How to speed-run switch lubing sessions: 1. Just go buy a cheap key switch tool to separate the halves. 2. Shuck open all of your switches to be lubed first, with their separate pieces in 4 bins/piles. 3. Lube all of your pieces, bin-by-bin 4. Clean your hands, and start slapping them fuckers back together.
Easily the best video on this subject. Well scripted, shot, delivered and edited. Amazing tutorial that I'm sure I'll be coming back to when I finally get around to lubing my switches. Thank you so much.
So many people in the comments whinging about it taking a few minutes each switch. Firstly, the entire point of a hobby is to spend time doing something that you enjoy. Secondly, this is a video that is taking time to explain it. You can do it in a 3rd of the time when you're sitting there just listening to music and doing each switch without explaining it.
Back with another detailed tutorial! If you want buttery smooth switches, you GOTTA lube em up! This video is focused on linear switches but I cover what you need to differently for tactile switches! Check this link to see more details! imgur.com/a/hijSYcp#rtzPIGs EDIT: Had to re-upload since something was wrong with the first upload oof
Hi I know nothing about keyboards and I've never lubed a keyboard switch before, but I'm planning on building my own custom keyboard and this is by the far the easiest guide to follow. Ty so much I can't wait to get started :)
I'd say spring weighting isn't the most important factor in determining whether or not to lube the legs and contact leaf's of MX style tactiles; especially because two springs with the same bottom out can have two different profiles and higher spring weights don't make a switch more tactile just heavier. If anything, higher spring weights mask the tactile event of many MX style switches due to their low and drawn out tactility. I made some holy pandas with 55g SPRiT slow extreme II springs and lubing the contact leafs and legs did not kill the tactility precisely because it wasn't being masked by a very heavy bottom out weighted spring. Box Navy's do not generate their tactility (and click) in the traditional Cherry MX way; instead of a bump on the slider legs, their is a protrusion on the opposite side of the slider which is caught by flat spring which provides tactility and click when overcome.
Yeah so I followed this exact tutorial, only finding out at the end that all my keys didn't register when I clicked on them (it took a couple of triest before they registered). I did not put too much lubricant, but I asked a friend what i did wrong, and he said I just had to lube the bottom housing and the spring. Now i need to go through the process of cleaning all my switches (around 30 minutes for 5 switches) or I will just have to buy new ones. Don't make the same mistake as me.
Thank you, I was just getting into mechanical keyboards and I feel like this is manageable thanks to you, I have some spare switches to practice so I should be fine xD
@@dimwillow7113 easy to over lube, which will make them worse than not lubing them at all. Also dont bother lubing the top housing it makes no difference.
just a heads up, but silicon lube is dielectric... putting too much lube on the switches can cause lube migration to the contacts. I would only lube the side of the stem and spring on the side away from the contacts to be sure.
@Romsicle What's the idea behind lubing the top housing? I could imagine it may help dampen the upstroke sound a bit (don't know how nice a stem hitting a lubed housing is), but wouldn't it also increase the initial force of the switch, since you now have lube sticking between the resting stem and the top housing? Aside of that, the video was super clear and nicely presented!
It's definitely not necessary IMO, but it allows for a smoother and quieter experience all the way through. Since the lube layer is so thin, there's virtually no difference in resistance upon initial actuation.
Just for reference to any first timers out there, it took me roughly 5 hours or so to lube a full set of switches for my 65%. I think with more time i could probably get it faster. Its kinda awkward handling the switch cus its small. Also I hand lubed the springs so if i were to bag lube them it wouldve been faster as well.
I'd strongly suggest you don't lube low profile gateron browns. You can check my keychron low profile switch lube guide for a similar process if you really want to do that.
Thanks this video helped a lot but it took me 2 hrs just to lube 4 switches so I decided to lube just the switches that I use and 5 hrs later I’m done and my keyboard sound soooo good kinda Worth it 😴
Is it just me or does that seem like a lot of lube? It seems like some pretty big blobs of lube on the bottom housing and the stem. I'm just wondering because I was told Krytox 205g0 is pretty thick and shouldn't be applied heavily.
I use a rc shock silicon oil, 600 is thick enough i even tested 50000 diff oil that thickness dampens alot even dampens the sound when bottoming out. Not sure how good in the long run but that oil is cheap.
