Should I lube my Ducky One 2 SF with MX Browns?

[Whit3rose]

Hi, I am sort of new to this hobby and thought about lubing my Ducky One 2 SF with Cherry MX Brown Switches. But before doing that, I wanted to ask you guys if you think it would be worth it or if it does not make sense at all.

[jamster]

I think that's a plate mounted board, so the only way to open up the switches and lube them would be to desolder each switch first. Huge hassle and not worth doing just to lube.

See this for the difference between plate and PBC mounted:https://www.keychatter.com/2015/02/12/pcb-vs-plate-mounted-keyboards-whats-the-difference/

[Whit3rose]

I think that's a plate mounted board, so the only way to open up the switches and lube them would be to desolder each switch first. Huge hassle and not worth doing just to lube.

See this for the difference between plate and PBC mounted:https://www.keychatter.com/2015/02/12/pcb-vs-plate-mounted-keyboards-whats-the-difference/

Already expected it to be more effort than the outcome is worth. Thank you very much

[HungerMechanic]

It's not worth the effort, but I am experimenting with lubed MX Brown switches. You have to be careful or you will lose what little tactility there is.

They probably will sound a little better, though. Lubed Cherry Clears can sound very good, for example.

One thing that will definitely benefit from lube, if they are not lubed already, are the stabilizers. It makes such a huge difference in sound and feel for me.

If you ever have to desolder parts of the keyboard for some reason, at least lube the stabilizers. Overall, it would improve sound and feel if MX factory boards came with carefully-lubed switches and stabilizers, but that usually isn't the case.

[djroberts]

I bought the SF as a laptop travel board when I first started out. I got it with MX Silent Reds which I find mushy and not fun to type on. However, I like the layout/look and started using it for gaming. I agree it's probably not worth the effort but since I already have it and I do like most of it (except the most important part) I plan to desolder the switches and put something nice in there.

[WholesomeDucky]

I think that's a plate mounted board, so the only way to open up the switches and lube them would be to desolder each switch first. Huge hassle and not worth doing just to lube.

See this for the difference between plate and PBC mounted:https://www.keychatter.com/2015/02/12/pcb-vs-plate-mounted-keyboards-whats-the-difference/

Just for extra clarity/info, there are some plates that have indents in them to allow plate mounted switches to still be opened up, but these are mostly aftermarket plates or only come in DIY kits on some higher end boards.

This post has some info on plates that allow switch top removal: https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=82802.msg2200053#msg2200053

However, even if this is possible on a board, it may be difficult to lube the housings, since you cannot hold them in your fingers / rotate them around.

[Maledicted]

I think that's a plate mounted board, so the only way to open up the switches and lube them would be to desolder each switch first. Huge hassle and not worth doing just to lube.

See this for the difference between plate and PBC mounted:https://www.keychatter.com/2015/02/12/pcb-vs-plate-mounted-keyboards-whats-the-difference/

Already expected it to be more effort than the outcome is worth. Thank you very much

Yup. MX brown is already the unofficial pariah of tactile switches. If it were me, I would replace them entirely with something better if I were going through the effort of desoldering.

I bought the SF as a laptop travel board when I first started out. I got it with MX Silent Reds which I find mushy and not fun to type on. However, I like the layout/look and started using it for gaming. I agree it's probably not worth the effort but since I already have it and I do like most of it (except the most important part) I plan to desolder the switches and put something nice in there.

Swapping switches on random old boards can be a pain, especially without a really nice solder sucker. I recommend the Hakko FR301. It is not cheap, but it will pay for itself in time saved after a few boards. It is pretty satisfying though, if you ask me. I'm currently typing on a Corsair K65 in which I swapped the boring old MX reds for Kailh box navies. It pings more than any other keyboard I have ever used. if I'm typing with gusto the ping even seems to noticeably reverberate within. It is quite entertaining.

Just for extra clarity/info, there are some plates that have indents in them to allow plate mounted switches to still be opened up, but these are mostly aftermarket plates or only come in DIY kits on some higher end boards.

Yes, good point WholesomeDucky.