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Quieter Keys: Lubing Techniques for Tactile Switches
Whether you’re a professional typist, a gaming enthusiast, or someone who just wants a more comfortable typing experience, the noise produced by your mechanical keyboard can sometimes be a major concern. By applying special lubricants to your switches, you can significantly reduce the sound, giving you quieter keys without sacrificing performance.
Lubing switches is a delicate process that requires precision and attention to detail, but with this guide, you’re sure to navigate the process confidently and improve your tactile switch typing experience.
Understand the Structure
Before we delve into the lubing techniques, understanding the structures and components of the switches is crucial. A tactile switch is composed of several parts: the upper housing, lower housing, stem, spring, and sometimes a leaf, depending on switch type. The stem is the part that moves up and down when you press the key. It’s in constant contact with the other components, so it’s crucial for it to be lubricated for smoother and quieter operations. The spring, though not directly involved in key-press action, requires lubing too to reduce spring ping.
Selecting the Right Lubricant
The lubricant is pivotal in quieting the keys. The most recommended types for tactile switches are Tribosys 3204 and Krytox GPL 205 Grade 0. These lubricants are thicker, don’t migrate easily, and are well-suited for tactile switches as they’re not too slick to affect the tactile feedback.
Picking between the two is subjective; while Tribosys 3204 is a balanced choice that reduces friction without compromising the tactile bump, Krytox GPL 205 G0 provides a more buttery-smooth press but may compromise the tactile feel slightly.
Preparation
Before starting, ensure that you have a switch opener, a thin brush (preferably size 00), and plenty of time on your hands – this process is not something to be rushed.
You’ll begin by opening your switches using a switch opener. Upon separating the upper and lower housing, carefully extract the stem and the spring. Set the upper and lower housing aside, ensuring they don’t get damaged.
Applying the Lubricant
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Stem Cam Rails: Start with the sides of the stem, known as the sliders or cam rails. Apply a small amount of lubricant evenly on both sides of the stem. Too much lubricant will result in a sluggish keypress, so moderation is key here.
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Stem Legs: These are the parts of the tactile switch where you feel the tactile bump, so use caution. Apply a slight, even layer of lubricant. If you prefer a more tactile feel, consider skipping this step.
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Spring: For the spring, use a slight amount of lubricant on both ends. This is to mitigate any noise caused by the spring moving during a key press.
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Lower Housing: The area where the switch stem slides into should get lightly coated too. Moreover, a minimal application to the middle well, where the spring sits, can assist in reducing spring noise.
After each component is lubricated, reassemble the switch in its proper order: lower housing, spring, stem, and then upper housing.
Ongoing Maintenance
Once lubed, your switches should stay quiet for a good amount of time, depending on usage. High-intensity usage may require routine lubing every six months. For moderate users, once a year should be enough for maintenance.
Remember that lubing your switches is a balance between enhancing your typing experience and maintaining the functionality of the switch. More lubricant is not always better – too much can lead to slower key presses and a loss of the satisfying click of a mechanical keyboard. As always, start with a small amount of lubricant and add more as necessary.
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The thorough application of these lubing techniques for your tactile switches will effectively reduce the sound and enhance your keyboard experience. Whether you’re a professional E-sporter requiring swift keystrokes or someone who values a quiet typing environment, these techniques are sure to improve your tactile switch performance and reduce noise significantly.
