How to Lube Mechanical Keyboard Switches Without Desoldering - 2 METHODS
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 3 ก.ค. 2024
- How to Lube Mechanical Keyboard Switches Without Desoldering - 2 METHODS
SuperLube aerosol spray: geni.us/Fy7N (Amazon)
SuperLube 51004: geni.us/kN4KM (Amazon)
Superlube Dropper: geni.us/q1bWC (Amazon)
For a step by step guide with pictures: switchandclick.com/2020/06/22...
How to Lube Stabilizers Without Desoldering: switchandclick.com/2020/06/24...
0:00-0:43 Intro
0:43-2:24 Why Lube Switches
2:24-2:50 Disclaimer
2:55-6:36 Spray Lube
6:36-7:58 Spray Lube before/after sound test
7:58-9:44 Spray Lube Thoughts and Conclusion
9:44-12:07 Push stem lube method
12:07-13:31 Push stem lube before/after sound test
13:32-15:27 Conclusion and Outro
In this video, we talk about 2 methods to lube your mechanical keyboard switches without desoldering. If you can solder/desolder or have a hotswap keyboard, please brush lube and just do it the slow way. If not, these methods might work for you. Disclaimer: Doing this is risky and your PCB/switches may not work correctly after. Do so at your own risk.
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The 1st method, the spray lube one, seems quite practical and efficient. Probably, the best one for people wanting to improve their mechanichal keyboard experience without investing huge amounts of time (like me :) ).
No with this kind of lube. Dust will settle on the lube itself and destroy the switch
@@VaracolacidVesci How long does this take typically? I've had a cheap Outmeu Brown keyboard that I've spray lubed for the good of over 2 years an still going strong. I use it everything for work as well. I just did the same thing with some Glorious Pandas an Gat browns as well.
@@yayo685 I don't agree that spray lubing is going to destroy the switch any time soon; dust ingress is extremely low unless you live in filthy conditions. The important step is properly cleaning afterwards, which wasn't done here.
The main downside to spray lubing is obvious; it's not accurate, it's messy, and it's not as effective as 'proper' lubing.
What a coincidence, literally two hours ago I ordered some Super Lube 51010 to experiment with this method on an RK61 I have. (My main board I lubed the old-fashioned way when I built it.) I hope this method catches on and opens up the joys of lubed switches to folks for whom desoldering is too daunting.
Real talk: I also hope it catches on because I love how worked up Redditors get whenever it's mentioned. There are too many gatekeepers in this hobby who are invested in keeping it as obscure and difficult as possible to stop casuals from getting in.
the real talk section is FACTS.
I agree and I hate that
Well, I'm a casual, now I'll feel less bad about searching up this thing to be able to lube up my varmilo keyboard!!!
Hey how did it go? Did you encounter any problems after using the super lube pen? How different is it compared before?
I also use rk61
I used the push lube technique, but instead of plastic I used a very fine and thin brush. It’s definitely not as good as traditional lubing or spray lubing, but it made a world of difference for me modding for the first time on a budget board. I would go through the hassle of traditional lubing, but I don’t have the time as I used to when I was younger.
sounds like spray lube will ovr do it meaning that when u go to click it will miss click im unsure tho
I tried the push-stem method on my Keychron K2 (non-hotswap) with a 00 paintbrush and some (very little) Krytox 205g0. I experienced a significant change in the sound and I'm really glad I did it. Thanks!
no, thank you for giving me another method !
@@ShopPuffPro You can also pen lube your switches. Get some Adheron Lite or Heavy (since it comes in a thin tip), press down the switch and add one drop to each side of the switch.
@@brendan_dc The irony in a lube called Adheron. Sounds more like a super glue.
Thank you! I used the push stem method for my rk61 and there is an audible difference and it feels much smoother; I kind of just jammed the plastic in and wiggled the switch around but it surprisingly worked really well.
Love the chill vibe of this channel. I’ve been watching a lot of your videos recently and just wanted to let you know. Keep up the great work!!
your channel is so underrated iv been binging your videos. your videos are perfect because your someone that is an actually a keyboard enthusiast
Just got into custom keyboards this channel helps a lot!
I absolutely love your content and the way that you end up breaking down what might seem daunting to someone just getting into the hobby.
You're awesome!
I'm so glad!
