You may realize that your keyboard switches are getting downgraded over time. Perhaps they aren't clicking as smoothly as they used to, or they are getting a little sticky. At this point, investing in some high-quality lubricant is the way to go!
Lubricating your switches and stabilizers is the cheapest and simplest way to keep your mechanical keyboard functioning properly and improve your typing experience.
However, not all lubricants produce an equal effect; some are more effective than others when applied to keyboard switches. if you use the incorrect lubricant on your switches and stabilizers, their lifespan may be shortened.
That’s why we've created this guide to take a look at the best lube for your mechanical keyboard switches and stabilizers and help pick one that is right for you.
Switches and stabilizers of a keyboard can glide more smoothly by reducing friction between surfaces that contact and move alongside one another.
Since your switches and stabilizers are always moving and rubbing when you press a key, they could both use some lubrication. Therefore, Parts that rub abrasively against one another can be made to do so more smoothly and softly.
The switch is considered to be a key element of a keyboard. It allows you to touch each key and interact with your computer.
You may know that there are many designs and functionalities for keyboard switches, but generally, there are three basic types: linear, tactile, and clicky.
However, your keyboard switches may stop functioning properly as they initially performed over time and may begin to make a squeaky sound as a result of building up friction.
It's time that lube comes into play. Your keyboard switches will work better if lubricated. You cannot disregard the need for regular lubing if you wish to enhance your typing experience.
Indeed, lube enhances the sound instead of eliminating it. In other words, the sound after lubing becomes much slightly quieter and smoother. In the end, a "squeaky" sound that annoys you will thus disappear.
It's important to note that the lubrication you use for every sort of switch will differ because of the different switch ranges we mentioned above.
Moreover, the elimination of friction is also another benefit when you lubricate your switches. Switches have a hard time working correctly if they encounter friction. You can smooth them out and increase their functionality by using lube.
To make typing smoother, you should also lubricate the stabilizer in addition to the keyboard switches.
Although lubricating the stabilizer may be optional, this simple task can improve your mechanical keyboard greatly. After becoming lubricated, the stabilizer makes a very noticeable difference in that it becomes smoother and does not vibrate.
Let’s take a look at the summary table of the best lube for mechanical switches and stabilizers before going through each lubricant!
| The best lube for switches | The best lube for stabilizers | ||
| Tactile switches | Linear switches | Clicky switches | |
| TriboSys 3204 | TriboSys 3204 | G-Lube Glorious | Krytox 205g0 |
| Tribosys 3203 | Krytox 205g0 | Krytox GPL 105 | G-Lube Glorious |
| Krytox 205g0 | Dielectric Grease by Permatex | ||
| Any other dielectric grease | |||
You can check the price of the best lube for your mechanical keyboard switches and stabilizers here:
| Lubricants | Price |
| TriboSys 3204 | $23.99 |
| Tribosys 3203 | $23.99 |
| Krytox GPL 205g0 | $7.95 |
| Krytox 105 Oil | $7.5 |
| G-Lube Glorious | $14.99 |
| Krytox GPL 105 | $8.95 |
| Dielectric Grease by Permatex | $7.99 |
For tactile switches, the key feature is their tactility. Therefore, you should consider carefully when choosing the most optimum lube.
The best lube for tactile switches should be the one that still keeps the tactility after lubing. Besides, a tactile switch is initially quiet when typing, so the best lube should also maintain its initial level of sound. For this reason, we recommend using a thinner lube that will work best to preserve its tactility.
Additionally, keep in mind that the lubrication you use should be able to lessen friction without removing the degree of resistance that should still be felt when you use it. The following lubricants are suggested for tactile switches:
TriboSys 3203 is a medium-viscosity lubricant well-tailored to low and medium-profile tactile switches. Since TriboSys 3202 retains a fluid tactile switch performance without dampening the "bump" feeling, it is appropriate for medium and low-profile tactile switches.
For tactile switches, where the goal is to soften the defects of the switch without sacrificing too much tactility, TriboSys 3203 is the best option since it seeks to create a switch smoothness without rounding off too much of the original key feel.
TriboSys 3204 is an updated thicker version for 3203. This lubricant is the perfect mix between TriboSys 3203 (thinner lube) and Krytox 205g0 (buttery greases).
TriboSys 3204 is a medium-grade lubricant that is adaptable for both tactile and linear switch types.
Additionally, Tribosys 3204 has a lower viscosity than previous versions, making it more forgiving and simpler to apply and producing a consistent feel for those just getting started with lubricating switches.
