How to Lube Mechanical Keyboard Switches

Everyone adores mechanical keyboards because of their distinct tapping feel and feedback, making them the preferred option for gamers and typing lovers. But with age or wear and tear, the mechanical keyboard's switch may deteriorate or even make noise. We now need to lubricate the mechanical keyboard, which is an essential maintenance task. This post will go over the specific reasons why lubrication is necessary for mechanical keyboards, why it's necessary, and two separate, varying degrees of difficult lubrication techniques.

Why do mechanical keyboard switches need lubrication?

The switch of a mechanical keyboard is responsible for providing feedback and feel of the keys. Since there are metal contact points inside the switch, these contact points will wear out due to friction as the use time increases, causing the feel to become stiff and even produce noise. In addition, the accumulation of impurities such as dust and grease will further affect the performance of the switch. 

Lubrication is to add an appropriate amount of lubricant inside the switch to reduce the friction between the metal contact points, thereby restoring the original feel and performance of the switch. By lubricating the switch, we can rejuvenate the mechanical keyboard and extend its service life.

When does the switch need to be lubricated?

1. Poor typing experience 

If you find that the keys of your mechanical keyboard become stiff and no longer as smooth as before, it may be caused by wear inside the switch. At this point, you can consider lubricating the mechanical keyboard switch.

2. Noise trouble

If a mechanical keyboard makes noises during use, such as "clicks" or "squeaks," it may be caused by friction between the metal contact points inside the switch. Lubrication can effectively reduce this friction and eliminate noise.

3. Long-term unused

If your mechanical keyboard has not been used for a long time, the lubricant inside the switch may dry up, causing the feel to deteriorate. At this point, lubricating the mechanical keyboard can restore its original performance.

How to lube switches? (2 methods)

Easy method to lube switches

Required materials:

• Keyboard lubricants (such as Tribosys 3204, etc.)
• A small brush or cotton swab
• A dust-free cloth

Steps:

1. Remove all keycaps

First, make sure that the mechanical keyboard is powered off and unplug all the cables. Then, remove all the keycaps of the mechanical keyboard to better contact the switch.

2. Lube switches

Use a small brush or cotton swab to gently remove dust and impurities inside the switch. And then drop an appropriate amount of keyboard lubricant on the metal contact points inside the switch. Be careful not to drip too much to avoid the lubricant overflowing and contaminating other parts. Generally speaking, 1-2 drops of lubricant are enough for each switch.

Note: Be careful not to use an overly wet cotton swab or brush to avoid damaging the metal contact points inside the switch.

3. Drying

Let the lubricant inside the axis dry naturally for a period of time (usually a few minutes to a few hours) to ensure that the lubricant fully penetrates the metal contact points.

4. Install the keycap

After the lubricant inside the switch is dry, reinstall the keycap on the mechanical keyboard. 

5. Test

Finally, power on and test the feel of the mechanical keyboard. You will find that after the lubrication treatment, the keys of the mechanical keyboard feel smoother and respond faster.

Difficult but effective method to lube switch

For players who pursue higher lubrication effects, you can try the following more complex lubrication methods:

Required materials:

• Keyboard lubricant (such as Tribosys 3204, etc.)
• A fine brush or cotton swab
• A dust-free cloth
• Precision screwdriver and tools
• switch removal tool (optional)

Steps:

1. Remove the switch 

Use a precision screwdriver and a switch removal tool (if available) to remove the switches on the mechanical keyboard one by one. 

2. Deep cleaning

Place the removed switch on a dust-free cloth, and use a fine brush or cotton swab to deeply clean the dust and impurities inside the switch. Make sure the inside of the switch is clean and free of impurities.

3. Apply lubricant

Apply keyboard lubricant to the metal contact points and rails inside the switch.

Note: Be careful to apply the lubricant evenly, making sure every metal contact point and slide rail is fully coated with lubricant.

4. Dry

Let the lubricated switch dry naturally for a period of time (usually a few hours to a day) to ensure that the lubricant fully penetrates the metal contact points and the slide rails.

5. Reinstall the switch

After the lubricant inside the switch is dry, use a precision screwdriver and switch removal tool to reinstall the switch on the mechanical keyboard.

6. Test
Finally, power on and test the feel of the mechanical keyboard. You will find that after deep lubrication, the keys of the mechanical keyboard will feel smoother, respond faster, and may even achieve a new feel experience.

FAQ

Are lubed switches good for gaming?

Lubrication can significantly reduce the frictional resistance of the keys, making the keys smoother and thus reducing the key activation time. This means that player operations in the game can be recognized and responded to by the system faster, improving the competitiveness of the game.

At the same time, lubrication can also reduce finger fatigue when using the keyboard for a long time, allowing players to maintain a better condition during long gaming sessions.

What happens if you overlube switches?

When the spring part is overlubricated, its rebound force may be affected, causing the key response to become sluggish.

If the bottom of the switch is overlubricated, it may feel sticky or produce strange sounds, affecting the typing experience.

Over-lubricating may cause the metal contact points inside the switch to slip, causing poor contact.

Over-lubricating may cause the sound to be too dull or produce discordant sounds.