I love that you respond to comments months after this video came out you helped me build my first fully custom keyboard!
Happy to help!
lol, but why, are you using these methods? Doesn't make sense if you were doing a full custom build.
@@imbanett0 For the people that can't desolder their prebuilt keyboard because they do not want to or because they do not have the tools to do so.
@@imbanett0 It's for people looking for an entry into this hobby. They have an old mech that they want to feel good until they can purchase a proper build. Of course, lube properly if you're doing a proper build.
Thanks Betty! I just finished two hours of my very first lube of my K2! So fun and involved. Feels good to accomplish this and the sound seems improved.
I just bought some Krytox and used the brush it came with to put the lube into my switches. Sounds amazing compared to the previous sound. I just wish I could change my stabs since the left side of my space bar is rattly for some reason and it really stands out now among all the deep sounding switches.
I can’t believe that u guys don’t have 100k.
The mechanical keyboard scene is still pretty small.
I second that
Yeah
lets go
Thank you! I lubed my gateron reds with super lube and it feels like a total different keyboard. 100x better.
Does all your keys work?
I have just lubed my keyboard and i think no one has done my method yet
I used kytoz 205 0g and lubed without desoldering/disassembling by using a paint brush and just coated the brush in kytox and then shoving it into the side opening of the switch and the results were surprisingly good!
People have used this method but doesn’t account for uniform lubing. Different switches need different techniques for lubing. You would’ve lubed the sides of the switch which is honestly okay. But most people just prefer to have more control over everything. They lube the springs and sometimes even the stem legs. Try it out once!
Glad I found this channel it really helps me out!!
I remember the
i used the precision tipped superlube and put a drop on the left and right corners (making sure it covers up the rails). the results was pretty significant for me. upon opening the switch, the lube did not go onto the springs and will only be on the rails or collected at the bottom of the switch.
Porfin, estaba buscando una manera de lubricar mis switches sin desoldar, muy buen video, gracias!!
Waiting for my new hot swap board to arrive but I got tired of my old Ducky One MX Blue, so I decided to lube it without desolder. I did the push down stem and brush the sides method. I used a 7:3 mix of Super Lube 21030 and 51004. Also lubed the stabilizers with a toothpick and brush with just 21030. It worked out great. Still has tactical feel and muted click and much more smooth and buttery feel. Less ping and clack. Don’t do this if you still enjoy the loud clicks of Blue switches. Lubing blues makes it into more of a jailhouse blue switch, and feels more like a slightly more tactical brown with a muted click. I compared it to my other Cherry MX Brown and Gateron Red keyboards.
I started with just a few keys to test but liked it so much I did the entire keyboard. I also did the same to my Blue RK61 with the same method. After adding some foam padding in the case, it got rid of the hollow sound, and feels like a brand new keyboard.
Interesting note, for some reason, in stock form (even when brand new), the Ducky One backlit feels worst than than my DAS Pro S with old MX Blue. Maybe there is something about newer Cherry switches being worst than older Cherry switches. The switches are slightly different with the Ducky One having LEDs. I kept the DAS stock in case I ever want to go back to stock Cherry MX Blues again.
I was very interested in doing this and finally got around to doing it. The best method in my opinion is a mix of both of these. Don't use a spray lubricant but drip lube down the stem of the switch using a nozzle (= get a lube with a thin nozzle). Just push the switch down, apply a bit of lube in each corner. Rather than trying to push it down, let it flow slowly, take a bit of time with each switch. Cycle the switch repeatedly after and wipe off excess. You can actually test the switch during the process and will know if you've used enough. It's very controlled and the difference it makes is great. Doesn't just improve the feel and sound of the keys, but also helps with pinging switches (probably the main reason I wanted to do it). In theory, it could also be done for box switches.
Transparent switches help a lot, you can see the lube going down.
IMHO the best type of lube is a bike chain lubricant. They're designed to seep into chain links, so they'll do perfectly fine on switches, and many of them have very fine nozzles. They're also decently viscous, staying on surfaces even during constant friction. The one I used is RSP Black Oil.
