Krytox lube set (GPL103 oil, GPL201 grease, Precision oiler)

[MKULTRA]

PM'd

[Broadmonkey]

Got my set the other day. I use Blacks and can't really feel a difference. Maybe I am doing it wrong.
I added some grease on the sliders and legs and then added the oil with the oiler. I only used a small amount of grease and enough oil to cover the whole slider. Maybe it's because I haven't lubed the springs yet 

Press the key caps from side or press corners of larger non-stabilized keys. Those are the places where it is easy to notice the effect. I hope you find it useful.

Just tried it, and the feeling is smoother when pressed like that. I think that in order to really appreciate this mod, I have to lube the springs.
Thanks limmy, it really is a great little set

[orlando]

Received mine yesterday, thanks!

[limmy]

To everyone who are interested but not yet purchase the lube set:
I am moving soon. If you are interested in purchasing a set, please hurry because when I begin packing I wouldn't be able to make more sets with extra lube I have. I kind of doubt that I would be enthusiastic about selling more either. I currently have 6 sets of grease and if I don't get more orders during first two days of next week, I wouldn't offer any more.

To everyone who received the sets:
I hope you enjoy them. I personally think they are really good stuff, grease and oil.

Just tried it, and the feeling is smoother when pressed like that. I think that in order to really appreciate this mod, I have to lube the springs.
Thanks limmy, it really is a great little set

Spring lube really helps. I think it is totally worth it. If you get a chance, I would recommend you put on switch stickers as well. Do it all at once.

Anyways, any job done on switches is more noticeable when you actually type on them. (multiple switches when in use)

When I first did the mod, I did half of my keyboard because 1) I wanted to see its effect and 2) I hated the repetitive work, but I ended up modding all the switches after a while because I could feel and hear the little gritty surface of non-modded switches.

[calavera]

Would like to buy one of each container in both sets. No grease/lube.

[limmy]

I am going to pack tomorrow move most of things out of my place. After Thursday, there will be no more sets other than the ones I prepared for sale.

I have 6 complete sets (set A+B+oil). Couple more oil sets(Set A+oil).

I should dig out my drawers and see what else can be sold.

By the way, all paid orders have been shipped. Thanks!!

[Goodfella]

Also received mine on Monday, was packaged very well and arrived with no issues. Thank you again. Looking forward to using it very soon.

Is the extra empty container that holds the grease meant for mixing?

Just wondering.

[SpAmRaY]

Also received mine on Monday, was packaged very well and arrived with no issues. Thank you again. Looking forward to using it very soon.

Is the extra empty container that holds the grease meant for mixing?

Just wondering.

Yes, the way I read the OP.

[limmy]

Good to hear that you got your stuff with no issues.

You can use the extra container in any way you want.

One way would be to mix the grease with the oil. You can also store some oil there if you like to use brush and so forth.

[codyeatworld]

Got my set yesterday! Thanks a lot limmy!

[BlueMica]

I believe Plate Switches requires them to be de-soldered to disassemble them for oiling the springs and plunger. If a person just wants smoother stabilizers they would only need grease. I just need to be brave enough to risk opening my Filcos; how many keyboards can be oiled or greased with the complete set?

[limmy]

I believe Plate Switches requires them to be de-soldered to disassemble them for oiling the springs and plunger. If a person just wants smoother stabilizers they would only need grease. I just need to be brave enough to risk opening my Filcos; how many keyboards can be oiled or greased with the complete set?

Desoldering was hard for me until I found Radioshack desoldering iron. After I got that desoldering iron, desoldering was pretty easy.

Anyways, my approximation is that the complete set could lube about 40 keyboards. (See here to see how I got that number: http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=44373.msg930717#msg930717 )

[MKULTRA]

Got my stuff today!  Damn this will really get me through that many switches haha? 

[limmy]

Got my stuff today!  Damn this will really get me through that many switches haha? 

We will see... haha..


Added the following two items to the moving sale list.

5. Girldc's Punisher Gold $50 + shipping comes with a case, there are some blemishes but nothing major


6. Girldc's Ironman Black$75 + shipping comes with a case, I noticed some part of plating had come off, but it is shiny underneath the black plating. I suppose black plating was done over silver. See in the close up. Nevertheless, still looking good!

