This guide will cover general information on how to lubricate tactile (brown) and linear (red) switches on a hot-swappable keyboard. [2] X Research source
Your keyboard has tactile or linear switches. These switches benefit the most from lubricant, since these are the type where you might want deeper sounds and less friction. The sound while typing is too high-pitched and you want lower, deeper-sounding shocks and clacks. Your mechanical keyboard typing experience seems too pingy or crunchy. Lubrication can reduce these qualities. Typing feels rough or scratchy as you press down the keys. Applying lube can help the keys slide past their component parts better.
Clicky (blue) switches. Applying lube to this type of switch will reduce or completely get rid of their clicky feeling and sound. Optical switches. Lubricants may interfere with the optical sensing, depending on your model. If you decide to lube optical switches, look into how your keys function to avoid blocking the optical sensors.
disposable gloves keycap puller switch puller switch opener This tool varies depending on your switch manufacturer. A small flathead screwdriver can work if you don’t have access to a dedicated switch opener. small brush lubricant (see the next step for more info) plastic bag (optional, for lubricating every spring at once) microfiber cloth (optional, to remove excess lubricant)
More viscosity is good for linear (red) switches, but can make tactile (brown) switches less tactile. Less viscosity is a great choice for reducing roughness without decreasing tactility too much. You can always go with a medium level viscosity if you’re not quite sure what to pick!
This section will cover an individual key. You can either do one key at a time, or do all of the keys at once. It’s also a great time to clean your mechanical keyboard.
Reminder: This only works on hot-swappable keyboards. Soldered keyboards require that you disassemble the board and desolder each individual switch.
To use a switch opener, put the switch on the opener. Then press down to release the clips and open the switch. To use a flathead screwdriver, wedge the screwdriver under the clip to pry it up and detach the housing. Be careful not to break the clip. Note how the switch is assembled so you can reassemble it later. You can take a picture or video for reference later!
Avoid uneven lumping of lube on the switch. This indicates you’ve added too much. Press the switch after reassembling it and reattaching it to the keyboard to assess whether you need to add more. The key areas for application are where the lower housing and stem make contact. This will reduce the friction between the two.
Use the brush to dab lubricant onto each spring. Or, if your springs are all the same, you can put lubricant and springs in a plastic bag. Then, shake the bag to coat the springs in lubricant.