What to buy will depend on what's available where you live. Get something that's meant for all weather condition - these lubricants do not dry off and stay on surfaces longer. Avoid any wax lubricants such as Squirt Chain Wax. They're great for bike chains but they dry off and the solution is 40% wax and 60% water. You don't want water in your switches in case it's not obvious :)
I bought the his and hers KY lubricant for my rkg68. I basically soaked the board in it. Improved my gaming abilities and makes my finger tips warm and tingly. Also if you have any left over your girl will love it!!! You can use it on her keyboard if you know what I mean.
Oh my god
super helpfull just lubed my keyboard and it sounds way better thanks
Spray lubing can be fine. IF you use a suitable lube. Use a spray "dry Lube" you'll find for use on firearms. No oil sitting in switches and no mess left on the board. Sounds good and feels good. In cases where I'm not specifically addressing spring ping I use dry lube. 80% of the time taking apart a switch to conventionally lube doesn't give a benefit that outweighs it's time and labor investment.
New sub here. thanks for the very detailed explanation! Keep it up!
I top lubed my K63 (cherry mx reds) with gpl 250 g0 using a small brush, no need for that tape thing.
It worked because the keyboard is now much more silent, I might have over lubed because this was my first attempt and the swicthes feel a bit heavier now.
But it did work.. I think the keyboard will start to feel even better in a week or so once it breaks it but I'm pretty happy with it right now.. the sound is incredible like popcorn in the microwave oven. - Edit, I've also tape and foam modded this keyboard.. the sounds improvement doesnt just come from the lubing.
Oh wow. I have that same desk mat lol. Also, good how-to video.
just found your channel recently! love your content :) keep it up
Tomorrow I'll "spray lube" my Akko CS Rose Red, for install them on GMMK.
My first "experiment" ever on a keyboard. I'm really excited for what could be the final result
thx for the idea i actually made my keyboard VERY THOCKY BECAUSE OF THIS VIDEO keep up the great work!
That's awesome!
@@SwitchandClickOfficial Ty!
definitely there was a difference between before and after. After the mod, the sound was more pleasant (more defined) for me and also quieter. I wonder if there was any difference in tactile feeling.
Thank you for this video! Can I use an air compressor to push and scatter the oil inside the switch?
Can you make a video lubbing the HyperX Alloy Origins Core keyboard? Pls
I used the regular Superlube to over lube my logitech G pro keyboard it has the blue switches which i don’t like and it’s not hot swappable. What i wanted is to mute the blue switch so i don’t here the click sound i had a pic tool and the lube i pressed the switch stem down and filled the top and started clicking it over an over in order for the lube to spread in the switch and now they sound super thocky and deep like linear switches with some packing foam it sounds phenomenal! Attempting to use this method might damage your bored if your not experienced You also might have sticky or unresponsive keys anything that you do is at your own risk ⚠️.
Thank you for this video, i got a really cheap, semi mechanical keyboard on which i wanted to try various things to see if mechanical keyboards and modding is something for me. But i don't have the money in the moment, so i don't want to buy stuff to find out that i only like the look xD. Will absolutly try the spray-one on my gateron red switches to make it a bit quieter~.
You are welcome!
If you use spray lube please use a dry lubricant one. Those we use in dusty enviroments to not catch dust on them. If you use regular wet lube you are gonna accumulate dust on it and destroy the whole switch very rapidly
good video, I have an existential doubt, Super Lube is just a brand of spray lubricant? What I'm going for is, I can buy a spray lubricant from another brand or it must be Super Lube necessarily. Please help!
I was giving this some thought since I want to lube some soldered Kailh choc v1 switches. These are already soldered into a Drevo Joyeuse v2 keyboard. So I think since the canister sprays the oil all over the place and the force is quite strong. I want to test using syringe and then spraying the lube into the syringe and then using the syringe to do a controlled drop / drip into the switch. Of course I would push the stem down and then that will allow easier access to the sides of the housing.
did it ever work out?
@@eviest3vie I eventually shelved the projects and just bought myself the 60% Skyloong board with optical switches. Since I am a heavy typist I added some O rings.
Hello!! GREAT VIDEOOO! I've watched lots off your videos for the past weeks to get the best review for my first ever mech board
May I ask if I can still lube a non hotswappable board?? Thank you!!
You can, but it's not going to be a precise job
I know this might be an obvious question but if you have hot swap switches then it’s best to lube using a brush? Also you won’t have to desolder anything before you lube the switches? I’m so new to this.