Krytox 205g0 is a top choice for high-tactility switches, whereas TriboSys 3203 is best for low and medium profile switches. Due to the larger switch travel distance and thicker consistency of Krytox 205g0, high-profile switches perform better when using it.
Thicker lubrication interferes with the smooth operation of low to medium-speed switches. That's why Krytox 205g0 shouldn't be utilized for low and medium profile tactile switches.
It's also advised to use a specialized keyboard switch brush to apply lubricant more consistently.
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Because linear switches are renowned for being quiet and smooth, you should be mindful of this when choosing the ideal lube for them. You might require a heavier lube if the switch starts to squeak and get noisy in order to keep it quiet.
The ideal lubrication is one that can retain the necessary smoothness while reducing sound down to reasonable levels. In order for your linear switch to perform properly, you should choose a lube that can eliminate the scratchy feeling if you notice it starting to happen.
The following lubricants are suitable for linear switches:
As we reviewed above, TriboSys 3204 is thicker than Tribosys 3203. Thus, it’s a good option for both linear switches and tactile.
Krytox 205g0 is much thicker than TriboSys 3203 and TriboSys 3204. It is a thicker grade of grease lubricant that becomes the perfect consistency for linear switches when thinned out.
It's advised that you avoid lubricating clicky switches. If you don't apply the lubrication precisely, your switches will all sound a little bit different. Putting lubricant will modify their sound of them.
Several users have inadvertently unintentionally changed their clicky switches to tactile during the lubrication process. Clicky switches' housing, stem, and spring noises can be reduced by lubricating them.
As previously said, you should not lube your clicky switches, but if you have to do so, here are two recommendations for you:
As long as you are super careful about where parts of the switch you apply lubricant to, you can still lubricate your clicky switches and keep their distinct sound and feel.
If you have found the best lube for your mechanical keyboard switches, you must now learn how to properly apply it to your switches. We’ve created a simple guide for lubricating mechanical keyboard switches. Check it now: How to Lube keyboard switches: A Step by Step Guide.
After taking the switches off and disassembling them, you can start lubing each component of the switches. Here is a brief guide on how to lube each of those parts.
You'll need to lube the bottom housing with a little care. If at all possible, avoid lubing the metal leaf because doing so might harm your switch. We recommend lubing the interior switch floor, the area the stem rails contact, and the interior and exterior of the cylinder.
You can use a small brush to lube the spring horizontally upon every part. Remember to make sure to lubricate all sections equally.
After lubing the spring, place it on the bottom housing and continue by lubing the stem and top housing. By doing this, you'll be able to keep your workspace clean and prevent leaking lube all over it.
It's not difficult to lubricate the stem; you simply need to be careful while handling the legs. If you have a linear switch, then simply lube the legs. A tactile switch's legs can be greased, however doing so would lessen the tactile bump, making it unwise.
No matter what kind of switch it is, you should lubricate the cylindrical and the rails areas where the spring touches the stem.
You may also lubricate the stem's other outside surface, although this won't have as big of an impact on how smooth it is.
It's really simple to lubricate the top housing. Simply lube the areas where the stem's rails meet the top housing. The remainder of the top housing can be disregarded.
Your work has been done! It's time to reassemble all switch components. Then, reconnecting the keyboard's plug and testing the switches is the last step.
You can also watch the video below to better understand how to lube your switches:
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The answer is Yes. As we have said, lubing the stabilizers is entirely up to you, but doing so will have more rewards than simply lubricating each switch.
You can quickly recognize the differences between lubricating stabilizers and switches by how much simpler stabilizer lubrication is. You won't believe how wonderful they sound and feel. While you're doing it, we recommend you consider band-aid modding and stabilizer clipping.
You won't regret it, we bet. However, you should be aware that your stabilizers will require a different kind of lubrication, so keep reading the next part!
As stabilizers require thick, viscous grease, we've found that a simple dielectric grease works just fine.
These are the best lube for your mechanical keyboard stabilizer that we believe will perform best with your stabilizers.
When looking for the best lube for your mechanical keyboard stabilizer, they are frequently supplied at mechanical keyboard retailers. Besides, you can also lube your stabilizer using any other dielectric grease as an alternative.
Let's get straight to the point and discuss how to choose the right lubricants. There are several things to take into account, such as whether the lubricant is an oil or grease, and its general viscosity.
Grease and oil are the two basic sorts of lubricants. What makes a difference, then? The application is the main difference between them. In terms of performance, neither is superior, but by making a wise choice of oil or grease, you can speed up your lubing job.
