Lubing Switches Explained: What It Is and Why It Matters

Mechanical keyboard enthusiasts often talk about lubing switches as if it’s a rite of passage. If you’ve ever wondered what it actually means — and whether it’s worth the effort — this guide breaks it down in clear terms.

What Does “Lubing Switches” Mean?

Every mechanical keyboard switch is made up of moving parts: the stem, spring, and housing (top and bottom). When you press a key, these components slide and compress against each other.

Without lubrication, there’s natural friction between plastic parts, which can make switches feel scratchy or sound harsher than you’d like. Lubing is the process of applying a very thin layer of lubricant to these parts to reduce friction, smooth out keystrokes, and tune the overall sound.

Why Lube Switches?

Lubing switches offers several benefits:

Smoother feel – Reduced scratchiness, especially in linear switches.
Quieter sound – Dampens unwanted plastic-on-plastic noise.
Consistent performance – Springs don’t ping, and keystrokes feel more uniform.
Custom tuning – Lets you control whether your keyboard has a deep “thock” or a higher-pitched click.

For many hobbyists, lubing is the step that makes a keyboard feel truly “custom” instead of off-the-shelf.

Common Lubing Methods

There are several ways to lube switches, ranging from quick fixes to full DIY mods:

1. Brush Lubing (Most Common)

The most popular method. You open the switch, apply a small amount of lube to the spring, stem rails, and housing using a fine brush, then reassemble. It takes time but gives the best results.

2. Bag Lubing

A quicker, less precise method. You place springs (and sometimes stems) in a small plastic bag with a tiny amount of lube, shake it, and coat the parts lightly. This mainly helps reduce spring ping.

3. Spray Lubes

Aerosol-style lubricants can be used for a fast job, but they’re much less controlled and not recommended if you want consistent results.

4. Factory Pre-Lubed Switches

Some switch manufacturers now sell pre-lubed versions. These can save time, though quality and consistency vary between brands.

How to Lube Switches (Step by Step)

If you want to try lubing your own switches, here’s the typical process:

Tools You’ll Need

Switch opener (plastic or metal tool to open housings)
Small paintbrush (size 00–0 recommended)
Switch lubricant (e.g. Krytox 205g0, Tribosys 3204)
Tweezers (for springs and stems)
Switch puller (to remove switches from the board, if hot-swap)
Workspace tray or mat (to avoid losing parts)

Step 1: Open the Switch

Use the switch opener to gently pop off the top housing from the bottom housing. Inside you’ll find the stem, spring, and the housing parts.

Step 2: Lube the Spring

Apply a tiny bit of lube to the spring. You can either:
- Brush a thin coat along its length, or
- Place multiple springs in a bag with a drop of oil and shake (bag lubing).

Step 3: Lube the Stem

Lightly brush lube on the stem sliders (the sides that contact the housing). Avoid the legs on tactile switches if you want to preserve the tactile bump.

Step 4: Lube the Housing

Apply a very thin coat to the rails inside the housing where the stem slides.

Step 5: Reassemble

Place the spring back in the bottom housing, position the stem on top, and snap the top housing back into place.

Step 6: Test and Repeat

Test the switch to ensure it feels smoother and quieter. Then repeat the process for the rest of your switches.

⚠️ Tip: Less is more — over-lubing can make switches feel mushy or sluggish.

Choosing the Right Lube

Different types of lubricants are popular in the keyboard community:

Krytox 205g0 – A thick grease, widely used for linear switches.
Tribosys 3203 / 3204 – Thinner lubes, good for tactile switches (maintain the bump while smoothing the stroke).
Krytox 105 – A light oil, often used for springs.

Enthusiasts tend to avoid general-purpose household oils (like WD-40), as they can degrade plastics or feel inconsistent over time.

Do You Need to Lube Switches?

Not everyone needs to lube. Many stock switches already feel great for casual use, and some people prefer the “raw” feel and sound.

But if you’re after a smoother typing experience, quieter operation, or just want to explore the enthusiast side of the hobby, lubing is a fun and rewarding project. It’s one of the most noticeable upgrades you can make to a mechanical keyboard.

Final Thoughts

Lubing switches is about customising your typing feel and sound. It takes time and patience, but the payoff is a keyboard that feels uniquely yours. Whether you go all-in with brush lubing or experiment with quicker methods, you’ll understand why so many enthusiasts call it a game-changer.

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