I used the super lube oil 7ml tube (not spray) on my keyboards (2 drops per switch) It worked a charm. BEWARE !!! Clicky switches go silent after lubing.
Thanks for the video x
@@SwitchandClickOfficial I used the liquid super lube in the micro oiler 7ml on the cherry green switches and it is totally silent ..They now feel like the brown 's except have the heavier spring force !
Have you guys done a review on the gk61? If not you guys should!!
Hi Betty, you mentioned an alternate method that might suit me but I can’t find the link to the vid. I have a K2v2 coming. Thank you and I really enjoy your work.
Switch and Click oh gosh, me too. Maybe I was dreaming so I listened to the whole vid again and still didn’t ring a bell. Sorry to waste your time.
hi, very helpful - thanks. May I ask what keyboard are you using in the video? Thx
Hey Betty! Im just wondering if I can spray lub my ducky one 2 mini with silver speed switches should I do ? Bc I’m kinda scared to break my kb lol ! Anyways still a great video !
Spray lubed my outemu black board today and it feels miles better.
i used bike chain lube and just took of the keycaps, pushed the key in and lubed it 1-by-1 and it may not be the best (im from europe but my kb is worth 5USD with brown switches + rgb) but it made the biggest difference and chain lube is actually pretty cheap
I have just ordered a kumara k552 am going to mod it with usb c detachable and custom spray paint
11:24 You really sound like GLaDOS. Thanks for the video, it was really helpfull
you could also use a tiny paint brush if lubing with a grease. i ended up getting a tube of the super lube oil. it has a fine tip nozzle
Can you tell me how the difference? I want to lube mine too but sadly my PCB is not hotswap. I think that is the only way
@@strix_7707 Just get a soldering iron, its worth it and you can get a cheap kit on amazon for 20$.
I lubed my membrane keyboard with vaseline and a que tip and a toothbrush and it sounds amazing.
i am very new to the keyboard scene so i have a question will lubing your keyboard increase its lifespan/keystrokes?
If the aerosol can doesn't come with a plastic straw, what else can we use for method 1? Keen to give this a try!
More mech keyboards! YAY!
can u use any spray for this?
There might be cases that some of your switch does not work as intended anymore right ? Did you throw them and replace or just let the lube dry more (maybe a week or a month) ?
Had a nasty spill on my RGB keyboard yesterday so once I have the chance to flush it out with deionized water I'm going to give this a shot. Appreciate the video!
F
Update: 3 hour soak in the warm deionized water, 2 days drying, lubed the switches using the first method and my keyboard is working perfectly and feels like brand new!
Apologies if this has been asked before but what case is that?
I used WD-40 on my GF's "kb Switch" and uuhhh what a lovely feeling.. Its less edgy or less bumpy when you pushed it. Can I use Super Lube?
Just asking, how often do I need to lube my keyboard especially if I'm a gamer? Every month, 6 months or every year?
once, if done well
I am late for this but i still watch it because i never heard lubing keyboard by yourself i mean when i took off my keycaps and i feel the keyboard has a lube on it but i just never thought you can do it by yourself
I’m getting a new keyboard soon and I want to lube it but I’m scared that I will damage my pcb when I solder it, but is spray lubing better or the classic brush lubing better
how did it go?
@@Jamby i did the brush lubing and it was fine but afterwards it got a bit more scratchy so i use the krytox oil lube to dripped it in the switches
@@peek1520 im proud!
What key caps were on that black and white keyboard you showed for a second?
Hey do u have to wait for them to dry for a different sound or am I not putting enough or
You should do a review of the mk14 from golanhome its on Amazon
imma try the first method on gateron yellows
the womier is hotswap, I own that exact model. Always double check before doing stuff like this
Is it okay to lube mx speed switches on corsair with white oil spray? Cause i did it on my space bar and it works, will it have some negative effects?
Have you ever used dielectric grease for switches instead?
will any type of spray lube work?
please compare hyperx alloy origins core tkl vs gmmk tkl vs womier k87 for build/feel/stabs out of the box
Does it last long?
the aerosol spray one you think po kung 6oz is enough for a tkl keyboard?
I have an msi vigor gk 50 low profile it is kinda loud what kind of lubing do you guys recommend?
