Keychains are one of the most popular sublimation products for both new crafters and established businesses. They are small, affordable to produce, quick to press, and have universal appeal as gifts, promotional items, and craft show bestsellers. But with so many keychain blank materials available — aluminum, acrylic, MDF, PU leather, and stainless steel — how do you know which one is right for your projects? This guide compares every sublimation keychain material to help you choose the best option for your business.
Aluminum Keychains
Aluminum keychains are the gold standard for sublimation. They produce the most vibrant colours, are extremely scratch-resistant, and have a premium weight and feel that customers love. Aluminum is also waterproof and UV-stable, so the print will not fade even with daily outdoor use.
Press settings: 375–400°F, 45–60 seconds, medium-heavy pressure
Best for: Photo keychains, vibrant full-colour designs, premium gifts, pet tags, luggage tags, products that need to withstand outdoor conditions and daily handling.
Trade-offs: Higher blank cost per unit than MDF or acrylic. Limited to the shapes available in pre-cut blanks (round, rectangle, dog tag, heart, etc.).
Browse our full selection of aluminum sublimation keychains in multiple shapes and sizes.
Acrylic Keychains
Acrylic keychains are lightweight, affordable, and available in a huge variety of shapes including custom die-cut options. Clear acrylic keychains have a glossy, transparent look that makes designs appear to float inside the material. White acrylic produces solid, opaque prints similar to aluminum but at a lower price point.
Press settings: 360–385°F, 45–60 seconds, light-medium pressure (acrylic is softer than aluminum)
Best for: Budget-friendly production, creative shapes, double-sided designs (on clear acrylic), lightweight products, high-volume craft show inventory.
Trade-offs: Less scratch-resistant than aluminum. Can crack if dropped. Not as UV-stable — colours may fade slightly with prolonged direct sunlight exposure.
Shop our acrylic sublimation keychains in clear and white options.
MDF Keychains
MDF (medium-density fibreboard) keychains are the most affordable sublimation keychain blank. They come in a wide variety of novelty shapes — letters, animals, hearts, graduation caps, sports themes — making them popular for themed events and seasonal products.
Press settings: 375–400°F, 50–70 seconds, medium pressure
Best for: Themed events (graduation, baby showers, holidays), kids’ party favours, budget-friendly promotional giveaways, seasonal craft show products, novelty shapes not available in aluminum or acrylic.
Trade-offs: Not waterproof (MDF absorbs moisture and can swell). Not as durable as aluminum or acrylic. Heavier than acrylic for the same size. Surface is matte rather than glossy, so colours appear slightly less vibrant than on aluminum.
Browse our MDF sublimation keychains in dozens of shapes.
PU Leather Keychains
PU leather keychains have a premium, boutique feel that sets them apart from other keychain materials. The soft, flexible faux leather texture gives finished products a luxury look that commands higher prices. PU leather keychains are lightweight, water-resistant, and extremely durable.
Press settings: 310–330°F, 45–60 seconds, light-medium pressure (lower temperature than other materials)
Best for: Boutique and gift shop products, high-end personalized gifts, wedding favours, corporate gifts, products where a leather look adds perceived value.
Trade-offs: Requires lower temperature than other blanks (do not exceed 330°F or the material will warp). Fewer shape options than MDF or acrylic. Colours may appear slightly softer on the textured leather surface compared to the glossy finish of aluminum.
Shop our PU leather sublimation keychains and explore the full PU leather series.
Material Comparison Table
| Feature |
Aluminum |
Acrylic |
MDF |
PU Leather |
| Colour vibrancy |
Excellent |
Very good |
Good |
Good |
| Scratch resistance |
Excellent |
Moderate |
Low |
Good |
| Water resistance |
Waterproof |
Waterproof |
Not waterproof |
Water-resistant |
| Weight |
Medium |
Light |
Medium-heavy |
Light |
| Durability |
Excellent |
Good (can crack) |
Moderate |
Very good |
| Shape variety |
Standard shapes |
Many shapes |
Most variety |
Limited shapes |
| Press temperature |
375–400°F |
360–385°F |
375–400°F |
310–330°F |
| Price per blank |
$$ |
$ |
$ |
$$ |
| Perceived value |
Premium |
Standard |
Budget |
Premium |
Which Keychain Material Should You Choose?
For maximum quality and durability: Choose aluminum keychains. They produce the best colour output, resist scratching and water, and feel premium in the hand.
For budget-friendly high volume: Choose acrylic keychains or MDF keychains. Both offer low cost per unit with good results.
For themed events and novelty shapes: Choose MDF keychains. They come in the widest range of shapes including letters, animals, and seasonal themes.
For boutique and premium gifts: Choose PU leather keychains. The leather texture elevates the perceived value and justifies premium pricing.
For a mixed product line: Stock all four materials. This gives you price points from budget to premium, and lets you match the right material to each customer’s needs and budget.
Shop Sublimation Keychains in Canada
Browse our complete sublimation keychain collection — aluminum, acrylic, MDF, and PU leather blanks in dozens of shapes and sizes. All keychains are sublimation-coated and ship from Canada with no minimum order. Whether you are pressing your first keychain or stocking up for a craft show, we have every material and shape you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best material for sublimation keychains?
Aluminum produces the most vibrant, durable, and scratch-resistant sublimation keychains. For budget-friendly options, acrylic and MDF are excellent choices. PU leather keychains offer a premium boutique look. The best material depends on your target market and price point.
What temperature for sublimation keychains?
Temperature varies by material: aluminum keychains press at 375–400°F for 45–60 seconds, acrylic at 360–385°F for 45–60 seconds, MDF at 375–400°F for 50–70 seconds, and PU leather at 310–330°F for 45–60 seconds. Always test on a sample blank first.
Are sublimation keychains waterproof?
Aluminum and acrylic sublimation keychains are fully waterproof. PU leather keychains are water-resistant. MDF keychains are not waterproof and should be kept dry, as the wood fibre can absorb moisture and swell over time.
Which sublimation keychains sell best at craft shows?
Aluminum keychains are consistently the top sellers at craft shows due to their premium feel and vibrant colours. MDF novelty-shaped keychains (letters, animals, seasonal themes) sell well as impulse purchases. Offering a range of materials at different price points maximizes sales.
Where can I buy sublimation keychain blanks in Canada?
WestCoastCraft (Craftera Wholesale) ships sublimation keychain blanks in aluminum, acrylic, MDF, and PU leather across Canada with no minimum order. Browse the full keychain collection at westcoastcraft.ca for dozens of shapes and sizes, all pre-coated and ready to press.