When using oil, you can mass-lubricate the springs in a bag whilst brushing the stem and housing. As a result, you save more time.
Only the stem, housing, and spring can be greased separately. Instead of putting all of the springs in a bag and luing them at once like when using oil, this takes a little bit more time to complete.
Many people lube springs all at once with oil before applying grease to the remainder of the switch.
When choosing a lubricant for your switches and stabilizers, viscosity is crucial. The lubricant will be denser and thicker if its viscosity is higher.
For tactile and clicky switches, lower viscosity lubricants are generally preferable. For linear switches, higher viscosity lubricants are a better option. For lubing stabilizers, a thick, viscous oil ( not a thin one) is the best way to go.
In detail, acceptable viscosities for tactile and clicky switches are at 3203 or 203. A 205 or 206 could be preferable for linear switches. You can utilize the 3204, 204, and 104 for linear or tactile switches.
Now that you've known the best lube for your mechanical keyboard switches and stabilizers and how to lube them. You may then struggle to find the place to order the best lube for mechanical switches as there are so many websites to choose from.
Luckily, we’ve surfed a dozen of online stores and narrowed down a list for you.
Shopping time now!
Let's come around to some well-known websites to buy the best lube for mechanical switches as follow:
Among the most fantastic place to get a variety of lubricants is the Kebo Store. They offer various grades of Kyrtox lubricants in containers that are ready for use.
A little sideline is that Kebo Store's service is very good. There is usually no problems with delivery; most customers receive products on time.
Novel Keys offers Krytox lubricants at the price $of 12 for roughly 5ml. Additionally, they offer Christo-Lube MCG with a 5ml container pricing of $8. As a bonus, they come in lovely glass containers that might become your next skincare container if you love recycling.
1Up Keyboards offers switch lubes that come in a variety at prices from $8.00 to $9.25.
The switch lubes they sell are as follows:
Like a few options above, Keys.my also offer many different lubricants. They use gram measurements to measure the amount: 1 unit comes with 2 grams of lubricant. The actual amount of lubrication may fluctuate depending on the lubricant itself owing to variations in density.
For every type of lubricant, they offer bulk discounts and deals, from 5% off for orders of 3 to 4 units to 35% off for orders of 100 or more.
Additionally, each lubricant they offer is thoroughly described, including the working temperature, appearance, color, density, viscosity, and shelf life.
Switch Top offers a selection of lubricants. Particularly, the Super Lube is a 1cc package of Syncolon-infused multipurpose lubricant (PTFE). This item is suggested ONLY for lubricating stabilizers. Each package is $2.25 in pricing.
Furthermore, they provide Tribosys 3203 and 3204 lubricants for $5 to $6.25.
Apexkeyboards.ca sells 3 different lubricants specifically for mechanical keyboards. One of them costs $8.00 CAD for Tribosys 3204 switch lubricant. This semi-fluid grease is used to lubricate switches. There will be 2 ml, which is adequate for more than 100 switches.
Moreover, Krytox 205g0 Switch Lube is also offered by Apex in 3ml vials for $10.29 CAD.
As a bonus, Apex also offers Switch Spring Oil specifically for your switch springs, which costs $2.00 CAD for 2ml. It can be used to lubricate the bags or brush the springs.
You now can get a lubricant bundle with all three items for $19.29 CAD.
The final reliable site you can get the best lube for mechanical switches is Zeal PC.
They provide a variety of goods and offer free shipping within North America on orders over $150 USD.
They sell Krytox GPL 205g0 (5g for $25, around 300 switches), Tribosys 3204 and 3203 (5ml for $35), and GH V4 thick or thin lube (2ml for $15).
The above information pretty much covers everything there is to know about lubing mechanical key switches.
This is the simplest and least expensive task to improve your keyboard's mechanical performance.
You'll find it easy to lube if you pick the best lube for your mechanical keyboard switches and stabilizers and follow our guide properly.
Lube your switches and refresh your typing now!
A thick lubricant is recommended. For example, TriboSys 3204 and Krytox 205g0.
A thinner lube that will work best with tactile switches. For example, TriboSys 3204, Tribosys 3203, and Krytox 205g0.
It is not recommended to lube clicky switches, but if you really want to do, G-Lube Glorious and Krytox GPL 105 are good products.
Oil is often the best option for situations involving high speeds and severe friction. However, grease is generally needed for other components that move vertically or bear heavy loads.
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