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Lubing Topre switches is a way to improve the feel and sound of your keyboard. In this article, you will learn what Topre switches are, why you should lube them, what materials and tools you need, and how to perform the lubing process step by step. By following this guide, you will be able to enjoy a smoother and quieter typing experience with your Topre keyboard.
When lubing Topre switches, avoid applying too much lube, as it can make the switch feel sluggish or sticky. The type of lube that you use is personal preference, but here are some general guidelines:
You can also mix different lubes to create your own custom blend. For example, some users like to mix Krytox GPL 205 and Krytox GPL 107 for a balanced feel.
The best lube for Topre switches depends on your preference and the type of feel and sound you want to achieve. Generally, you will need a thin or low-viscosity lube that won’t reduce the tactility or make the Topre switches sluggish. Here are some of the best lubes for Topre switches.
| Lube For Topre Switches | Form | Common Uses | Price range |
| Tribosys 3204 | Grease | Tactile switches | $7,56 - $12,43 |
| Krytox GPL 205 | Grease | Linear switches
Stabilisers |
$5,92 - $9,66 |
| Tribosys 3203 | Grease | Tactile switches | $7,56 - $12,43 |
Tribosys 3204 is a grade 0 lubricant that is widely used in the mechanical keyboard industry. It has a medium oil viscosity and a semi-fluid consistency that make it easy to apply and spread. Tribosys 3204 is recommended for tactile or clicky switches, such as Topre because this can enhance their smoothness and reduce their noise without compromising their tactility.
Tribosys 3204 is also extremely stable and durable, meaning it will not migrate or degrade over time. It is considered one of the best for lubing Topre switches by many keyboard enthusiasts.
Krytox GPL 205 is a thick grease lubricant, often used for Topre switches. It has a high base oil viscosity and a PTFE thickener that make it suitable for components that come in contact with chemicals. It can improve the smoothness and sound of Topre switches by filling the gaps and reducing the friction between the parts.
Krytox GPL 205 is also chemically inert and stable, meaning it will not react or degrade with exposure to oxygen, steam, acids, bases, or solvents. It is considered one of the best lubing topre switches by many keyboard enthusiasts.
Tribosys 3203 is a grade 0 grease lubricant that is designed for all switch types. It has a low base oil viscosity and a fluorinated polymer thickener that make it easy to apply and spread.
It is ideal for tactile and click switches, such as Topre, because it can enhance their smoothness and sound without affecting their tactility. Tribosys 3203 is also extremely stable and durable so that it will not migrate or degrade over time.
Still wondering why lubing Topre switches are needed? If so, the article The Best Lube for your Mechanical Keyboard Switches And Stabilizers will explain it to you and give you more options for lubing topre switches.
To remove keycaps with a keycap puller, you need to place the loops of the keycap puller around the sides of the keycap. Then lift the keycap away from the switch’s stem with a little upward pressure. Avoid using too much force while removing the keycaps and place them in a safe place or in a container.
You can learn more about the best keycap pullers and how to use them. If you don’t have a keycap puller, you can use tweezers, or even your fingers. However, these methods are not as safe as using a keycap puller. Find out how to remove keycaps without a tool at our guide.
You can use a switch puller or tweezers to grab the edges of the switch housing and lift it up. Be careful not to bend or break the housing or the spring. You should see the rubber dome, the spring and the slider inside the switch.
The slider housing is the part that holds the slider, which is the plastic piece that moves up and down when you press the switch. To lube the slider housing, you need to apply a thin and even layer of lube on the inside walls of the housing, where the slider slides against.
After you have lubed the slider housing, you can reassemble the Topre switch. You can use a small screwdriver or a dental pick to align the rubber dome and the spring on top of the slider. Then, you can press down the switch housing until it snaps into place.
You can repeat steps 3 to 5 for all the switches on your keyboard. This may take some time and patience, but it will be worth it in the end.
Once you have lubed all the switches, you can test them by pressing them and listening to their sound. You should notice a difference in their smoothness and sound compared to before. If you are not satisfied with the result, you can always go back and adjust the amount or type of lube.
The final step is to put the keycaps back onto the lubed switches carefully, ensuring they are aligned correctly back on your keyboard. You can use a keycap puller to align them on the stems and push them down firmly.
Then you have successfully lubed your Topre switches. Now you can enjoy typing on your keyboard with a smoother and quieter feel.
Above is the most detailed guide for lubing Topre switches. In general, the steps are quite simple, other than that it takes a bit of your time to complete the entire keyboard.
We also have lubing for other types of switches. There is not much difference between lubing Topre switches compared to other types of switches. If you are interested, you can go through the tutorial. They will be very useful to those who are inexperienced in lubing switches.