[Turkishrambo]

interested in some oil/grease sets. Which part of the switch gets the grease/oil? IE, oil for springs, grease for stabalizers? Dont know much about lube xD

[MKULTRA]

interested in some oil/grease sets. Which part of the switch gets the grease/oil? IE, oil for springs, grease for stabalizers? Dont know much about lube xD

Check out the lubing thread in the DIY section.


And we'll find out when my clears get here in a dew days!

[limmy]

interested in some oil/grease sets. Which part of the switch gets the grease/oil? IE, oil for springs, grease for stabalizers? Dont know much about lube xD

Hi, the lube is for sliding surfaces. You can get a general idea where to lube from this photo. http://imgur.com/a/zed65#7

For springs, I would use thicker oil than what I am offering. I had pretty good results with Victorinox multi-tool oil for lubing springs. I put a small drop on the stem of a slider where it touches the spring.

[Photoelectric]

5. Girldc's Punisher Gold $50 + shipping comes with a case, there are some blemishes but nothing major

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I love that key!  If only I had extra money and it were copper-colored

[limmy]

Updated prices with shipping within US. (price is lowered a bit for all moving sale items)

[limmy]

Reduced price for moving sale items. If they are not sold within 6 hours (until 8AM EST), I would have to pack this up.

I also have 12 lube sets available. Thanks!

[hoasican2004]

good news 

[n0rvig]

At long last my magic krytox has arrived! Thanks! I can finally lube all the things!

[limmy]

I have 11 sets for now. If they are gone, I wouldn't be able to make any more sets until September. I am not even sure if I could make more, but even if I do US orders will have to pay international shipping.

Anyways, I hope everyone who bought the set is enjoying MX switche modding.

At long last my magic krytox has arrived! Thanks! I can finally lube all the things!

I am surprised to find out that it takes longer to travel from NY to Canada than to Germany. Anyways, I am glad you finally got the magic stuff!!

[mkawa]

interesting. probably the highest performing 'wet' ptfe-based products out there. i'll take the maximum number of sets that are easy to ship (3 right?). can you pm me with payment information?

thanks for putting this all together limmy.

[limmy]

Thank you for the order! Now there are 8 sets left.

I have tried various lube that was under $10 prior to this and I finally settled with Krytox. I knew about Krytox before the search, but I was hoping to find good enough lube that would be acceptable. However, I wasn't able to find a good enough lube in consumer grade products. After trying out about 10 different kinds of lube, I thought it was economical to get my hands on this expensive lube. It was so much better than several lube I tried and I didn't feel I needed better lube, so I stopped the search.

Also, I think the precision oiler is best way to apply the lube. You can apply it precisely where you want it with superb control of the amount applied. Moreover, it reduces wasted lube. The included needle gauge is not randomly selected but was selected by trying out different gauges.

Also, the grease. I don't like to use a lot of Krytox grease since it tends to make sliding surface sluggish. However, it has its merits because grease will stick to surface. I like to use just enough that the applied oil can stay in place. I think Krytox grease is essential for the purpose because Krytox oil does not mix well grease other than Krytox grease. I dip the needle tip to the grease and spread the grease + oil. I think it works pretty well that way.

[limmy]

All paid orders have shipped. I have 7 set available.

You may consider the precision oiler as a brush with a huge reservoir of lube. You don't need go back and forth to get more lube on the brush.

[Photoelectric]

So if I have a tiny soft brush, would it be better to gently apply the grease and then rub that layer with the needle of the precision oiler to combine grease with oil--or better to dip the needle into grease and apply both at the same time?  Which would result in a more precise application?

[limmy]

So if I have a tiny soft brush, would it be better to gently apply the grease and then rub that layer with the needle of the precision oiler to combine grease with oil--or better to dip the needle into grease and apply both at the same time?  Which would result in a more precise application?

That is a good question. I think a brush is a tool that can result in huge deviation of outcome depending on your skill. If you can use it well, it could do better job of applying thin coat of grease. However, I think it is not so convenient even if you are very good. To do a good job with your brush, you would need to know how much lube/grease in already on your brush and it is hard to know until you try it out on a surface. When using a brush, artists usually test it out on a pallet. With enough attention, you should be able to get consistent results with brush.

The precision oiler should give you consistent result regardless of your skill set. The amount of oil applied is going to be visible without having to test it on surface. Amount of grease on tip of needle is also visible. You can easily control the amount that is on the needle.