@@Romsicle OK, thank you, got it. I am new to the mechanical keyboards, I've been buying brown switches based on everyones reviews. However I don't really see the appeal. I just purchased a K8 Pro, again based on reviews, but this time with blue switches and I am really like it. Great keyboard, great switches. I guess I'm one of the few people, the minority that likes the clicks switches. Thank you!
it sounded like the switch opener like opens the switch for you without tweezers or a screwdriver but it looks like it just holds the switch? can you tell me what it does?
LOL the lube comes out with lighter fluid, potentiometer cleaner (residue free contact cleaner) or plastic-safe brake cleaner, the overlubed switch isn't even close to "ruined" :D
Where exactly can I buy the lube you are using ? I am interested but for all the prices I found on the internet it is just way out of my reach over $70... It would be more than amazing if you could list the link to the website where you bought the lube. Thank you
Fist time trying to open switches and I'm breaking every one. Either it wont press in when I reconstruct them or the switch wont fit back into the board as one of the 'legs' will be stuck out too far from when I prised it open. Gonna get a switch opener...
@@Romsicle yeah stopped after 3 :) only using cherry reds to start with, not touching the Zealios! XD I can't figure out what I'm doing wrong though. Wont do any more until the switch gadget arrives.
@@diggergig6585 A switch opener isn't always going to open up the switch perfectly AND is not going to help you close up a switch properly. Watch the video. There's no reason you should be getting it wrong.
Lol head when i first testing differnt styles and amount, I had to learn about lube farts the hard way. Atleast was only one and was able to remove it.
@@Romsicle thanks, so basically whenever you replace keybaords got it. I am planning to buy a new KB and looking forward to lubing it myself and your vid helped a lot, thanks again
From other users, silicone grease is best used for stabilizers but not switches because it's really thick. If you are going to use it, you may have to dilute it or apply an insanely small amount or else your switches are going to feel real mushy and not as responsive.
![Felix "Unfair" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Oswujxm2Ag0/mqdefault.jpg)
How to speed-run switch lubing sessions:
1. Just go buy a cheap key switch tool to separate the halves.
2. Shuck open all of your switches to be lubed first, with their separate pieces in 4 bins/piles.
3. Lube all of your pieces, bin-by-bin
4. Clean your hands, and start slapping them fuckers back together.
love this
Great idea, sounds a lot better than one by one. I was just going to do them in between rounds of games for a month 😅
You sir are a legend
Yes
you're a legend cause this sounds so long that it'll take me 8-9 hours to finish 10keyless keyboard LMAO!!!!!!!!
I never thought I would ever hear the phrase “lube farts” but ok
@@0xDEAD-C0DE same here I keep needing to wipe them off
so thats what it is, i have switches that make those sounds
I will never unhear this phrase….
I was looking for this comment as soon as I heard the phrase. lol
anal queef
This is probably the best video I've seen on this subject, Well detailed and really clear visuals.
Easily the best video on this subject. Well scripted, shot, delivered and edited.
Amazing tutorial that I'm sure I'll be coming back to when I finally get around to lubing my switches.
Thank you so much.
god lube farts sound gross
Depending on the situation it sounds adventurous
So many people in the comments whinging about it taking a few minutes each switch. Firstly, the entire point of a hobby is to spend time doing something that you enjoy. Secondly, this is a video that is taking time to explain it. You can do it in a 3rd of the time when you're sitting there just listening to music and doing each switch without explaining it.
watching this while waiting for switches to come.. great tutorial bro
Same
Super helpful video, thank you. I ordered some grease, it'll arrive tomorrow, pretty excited so spent my whole day lubing 81 switches yay
Back with another detailed tutorial! If you want buttery smooth switches, you GOTTA lube em up! This video is focused on linear switches but I cover what you need to differently for tactile switches! Check this link to see more details! imgur.com/a/hijSYcp#rtzPIGs
EDIT: Had to re-upload since something was wrong with the first upload oof
What about optical switches?
nope, too much work
Lol
worth it at the end
I thought so too and then went and found sellers on Etsy and they’re charging $155+ for a set of switches that are lubed 😅
real. idk why i thought itd be a fun quick thing to do but its been 5 hours already
@@FloraNovax3 from cosmic bytes it costs around 3$ for lubed and 1.5$ for non-lubed set of 20 switches...
Even looking through a few videos for my first build and I like this the most.
Hi I know nothing about keyboards and I've never lubed a keyboard switch before, but I'm planning on building my own custom keyboard and this is by the far the easiest guide to follow. Ty so much I can't wait to get started :)
I'd say spring weighting isn't the most important factor in determining whether or not to lube the legs and contact leaf's of MX style tactiles; especially because two springs with the same bottom out can have two different profiles and higher spring weights don't make a switch more tactile just heavier. If anything, higher spring weights mask the tactile event of many MX style switches due to their low and drawn out tactility.
