Article:
Mechanical keyboards are known for their distinctive keystroke experience. This experience, however, can sometimes be marred by a squeaky switch, a scratchy keycap, or simply time and use wearing down the mechanisms. As enthusiasts, we want to ensure that every keystroke is just as satisfying as the last, especially when we’re in the middle of an epic gaming session or typing out a lengthy report. The solution, as many mechanical keyboard users have discovered, is lubing – the practice of applying a specially formulated lubricant to the keyboard’s switches and keycaps. The process can seem daunting to beginners but is actually quite straightforward once you get the hang of it.
Before we dive into the lubing tutorial, it is important to understand the types of lubricants available. There are primarily thicker and thinner lubes with the thicker variants best suited for linear switches. Thicker lubes, like Krytox 205G0, help reduce the rattle of a loose stabilizer. Thinner lubes, such as Tribosys 3203, are used more for tactile or clicky switches to precisely reduce friction without impacting the ‘bump’ feeling of the switch.
Start by gathering your supplies. You will need a keycap puller to remove the keycaps, a switch puller to take out the switches, a clean brush to apply the lubricant, and obviously, the lubricant.
Step one is to unplug your keyboard. You wouldn’t want a random keystroke suddenly executing a command on your computer. To begin, use the keycap puller to carefully remove all the keycaps from your switches.
Once you have removed the keycaps, use your switch puller to remove the switches from the keyboard. Ensure you handle each switch with utmost care to prevent any damage to these small, intricate devices.
Now that you have disassembled the keyboard partially, you can begin to disassemble the switches. Mechanical switches typically come in two parts- the upper housing and the lower housing with a spring and stem in between.
With your switches in pieces, the act of lubing can commence. Many tech enthusiasts also recommend lubing the inside of the switch housing, but for beginners, it’s easier and safer to just lube the stem and the spring.
Dip your brush into your lube of choice and carefully apply a thin layer onto the switch’s spring. Subsequently, proceed to do the same to the stem of the switch, paying special attention to the areas where the stem comes into contact with the housing.
It’s important to note that more lube isn’t necessarily better. Apply lightly and uniformly, ensuring that every piece moves smoothly without any excess lubricant pooling out.
Next, when putting everything back together, make sure you’ve aligning each part of the switch correctly before pressing them together. Neglecting to do so could result in your switches not functioning correctly, which is something to avoid after going through this process.
After reassembling, place your switches back onto the keyboard plate with gentle pressure. Ensure each switch aligns with its respective slot and is pressed firmly enough to secure it in place.
Lastly, place your keycaps back onto their respective switches. Depending on the design and the brand of your mechanical keyboard, the precise replacement method may vary, but most keycaps simply need to be aligned correctly and then pressed down firmly.
Once you’ve replaced all your keys and switches, it’s time to test your newly lubed keyboard. A properly lubed keyboard should feel smoother and quieter than before.
Patience and meticulousness are key when it comes to lubing a mechanical keyboard. It’s a time-consuming process that could test the patience of even the most dedicated tech enthusiast. But, with practice, you’ll get faster and the process will seem less daunting. Plus, the resulting “smooth” and “silent” keystrokes will make all the effort worth it.
To maintain the performance of your lubed keyboard, it is recommended to clean the keyboard regularly and consider relubing your switches every year or two depending on your use. If executed properly, lubing your mechanical keyboard is an improvement you’ll be glad you made.
Note: This tutorial has been kept simple for people new to lubing. There’s considerably more depth to the process, with enthusiasts employing specific lubing techniques and differing types of lubes to achieve desired results. As you become more comfortable lubing, you may start to develop your own preferences and techniques.
While this tutorial should give you a good basic understanding of how to lube a mechanical keyboard, the real learning will come when you sit down, tools in hand, to lube your first keyboard. It’s a process that requires practice and patience, but the end results are well worth it.
Keywords: Mechanical Keyboard, Lubing, Lubricant, Krytox 205G0, Tribosys 3203, Keycap puller, Switch puller, keystroke experience.
