just lube my MX clears....

[kinruan]

however i don't like that!! 
i use GPL 103 and GPL 205 mixed about 1:1
and it is .... Unhandy, i can't find any other words, it is more like MY switches now. am i doing it wrong..?

[CPTBadAss]

Maybe you just don't like them? No one can tell you if you'll like how switches feel. You're the only person that can say if you like a switch.  There's plenty of switches I don't like that people swear by. If you think it feels like MY switches, then maybe that's your take on it and you don't like lubed clears. Time to try a new switch?

[Loligagger]

Used too much perhaps? WFD has a vid in the lubrication guide thread that should help.

[fateswarm]

I lubed a test key (an F key, I hate F keys), and it's weird but I still like the inherent friction on other browns. I may just test it for a while more and see. Maybe that (inherent on all browns) friction has a purpose (though I doubt it to be honest).

[noisyturtle]

When I got one of my boards lubed(ergo clears) I was actually surprised at how negligible the feel was from before. I probably have insensitive fingers

[calavera]

If properly lubed, they should feel more linear like blacks but still maintain that slight sratchy tactileness felt in clears/browns.

[Surnia]

I lubed the arms on my clear keychain with SuperLube; bad idea. Felt like MX blacks until I wiped it all off... all tactility gone.

[Sifo]

This is why you put LESS grease when mixing, then it'll be smooth tactility, if that makes sense.

[tp4tissue]

the lube is probably too viscous..  that's why they recommend the oils... but when I used the oils, it doesn't last... just rolls off.

And the people mixing the lube I think are just kidding themselves.. just because 2 lubes appears to mix initially doesn't mean it'll REMAIN emulsified // suspended state

The high viscosity portion is probably the only thing left on the stem after the lighter oil separate over time.

[elton5354]

I just lubed some Blues...wow no more awesome clicks! Feels like browns now

[tp4tissue]

I just lubed some Blues...wow no more awesome clicks! Feels like browns now

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA..... I almost made the same mistake.. Luckily I tested it on spare switches...

But I don't understand, actually I'm surprised that you didn't test a single one at all?

[elton5354]

I just lubed some Blues...wow no more awesome clicks! Feels like browns now

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA..... I almost made the same mistake.. Luckily I tested it on spare switches...

But I don't understand, actually I'm surprised that you didn't test a single one at all?

I did say some. 2 spare ones to be precise..lol

One of them I lubed everything - springs, sides, the whole thing

2nd one, I lubed only the base..

[tp4tissue]

I just lubed some Blues...wow no more awesome clicks! Feels like browns now

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA..... I almost made the same mistake.. Luckily I tested it on spare switches...

But I don't understand, actually I'm surprised that you didn't test a single one at all?

I did say some. 2 spare ones to be precise..lol

oh good..

LOL, could you imagine...  all that work lubing 100x and then you press it, and you're like... //sad panda ^ infinity

[Photoelectric]

Well, this is interesting.  So default unlubed Clears will be more bumpy and scratchy?  And lubrication smoothes out not only the friction but also the feel of the bump?  I don't like the sound of "more like MX Blacks", because what's the point then.  I was under the impression that Clears have a very noticeable bump, as opposed to Browns, and that lubrication enhances the feel of the bump--or is that only true for Ergo Clears?

[Surnia]

Well, this is interesting.  So default unlubed Clears will be more bumpy and scratchy?  And lubrication smoothes out not only the friction but also the feel of the bump?  I don't like the sound of "more like MX Blacks", because what's the point then.  I was under the impression that Clears have a very noticeable bump, as opposed to Browns, and that lubrication enhances the feel of the bump--or is that only true for Ergo Clears?

LIGHT lubrication smooths out the roughness, but TBH I'd prefer to just USE them. After a while anyway, the grit goes away naturally. I just went crazy to see what it felt like, and just slathered it on. Ended up with a linear feeling switch... Wiped as much of it off as possible with a tissue (woot teflon based lubes!), and now I have a semi-tactile switch, that's still not as tactile as an un-lubed brown.

Throwing lube on prior to break in is probably somewhat pointless, as you're not letting the parts smooth out normally.

I also lubed a blue with SuperLube, same issue. The thickness of it ended up making it not click, and fully wiping it down restored it.. slowly. Had to click the switch about 50 times before clicky-ness returned. More important to the two piece sliders, it seems that a solidly attached upper housing is what makes the difference of a solid click or not.

