Step into the passionate world of mechanical keyboards, and one of the rituals you’ll encounter is the practice of lubing keyboard switches. Far from being just another task to check off your list, this process is a rite of passage, marking your entry into this fascinating hobby.
Lubing your switches is not simply about adding some lubricant. It’s about refining your keyboard, augmenting its sound and feel, and essentially elevating it to its top-quality state. This guide will steer you through the process of lubing your switches for a smoother, more responsive keyboard experience.
Understanding Your Switches
Before we embark, it’s pivotal to comprehend the type of switches your keyboard possesses. The main varieties are tactile, linear, and clicky. Each type necessitates a unique lube approach:
- Tactile switches: Lubing is recommended, but use a thin lube initially as thicker ones can diminish the tactile bump.
- Linear switches: These benefit 100% from lubing, which eliminates friction and scratchiness while improving sound quality. Want to understand the difference? Check out lubed vs unlubed switches.
- Clicky switches: We advise against lubing these, as it may produce inconsistent sound between each switch.
There are exceptions, such as Kailh BOX Switches, which are notoriously challenging to lube due to their design. If you have these, it might be best to consider other options for enhancing your keyboard.
For more detailed advice on what type of lube to use for your particular switches, check out this resource.
Gathering Your Tools
With the correct tools at your disposal, lubing your switches becomes a much more feasible task. Here’s what you’ll require:
- Krytox 105/205G lubricant
- Small brush
- Switch opener or a small flathead screwdriver
- Tweezers
- Hot-swappable keyboard or soldering equipment (for removing/attaching switches from the PCB)
- Small workstation
The Lubing Process
With your tools ready, it’s time to get down to business. But don’t forget about the stabilizers – here’s a guide on how to lube stabilizers. Follow the 9-step process for lubing your switches:
- Remove switches from the keyboard. If you’re utilizing a hot-swappable keyboard, this step is simple. For others, you may need to desolder the switches. Lubing switches without desoldering is possible but can be messier and less effective.
- Pull apart the switch. Using a switch opener or a flathead screwdriver, carefully disassemble the switch.
- Lube the spring. Dip your brush in the lube and apply it evenly to the spring. Make sure it’s not overly saturated.
- Lube the stem. When lubing the stem, use your brush to apply lube evenly to the sides and the base of the stem. Exercise caution to avoid over-lubrication.
- Lube the upper housing. Apply a thin layer of lube to the upper housing of the switch.
- Reassemble the switch components. Once everything is nicely lubed, put the switch back together.
- Install the switches back into the keyboard. Carefully place each switch back into its position.
- Test to ensure the switches function as they should. After all this effort, discovering a non-working switch would be disheartening, right?
- Plug in your keyboard and test the keys. Type a few sentences to verify everything works seamlessly.
Caring for Your Lubed Switches
After the lubing process, you’ll want to maintain the top-notch performance of your keyboard. This involves regular cleaning to remove any dirt or debris from the switches and re-lubing when necessary. Wondering how often you should maintain your lubed switches? Or pondering over do you have to relube switches? Check out the linked articles for more insights.
For those interested in exploring the world of pre-lubed switches, /r/mechmarket is a great place to start. Just make sure to thoroughly research any seller before committing to a purchase.
There you have it, fellow keyboard enthusiasts – your comprehensive guide to lubing keyboard switches. Remember, it’s not just about following instructions; it’s about savoring the process and the satisfaction of owning a keyboard that has a piece of you in its keystrokes. And if you’re interested in learning more about enhancing your keyboard experience, explore our articles on fixing scratchy switches, whether blue switches can become annoying, and if silent switches are worth it.
Ultimately, lubing your switches goes beyond simple maintenance. It’s a hands-on method of connecting with your keyboard and fine-tuning it to suit your inclinations.
FAQ
1. What is lubing keyboard switches, and why is it important?
Lubing keyboard switches refers to the practice of applying a special lubricant to the components of a mechanical keyboard switch. This process reduces friction between parts, enhancing the smoothness of keystrokes, improving sound quality, and extending the keyboard’s lifespan. For more details, read more about what does lubing do.
2. What tools do I need to lube my keyboard switches?
You’ll need the following items:
- Krytox 105/205G lubricant
- Small brush
- Switch opener or a small flathead screwdriver
- Tweezers
- Hot-swappable keyboard or soldering equipment (if your keyboard is not hot-swappable)
- Small workstation
3. What types of switches should I lube?
Generally, tactile and linear switches benefit most from lubing. It’s not typically recommended to lube clicky switches, as it can make the sound inconsistent. Kailh BOX Switches are also not recommended for lubing due to their design.
4. How often should I lube my switches?
The frequency of lubing depends on the usage of your keyboard and the feel of your keys. However, regular maintenance is essential for an optimal typing experience. For more information, check out our article on how often you should lube keyboard switches and our article on how long does keyboard lube last..
5. My switches feel scratchy after lubing. What should I do?
If your switches feel scratchy even after lubing, there might be some dirt or debris in the switch, or you may have applied too much or too little lubricant. You can check out our article on how to fix scratchy switches.
6. I’m uncertain which switches are ideal for me. Where can I find more details?
Selecting the right switches hinges on several variables, including your typing style, noise preference, and purpose (gaming, typing, etc.). Our comprehensive guide on keyboard switches can aid you in making an informed decision.
7. Can I lube my switches without desoldering?
Indeed, you can, but it’s usually less effective and potentially messier. It also requires a substantial amount of isopropyl alcohol for cleanup afterward. For more insights about this method, peruse our guide on how to lube switches without desoldering.
8. Can I remove lube from my switches?
Yes, it is possible to remove lube from switches, albeit a meticulous process. For an in-depth guide on this, refer to our article on how to remove lube from switches.