How to Choose Top & Bottom Mount, Optical and LG Low-Profile for Your Artisan Keycap
Takara Model Studio
Artisan keycaps with translucent light-through areas rely on your keyboard's backlight, so choosing the right switch option matters. There are three main options: Top & Bottom Mounted (for standard LEDs above or below the switch), Optical (for optical switches), and LG Low-Profile (for low-profile boards). This guide explains how to check your keyboard's LED position and pick the correct option — using the Patlabor AV-98 Ingram keycap set as an example.
How to Pick the Right Switch Option
QUICK SUMMARY- ▸ Check the LED socket position — above or below the switch housing
- ▸ Top & Bottom Mounted — one option covers both standard LED positions
- ▸ Optical Switch — for keyboards using optical switches
- ▸ LG Low-Profile — for thin low-profile mechanical keyboards
How to Choose Top & Bottom Mount, Optical and LG Low-Profile for Your Artisan Keycap
A simple guide to getting the light-through effect right on your keyboard.Step 1: Find Out Where Your LED Lives
Pop a keycap off and look at the switch socket. Many mechanical keyboards place a surface-mount LED either above (north-facing) or below (south-facing) the switch. If your board can accept both and you're not sure, the "Top & Bottom Mounted" option is the safe, flexible choice — it's designed to work with LEDs in either position.
Step 2: Match Your Switch Type
- Top & Bottom Mounted — standard mechanical switches with LEDs above or below the housing. Most mainstream boards.
- Optical Switch — keyboards that use optical (light-based) switches instead of traditional mechanical ones.
- LG Low-Profile — slim, low-profile mechanical keyboards where standard-height keycaps don't fit.
Why the Option Matters
An artisan keycap with translucent areas — like the glowing head sensor, eyes and shoulder lamps on the Patlabor Ingram set — only shows its light-through effect if the LED actually lines up with the translucent part. Choosing the correct option is what turns a cool sculpture into a glowing desk centerpiece.
A Real-World Example
The Johnny Patlabor AV-98 Ingram keycap set is available in exactly these three options. If you have a standard RGB board with an LED above or below the switch, pick Top & Bottom Mounted; if your board is optical, pick Optical; if it's a low-profile board, pick LG Low-Profile.
Pick your switch option and light up Ingram.
Shop the Patlabor Ingram KeycapFrequently Asked Questions
What is top vs bottom mount LED?
It refers to where the LED sits on the PCB relative to the switch housing — above it (north-facing) or below it (south-facing). The Patlabor Ingram set's Top & Bottom option supports both.
Does an artisan keycap need RGB to glow?
Yes. Keycaps like this one have no built-in LEDs; the translucent resin glows using your keyboard's backlight.
How do I know if my keyboard is low-profile?
Low-profile keyboards use thinner switches and shorter keycaps. If standard keycaps sit too high or won't fit, yours is likely low-profile — choose LG Low-Profile.
Author: Takara Model Studio
This is an independent handcrafted product. Mobile Police Patlabor is a trademark of its respective owners; this item is a fan-made artisan keycap and is not affiliated with or endorsed by them.