[gnubag]

well i like my clears with only the spring oiled. I have tried them with lubed sliders but it felt awkward.
but on the other hand my ergo clears have everything lubed.

[noisyturtle]

Well, this is interesting.  So default unlubed Clears will be more bumpy and scratchy?  And lubrication smoothes out not only the friction but also the feel of the bump?  I don't like the sound of "more like MX Blacks", because what's the point then.  I was under the impression that Clears have a very noticeable bump, as opposed to Browns, and that lubrication enhances the feel of the bump--or is that only true for Ergo Clears?

Lubed ergo clears really do feel similar to a Topre with a tactile bump and a little bit less recoil.

[fateswarm]

I suspect there's an inherent inability of plastics to get a perfect feel and they might feel either too lubed or too scratchy to most people. It's quite probable that near perfection of lack of friction and a tactility event can only be achieved with quality metals or more exotic polymers.

Perhaps graphene will come to the rescue in this area too since a very heavy keyboard becomes ridiculous. It's already too much with the steel plates. I wanted a keyboard, not an anvil.

[esoomenona]

Just trying lubing the sliders and not the back?

[Photoelectric]

What would lubing just the spring accomplish though?  I don't think there's a great deal of friction from it onto the switch, is there?  Mostly just the downward compression, no twisting.  And the diameter should be wide enough.  Or am I off in that analysis?  Just trying to understand why that would make a noticeable difference vs. not lubing at all.

[fateswarm]

Imagine MX Switches made entirely out of stainless steel that you oil centrally through a network that runs underneath the board.

*You then open a valve underneath and replace it every few miles.

[tp4tissue]

Imagine MX Switches made entirely out of stainless steel that you oil centrally through a network that runs underneath the board.

*You then open a valve underneath and replace it every few miles.

m.... cost?

[SmallFry]

You could perhaps do such a mod, the work wouldn't be worth it though.

[keymaster]

Imagine MX Switches made entirely out of stainless steel that you oil centrally through a network that runs underneath the board.

*You then open a valve underneath and replace it every few miles.

[tp4tissue]

Imagine MX Switches made entirely out of stainless steel that you oil centrally through a network that runs underneath the board.

*You then open a valve underneath and replace it every few miles.

Show Image

well if we're just going to IMAGINE... then why not have a wireless node implanted into our efferent neurons that can read the output..

[kinruan]

Maybe you just don't like them? No one can tell you if you'll like how switches feel. You're the only person that can say if you like a switch.  There's plenty of switches I don't like that people swear by. If you think it feels like MY switches, then maybe that's your take on it and you don't like lubed clears. Time to try a new switch?

Yes I am going to desolder all of them and put on new clears, i actually left the board out for drying a little in order to get rife of too much lube but it seems not working. Ty everyone

[kinruan]

Awesome, all the professional come out in this thread... 

[CPTBadAss]

You could also try rubbing off some of the lube with a cotton swab or a Q-tip. Not sure if the lube will dry out but its worth a shot

[kinruan]

You could also try rubbing off some of the lube with a cotton swab or a Q-tip. Not sure if the lube will dry out but its worth a shot

that means I have to open these switches one more time...it takes too long. But anyway Ty

[esoomenona]

But you're going to be desoldering and replacing them anyway, right? And it won't take as long as trying to wait for the lube to dry out. It just takes more effort.

[tp4tissue]

But you're going to be desoldering and replacing them anyway, right? And it won't take as long as trying to wait for the lube to dry out. It just takes more effort.

the point is, he REALLY hates doing it so many times.

[fateswarm]

You could perhaps do such a mod, the work wouldn't be worth it though.

It might be surprisingly less costly than one might think because of the fact most industrial construction cost with metal isn't due to the processing of the metal but due to the amount of the metal itself. And a keyboard would need little.

[Leslieann]

If you lube the tactile nub, you lose tactility, this is why some don't lube tactile switches or even recommend it. This goes double for Ergo Clears, which if the lube is too thick, can cause them to still until things work in.

Someone asked why lube the spring? Springs can twist and shift when compressing, but more than anything, it dampens noise a little bit.

