How to Lube Your Keyboard Switches: A Complete Tutorial

If you've ever wondered why your mechanical keyboard feels scratchy or sounds a bit harsh, lubing your switches is the answer. Lubricating the moving parts inside your switches reduces friction, making each keystroke smoother and quieter. It's one of the most popular keyboard mods, and for good reason—it transforms the feel and sound of your board.

In this complete tutorial, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about switch lubing. From the tools and materials to the step-by-step process, you'll be able to lube your switches like a pro. Whether you're a beginner or have some experience, this guide will help you achieve a buttery-smooth typing experience.

Why Lube Your Keyboard Switches?

Lubing your switches isn't just about making them feel nicer—it's about performance and longevity. When you lube switches, you reduce the friction between the stem, housing, and spring. This results in a smoother keystroke, less wobble, and a more consistent feel across all keys. Additionally, lubing can dampen the sound, making your keyboard quieter and more pleasant to use, especially in shared spaces.

Another benefit of switch lubing is that it can extend the life of your switches. By reducing wear and tear on the moving parts, you're protecting your investment. Whether you're using linear, tactile, or clicky switches, lubing can enhance their characteristics. For example, lubing linear switches makes them incredibly smooth, while tactile switches can become more refined with the right amount of lube.

• Smoother keystrokes and reduced friction
• Quieter typing experience
• Improved consistency and feel
• Extended switch lifespan

Tools and Materials You'll Need

Before you start lubing, gather the necessary tools. You'll need a switch opener (or a flathead screwdriver if you're careful), a small brush or applicator, a lube station or tray to hold the switch parts, and of course, the lubricant itself. For most switches, a thin, viscous lube like Krytox 205g0 is ideal for the housing and stem, while a lighter oil like Krytox 105 is perfect for springs.

You'll also need a keycap puller and a switch puller to remove the keycaps and switches from your keyboard. If you're lubing switches that are already soldered, you'll need to desolder them first, which requires a soldering iron and solder sucker. For hot-swap keyboards, this process is much easier—just pull the switches out.

• Switch opener or flathead screwdriver
• Small brush or applicator
• Lube station or tray
• Krytox 205g0 and 105 (or similar)
• Keycap puller and switch puller
• Soldering equipment if needed

Step-by-Step Switch Lubing Process

Start by removing the keycaps from your keyboard. Use a keycap puller to gently lift each cap off. Once all keycaps are removed, use a switch puller to extract the switches. If your keyboard is hot-swap, this is straightforward. If not, you'll need to desolder each switch from the PCB.

Now, take each switch and open it using a switch opener. Carefully separate the top housing from the bottom housing, taking care not to lose the spring or stem. Place the parts in your lube station, organizing them so you can easily reassemble.

Apply a thin layer of lube to the sides of the stem, the inner rails of the bottom housing, and the areas where the stem contacts the housing. Use a small brush to apply the lube evenly. For the spring, you can either dip it in oil or apply a light coat with a brush. Be careful not to overlube, as this can cause the switch to feel mushy or attract dust.

• Remove keycaps and switches
• Open each switch carefully
• Apply lube to stem, housing rails, and spring
• Avoid overlubing—less is more

Reassembling and Testing Your Switches

After lubing all the parts, reassemble each switch. Place the spring back into the bottom housing, then align the stem and press the top housing back on until it clicks securely. Make sure the pins are straight and properly aligned.

Once all switches are reassembled, install them back into your keyboard. If you removed them from a hot-swap board, simply push them into place. If you desoldered, you'll need to solder them back. After installation, test each key to ensure it works properly. You may notice a slight improvement immediately, but the full effect will settle in after a few days of use.

• Reassemble switches carefully
• Install switches back into keyboard
• Test each key for functionality
• Allow a break-in period for optimal feel

Tips for Different Switch Types

Lubing techniques can vary depending on the type of switch. Linear switches benefit most from lubing, as it eliminates the scratchiness and makes them incredibly smooth. Tactile switches require a lighter touch—too much lube on the tactile bump can reduce the tactile feedback. For clicky switches, it's often recommended to lube only the springs and the sides of the stem, avoiding the click mechanism to preserve the clicky sound.

Remember that every switch is different, so experiment with the amount of lube to find what works best for you. Some enthusiasts prefer a 'dry' lube with very little product, while others like a 'wet' lube for maximum smoothness. There's no right or wrong—just what feels good to you.

• Linear: lube generously for smoothness
• Tactile: lube lightly to preserve bump
• Clicky: lube springs and stem sides only
• Experiment with lube amount

Common Mistakes to Avoid

One common mistake is overlubing. Too much lube can make switches feel sluggish and can even cause them to stick. Another mistake is getting lube on the contact leaves or the PCB, which can cause electrical issues. Always be precise and apply lube only where needed.

Also, don't rush the process. Lubing switches is time-consuming, especially if you have a full-size keyboard with 100+ switches. Set aside a few hours and be patient. If you're new, consider practicing on a few switches first before doing your entire board.

• Avoid overlubing
• Keep lube away from electrical contacts
• Take your time—it's a marathon, not a sprint
• Practice on a few switches first

Lubing your keyboard switches is a rewarding mod that can dramatically improve your typing experience. With the right tools and a bit of patience, you'll enjoy a smoother, quieter, and more satisfying keyboard. If you're looking for high-quality switches to lube, consider checking out the Gateron Ink Switches or the Cream Clicky Switches from Novelkeys—they're excellent candidates for your next lubing project.