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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: BedsideTiger on Tue, 25 June 2019, 20:03:48

Title: what lube to use for Gateron Silent Ink switches.
Post by: BedsideTiger on Tue, 25 June 2019, 20:03:48

I just got my shipment of Silent Inks for a project I'm working am but I know nothing about lubing switches. What do you recommend? What are some advantages of some lube over others?

Title: Re: what lube to use for Gateron Silent Ink switches.
Post by: pixelpusher on Tue, 25 June 2019, 20:09:47

Quote from: BedsideTiger on Tue, 25 June 2019, 20:03:48

I just got my shipment of Silent Inks for a project I'm working am but I know nothing about lubing switches. What do you recommend? What are some advantages of some lube over others?

I recommend tribosys 3204 just because it is very easy to apply and has pretty much all around good results.  Smooth and nice sounding switches.

Title: Re: what lube to use for Gateron Silent Ink switches.
Post by: BedsideTiger on Tue, 25 June 2019, 20:34:08

Unfortunately it's sold out everywhere

Title: Re: what lube to use for Gateron Silent Ink switches.
Post by: pixelpusher on Tue, 25 June 2019, 21:44:44

https://www.1upkeyboards.com/shop/parts-and-tools/lubricant/switch-lubricant-2ml/

Title: Re: what lube to use for Gateron Silent Ink switches.
Post by: BedsideTiger on Tue, 25 June 2019, 23:21:42

WOO HOO! Thank you very much!

Title: Re: what lube to use for Gateron Silent Ink switches.
Post by: tex_live_utility on Fri, 28 June 2019, 07:19:52

3204 will impart a sort of "soft buttery" feel to the switch, unless you're careful to apply an extremely thin coat. It's very pleasant, but if you want more of a "neutral" feeling lube, you can try an oil like GPL 104.

Also don't forget to move your springs, to illuminate any ping or crunch that might develop over time.

Title: Re: what lube to use for Gateron Silent Ink switches.
Post by: pixelpusher on Fri, 28 June 2019, 08:44:56

Quote from: tex_live_utility on Fri, 28 June 2019, 07:19:52

3204 will impart a sort of "soft buttery" feel to the switch, unless you're careful to apply an extremely thin coat. It's very pleasant, but if you want more of a "neutral" feeling lube, you can try an oil like GPL 104.

Also don't forget to move your springs, to illuminate any ping or crunch that might develop over time.

Good point.  I would suggest to always lube the springs on silent switches because it is very likely you will hear them if not.  You can use a thin oil for this.  You can actually use 3204 on springs, too but it takes a bit longer to apply than oil. I usually just dip my springs in oil and let them run off on a paper towel for a while before reinstalling.

Title: Re: what lube to use for Gateron Silent Ink switches.
Post by: BedsideTiger on Mon, 01 July 2019, 22:36:45

Will any type of generic thin oil work for the springs?

Title: Re: what lube to use for Gateron Silent Ink switches.
Post by: pixelpusher on Mon, 01 July 2019, 23:05:54

Quote from: BedsideTiger on Mon, 01 July 2019, 22:36:45

Will any type of generic thin oil work for the springs?

Not 100% sure.  I've always used krytox oils.  I think people use knife oils too.  Just as long as it is plastic safe (won't degrade plastic over time)

Title: Re: what lube to use for Gateron Silent Ink switches.
Post by: BedsideTiger on Tue, 02 July 2019, 02:49:58

I have a bottle of Benchmade Blue Lube (meant for knives). I shot them and email and hopefully it's good to go since I got some on hand.

Title: Re: what lube to use for Gateron Silent Ink switches.
Post by: vegs on Tue, 02 July 2019, 03:18:49

I've always used Victorinox oil on springs. It's a bit more viscous than Krytox 105.

Title: Re: what lube to use for Gateron Silent Ink switches.
Post by: CJackson19 on Tue, 02 July 2019, 12:57:43

I've had good luck with just lubing the top end and bottom end of the springs with whichever lube I am using to lube the rest of the switch. I'm pretty certain in the switches that i've messed with that when the stem is compressed all the way, the spring does not actually fully compress.

Title: Re: what lube to use for Gateron Silent Ink switches.
Post by: BedsideTiger on Wed, 03 July 2019, 18:14:20

I just got a response from Benchmade, Blue lube is good to got, time to get cracking switches and lubing some springs and stems