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Keyboard Switches · How-to guide

How to Lube Keyboard Switches: Tools, Lubricants, and Step-by-Step Process

Everything you need to know about how to lube keyboard switches: tools, lubricants, and step-by-step process, explained plainly.

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What matters

Key decision factors

What You Need

Switch opener: a plastic tool that opens the switch housing without breaking it Small brush: a size 2 or 00 paint brush for applying lube Lubricant: Krytox 205g0 (linear) or Tribosys 3203 (tactile)

What to Lube

Linear switches: lube the four walls of the bottom housing, the two rails of the stem legs, the outside of the stem, and the spring. Tactile switches: lube the same areas as linear EXCEPT do not lube the bump legs of the stem (the small protrusions that create the tactile bump).

The Process

Open each switch with the switch opener, press in from two sides to release the clip Remove the spring and place in the spring container Place the stem upright on a flat surface

Frequently Asked Questions

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What You Need

Switch opener: a plastic tool that opens the switch housing without breaking it Small brush: a size 2 or 00 paint brush for applying lube Lubricant: Krytox 205g0 (linear) or Tribosys 3203 (tactile) Spring lube: Krytox 105 oil or TriboSys 3204 for bag-lubing springs Small container or bag: for bag-lubing springs

What to Lube

Linear switches: lube the four walls of the bottom housing, the two rails of the stem legs, the outside of the stem, and the spring.

Tactile switches: lube the same areas as linear EXCEPT do not lube the bump legs of the stem (the small protrusions that create the tactile bump).

Lubricating the bump legs coats them and significantly reduces or eliminates the tactile bump.

What NOT to lube: the leaf spring contact area (affects electrical consistency), the inside of the top housing (no contact surface), the LED slot.

The Process

Open each switch with the switch opener, press in from two sides to release the clip Remove the spring and place in the spring container Place the stem upright on a flat surface Apply a thin layer of lube to the four stem sides with the brush Apply lube to the four housing walls and the two rails

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Answers

Frequently asked questions

What lubricant should I use for keyboard switches?

Krytox 205g0 is the standard recommendation for linear switches, it produces the smoothest keystroke and lowest sound. Tribosys 3203 is the standard for tactile switches, it improves smoothness without dampening the tactile bump. Do not use Krytox 205g0 on tactile switches because it coats the bump legs and reduces tactile feedback.

Should I lube springs separately?

Springs develop a rattling sound over time from unlubed coils resonating. Bag-lube the springs separately using a thin oil (Krytox 105 or TriboSys 3204), put the springs in a small bag with a tiny amount of oil and shake. This is faster than individually lubing each spring and effective for the rattle issue.

How long does it take to lube a full keyboard?

Lubing all switches in a standard TKL keyboard (87 switches) takes 1.5-3 hours depending on experience. Allow 30 minutes for the first 20 switches as you develop the technique, then the pace accelerates. Set up an efficient workspace (switch opener, lube station, brush, switches in a container) before starting.

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