How to lube keyboard switches? Are you searching a way to make your typing experience smoother and quieter? Have you ever heard of keyboard lubing? If so, then this blog post is for you! This post will discuss the basics of keyboard lubing and tips to help you get started. With the right tools and techniques, you can achieve a much better typing experience and make your keyboard last longer.
Remove Your Switches from the Keyboard
If you’re looking for a complete mechanical keyboard kit, the Byhoo mechanical keyboard is an excellent option. It has everything you need to clean and lubricate your switches, including isopropyl alcohol, a switch opener, and a flathead screwdriver. After unplugging the keyboard from your computer, you can remove the buttons from your keyboard by desoldering them. Once you’ve done this, you’ll be ready to move on to the next step.
How to lube keyboard switches – Take the Switches Apart
Once you have removed your buttons from the keyboard, you will need to take them apart. Start by flipping the switch over and unscrewing the plastic housing. Be careful when unscrewing, and ensure you do not lose any parts. Once the plastic housing is off, you should be able to see the stem, spring, and bottom housing. Please take note of the orientation of these components before taking them apart.
Lube the Springs
Lubing the springs is an essential step in lubing your keyboard switches. This task can be done in either painstaking or straightforward ways. The painstaking way is to take your paintbrush, lightly dip it into some lube (preferably an oil-based lube like Krytox 105, etc.), and brush each individual spring. After adding the drops of lube, shake the bag and let the lube spread evenly. This method takes more time but provides more control over the amount of lube applied to each switch. The simple way is to throw all the buttons into your baggie, add 30-40 drops of oil-based lube, and shake it up to distribute the lube evenly. This method is quicker and easier but may result in uneven lube distribution among the switches.
Lube the Bottom Housing
To lubricate the bottom housing, you need to open up the switch using a switch opener or flathead screwdriver. Once the button has been opened, take a minimal amount of lubricant on the small paintbrush, and apply it to all four sides of the switch stem. You may also need to use a small amount of oil on certain parts of the switch, such as the top and bottom of the spring or the bottom housing. This will help minimize friction between the switch stem and housing when making keystrokes.
How to lube keyboard switches – Open Up the Switches
Once the switches have been taken apart and the springs have been lubed, it’s time to open up the controls for a more thorough lube application. Using a switch opener or flathead screwdriver, carefully pry open the switch to expose the internals. With a switch lube brush, dip the tip into the lubricant, making sure to remove the excess. Consider a lube palette to hold the oil and ensure you don’t get it everywhere. Then, using the brush, apply a thin layer of lubricant on all of the switch’s internal components. Hold the spring with a tweezer, insert it into a glob of lube, and a small ring should form around it. This will help ensure that you’ve applied enough lubricant in all the right places.
Apply Lube to a Tiny Piece of Flat Plastic
After opening up the switches, you can take a tiny piece of flat plastic and apply lube. Be sure to use the appropriate lubricant for the type of switch you are using. For example, linear switches would need a little thicker keyboard lube. The oil with a higher viscosity would better suit tactile and clicky buttons like Blues, Browns, and Pandas. You then place the plastic piece between the switch stems and move them together to spread the lubricant evenly. This method ensures all parts of the keyboard switch get lubed up properly.
Use a Switch Lube Brush
Once you’ve chosen the appropriate lubricant, you’ll need to apply it to the keyboard switches. A switch lube brush is an ideal tool for this job. It’s designed with a comfortable handle that makes it easy to control and ensures that even the most minor parts of the switch are coated in lubricant. The brush can be dipped into the lubricant, ensuring you get the right amount on the bristles. Then, you can use it to carefully apply the lube onto the insides of each switch and on any springs if required.
Consider a Lube Palette
Once the springs are lubed, it’s time to get to the rest of the switches. For this part of the job, a lube palette can help immensely. A lube palette can make applying lubricant to tiny parts easier and faster than using your fingers or a brush. It also allows you to spread your lube evenly and accurately, ensuring all parts are properly lubricated. Lube palettes come in different sizes and designs, such as those with rubber feet that help keep them in place on any surface. Additionally, some lube palettes can be worn as a ring, making them closer and more accessible while you work.
How to lube keyboard switches – Choose an Appropriate Lubricant
When choosing an appropriate lubricant for your keyboard switches, it’s essential to consider the type of switch. Oil-based lubricants are generally easier to apply as they’re less dense compared to grease-based lube. The general rule of thumb for viscosity is: lower viscosity lubricants are better for tactile and clicky switches, while higher viscosity lubricants are better for linear switches. The most common lube for linear switches is Krytox 105 grease, while the bog-standard switch lubricant used by keyboard enthusiasts worldwide is Krytox brand lube. It’s plastic-safe and durable enough to last a long time. Properly lubricated switches tend to sound noticeably fuller, and the thicker property of the lube removes some of the higher-end frequencies like ping, which should be pretty obvious. Choose your lube type carefully, and you’ll have a smooth and pleasant typing experience.
Krytox – The Best Keyboard Switch Lubricant
Krytox is widely considered to be the best switch lubricant for mechanical keyboards. It comes in a compound or mix, and two of the most popular lubes are Krytox 205G0 and Krytox 105 grease. The 205G0 is thicker and better suited for linear switches, while the 105 grease works best for tactile buttons. To apply Krytox, use a switch lube brush to dip it in the lubricant and remove any excess. You can also use a lube palette to bulk-lube all the springs by placing them in a plastic baggie and dripping in a few drops of Krytox lubricant. Finally, use a small piece of flat plastic to spread the lubricant on the bottom housing and inside the switch. With this, you can maximize your keyboard’s smoothness and reduce friction between the switch stem and housing.
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