How to Lube Switches? 2023 Best Guide

It’s not always easy to tell which type of switch lube you need. There are different types, such as silicon and graphite, and they vary in viscosity and consistency. Plus, it’s important to know how much lube is right for the job.

But don’t worry! This guide will give you all the info you need to keep your switches running smoothly and prevent any unnecessary damage. Read on to learn how to pick the right switch lube for your needs, what too much can do, how often switches should be lubed, and more!

Table of Contents

What do lubing switches entail?

Switches are mechanisms that control the flow of electricity in a circuit. They are activated when they reach a certain position and allow electricity to flow or stop the flow of electricity depending on their design. Lubricating a switch will increase its longevity and ensure that it lasts longer.

A switch consists of two main parts: the slider, which moves back and forth, and the contacts, which touch each other when the slider is in position. The contacts must be kept clean to ensure that there is no build-up of dirt or corrosion, which can cause them not to work properly.

Lubing switches is done by placing lube on all four contact surfaces on both sides of the switch. It’s important to use just enough lube to cover the surfaces so that it doesn’t leak to other parts of the switch and cause damage.

A small amount of lube on each contact will help it move more easily, which will also increase its longevity. This is especially true for switches used in high-traffic areas, such as an arcade machine.

Lubes come in a variety of different types depending on what they are designed to do. Some are designed for heavy-duty use while others are just basic maintenance lubes that can be used on arcade machines, computers, and other electronics.

Why should you lube your switches?

As we have already mentioned, it is important to lube your switches. But, is there a concrete reason to justify this action?

Here are the top reasons you should lube your switches:

To improve the acoustics

Lubing switches will make them easier to press, which will reduce the noise they produce. This is especially important when it comes to arcade machines, as you want your game to give a good first impression.

To protect the contact points

Lubing switches will keep dirt and other contaminants from building up on the contact points. This way, you can prevent the switch from not working properly due to build-up.

To increase lifespan

Lubing your switches will help them last longer. This is especially true for arcade machines, as they are used frequently and tend to be exposed to dust and dirt more than other electronics.

To improve aesthetics

By lubing your switches, you will prevent them from sticking and making noise. This will keep your arcade machine looking good for longer.

To help the switch work more consistently

Lubing your switches will make the contact points slide smoothly, which will make them easier to press. This will minimize inconsistencies and make the switch work better in general.

Types of lubes for switches

Lubes are not all the same. Different lubes have different properties and are better suited for different situations. For example, a lube that is good at preventing corrosion will not be good at preventing dirt build-up. Below are some of the most commonly used types of lubes:

Rubber lubes

Rubber lubes are the most popular type of lube for switches. This is because they are cheap, easy to get and work very well. However, they tend to be less effective at preventing dirt build-up than other types of lubes.

Oil-based lubes

Oil-based lubes are more expensive than rubber lubes, but they do last longer and can prevent corrosion. They usually come in a syringe or a bottle with a needle attached to them. Oil-lubricated switches tend to stick less and have less drag on them than rubber-lubed ones do.

Silicone oil

Silicone oil is extremely versatile and can be used with any type of switch. It can be used with rubber, metal, and plastic switches with no problems. However, silicone oil is not as good at preventing dirt build-up as other lubes are.

Water-based lubes

Water-based lubes are the best for preventing dirt build-up. They are also the most expensive type of lube for switches and tend to have a short shelf life (around 6 months). In addition, water-based lubricants are not compatible with silicone switches or rubber ones that have been boiled or chemically treated.

Hybrid lubricants

Hybrid lubricants combine the properties of both types of lubes. They are still water-based and can prevent dirt buildup, but they also contain some silicone oil to prevent sticking. Hybrid lubricants are the best choice for switches that are used with other materials and for those who have sensitive skin.

Which lube is the best for switches?

Now that you know the different types of lubes, which one should you choose? The answer to this question depends on the type of switch you are using. If you are using a rubber or silicone switch, then silicone lube is the best option. Silicone lubricants are very good at preventing dust, dirt, and other debris from sticking to the surface of your switch and can last up to 6 months.

If you have a metal or plastic switch, then water-based lubes are the best choice. Water-based lubricants will keep your switches clean and prevent dirt build-up while they last longer than silicone ones would.

What should I use for cleaning my switches?

If you have recently bought a new set of switches, it is important that you clean them with some type of cleaning solution before using them the first time.