Now, back to your question. Which of the two give you more consistent result, dipping the needle or using a brush? My answer would be that it would depend on your skill level and how are have developed familiarity with your tool. Which is more convenient? I like precision oiler better. That is why I am using it, bought in bulk and selling the rest.

[Photoelectric]

Thank you--I will definitely try the needle. Do you separate some amount of grease into that empty container before dipping, so as to prevent contamination of GPL 201 with 103?

[limmy]

Thank you--I will definitely try the needle. Do you separate some amount of grease into that empty container before dipping, so as to prevent contamination of GPL 201 with 103?

That would be a good idea. Maybe it is better to get a separate pallet like plate or shallow dish for the purpose.

[grips]

Was hoping you swapped in some new springs. Like 62g.

I have extra springs. 100 springs for $4 sound good? You have choices of 55g or 62g.

Dang, I missed this post. Do you still happen to have springs you're selling?

[limmy]

Was hoping you swapped in some new springs. Like 62g.

I have extra springs. 100 springs for $4 sound good? You have choices of 55g or 62g.

Dang, I missed this post. Do you still happen to have springs you're selling?

Sorry. All of them are packed and gone. I should have access to them in September.

I forgot to pack the red switches though.. The 61 fully modded(sticker + spring lube + slider lube) red PCB mount switches are for sale. $27 shipped  within CONUS. That is less then $0.5 for a fully modded switch.

Full disclosure: one stem of 61 switches has a loose fit. You can use it with stabilized key and it should not be a problem.

[grips]

Was hoping you swapped in some new springs. Like 62g.

I have extra springs. 100 springs for $4 sound good? You have choices of 55g or 62g.

Dang, I missed this post. Do you still happen to have springs you're selling?

Sorry. All of them are packed and gone. I should have access to them in September.

I forgot to pack the red switches though.. The 61 fully modded(sticker + spring lube + slider lube) red PCB mount switches are for sale. $27 shipped  within CONUS. That is less then $0.5 for a fully modded switch.

Full disclosure: one stem of 61 switches has a loose fit. You can use it with stabilized key and it should not be a problem.

Ah, okay. I'm not a fan of the linear switches. Thanks anyway.

[limmy]

Update:

I have 6 lube sets available.

61 fully modded (lube, stickered) PCB mounted red switches available for sale as well. I am asking $25 shipped within CONUS.

Thanks!

[Photoelectric]

Update:

I have 6 lube sets available.

61 fully modded (lube, stickered) PCB mounted red switches available for sale as well. I am asking $25 shipped within CONUS.

Thanks!

This is a great deal!!!

[limmy]

5 sets left for sale.

[JulianFR]

Hi,

I'm going to get an Ergodox with MX Clear. Some guys told me that I need to change springs on them, to get 62g or 65g springs and then this switches will be called "Ergo Clear" and might be better than stock ones. Once I do this, I'll take the opportunity to lubricate the switches. I watch some videos on youtubes (WhiteFireDragon) and now know how to lub switches. But there is still something I need to know: what lub will I use for the task ?

Somebody told me you sell the best high-end lub for keyboard, so I went here and find your sale. I've read the thread and you said "No need to use expensive Krytox on springs. Krytox is especially good on sliding surfaces". I want to buy 1 or 2 set, but it will not be everything needed to lubricate my Ergodox's switches ? Does it required this for springs and your set for the rest of the switch ?

[limmy]

Hi,

I'm going to get an Ergodox with MX Clear. Some guys told me that I need to change springs on them, to get 62g or 65g springs and then this switches will be called "Ergo Clear" and might be better than stock ones. Once I do this, I'll take the opportunity to lubricate the switches. I watch some videos on youtubes (WhiteFireDragon) and now know how to lub switches. But there is still something I need to know: what lub will I use for the task ?

Somebody told me you sell the best high-end lub for keyboard, so I went here and find your sale. I've read the thread and you said "No need to use expensive Krytox on springs. Krytox is especially good on sliding surfaces". I want to buy 1 or 2 set, but it will not be everything needed to lubricate my Ergodox's switches ? Does it required this for springs and your set for the rest of the switch ?

If so, then I'll buy 2 set. As I am in France, final price is 15*2+8=$39 am I right ? I guess I will be able to lub about 8000 switches, I probably don't need to buy again lub for my mechanical keyboard. How often do you lub your switches ?