I made some holy pandas with 55g SPRiT slow extreme II springs and lubing the contact leafs and legs did not kill the tactility precisely because it wasn't being masked by a very heavy bottom out weighted spring.
Box Navy's do not generate their tactility (and click) in the traditional Cherry MX way; instead of a bump on the slider legs, their is a protrusion on the opposite side of the slider which is caught by flat spring which provides tactility and click when overcome.
Huge sound difference indeed. I'm still going to lube my switches because that is sure to fill the void in my soul.
definitely you deserve more subs.
Thank you so much for that easy tutorial and my keyboard feels like it was hand crafted by god :D
5:19 HOLY the lubed switch sound WAYYY poppier and better. ill sit at my desk for hours straight lubing them, its totally worth it.
I got my first keyboard and switches in last night. I'm about 3 hours in and I've lubed and filmed about 40 out of 100 switches lol. Great vid
straight forward , great video for a begginer like me
Yeah so I followed this exact tutorial, only finding out at the end that all my keys didn't register when I clicked on them (it took a couple of triest before they registered). I did not put too much lubricant, but I asked a friend what i did wrong, and he said I just had to lube the bottom housing and the spring. Now i need to go through the process of cleaning all my switches (around 30 minutes for 5 switches) or I will just have to buy new ones. Don't make the same mistake as me.
Thank you, I was just getting into mechanical keyboards and I feel like this is manageable thanks to you, I have some spare switches to practice so I should be fine xD
Definitely a tedious process. I just needed it for my backspace key so thanks!
how long does it last for? Do i have to redo it, after years? Does the lube thicken? Is it worth for switches that will be used for atleast 3 years?
Long enough that you won't have to ever worry. It's always worth it to lube your switches.
@@Romsicle which lube do you recommend, or is there anything to consider?
@@pudelmuetz1 The two most common lubes are Tribosys 3204 and Krytox 205g0. If you want a thicker lube, choose Krytox.
I think the top houseing lube is over rated though imo, I did at first but no longer do because the bottom rails pretty much over the top parts.
I personally find lubing the leafs usually causes more harm than good even with most linears. Otherwise, fantastic video!
interesting..what harm you talking about.. gonna lube soon for the first time..
@@dimwillow7113 easy to over lube, which will make them worse than not lubing them at all. Also dont bother lubing the top housing it makes no difference.
@@grrizzzy7 i see.. thanks
Finallyyyyy video i was looking forr 😢❤
just a heads up, but silicon lube is dielectric... putting too much lube on the switches can cause lube migration to the contacts. I would only lube the side of the stem and spring on the side away from the contacts to be sure.
@Romsicle What's the idea behind lubing the top housing? I could imagine it may help dampen the upstroke sound a bit (don't know how nice a stem hitting a lubed housing is), but wouldn't it also increase the initial force of the switch, since you now have lube sticking between the resting stem and the top housing?
Aside of that, the video was super clear and nicely presented!
It's definitely not necessary IMO, but it allows for a smoother and quieter experience all the way through. Since the lube layer is so thin, there's virtually no difference in resistance upon initial actuation.
Just for reference to any first timers out there, it took me roughly 5 hours or so to lube a full set of switches for my 65%. I think with more time i could probably get it faster. Its kinda awkward handling the switch cus its small. Also I hand lubed the springs so if i were to bag lube them it wouldve been faster as well.
Which mechanical keyboard are you using? Please share link to purchase.
dude I never new that its this hard to lube ONE SWITCH!!!!
Love the concise explanations.
How do I clean my brush after lubing the switches?
Soap and water
I really like your keycaps!
Hey! Can you post a video on how to lube low profile gateron browns?
I'd strongly suggest you don't lube low profile gateron browns. You can check my keychron low profile switch lube guide for a similar process if you really want to do that.
May I ask why?
Does it lubing the low profile browns make any significant diffrence
@@spotlessreviews7425 You lose all tactility - browns are barely tactile, and you're just going to turn it into a linear switch.
Ohh thank you!! I won't lube the browns then.
ive experienced some lube farts in my life. that being said great video man this is my first foray into lubing switches
i just use needles to pry the outemu/kailh housing,it just works like a charm
ty for uploading super useful video , just wondering does lubing linear switches make them feel smoother ?
