Mechanical Keyboard Switch Lubing Guide for Better Feel

So, you're ready to dive into the world of mechanical keyboard modification? Lubing your switches is one of the best mods you can do to drastically improve the feel and sound of your board. It might seem daunting at first, but with the right tools and a little patience, you'll be rewarded with a smoother, quieter, and more satisfying typing experience. This guide will walk you through the process, offering tips and tricks along the way.

Why Lube Your Switches?

Before we get started, let's talk about why you should even bother lubing your switches. Factory switches, even in higher-end keyboards, often have a scratchy or inconsistent feel. This is due to friction between the moving parts inside the switch. Lubing reduces this friction, leading to:

• Smoother Keypresses: The most noticeable difference. Lubed switches feel noticeably smoother and more consistent.
• Quieter Sound: Lube dampens the sound of the switch, reducing unwanted noise.
• Improved Consistency: Lube helps to even out the feel of all your switches, eliminating inconsistencies.
• Increased Lifespan: By reducing friction, lube can potentially extend the lifespan of your switches.

What You'll Need

• Mechanical Keyboard: Ideally, one with hot-swappable sockets. This makes removing and reinstalling switches much easier. Keyboards like the EPOMAKER EA75 are excellent choices for beginners due to their ease of modification.

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• Switch Opener: A tool specifically designed to open mechanical keyboard switches. Makes the process much easier and reduces the risk of damage.

• Switch Puller: For removing switches from your keyboard (if it's not hot-swappable).

• Lube: Krytox 205g0 is a popular choice for linear switches. For tactile switches, try Tribosys 3203 or 3204. Experiment to find what you like best!

• Small Brush: A small, fine-tipped brush for applying the lube. Size 0 or 00 are good choices.

• Stem Holder (Optional): Helps to hold the switch stem while lubing.

• Clean Work Surface: A well-lit and clean space to work in.

• Patience: This process takes time, so don't rush it!

Step-by-Step Lubing Guide

1. Disassemble Your Keyboard: If your keyboard is hot-swappable (like the Keychron K2 HE), use the switch puller to carefully remove each switch. If not, you'll need to desolder the switches, which is a more advanced process.

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2. Open the Switch: Use the switch opener to carefully open the switch. There are usually four clips holding the top and bottom housings together. Be gentle to avoid breaking them.

3. Remove the Stem and Spring: Once the switch is open, remove the stem and spring.

4. Lube the Stem: This is the most important part. Use your brush to apply a thin, even layer of lube to the stem. Focus on the areas that make contact with the housing: the legs (for linear switches, avoid lubing the legs on tactile switches), the sides, and the bottom.

5. Lube the Spring: Apply a small amount of lube to the spring. You can do this by putting the spring in a small bag with a drop of lube and shaking it gently. This helps to reduce spring ping.

6. Lube the Housing (Optional): Some people choose to lube the inside of the switch housing, particularly the bottom housing where the stem slides. This can further reduce friction.

7. Reassemble the Switch: Carefully reassemble the switch, making sure the stem and spring are properly aligned.

8. Test the Switch: Press the switch to make sure it feels smooth and consistent. If it feels scratchy, you may need to add a little more lube. If it feels sluggish, you may have used too much.

9. Repeat: Repeat the process for all your switches. This can take several hours, so put on some music or a podcast and take breaks as needed.

10. Reinstall Switches: Once all your switches are lubed, carefully reinstall them into your keyboard.

Tips and Tricks

• Less is More: It's better to use too little lube than too much. Over-lubing can make your switches feel sluggish or even sticky.

• Use a Consistent Amount: Try to use the same amount of lube on each switch for a consistent feel.

• Experiment: Don't be afraid to experiment with different lubes and application techniques to find what works best for you.

• Clean Your Tools: Keep your tools clean to avoid contaminating the lube.

• Consider Filming: Switch films can help to reduce wobble between the top and bottom housings, further improving the feel and sound of your keyboard. This is especially useful on keyboards like the AULA F99 where you want to maximize the sound dampening.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Over-Lubing: As mentioned earlier, using too much lube is a common mistake. It can make your switches feel sluggish and mushy.
• Lubing the Legs of Tactile Switches: Lubing the legs of tactile switches can reduce or eliminate the tactile bump.
• Using the Wrong Lube: Using the wrong type of lube can damage your switches or make them feel worse.
• Getting Lube on the Contacts: Avoid getting lube on the electrical contacts inside the switch, as this can cause them to malfunction.
• Rushing the Process: Lubing switches takes time and patience. Rushing the process can lead to mistakes and inconsistent results.

Alternatives to Lubing

If you're not comfortable lubing your switches yourself, there are a few alternatives:

• Buy Pre-Lubed Switches: Some manufacturers sell pre-lubed switches. These can be a good option if you want to avoid the hassle of lubing them yourself. Examples include some of the premium switches used on the WOBKEY Rainy 75.

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• Hire a Professional: There are people who offer switch lubing services. This can be a good option if you want to ensure that the job is done correctly.

Who is this for?

Switch lubing is fantastic for:

• Gamers: A smoother, more responsive keyboard can give you a competitive edge.
• Programmers: A comfortable and consistent typing experience can improve productivity.
• Anyone who cares about the feel and sound of their keyboard: If you're a keyboard enthusiast, lubing your switches is a must-try.

Consider a keyboard like the Akko 5075B Plus Air if you're looking for a board that's easy to customize and modify. Its hot-swappable sockets make experimenting with different switches and lubes a breeze.

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Conclusion

Lubing your mechanical keyboard switches is a rewarding project that can significantly improve your typing experience. While it requires some time and effort, the results are well worth it. So, gather your supplies, find a comfortable workspace, and get ready to transform your keyboard! Now that you know the basics, why not explore the affiliate links above to find the perfect keyboard or supplies for your next project? Or, share your own lubing tips in the comments below!