If you’re considering custom PVC rubber keyrings for your company or organisation merch, you’ll come across terms like “flat”, “2D”, and “3D” used in relation to the available options. While these terms may sound technical, the difference mostly comes down to how much depth and detail your design needs. This post serves as a quick breakdown to help you decide the right style for your logo or design.
How Are Rubber Keyrings Produced?
Firstly, a common misconception is that PVC rubber keyrings are printed. They’re not. PVC rubber keyrings are actually moulded – once your design is finalised, a mould is produced and the coloured soft PVC of each section of your design is injected into the relevant areas of the mould. Once the mould is filled and set, the keyrings are finished with the addition of your preferred attachments.
Flat / 2D Moulded Rubber Keyrings
Flat and 2D keyrings are grouped together. Both are created using moulded layers of soft PVC, giving them a durable, flexible feel. In “flat” designs, the artwork sits flush, level with the background, with no raised or recessed areas, except for thin gaps or recess lines between the colours (or around the logo lettering) providing more detail in the design. A 2D keyring, on the other hand, has slightly raised (embossed) elements—like a logo or text—adding gentle depth for added impact. The surface of the each of the layers is flat (i.e. 2D). Examples are shown (left/above – click to view larger images).
Visually and physically, these two styles are very similar. They share the same finish, vibrant colour options, and cost-effective pricing. Flat keyrings are ideal for clean, bold designs, while 2D embossing adds just enough texture to make key details stand out and provide cleaner edges for your brand logo or text.
3D (Contoured) Rubber Keyrings
3D PVC rubber keyrings take things a step further by shaping elements with rounded contours. Instead of just embossed, but with flat areas, you’ll see sculpted forms with curves and volume—perfect for characters, mascots, or designs that benefit from a more lifelike appearance. These require more detailed moulds and extra production time, which typically means a slightly higher cost. Examples are shown (right/below – click to view larger images)
In Summary:
Flat/2D: Layered look, simple depth, great for logos and text or for some character designs
3D: Fully contoured, sculpted shapes, ideal for detailed or character designs
Whether you want a sleek branded giveaway or a fun, eye-catching 3D shape, moulded PVC rubber keyrings offer durability, colour, and customisation that lasts. Over at our RubberBrand website, you’ll see a wide range of effective PVC rubber promotional products.
Why We Bother With the Choice of 2D or 3D
For some products on RubberBrand, such as custom PVC rubber coasters, it’s better for the entire design to be flush (if you’re putting a mug of your favourite tasty beverage on there, you don’t want it to wobble too much… some of our customers do still opt for a 2D emboss on their coasters, choosing to have, say, text raised up for legibility – the emboss is normally just under 1mm). For other merch products, such as keyrings, labels, luggage tags and fridge magnets, you can choose whichever best suits your design.
About RubberBrand
Visit RubberBrand to find out more.
At Rubber Brand we have been supplying fun, funky and colourful moulded PVC promotional products since 2009! Choose from a fabulous selection of keyrings, coasters, branded product labels, luggage tags, fridge magnets, printed snap bands and much more. Drop by and say hi to us at RubberBrand.co.uk.