Yes
is there a shop you can buy lubed switches over seas?
If I want to bag lube my spring can I use a different type of lube or do you recommend using the same lube as the other part of the switch
Doesn't really matter
I want to do this with my keyboard cause the switches are so scracthy right out the box, but man this would take a long time
i prefer the cats in bag method where i put the springs in a small plastic back with some lube and i shake it for a while.
Is Durex brand okay for switches?
Thanks this video helped a lot but it took me 2 hrs just to lube 4 switches so I decided to lube just the switches that I use and 5 hrs later I’m done and my keyboard sound soooo good kinda Worth it
😴
How often do you lube switches or do you only do it once and ur good?
You only have to lube them once unless you do a crappy job.
where do you get the oil from
This tutorial is good but I have a question. If i i lube the springs normally then do I use my lube like I used to lube my switches?
Some people like using a more viscous lube for their springs compared to the stem/housing, but it's really up to you. I use the same.
After I lube my switches, some of them don't work. They dont have bent pins either, what can be the cause of it? It was akko jelly blacks
Is it just me or does that seem like a lot of lube? It seems like some pretty big blobs of lube on the bottom housing and the stem. I'm just wondering because I was told Krytox 205g0 is pretty thick and shouldn't be applied heavily.
It might look that way because it's zoomed in and it's cut short compared to how long I actually take to make sure it's lubed well.
This was sooo informative thank you so much!
does the same thing apply with optical switches or do you have to do the same
thank you for the nice tutorial videos. it's very help me out.
can i do this on a keyboard that have the switches soldered in, my keyboard is an xtrfy k4
yes, you just need to know how to desolder and resolder properly and it'll be the exact same
Can you just lube the switch springs with the plastic bag method?
I use a rc shock silicon oil, 600 is thick enough i even tested 50000 diff oil that thickness dampens alot even dampens the sound when bottoming out. Not sure how good in the long run but that oil is cheap.
Where do you get those brush? Tryint to find something more on the higher end? Thanks.
Go to an arts and crafts store nearby/Amazon/AliExpress if you're patient and want to save money
can you use the keyswitch opener on otumuo (or however you spell that) switches
Outemu - yes
Romsicle ok thank you
Well, are their keyboards that are being sold with lubing?
there*
and no.
Can i lube the contact pin in the switches to prevent moisture build up? Romer-G Switches on G613.
No. Romer g switch sucks anyway
We have to use Greece or glue
Would Super Lube alone be better for Clicky tactile switches such as Gateron Blue?
Super Lube should only be used for stabilizers - and you should never lube clicky switches because they'll lose their tactility.
@@Romsicle OK, thank you, got it. I am new to the mechanical keyboards, I've been buying brown switches based on everyones reviews. However I don't really see the appeal. I just purchased a K8 Pro, again based on reviews, but this time with blue switches and I am really like it. Great keyboard, great switches. I guess I'm one of the few people, the minority that likes the clicks switches. Thank you!
it sounded like the switch opener like opens the switch for you without tweezers or a screwdriver but it looks like it just holds the switch? can you tell me what it does?
Lube up, and push
Overlubing shouldn't be a problem for linears right?
It is absolutely a problem - you're gonna have a bad time if you overlube.
what lube u use and pls give link
LOL the lube comes out with lighter fluid, potentiometer cleaner (residue free contact cleaner) or plastic-safe brake cleaner, the overlubed switch isn't even close to "ruined" :D
great video but the links for the lubing materials only bring me to a super lube, and I need the materials.
Wait after lubing them do you need to relube them? Idk much ab keyboards
Nope, lube them once and you're good to go forever - only spacebar stabilizers require relubing after a while
@@Romsicle thanks man
how much lube is needed for a tenkeyless. should I buy more than one container?
No need , 5g can lube 300
First time I've heard of lube farts haha
Is it also good to lube the back wall?
Nope, rails are good enough. If you want more smoothness/thockier sound, slightly lube the contacts as shown in the video.
Where can I buy krytox 205
instructions unclear, I'm addicted to keyboards now.
IT HELPED ALOT THANKS
Wow this looks like a really tedious process. I hope it's worth it.
Lbbb
where did u get the sponge bob keycap?
Is the krytox 205g0 good for outemu blue? The spring sound on my switch is so goddamn annoying
If you're going to just lube the spring, then yes.
