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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: grips on Fri, 28 June 2013, 11:27:55

Title: Ergo-clear lube life
Post by: grips on Fri, 28 June 2013, 11:27:55
I have a little Krytox lube set that I picked up from limmy a few days back. I plan to mod some clear switches into ergo-clears. Does anyone have any experience with how long the lube effect lasts, in general, for these switches? Will I need to lube them again in a year or two?
Title: Re: Ergo-clear lube life
Post by: WhiteFireDragon on Fri, 28 June 2013, 16:11:53
Krytox should last for the lifetime of the switches, no need to relube.
Title: Re: Ergo-clear lube life
Post by: Photoelectric on Fri, 28 June 2013, 16:59:32
Took apart my brand new MX Clears today (only a couple of the switches) and noticed that they do come pre-lubricated where the front (top?) protruding slider piece is--but not along the left and right sides.  There was a noticeable amount of wet shine from the pre-applied lubricant.  Any idea what that lubricant is and how it's best to cleanly remove it to re-lube fully with Krytox stuff?
Title: Re: Ergo-clear lube life
Post by: WhiteFireDragon on Fri, 28 June 2013, 17:02:05
Some switches do come pre-lubed, but never on the rails of the stem or housing. It looks "wet", but they use some kind of grease, no oil.
Title: Re: Ergo-clear lube life
Post by: grips on Fri, 28 June 2013, 18:16:20
Thank you
Title: Re: Ergo-clear lube life
Post by: quickcrx702 on Sun, 30 June 2013, 01:54:08
Can you use motor oil to lube the switches?  I'm half joking, half serious, but I really would like to know because I have a bunch in the garage.
Title: Re: Ergo-clear lube life
Post by: biochem on Mon, 01 July 2013, 08:42:53
Can you use motor oil to lube the switches?  I'm half joking, half serious, but I really would like to know because I have a bunch in the garage.

Motor oil is alkaline which means that it can corrode the metal springs and contacts in the switch. Kyrtox lubricants are inert and thus are a much better choice.