking coated ABS keycap settings
STEP03

Set the Correct Laser Focus

Missing the focus is one of the biggest reasons for laser marking failure. Make sure the ABS and PBT keycap surface is properly focused before processing.


You can use auto focus or manual focus. When two red dots are visible on the keycap surface, it is out of focus. When the two light dots overlap each other, the surface is in focus.

Auto focus
Manual focus
STEP04

Frame the Design & Start Laser Marking

Press the frame button and check whether the red light indicates the correct marking area. The frame should be located in the middle of the ABS or PBT keycap.


If the frame is not aligned, adjust the design position until it fits correctly. After checking, close the laser door and begin the Aurora Fiber laser marking process.

the aurora lite is well connected and ready to work
laser marking PBT keycap
STEP05

Post Processing

Stay near the machine during operation and monitor for unusual sounds or alarms. Avoid looking directly at the laser beam for too long, even when protective measures are in place.


Once laser marking is complete, carefully open the door and remove the personalized ABS and PBT keycaps. Clean them gently if needed, then install them on your keyboard and enjoy the custom look.

laser marking coated ABS keycap
laser marking keycaps done

Come and Try!

Comfortable, durable, and precision-ready, laser-marked ABS and PBT keycaps can elevate work keyboards, gaming setups, and custom keyboard accessories.


ABS keycaps let backlighting shine through crisp legends, while PBT keycaps deliver bold opaque characters that stand up to frequent use. With laser marking, simple keycaps become reliable companions for every keystroke.

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