I don't recommend Kryox (sp?) either, sorry, but that is a ripoff, it's lube, and nothing really special about it. Go to an RC shop and ask if they have any diff lube (grease for your springs) and silicone shock oil (for sliders, get light). It's all plastic safe (it has to be for those little cars) and comes in several viscosities. You would probably be shocked at the selection and $15 will probably get all the lube you want. Especially, if you ask if they just have some leftovers like I did. I got 3 oils, and one grease for only a couple bucks.

[tp4tissue]

If you lube the tactile nub, you lose tactility, this is why some don't lube tactile switches or even recommend it. This goes double for Ergo Clears, which if the lube is too thick, can cause them to still until things work in.

Someone asked why lube the spring? Springs can twist and shift when compressing, but more than anything, it dampens noise a little bit.

I don't recommend Kryox (sp?) either, sorry, but that is a ripoff, it's lube, and nothing really special about it. Go to an RC shop and ask if they have any diff lube (grease for your springs) and silicone shock oil (for sliders, get light). It's all plastic safe (it has to be for those little cars) and comes in several viscosities. You would probably be shocked at the selection and $15 will probably get all the lube you want. Especially, if you ask if they just have some leftovers like I did. I got 3 oils, and one grease for only a couple bucks.

No. you only got the good deal because chix don't go to those shops.. same crap happens when chix go to comic book stores.. they get free stuff.... or some ridiculous discount on some random thing. .. It's like women have +8 magic find when they go to these stores.

[tp4tissue]

  awef

[Leslieann]

No. you only got the good deal because chix don't go to those shops.. same crap happens when chix go to comic book stores.. they get free stuff.... or some ridiculous discount on some random thing. .. It's like women have +8 magic find when they go to these stores.

Jealous much?

I guess you didn't know that many hobby shops also sell arts and crafts as well as electronics and cell phones, even our local Radio Shack sold rc car stuff.  Besides, this isn't the 1800's, women can have the same hobbies as men and from what the guys there told me, there are several women at pretty much every racetrack driving the cars (and doing well). Besides, it's not like I'm some 18 year old parading around in a short skirt.

More than that, it doesn't hurt to try, but even at full price, $15 for both lubricants and all you could ever need, sure beats that Kryox price.

[esoomenona]

­

[Photoelectric]

Sounds like it's worth lubing the spring then and just leaving most switches alone to wear in on their own, with use.  How about the Victorinox oil for the springs then, since it's so cheap. And if I ever need to lube slider parts, I'd get Super Lube and use just a tiny filmy amount. That goes for ~$6.  So more like $10 total, unless I messed up with my evaluations.  But those should be good enough?

[typo]

I got the idea to use bearing friction modifier on my clears. I like it. pretty much the same feel just smoother.

[kinruan]

If you lube the tactile nub, you lose tactility, this is why some don't lube tactile switches or even recommend it. This goes double for Ergo Clears, which if the lube is too thick, can cause them to still until things work in.

Someone asked why lube the spring? Springs can twist and shift when compressing, but more than anything, it dampens noise a little bit.

I don't recommend Kryox (sp?) either, sorry, but that is a ripoff, it's lube, and nothing really special about it. Go to an RC shop and ask if they have any diff lube (grease for your springs) and silicone shock oil (for sliders, get light). It's all plastic safe (it has to be for those little cars) and comes in several viscosities. You would probably be shocked at the selection and $15 will probably get all the lube you want. Especially, if you ask if they just have some leftovers like I did. I got 3 oils, and one grease for only a couple bucks.

i agree, i should never lube the nub

[kinruan]

Sounds like it's worth lubing the spring then and just leaving most switches alone to wear in on their own, with use.  How about the Victorinox oil for the springs then, since it's so cheap. And if I ever need to lube slider parts, I'd get Super Lube and use just a tiny filmy amount. That goes for ~$6.  So more like $10 total, unless I messed up with my evaluations.  But those should be good enough?

i never have Victorinox oil.. i was thinking about chain oil for my bike XD

[tp4tissue]

Sounds like it's worth lubing the spring then and just leaving most switches alone to wear in on their own, with use.  How about the Victorinox oil for the springs then, since it's so cheap. And if I ever need to lube slider parts, I'd get Super Lube and use just a tiny filmy amount. That goes for ~$6.  So more like $10 total, unless I messed up with my evaluations.  But those should be good enough?

i never have Victorinox oil.. i was thinking about chain oil for my bike XD

I thought the oil was only to keep dirt from thoroughly sticking..   Maybe it's dual purpose... idk... but that was my previous understanding.