How to Lube Switches? Why Lube Switches and the Benefits?
Why Lube Switches? For many friends who are new to mechanical keyboards, don’t understand why the keyboard switches need to be lubricated. They feel that the switches are ready to use out of the box. The most important thing is to add sound insulation cotton and foam to the keyboard for the silent treatment. Lube switches have little effect and can be not lubricated. In fact, the lube keyboard switches are also very useful for your typing feel and quiet processing. If you can't lube switches, then we will tell you how to lube switches.
How to Lube Keyboard Switches?
NOTE: It is recommended that you do not lube the Clicky switches. Because lubrication will cause your switch clicks to convert to a quieter tactile sound.
Tactile switches: thin layers of lubrication.
Linear switches are best optimally lubricated switches. And not all switches can be lubricated, and some brands of switch lubricated can be very difficult to take apart. Even when taken apart, due to the way the bottom case and outer case are designed, it could leak and damage your keyboard. For example, the Kailh Box switch is not suitable for lubrication, but its feel and touch are good.
Before lube keyboard switches, you will need the following: Lubricant, Small Brush, Switch Opener or Flathead Screwdriver, Switch Puller, and Tweezers. As shown below: Buy Lube Tools Kits
Step One: Take the Switch Out of the Keyboard
Of course, if your switches are purchased separately, you can skip them directly and go to the second step. If your switch is still on the keyboard, you need to remove the switch from the keyboard first. Note: first ask the merchant whether your keyboard is hot-swappable. so that it can be easily removed. Instead, you just need to remove the keycaps, and use the switch puller to pull switches off, which is also the fastest and safest way. As shown below:
If your keyboard is not hot-swappable and requires desoldering switches, then check out the video below. (If you are a novice, I suggest that you buy a hot-swappable keyboard directly, so as not to damage the keyboard by mistake: click to buy a hot-swappable keyboard)
Step Two: Turn on the Switch
Opening switches is the most difficult step in lube keyboard switches, you can use a switch opener, which is the quickest way, you can buy it here: Key Switch Opener.
Align your axle switch with the four fulcrums on the axle opener, as shown in the picture below, and then align the nails on the switch with the fulcrums on the axle opener, and then press down on the switch. After the switch pops up, you can easily is opened.
Or you can use a flat-head screwdriver to open it, which is the same principle as the shaft opener, except that you need open the nails on the four switches one by one, and the switches can be ejected when you open them all.
Step Three: Lube the Switch Lower Housing
The lower housing is the part that contains 3/5pin, you only need to lubricate the lower inner case carefully, because you better not lubricate to the metal blade, because it will damage your switch, it is recommended that you lubricate the inner bottom plate of the switch, where the rod guide contacts part as well as the inside and outside of the cylinder. As shown in the red arrow in the figure below
Step Four: Lube the Spring
About lubing the spring, first, you need to fix the spring with tweezers, or use the tool in the picture below to fix it effectively (Buy This Tool Kit), and then apply it all over the spring. If you need a large batch of lube springs, you can put them in a bag and shake and knead lightly.
Step Five: Lube the Valve Stem
The valve stem is the topmost position of the shaft switch, and it is also the protrusion that we press and touch the most. Lubricating it is relatively simple, you only need to lubricate the legs, but this will reduce the tactile bump when you type. If you want to be more silent, but most of the time it is not recommended.
Step Six: Lube the Upper Housing
It is also very easy to lube the upper housing. It is only necessary to lube the part where the stem guide is in contact with the upper housing, and the rest can be ignored.
Step Seven: Put Switch Back Together
When you see this step, congratulations, you've lubricated everything! Now it's time to put all the components back together. You just need to put it together according to the position of the picture, and then snap it together. And test to make sure the switch actuates correctly and nothing feels choppy. If it doesn't work, turn on the switch and reassemble it.
This way the switch is lubricated and you just need to install it in the keyboard at the end.
Note: Please install the switch carefully on the keyboard. Align the position of the pin during installation to prevent the pin from being bent or not inserted into the pinhole.
Why Lube the Switch?
Some friends will ask, why we need to lube the switch, I think my switch is used well. Of course, lube the switch is not a necessary step, just to make your keyboard quieter and feel smoother, and the sound quality of the strike is better. in my opinion. The lifting effect of the linear switch after lubrication is very significant. After lubrication, a lot of friction and scratches are reduced, and the sound can be greatly improved. In the case of Tactile switches, only a very thin layer of lubrication is required. Clicky switches do not recommend lubrication. Because it will eliminate the characteristic of the Clicky sound.
Benefits of Lube Switches:
Improved Acoustics, Smoother Actuation, Less Rattle, Less Scratchiness, Reduced Tactile Bump, Fun & Therapeutics