Switch manufacturers recommend that you keep your switches dry and free of dust before you use them. You can clean them with a damp cloth or by using a damp paper towel to wipe the switch clean.

If you want to make sure that your switches areas clean and smooth as possible, then you should use some type of lubricant on them before you begin using them for the first time. This will prevent dirt and dust from sticking to your switches and help keep them running smoothly for longer periods of time.

Tools for lubing switches

What do I need to get the job done? Here are the main tools or requirements that you will need before you embark on the main task: lubricating switches.

Switch lubricant

This is the most important part of the process. The switch lubricant is used to keep your switches running smoothly and prevent dirt and dust from sticking to them. Here are some examples of what you can use:

A set of clean scissors

These are useful in cutting through the wires and removing any excess lubricant. A pair of scissors will cut through the wires quite easily and save you a lot of time, which can be used for other things.

A set of tweezers

These are used for squeezing out any excess lubricants that may have been stuck in between the switches, as well as helping to remove dust particles from between the switches themselves. They also help to remove any excess lube from between the switches, allowing it to be used for the next time.

A microfibre cloth

This is useful for cleaning up any excess lube that may have been leftover from the previous time you applied lubricant, as well as being used to clean off any excess dust particles from between the switches themselves.

Paintbrush

A small piece of electrical tape

This is useful for covering the end of a wire so that it can be pulled out without breaking. This can also be used to cover the end of a wire so that it cannot be pulled out without breaking.

A switch puller

This is a very useful tool, but it can be quite expensive. This tool is a small, spring-loaded device that is used to lift up and remove the top of a switch without breaking it. They are also handy for removing any switches that have been ‘accidentally’ broken by accidentally being dropped on the floor or by being hit with something hard.

A small screwdriver

This can be useful for removing any screws that may have been stuck in between the switches themselves.

Steps for Lubing Switches

Here are the general steps that you should follow when lubing switches.

Step 1: Remove the switches from the keyboard

It all starts by removing the switches from the keyboard. This is done by removing any screws that may be holding them in place. It is not advisable to lube the switches while they are still on the keyboard. This is because you may end up damaging the switches and even the PCB.

The switches are then taken out one at a time and placed on a flat surface. The switches are lubed by first removing the plastic caps that come with them. These caps protect the switch from dust, dirt, and other accidentals. They are then each removed by pulling them out of the hole where they were originally inserted.

Step 2: Open up the switches

Once the switches have been removed from the keyboard, they are now ready to be opened up. This is done by removing the top and bottom screws that hold the switch in its place. These screws can be found in between each of the switches.

The sides of each switch are then pulled out by gently twisting them. The sides are then placed on a flat surface and allowed to dry for a few minutes.

Step 3: Cleaning and Removing Fluff

Now that you have removed all of the plastic caps, it is time to clean away any fluff that may be stuck inside of them. The fluff can get in there during shipping or even beforehand if there was an accident with one of the switches. You can use a small screwdriver to pry the caps open and then use a cleaning brush to clean off any fluff that remains.

Step 4: Lubrication

Once the switches are dry, they are now ready to be lubricated. This is done by first removing the plastic caps on each switch and then applying a small amount of grease to each one with your finger. This is done so that each switch will have enough lubrication for them to move freely when the time comes for them to be placed in their respective positions.

4.1 Lube the bottom of the switch

Start by applying grease to the bottom of the switch and then gently place it in position. Then use a small screwdriver to push down on the switch until it is fully in place. This will give you a better grip on the switch when you are moving it around.

4.2 Lube the switch side of the PCB

Now that all of the switches are in place, you will need to apply grease to both sides of the PCB so that it can move freely without sticking together or getting stuck when they come into contact with each other.

Start by applying grease to the switch side of the PCB and then gently place it in position. Then use a small screwdriver to push down on the switch until it is fully in place. This will give you a better grip on the switch when you are moving it around.

4.3 Lube the springs

The next step is to apply grease to the springs. This is something that needs to be done when you are installing the switches, so it’s best to do it now.

Start by applying grease to the springs and then gently place them in position. Then use a small screwdriver to push down on the switch until it is fully in place. This will give you a better grip on the switch when you are moving it around.

4.4 Lube the stem

The stem of a switch is the part that presses against the other side of the PCB. This is where most of the friction from the switch will occur.

