Any device that has a mechanical drive has some wear with use. A clear example is mechanical keyboard switches, which is why it is often the goal of many modders to lubricate keyboard switches. Now at the point where the switches make a lot of noise, is it worth lubricating them? Better to change them for new ones? Or directly buy a new keyboard?
There comes a time in the life of every mechanical device that no longer works properly. In the case of mechanical keyboards, the switches have a certain useful life and some wear and tear when pressed, reaching not to go down quite well, to get stuck or to make noises (rather squeaks), something that we could solve by lubricating the mechanisms .
Maybe you think that when we talk about “lubricate the keyboard switches” it is enough to throw them 3 in 1 , but nothing is further from reality. In fact, it is a complicated process, which requires a lot of work, and even involves risks by damaging the switches. More advanced users could directly buy new switches and install them on the keyboard, soldering included, while for most users we will have to settle for buying a new keyboard.
But first of all, let’s assess what is missing and how difficult it is to lubricate the keyboard switches.
Lubricating the keyboard switches, is it too complicated?
First, let’s see what we would need for this process:
- Screwdriver and other basic tools.
- Ear swabs.
- Isopropyl alcohol.
- Tweezers (it is worth with some to remove).
- A brush.
- Grease or dielectric lubricant.
- Optional (depending on keyboard): soldering iron and tin.
The process will logically begin by dismantling the keyboard, starting with removing all the key caps. Depending on the keyboard, it may be necessary to also remove the external casing to access the switches, and also depending on the keyboard it may be necessary to have to unsolder them to be able to remove and manipulate them.
It goes without saying that this process automatically invalidates the keyboard warranty .
At this point, we have the intermediate option, since if we have disassembled the switch we can change it to a new one instead of lubricating the old one. In any case, we are going to focus on the option of lubricating, since it is the one we are evaluating if it is worth it or not.
Now that we have the switch disassembled, we will have to remove the button, and for this generally -depending on the type of mechanism, of course- we will have to press on two tabs simultaneously. This is how the button will come out, but do it with great care because the spring will stretch completely and could “jump”, both the button and the spring itself.
Once the switch is removed, the first thing is to clean it. As it has pieces that wear out, we will surely see that it has a kind of dust, which we will have to clean using ear swabs dipped in isopropyl alcohol.
Once cleaned, we can now proceed to lubricate the keyboard switches inside. It is recommended to take all the internal parts (at least the push button and the spring) with the tweezers, in order to lubricate them using the lubricant and the brush more comfortably.
Do not overdo the amount of grease / lubricant, because if you put it in excess once you mount the switch it could ooze and would be counterproductive. Once the internal components of the switch have been lubricated, it must be reassembled and put back in place on the keyboard (this would imply soldering it again if you had to unsolder it).
Now repeat this same process for all switches on the device.
Is it worth lubricating or changing the switches?
Lubricating the switches is a tedious, complicated, and risky process, so for most users, it is not at all worth the time and effort invested. If your mechanical keyboard allows you to remove the switches without having to unsolder them, then you might think about it, although the most comfortable thing in this case would be to change the switches for new ones and thus complicate your life less.
But, as we said at the beginning, for most mortals the most comfortable thing is to buy a new keyboard, although that obviously involves a greater outlay of money than it would mean to try to fix it. Now if you are a “handyman” or want to learn, well you know how you should do it.