Getting the best performance out of your mechanical keyboard requires regular maintenance, and keyboard lubrication is an essential part of the process. Lubricating your keyboard switches not only minimizes noise but also ensures smooth, satisfying keystrokes. This article guides you on how to lubricate your mechanical keyboard switches effectively in seven detailed steps.
### Begin with Preparation
Your first step is preparation. Gather all necessary supplies:
1. Switch Lubricant: You can choose between grease and oil lubricant, depending on your keyboard. A popular choice is Krytox GPL 205 Grade 0 or Tribosys 3203.
2. Lubrication Brushes: Select small, flat brushes to reach every part of the switch.
3. Tweezers: You can use these to handle small components delicately.
4. Switch Puller/Keycap Remover: These tools remove keyboard switches and keycaps without causing damage.
5. Cloth: To keep your workspace clean, preferably an anti-static one.
Avoid using high-viscosity lubricants as they can make the keystrokes feel sluggish, and low-viscosity lubricants may not dampen the noise effectively.
### Step 1: Disassembling the Keyboard
Before lubricating, detach the keycaps using the keycap remover. Please start from the top corners and gradually towards the center, to minimize strain. Be careful not to break the stabilizers.
Next, remove the switches using the switch puller. Some keyboards have a plate-mounted design and others have a PCB-mounted design. This difference affects how you extract the switches.
In plate-mounted keyboards, tweezers come in handy to press the clips down while gently pulling the switch using the puller. With PCB-mounted keyboards, you directly pull out the switches.
### Step 2: Open up the Switches
Take one switch and look for clips on the sides. Use your tweezers to open them up. Work slowly to avoid snapping the plastic components. Each switch consists of the top housing, a spring, a stem, and bottom housing.
### Step 3: Cleaning the Switches
Skip this step if all the switches are new but for used switches, clean them before lubrication. Use a blower or compressed air to remove dust particles from the housing and stem. You can use Q-tips dipped in isopropyl alcohol to clean stubborn dirt.
### Step 4: Lubricating the Switches
Now the main task: Lubrication. Lubricate the switch bottom housing first. Apply a thin, uniform layer to the rails where the stem slides. Then, lubricate the stem. Apply lube to the sides, and avoid the top and bottom. Optionally, some users lube the spring to diminish ping noise.
Remember to avoid overlubing, as it can make the keys sloppy. It is better to underlube and add more later if needed.
### Step 5: Reassembling the Switches
After successful lubrication, reassemble the switches. Place the spring into the bottom housing, followed by the stem, then close it with the top housing. Give the switch a few presses to ensure the lubricant spreads evenly and it operates smoothly.
### Step 6: Reinstalling the Switches
Replace the newly assembled and lubricated switches back into their respective places on the keyboard. Make sure to press them firmly until they click into place.
### Step 7: Replacing the Keycaps
The final step is placing the keycaps back into the switches. Match each keycap to the correct switch and press down until it fits securely.
Do a final typing test to ensure all keys are responsive and the felt difference of a well-lubricated keyboard.
Congratulations! You’ve successfully lubricated your mechanical keyboard switches, a huge step towards extending your keyboard’s lifespan and enhancing your typing experience.
### Additional Tips
1. Lubricate your keyboard switches every one to two years, depending on usage.
2. Keep your workspace clean and organized to avoid losing or misplacing small switch parts.
3. Consider using a desoldering pump or gun if your keyboard requires desoldering for switch removal.
4. To check your work, consider investing in a switch tester. This tool can help you get an idea of what a well-lubricated switch should feel like.
Effectively lubricating your mechanical keyboard switches takes time and patience but yields a noticeable difference in typing experience. By following these in-depth steps, you realize the rewards: a quieter keyboard, more satisfying keystrokes, and a longer keyboard lifespan.
