Lube Tight Clear Cherry MX Stem's ?

[Connly33]

I did do a forum search and i couldn't find to much on how to fix the issue with tight clear stems but a lot on why they are that way.

I'm doing my first keyboard build with clear switches, and after playing with a couple of the extras i have while waiting on my PCB i can see why it's so much easier to pull the stems out on them, especially with thick PBT or DSA keycaps. I dont plan on changing the caps too often on this board, but i want to be able to or clean it if need be without risking ripping a stem out of one of them.

Basically i was just curious if anyone has tried using something like a dry silicone or teflon lube on the stems before putting keys on for the first time, or if anyone thinks its a good or bad idea.

[SpAmRaY]

To me being careful when removing caps goes a long way.

[Connly33]

Definitely going to be carefull, especially the first few times. I was semi nervous doing my first keyswap on my MX blue board for the first time. But they barely hold the keys compared to clear's. But ill get a better keycap puller and just do it slowly.

[SpAmRaY]

Also if you use the same keyset it should come off easier after the first time.

[82d28a]

I have. I use it on my Pok3r mx clears and tactile mx greys.  To be clear i put the dry teflon on the key hole not on cherry stem. i let it dry overnight.  you still need to wiggle all four sides not just from left to right. wiggle circular.  much easier after lube, still tighter then other switches.  No broken cherries yet! i will update soon with picts.  btw get eye dropper from cvs.