J

Hi,

I think it is best to use thicker oils for springs. I hypothesize that thicker oils reduces vibration and also do a very good job in reducing scratching noise. It is not about friction when it comes to springs. I had success with using the Victorinox multi-tool oil you linked. So, yes, I would recommend you use them for springs.

On the sliding surfaces where friction could be an issue, I would recommend low viscosity Krytox oil. One way to test a lube is to rub it with your fingers. If it feels slippery in your hand, it is likely it works well with sliding surfaces.

If you order more than one set, shipping unfortunately increases by $2 for each additional set if you are outside the US. So $40 will be your total if you order two.

For Cherry switches, I didn't feel a need to lube it more than once. However, I have used this for about a year, so I don't have much knowledge about longevity of the lube job more than a year. One thing to note about Krytox is that it is very stable and does not oxidize or react with other chemicals. So, I can comfortably say that it is going to last longer than most of ordinary lube.

[JulianFR]

I bought 1 set of krytox oil, 1 victorinox multi-tool oil and the 61 MX Red switches: 2 set are still available !

[limmy]

All sold! Thanks everyone! I will come back with more stuff in a month or two.

[Photoelectric]

Thank you very much for offering them, Limmy, and for all the explanations!

[limmy]

Thank you very much for offering them, Limmy, and for all the explanations!

No problem. Are you having fun with it?


The lube is pretty good stuff. I hope everyone who bought them use it well.

[Photoelectric]

Yes, it's very useful!  Lubing 2 of my keyboards and all the switches I've been experimenting with

[JulianFR]

I got everything, thank you Limmy !



I don't know GH very well, is there an option to make a rating for seller/buyer?

[Poom]

I would give limmy 100 stars out of 5! 

[Photoelectric]

There is Heatware... which Limmy needs to add to his profile

[limmy]

I got everything, thank you Limmy !

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A very nice photo!! I hope you enjoy the kit as much as I did.

I would give limmy 100 stars out of 5!  ;D

There is Heatware... which Limmy needs to add to his profile :D

Hi guys! Thanks for the kind words. You guys were wonderful too.  ;D

[limmy]

Moving sale round 2
I found more keyboards in my office!!

Imgur album of the sale items: http://imgur.com/a/v0TEd#0

1. Cherry G80-8113 board without key caps (110+ Brown, 1 Clear, 1 Grey)  SOLD! $13 + shipping

I cannot desolder the switches. I would have to ship it as a board.
shipping from 14850 weighs 4lbs.
Postage calculator: http://postcalc.usps.com/Default.aspx?m=0&oz=14850


2. Two Dell AT101W boards. PENDING $20 + shipping

One is very clean and lubed. I like it a lot.
Second one has yellowed keycaps. It is not lubed. You can feel the difference.
shipping from 14850 weighs 8lbs 12oz.
Postage calculator: http://postcalc.usps.com/Default.aspx?m=0&oz=14850


3. Cherry G81-700LPDUS-2 $10 + shipping

lubed with Kytox lube. More smooth than stock, but still MY switch.
If you like black switches, you might be okay using it. The board has hardware macro features.
Press all ctrl, shift, alt keys, then you can program any key that is outside of the main cluster.
Lasered black key caps. Nice and thick.
shipping from 14850 weighs 5lb.
Postage calculator: http://postcalc.usps.com/Default.aspx?m=0&oz=14850


4. Very nice USB to PS/2 converter aka Blue cube PENDING $8 + shipping

Works very well with the above Dell keyboard. I heard IBM model Ms work very well with this converter.
New in original packaging.
shipping from 14850 weighs 3oz.
Postage calculator: http://postcalc.usps.com/Default.aspx?m=0&oz=14850


5.  Razer Armadillo Mouse cord holder PENDING? $3 + shipping

shipping from 14850 weighs 6oz.
Postage calculator: http://postcalc.usps.com/Default.aspx?m=0&oz=14850


I can combine shipping!

[DamnDan]

If the shipping prices were not that high to get things from US to Poland I would be all over the cherry with brown MX dat grey MX spacebar....

GLWS!

[limmy]

If the shipping prices were not that high to get things from US to Poland I would be all over the cherry with brown MX dat grey MX spacebar....

GLWS!

Thanks. Yeah international shipping charges are crazy. It is unfortunate I don't have necessary tools, soldering iron or even a saw at the moment.