Lubing the stem is quite an easy process. Simply apply a small amount of grease to the stem and then gently press it into position. You may also apply some lube on the legs as well to help provide a better grip.

There are different techniques for lubing the stem of a switch. It all depends on the type of switch you are using.

4.5 Lube stem of linear switch

The stem of a linear switch is quite long, so the best way to lube it is to apply a light coating of grease on the bottom and then gently press it into position.

4.6 Lube stem of tactile switch

The stem of a tactile switch is quite short, so you need to apply some pressure on it. To do this use your thumb or finger and gently press down on the switch. As you do this, you will feel how the legs start to spread apart and that’s how you know that the stem is properly lubricated.

Step 5: Lube the top housing

This step is optional as many people prefer not to lube the top housing. However, you can still apply some lube on sections of the rail where the top housing comes in contact with the stem.

Step 6: Reinstall the switch

After you have lubed the stem, you can now install the switch. Simply align it with the holes at the bottom of the rail and press firmly down on it until you hear a click. You might feel some resistance from the switch as it is being installed, but this is normal.

Step 6: Apply a little more grease

If you find that your switches are getting dry and sticky, then apply a few drops of oil to each of them to help them last longer. You can also add some more lubricant to the rails where they are in contact with the stem as well. This will help prevent friction and wear on your switches over time.

Step 7: Test the switches

Once you have installed the switches, it’s time to test them out. Hold the stem in your hand and place your thumb on the switch. If you can feel the switch click when you press down on it, then congratulations! Your stem is properly lubed and ready to rock.

Common mistakes when lubing switches and how to avoid them

If this is going to be your first time to lube a switch, you are likely to make mistakes.

Not applying adequate lube

The most common mistake people make when lubing their switches is not applying enough lube. If you are not sure how much to apply, start with a small drop of oil and see how much it takes to fill the switch. If you can’t get the switch to move at all, then apply more oil.

Not cleaning your stem

If you have dirt and grease on your stem, then this will transfer onto the rails and lock up your switches. When you lube your stem, ensure that you clean it well so that there is no dirt or grease left on it.

Not cleaning your switch

If you do not clean your switches regularly then they will get dirty which can cause them to stick and not work properly. Ensure that you clean your switches regularly so that they are always working at their best.

Not pressing down onto the stem

If you do not press down onto the stem then your switches will not be lubed properly and could cause them to stick. Ensure that you press down onto your switches so that they are lubed properly and won’t stick.

Using the wrong lube

When you are applying lube to your switches, ensure that you are using the right kind of lube. If you are unsure what kind of lube to use, then ask someone else or read a review online before buying a new switch.

Not cleaning off excess lube

If you have excess lube on your switches then they will get dirty which will cause them to stick and not work properly. Ensure that you clean off all the excess lube so that they don’t stick and only have a small amount of oil left on them.

Does the viscosity of the lubricant matter when lubing switches?

Yes, it matters. A lube with high viscosity would mean that it is dense. High viscosity lube is more viscous and so it would take longer to dry out. This is why high viscosity lube is great for use in switches that are not frequently used, such as mechanical keyboards.

The other type of lube is a low viscosity lubricant. Low viscosity lubricants are usually thin and so they would dry out quicker than high viscosity lubes. This means that if you use a low viscosity lube in a switch with frequent use, then it will wear off quicker and stop working properly which could cause the switch to stick.

What should I do if my switch stops working after lubrication?

If your switch stops working or sticks, then there are a few things you can do.

First, ensure that you have removed all of the excess lube from the switch. If there is still excess lube on your switch, it will interfere with the movement of the switch and cause it to stick.

Next, ensure that you have cleaned off all of the excess lube that is left on your switch. This is because if there are too many small pieces of lube left on your switches they could cause the switches to stick and not work properly. For example, if you have used a low viscosity lubricant and there is still some left on your switch this will cause it to stop working properly which could result in stickiness.

Finally, ensure that you clean off all the excess lube from your switch. If there is still excess lube left on your switch, then it will interfere with the movement of the switch and cause it to stick.

Conclusion

By reading this article, you should now be able to know how to lubricate your switches and what the best lubricants are.

If you have any questions or suggestions, then please leave a comment below or in our forums.

And if you are in the market shopping for switches, consider contacting ICRFQ for more information. We are a reliable sourcing agent for quality switches in China.