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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: Sick Robotron on Fri, 01 June 2018, 06:32:49

Title: Help!!! Krytox lube on keycaps!!!
Post by: Sick Robotron on Fri, 01 June 2018, 06:32:49
Hey guys - anyone have advice on how to remove krytox lube on keycaps?

First of all - I am a complete ****ing idiot. I not only got a tiny bit of krytox on some keys on one board causing disastrous results, but worse, I tried to clean them by soaking in a tupperware with soapy water and it didn't work. Then yesterday I cleaned off some AEK keycaps and gave them a wash in the same basin and now they are luby too (madness inducing)!!! My life is becoming consumed by krytox almost to the point that I think I won't ever use the stuff again (the amount I got on the original caps was incredibly negligible but has basically made it so I can't type on the board without washing my hands 5x afterwards).

Any advice is much appreciated!! SOS!
Title: Re: Help!!! Krytox lube on keycaps!!!
Post by: chyros on Fri, 01 June 2018, 06:44:18
Have you tried light petroleum ether or a comparable nonpolar solvent?
Title: Re: Help!!! Krytox lube on keycaps!!!
Post by: Sick Robotron on Fri, 01 June 2018, 07:04:48
Have you tried light petroleum ether or a comparable nonpolar solvent?

Chyros - Thanks so much for your response! I haven't tried ether. Can you recommend a brand and do you have any tips on application?

Also, given that the lube residue in my wash basin from the initially tarnished keycaps contaminated the new AEK keycaps, I guess that suggests that at least SOME of the lube came off in the dish soap/water bath. Have you had this problem before and ether was the only solution? Again thanks so much for your response -- I'm losing my mind over here!
Title: Re: Help!!! Krytox lube on keycaps!!!
Post by: SpAmRaY on Fri, 01 June 2018, 07:08:15
You new guys are taking lubing to another level.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Help!!! Krytox lube on keycaps!!!
Post by: chyros on Fri, 01 June 2018, 07:25:49
Have you tried light petroleum ether or a comparable nonpolar solvent?

Chyros - Thanks so much for your response! I haven't tried ether. Can you recommend a brand and do you have any tips on application?

Also, given that the lube residue in my wash basin from the initially tarnished keycaps contaminated the new AEK keycaps, I guess that suggests that at least SOME of the lube came off in the dish soap/water bath. Have you had this problem before and ether was the only solution? Again thanks so much for your response -- I'm losing my mind over here!
Ether isn't the same as petroleum ether ;) . Just use any apolar solvent; LPE, white spirit, turpentine, naphtha, etc.
Title: Re: Help!!! Krytox lube on keycaps!!!
Post by: long_qt_pie on Sat, 02 June 2018, 16:58:43
Maybe try toluene?  Find a friend that works in a wet chem lab and they should be able to help
Title: Re: Help!!! Krytox lube on keycaps!!!
Post by: jcoffin1981 on Sun, 03 June 2018, 23:53:48
For an easily accessible solvent try Ronsonol lighter fluid.
Title: Re: Help!!! Krytox lube on keycaps!!!
Post by: glack23 on Mon, 04 June 2018, 10:59:12
ultrasonic cleaner?
Title: Re: Help!!! Krytox lube on keycaps!!!
Post by: chyros on Mon, 04 June 2018, 11:11:09
Maybe try toluene?  Find a friend that works in a wet chem lab and they should be able to help
I'd avoid toluene tbh, it's not very good for you.
Title: Re: Help!!! Krytox lube on keycaps!!!
Post by: AuthenticDanger on Mon, 04 June 2018, 11:48:22
Isopropyl Alcohol would be my go-to.
Title: Re: Help!!! Krytox lube on keycaps!!!
Post by: jcoffin1981 on Mon, 04 June 2018, 21:30:51
I have used lighter fluid to clean oils and greases from metals and synthetic jewels and it dissolves the intended solute.  I'm not a chemist so I don't know how krytox compares.  I have used it on switches before to clean lubed switches I no longer wanted lubed.