Prepare your workspace before lubing
Lubing Topre switches can be a messy and time-consuming process, so you should prepare your workspace before you start. You will need a clean and spacious surface to work on, such as a desk or a table.
Lubing evenly
You don't want to apply too much or too little lube, as it can affect the performance and feel of the switches. Too much lube can make the switches feel sluggish or sticky, while too little lube can make them feel scratchy or noisy. You will need to apply just thin and just enough lube to cover the surface of the parts that you are lubing, without leaving any excess or gaps.
Avoid lubing certain switch brands
The type of lube that you use for lubing Topre switches is also important. You want to use a thin or low-viscosity lube that can penetrate into the small gaps and crevices of the switch parts without clogging them up. A thin lube can also preserve the tactility and responsiveness of the switches, while reducing their noise and scratchiness.
You can also mix different thin lubes to create your own custom blend. For example, some users like to mix Krytox GPL 107 and Krytox GPL 103 for a balanced feel.
Use a thin or low-viscosity lube
Topre switches are already quite smooth and tactile, so you don’t want to use a thick or high-viscosity lube that might reduce their tactility or make them sluggish. A thin or low-viscosity lube, such as Krytox 105 or Tribosys 3203, can enhance the smoothness and reduce the friction of the switches without affecting their feel too much.
Use a small brush and apply lube sparingly
You don't want to use a large brush or a cotton swab that can absorb too much lube and cause over-lubing. You also don't want to apply too much pressure or force when spreading the lube, as it can damage the switch parts or push out the excess lube.
A small brush, such as a size 00 or smaller, can help you apply lube precisely and evenly to each switch part. Before you put the switch back together, make sure to remove any extra lube using a cloth or paper towel.
Topre switches are a special type of keyboard switch that use a rubber dome and a spring to create a tactile and smooth typing feel. Some users may wonder if it is necessary to lubricate Topre switches, and what are the benefits and drawbacks of doing so.
If you are not familiar with Topre switches, you can read this article to learn more about them: What are Topre Switches? Are they good for typing and gaming?
Lubing Topre switches is not necessary, but it can be beneficial for some users who want to improve their switch feel and sound. Ultimately, the decision to lube Topre switches depends on your personal preferences and typing habits. You should weigh the pros and cons of lubing Topre switches carefully, and do it at your own risk.
In this post, you have learned how to lube Topre switches. You have also learned why lubing Topre switches can improve their key feel, sound, and durability, as well as the risks and challenges of doing so. By now, you should be able to decide if lubing Topre switches is worth it for you, and how to do it properly and safely.
Also, besides lubricating the switches to make them smoother, you might also consider filming your switches. It helps reduce the vibration of the two halves of the switch housing (top housing and bottom housing), making the switch more snug, improving the sound and typing feel. Switch film can be made from a variety of materials, but is usually PET or polycarbonate.
Lubing Topre switches is not necessary, but it can enhance their performance and feel. Lubing can reduce the friction, noise, and scratchiness of the switches, making them smoother, quieter, and more consistent. Lubing can also prolong the lifespan of the switches by preventing dust and dirt from accumulating inside them.
Topre switches can be lubed using Krytox 103, 107, or Tribosys 3204. These medium-thin lubes preserve tactility and responsiveness while reducing unwanted sounds and sensations. Or if you want a thicker lubes, there is Krytox 205g0, but may reduce tactile bumps and make switches feel heavier and slower.
Lubing Topre switches will not make them feel mushy if done correctly. Topre switches can enhance the tactile bump's sharpness and crispiness by lubing them correctly. However, over-lubing or using a thick lube can result in a dampened feeling, reducing feedback and enjoyment of typing on Topre switches.
Topre lube is essential for maintaining the longevity and quality of your keyboard switches. Factors such as usage frequency, clean environment, force applied, and storage conditions can affect the longevity and quality of the lube.
A general rule of thumb is to lube Topre switches once every year or two, or whenever you notice a decline in performance or feel.
Over-lubing or under-lubing can affect the switch's feel. For this, a small brush or applicator can be used to apply lube gently and carefully to the switch. You can also test the switch after lubing to see if it feels smooth and consistent, and adjust accordingly.
you can lube your switches in one go or in batches, depending on your time, patience and skill. However, it's recommended to lube your switches in small batches for more precision and consistency. Lubing all your switches in one go may be faster and more convenient, but it may also result in uneven or sloppy application.
Before attempting any modifications, check the warranty terms and conditions to understand the potential implications of lubing. Some manufacturers allow lubing, as long as it doesn't damage or alter the original components, while others consider it a form of tampering that invalidates the warranty.
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Lubing Topre switches is a way to improve the feel and sound of your keyboard. In this article, you will learn what Topre switches are, why you should lube them, what materials and tools you need, and how to perform the lubing process step by step. By following this guide, you will be able to […]
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