Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, it’s important to keep your mechanical keyboard switches well-lubricated. This will help reduce friction between the switch stem and housing, making for a more buttery-smooth typing experience.
There are many different lubricants available in the market, but it is important to choose one that best suits your needs. For example, a more viscous lube is ideal for linear (red) switches but will make tactile (brown) switches less tactile.
Table of Contents
1. Tweezers
Whether you’re new to mechanical keyboard or have been gaming on them for years, the fact is that mechanical switches need to be lubed periodically. This prevents friction between key springs and other components, resulting in a smoother and quieter keyboard.
There are a few things you can do to lube your switches, but the most effective method is to use tweezers and a brush. Tweezers allow you to grab the individual parts of a switch, while the brush helps you get into all the little spaces.
You can also open up a pair of switches using a flat head screwdriver, but this is a bit more time-consuming. You’ll need to open each clip individually and keep them open for a long time.
Once you have opened up all the switches, you’ll need to apply lube to each of them. It’s important to choose the right type of lube for your switches, as wrong lube can ruin them, make a mess, get sticky, and damage the keyboard over time.
After applying lube to all the switches, it’s now time to test them to ensure they work properly. If the switches don’t actuate correctly, you may need to open them up again and apply a few more drops of lube.
For a linear switch, you’ll want to first brush the sliders of each switch in an upwards brush motion three times. Next, you’ll want to lube the legs of each switch, starting from the sliders at the top and moving down. Finally, you’ll need to lube the copper “contact leaves” of each switch.
While it may seem like a simple task, lubing keyboard switches can be tricky if you don’t know what you’re doing. If you’re not sure, it’s best to consult an experienced keyboard user before attempting the job yourself.
2. Brush
If you’re looking to lube your mechanical keyboard switches, you’ll need to find a good brush. It should be thin enough to not leave a sticky residue, and also able to get in hard-to-reach places.
A brush can be used to apply lubricant directly to the switch stem and bottom housing, minimizing friction between these components when you press them. This will make the switch feel sturdier and provide a better response, which will result in a more refined sound.
There are many different kinds of lubricants available, but you should only use thin lubricants for mechanical keyboard switches. Overly thick lubes will leave you with an uncomfortable, sluggish feel and a choppy sound.
Using water-based lubes can damage your switches and PCB. This is because they can leak into the circuitry and destroy it. To lubricate your switches, you’ll need a non-water lube, which can be found at most major hardware stores.
After lubing the parts, you should reassemble the switches and see how they feel. This is an important step because it can help you determine whether your lubed switches are working properly.
To lube the switch, start by applying a small amount of lube to the two “rails” on each side of the stem. Next, lube around the hollow shaft in the center of the switch, where the spring sits.
Using a lube brush, carefully apply a small amount of lube to all areas where the stem and bottom housing rub against each other. Ensure that there is no white residue left behind and that you’re lubing all corners of the switch properly.
3. Lube
If you’re working with a mechanical keyboard, you will probably want to lube your switches. This is because a good lube can help to prevent key failures and also ensure that the keys remain responsive.
The first thing you need to do is choose a lube that will work best for your switches. You can find a variety of lubes on the market that range in viscosity and thickness, so it’s important to select one that will work well for your particular set of switches.
Generally, linear and tactile switches are softer, smoother, bump-less, and require a thinner lube than click switches, so it’s worth choosing the right lube for each type of switch.
Once you have a lube that’s suitable for your keyboard, you can start the process of lubing the switches. This can take a lot of time, and it’s best to prepare the workspace ahead of time so that you can easily move from switch to switch.
You’ll need a small paint brush and your chosen lube to lube the switches. To get started, dip the brush in a small amount of lube and start working your way from one corner to another. You will need to brush each of the areas of the switches a few times until all of the lube is applied evenly and there are no white residues left behind.
After you’ve oiled the switches, it’s time to put them back into your keyboard. Make sure that you reassemble them correctly so that they work properly.
When reassembling your switches, ensure that they’re aligned with the PCB. This is crucial for proper function and can save you a lot of time in the long run.
When it comes to lube, the best option is to purchase a switch lubing station. This allows you to quickly move from switch to switch without having to pick up and drop each switch.
4. Clean Workspace
Having a clean workspace is crucial when it comes to lubing mechanical keyboard switches. It helps to create a tidy and organized space to work in, as well as to prevent you from losing parts during the process. It also ensures that the process runs smoothly and you do not run into any problems.
You can start by wiping down the surface of your keys, as this is an easy way to remove food debris and other loose particles that can build up over time. This is important to do regularly, as it prevents particles from getting trapped underneath the keys and congealing into a sticky mess.
Once you have done this, you can begin lubricating the switches. It is important to remember that lubricating your mechanical keyboard switches can help them feel and sound better, so it is worth investing in a high-quality lube to get the most out of this process.
The most common lubes for switches are a silicone-based lubricant and a solvent-based lube. These are both good options, as they offer a wide range of benefits.
When lubing your switches, you should make sure to apply the lube in small amounts. This will allow you to reapply it as needed, without having to worry about wasting any lube.
Conclusion
It is important to remember that the lube will dry out over time, which can cause your switches to become scratchier and lose their lubrication. It is best to reapply the lube at least once a year.
One of the most popular aftermarket modifications carried out by mechanical keyboard enthusiasts is lubricating their switches. The process is simple to perform, and it can improve both the sound and feel of your mechanical keyboard.