Hi. Where did you get the keycaps with the additional symbols on the front? I can't seem to find them online
Hello Betty, I wanted to know if I can spray lube my rk61 red switches keyboard like you Sayed without the "Push stem lube method"? Is it still gonna work?
Hey does it work if u have non hotswappble switches?
How long does it take to lube a tkl by brush?
Hey, I’m looking to do this with my g pro x with blue clicks switches, is it safe or is it going to seep through the switches and damage the board?
How long did u let it dry?
What is that for a keeb model in the first sound test?
Can I use method one for the keys that look like in method 2? I am talking about the Redragon k582 with outemu reds.
hiiiiiii
I wanna ask something, please, do a video lubing a keyboard with graphite
Any experience with Super Lube 51010? The one in the little tube with the pointed tip for application. I've seen mixed reviews, some saying that it eats away at plastic over time and others saying that it's fine. I have a hot-swappable keyboard so I would just take apart the switch and brush-lube like normal if I were to get it. It's just more readily available to purchase compared to all the other recommended lubricants. I have no experience with this stuff as I'm fairly new to the hobby so I'd like to hear your (and others) thoughts!
if its PTFE teflon it will be safe for plastic I believe, I use the super lube grease on flashlight orings and had to research what wouldnt eat at the rings.
where can i buy the outside protection straw. The clear one that houses the red spraying tube/straw?
Hi, do you recommend Super Lube or Krytox 205g0 for the push-stem lubing method? I bought Krytox 205g0 but then I saw this video XD
lmao me too :(
could it work well with other keyboards? I would like to do it with hyperx alloy origins
I really wish I could just take a little opening tool to a soldered on cherry mx switch on my keyboard and just open it...
Probably a stupid question but can I lube non hotswappable keyboards?
I'm gonna try spray lube on my cherry brown keyboard. It's pretty good but has some spring and ringing sound... that way looks much cleaner than using the spray bottle! wish me luck! 🤞 but maybe not good since this one is tactile :/
Hey how did it turn out?
I too am curious about this one
I am using mine after spray lube, the rattling sound and spring sounds are gone and I am satisfied!! ;)
Hello :D do this apply to Romer G switches? Please answer me, i havent found anything outside :(
Ms. Switch and Click , i noticed you did say that there is a normal behavior of switches acting a little wonky for a while until the lube dries out. .I might have over done it on some keys, while they do work , it sometimes chokes and i have to press it harder . Is there an easy fix for this . I would hate to douse the switch with rubbing alcochol or electronics part cleaner. Please provide insight and guidance.
i try spray lubing my aula f2088 blue switch its a cheap chinese keyboard
its kinda risky but worth it
do i need to buy the lube straw?
you might want to wear a mask when using spray lube with PTFE. There are rare diseases such as Polymer Fume Fever which gives you flu-like symptoms. It's caused by vapor, usually in people with a lot of exposure to fluoropolymers PTFE products, it's rare but you can reduce exposure to fumes by wearing a mask and doing this outdoors. keep things you ingest or smoke in a separate room from where you do the spraying.
I did it outdoors and wore a mask
I'd like to buy the spray lube, but instead of spraying straight into the switch, spray into a container and use a size 00 brush to do the "push stem method" do you think this would work? As the 375ml can seems like a lot of lube
Probably could work
my problem is the spring noise (like a metallic echo) after releasing the switches.....does this method help?
Can i use push stem method with Krytox 205 g0
Hi any idea why my rk71 started malfunctioning after a month I buy it? I saw a video when a guy used alcohol isopropyl for the switches so I used too and now it works fine although I feel like I had to used the alcohol on every single switch 'cause I think my alt tab doesn't works/registers sometimes lol
Hello! I just ordered a Varmilo Cliff Lure keyboard and it is perfect in every way, except there's an annoying metallic pinging noise with every keypress. I own another Varmilo board (though, it comes with different switches) that comes pre-lubed and makes no sound at all. Do you think that the metallic pinging noise will be fixed if I lube the switches? It is so loud of a noise that I am considering returning the keyboard. Is it even possible to lube a varmilo board when everything is super pre-built?
That sound will be much better if you lube the springs and if you are really annoyed, you can foam the inside of the case if it doesn't already have that. But I think spring ping is relatively easy to fix if you don't have a metal plate in the board.