Best Lubricant for Cherry Switches?

[firebt]

Hey, wanted to know what's the best lube for cherry switches, and how often it should be done. I've been looking at some dry-film teflon PTFE type lubricants that end up dry, but a lot of them have some acetone in it, which is very well known to dissolve many plastics and other organic substances.  I've seen the KG-8 which is also a good choice it seems, but can't find any MSDS data on it.  Anyways, let me know, I have Cherry MX Reds, but I want them to be as smoooooooth as possible

[TheProfosist]

Krytox

[SmallFry]

Elaborating on what TheProfosist said, Krytox GPL-205 is used typically for the sliders and the GPL-100 series for the springs. Here is a guide on how to lubricate Cherry MX Switches, lovingly put together by MagicMeatball/MMB/BroCaps. Hope this helps!

[modulor]

Krytox GPL variants (100, 103, 105, 205 etc.) are said to be the best easily accessible lubricants available in the US.  I've tried SuperLube once just because I already had some, and it seemed to make an improvement, but I've not tested it long term yet.  Some other members have had mixed reviews of it, so we'll see.  You can refer to to the MX Lubrication Guide for more info:

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=34332.0

[WhiteFireDragon]

You're not going to want GPL-100. It's too volatile. 102 or higher should be fine. These krytox are pretty expensive and hard to source, especially the oil variants. The GPL-103 I bought was over $40 for just 1oz.

[DanGWanG]

I like a 50/50 mix of krytox 203 and 103 grease and oil, respectively, for the sliders.  For the springs I used Redline 95W75 gear oil (with LSD additives).

[jeroplane]

Also, an important note, firebt. From your previous posts, it looks like you have a Ducky Shine? Since it's plate-mounted, you won't be able to open up the switches to lube them without desoldering every one...

[TheProfosist]

Also, an important note, firebt. From your previous posts, it looks like you have a Ducky Shine? Since it's plate-mounted, you won't be able to open up the switches to lube them without desoldering every one...

and dont forget the leds

[firebt]

Also, an important note, firebt. From your previous posts, it looks like you have a Ducky Shine? Since it's plate-mounted, you won't be able to open up the switches to lube them without desoldering every one...

Aww goddamnit.  Okay, yeah and the LEDs, got it.  It's dual-layer PCB mounted, not sure what that means. How do you remove the bottom side of the keyboard? I'm only asking because I want to eventually clean it out in the future but not break stuff.  And is desoldering really hard? I'm pretty handy and have done some electronics soldering, including building a small radio transmitter when I was really young.  If there are any walkthroughs on the disassembly of a Ducky then I would really appreciate it. 

Oh, and also, there is no way to just lube the sides of the sliders by removing key cap, depressing the key and putting a little lube on the sides?  That's how I was about to approach it.  Thanks again guys

[jeroplane]

WhiteFireDragon has some really helpful videos:

- his review of the Ducky YOTD, where he also takes it apart.

- Ergo Clear mod which shows desoldering and soldering switches.

I'm not sure about pressing the switch down to lube it, though it might be possible. One of the other experienced lubers might have a better answer.

[TheProfosist]

You can spray liquid lube in but its no where near as effective.

[Binge]

You can spray liquid lube in but its no where near as effective.

For a switch friendly option what would you recommend.  I'm guessing some people would like to know how to properly ghetto lube their boards lol

[Bry]

I squirted 3 in 1 oil into a mx brown switch (or 12). Don't do it lol.

[Grimey]

You're not going to want GPL-100. It's too volatile. 102 or higher should be fine. These krytox are pretty expensive and hard to source, especially the oil variants. The GPL-103 I bought was over $40 for just 1oz.

Hmmm, I work for a DUPONT owned company, perhaps I should inquire about this.

[SmallFry]

I was going to ask for some samples because that's all you really need of the 100 series, but I got some elsewhere.

[firebt]

I squirted 3 in 1 oil into a mx brown switch (or 12). Don't do it lol.

hahahah i wont.  isn't that oil like very high percentage of petroleum loll

any US store type brands I can get easily around here?  I don't personally like the liquid ones, I'm lookin for KG-8 maybe.   Has anyone had any experience with that?