Is lubing completely eliminates scratchiness? Mine's still have little scratchiness remained on them
especially cherry reds might still have a little scratchiness. It also depends on the amount of lube you used.
I have cherry mx reds, should i lube them or would they sound worse? Nice video btw
They will sound better
What are those awesome all
Black tweezers
Where exactly can I buy the lube you are using ? I am interested but for all the prices I found on the internet it is just way out of my reach over $70... It would be more than amazing if you could list the link to the website where you bought the lube. Thank you
Novelkeys has Krytox 205g0 available right now.
I got my lube from ashkeebs.com. The more you get, the cheaper it is.
How long does the lube last? Is it going to dry out?
Nope, it should pretty much last forever.
Can you lubricate the Logitech GL Linear switches on the G915 TKL?
If you can take out the switch, then sure
I was told Tribosys 3203 lube is great for Gateron Browns. What do you recommend for Gateron browns?
3203 is good because it's more viscous than 205g0. You'll feel the smoothness and still get some tactility.
@@Romsicle thought lube gets thinner as the last # goes down. 205-4-3. Etc
Was the keyboard that you had at the end hot-swappable?
Not hot-swappable, but it's plateless, so you still open and lube the switches. MX Silent Board: if you're wondering what keyboard it is.
hey romsicle one question i got "lube farts" in my spacebar how do i get rid of it without desoldering my switch
You can't lol
@@Romsicle bruh really
@@Romsicle 😭
waht brush did he use
Fist time trying to open switches and I'm breaking every one. Either it wont press in when I reconstruct them or the switch wont fit back into the board as one of the 'legs' will be stuck out too far from when I prised it open. Gonna get a switch opener...
If it's not fitting, you're doing it wrong. Go slow if you're inexperienced because you'll destroy your switches.
@@Romsicle yeah stopped after 3 :) only using cherry reds to start with, not touching the Zealios! XD I can't figure out what I'm doing wrong though. Wont do any more until the switch gadget arrives.
@@diggergig6585 A switch opener isn't always going to open up the switch perfectly AND is not going to help you close up a switch properly. Watch the video. There's no reason you should be getting it wrong.
@@Romsicle oh darn! Ok, will run it a few more times to see where I went wrong. Thanks for replying.
im not sure why but my switched keep jamming. the stem is all fine before i close the switch together but when i do it doesn't budge.
do we need to lube them 1 time or time after time
Once
I didn’t finish lubing all my switches last night so I left the housings open. Will the lube dry out overnight?
Lube does not dry out lol
@@Romsicle NICE jus making sure loll
This isn't rlly about switches but should I keep the red dragon k552 stock or should I mod it
If you know how to solder and desolder, it wouldn't hurt to mod it since it'll sound way better
@@Romsicle how do u solder and desolder idk anything about keyboards
@@kimberlyallan2227 If you have no idea what I'm talking about, modding that keyboard is impossible.
Which krytox to use for royal kludge red switch? im new to this
Can't go wrong with 205g0
Nice vid bro.
BTW did you use the other lubricant (3204 or 32C4, newbie not sure)?
Krytox 205g0
@@Romsicle how many grams of 205g0 should I buy for my TKL KB?
@@assasin4715 3mL is more than enough to lube 2-3 keyboards worth.
@@Romsicle the shops I saw offers only per grams. 3g, 4g, 5g, 10g and 50 grams.
@@assasin4715 Google is your friend for conversion, mate.
So i lubed mine with vicks vaporub
Are browns just silent blues?
Yeah :D.
Overlubed blues are browns
Lol head when i first testing differnt styles and amount, I had to learn about lube farts the hard way. Atleast was only one and was able to remove it.
How often should you reapply lube?
It's a one time thing!
@@Romsicle thanks, so basically whenever you replace keybaords got it. I am planning to buy a new KB and looking forward to lubing it myself and your vid helped a lot, thanks again
You think ill be fine with patroleum jelly?
No, it's too thick
@@Romsicle Thanks man I guess ima get krytox despite being expensive I think it should sound really nice on gateron optical browns
@@quintinbrosch5915 You might as well get some optical reds if you're gonna lube them - you'll probably lose all the tactility after lubing browns.
@@Romsicle I actually am getting optical reds lol only 10 though. I am going to order some krytox lube soon as well.
can you use silicone grease for switch lubing
From other users, silicone grease is best used for stabilizers but not switches because it's really thick. If you are going to use it, you may have to dilute it or apply an insanely small amount or else your switches are going to feel real mushy and not as responsive.