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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: Obakemono on Sun, 18 August 2013, 08:43:59

Title: Keyboard lubing, optional or necessary?
Post by: Obakemono on Sun, 18 August 2013, 08:43:59: Hi!

I'm very new to the keyboards world, and i'm gathering as much info as i can, but about keyboard lubing i can't find any hint on this exact matter.

I can see why lubing the stabilizers might be necessary, but about lubing the switches i need someone to clarify me if it is necessary to the proper use and maintenance of the keyboard or if it is optionally done only to alter the behavior of the switches.

Thanks!
Title: Re: Keyboard lubing, optional or necessary?
Post by: SpAmRaY on Sun, 18 August 2013, 09:02:36: Quote from: Obakemono on Sun, 18 August 2013, 08:43:59
Hi!

I'm very new to the keyboards world, and i'm gathering as much info as i can, but about keyboard lubing i can't find any hint on this exact matter.

I can see why lubing the stabilizers might be necessary, but about lubing the switches i need someone to clarify me if it is necessary to the proper use and maintenance of the keyboard or if it is optionally done only to alter the behavior of the switches.

Thanks!

It's all personal preference.
Title: Re: Keyboard lubing, optional or necessary?
Post by: Jocelyn on Sun, 18 August 2013, 09:07:40: Quote from: SpAmRaY on Sun, 18 August 2013, 09:02:36
It's all personal preference.

This^ though I could personally never type on non lubed switches.
Title: Re: Keyboard lubing, optional or necessary?
Post by: KeyLord on Sun, 18 August 2013, 09:35:01: Here is an imgur album that ripster made on switch lubing. It's pretty comprehensive.

I haven't lubed my switches yet... I would have thought it is more of a maintenance thing to do, as the lube that is already on them begins to wear out after extended amounts of use.

http://imgur.com/a/lhLqo (http://imgur.com/a/lhLqo)
Title: Re: Keyboard lubing, optional or necessary?
Post by: TheQsanity on Sun, 18 August 2013, 09:50:24: It doesn't really matter. I think you should leave tactile switches dry to maximize tactility. Unless you want your browns to feel more like reds :p
Title: Re: Keyboard lubing, optional or necessary?
Post by: Obakemono on Sun, 18 August 2013, 10:01:27: Crystal clear!

Thank you! :D
Title: Re: Keyboard lubing, optional or necessary?
Post by: jabar on Sun, 18 August 2013, 10:25:17: never lubed any of my Cherry keyboards
Title: Re: Keyboard lubing, optional or necessary?
Post by: Danule on Sun, 18 August 2013, 18:31:59: Have tried lubed switches yet. But browns over time become smoother / less gritty so im not sure if its really nessisary if you take the time to break the switches.
Title: Re: Keyboard lubing, optional or necessary?
Post by: Findecanor on Sun, 18 August 2013, 18:54:00: Cherry MX Clears should be lubed. Vintage blacks and blues don't need to be. Whites are already lubed from the factory.
Other than that, it is a matter of taste. Some feel that reds and blacks have to be lubed. Other people don't.
Title: Re: Keyboard lubing, optional or necessary?
Post by: TimIsABat on Sun, 18 August 2013, 22:42:51: I really want to lube my ergoclears. Might try to do so after I try fixing my poker.
Title: Re: Keyboard lubing, optional or necessary?
Post by: Larken on Mon, 19 August 2013, 05:58:43: optional, not necessary, but highly recommended.

not for proper use/maintenance, but yes for altering the feel of the switch. Intense smoothness, if that makes sense.
Title: Re: Keyboard lubing, optional or necessary?
Post by: CPTBadAss on Mon, 19 August 2013, 06:42:25: Not a good idea for clicky switches as it kills the clicky-ness. Really good idea for MX Blacks. Just tried it over the weekend at Keycon and lubed Blacks are amazing.