Mechanical Keyboard Lube Guide Is It Worth Taking Apart Every Switch

Mechanical keyboards are prized for their tactile feedback, durability, and customization potential. One of the most talked-about upgrades in the enthusiast community is switch lubing—applying lubricant to internal switch components to reduce friction, noise, and wear. But with thousands of switches on a typical keyboard, many builders face a critical question: Is it really worth disassembling and lubing every single switch?

The answer isn’t straightforward. It depends on your goals, budget, time availability, and how much control you want over your typing experience. This guide dives deep into the practical realities of switch lubing, from tools and techniques to real-world trade-offs, helping you decide whether full-switch disassembly is a worthwhile investment.

Understanding Switch Lubing: Why It Matters

Lubricating mechanical switches involves applying a thin layer of specialized grease or oil to specific internal parts—typically the stem rails, spring, and sometimes the housing. The goal is to smooth out the keystroke, minimize scratchiness, and dampen sound. High-end custom builds often feature fully lubed switches because they deliver a refined, premium feel that stock keyboards rarely match.

Switches are made of plastic and metal components that rub against each other during actuation. Over time, this friction can lead to inconsistent travel, audible tickiness, or even accelerated wear. A properly applied lubricant reduces resistance, creating a more consistent and enjoyable typing experience. However, not all switches benefit equally. Cheaper clones may have poor tolerances, making lubing less effective—or even detrimental if done incorrectly.

“Lubing transforms a good switch into a great one. But it’s not magic—it amplifies what’s already there.” — Derek Chen, Custom Keyboard Builder & Host of “KeyHype” Podcast

When Full Switch Disassembly Makes Sense

Taking apart every switch is a labor-intensive process. Each switch typically contains 3–5 small pieces (housing, stem, spring, slider, sometimes a bottom housing), and reassembling them without errors requires patience and precision. So under what circumstances does this effort pay off?

• You’re building a high-end custom keyboard. If you’ve invested in premium switches like Gateron Oil Kings, Kailh Pro T1s, or NovelKeys Creams, maximizing their performance through lubing is logical. These switches are designed with tight tolerances and respond well to proper maintenance.
• You prioritize sound quality. For content creators, streamers, or anyone who records typing sounds, lubing significantly reduces ping, spring noise, and overall clackiness. Fully lubed switches are quieter and more harmonious.
• You notice inconsistency across switches. Some switches may feel stiffer or noisier than others. Individual disassembly allows you to address each unit precisely, ensuring uniformity across the board.
• You enjoy the hobby aspect. Many enthusiasts find joy in the meticulous process of building and refining their gear. For them, lubing isn’t just functional—it’s therapeutic.

Tip: Use a dedicated workspace with good lighting and a magnetic mat to prevent losing tiny switch components.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Proper Switch Lubing

If you decide to proceed with disassembling and lubing every switch, follow this structured approach to ensure consistency and avoid damage.

1. Gather your tools: Switch opener, tweezers, brush (preferably ESD-safe), lint-free cloth, switch lubricant (e.g., Krytox GPL 105, Tribosys 3204), and an empty container for sorting parts.
2. Remove switches from the PCB or plate. Desolder or use a hot-swap socket extractor to safely remove each switch without damaging contacts.
3. Disassemble each switch. Use a switch opener or flat tool to separate the top and bottom housings. Remove the stem and spring carefully.
4. Clean components (optional). Wipe down stems and housings with isopropyl alcohol to remove mold release residue, especially important for new switches.
5. Apply lubricant:
   • Use a fine brush to apply a thin coat of lube to both stem rails.
   • Lightly lube the inside of the housing where the stem slides.
   • For spring noise reduction, “dot” a tiny amount on the first coil at each end (top and bottom). Avoid over-lubing the spring, as it can cause mushiness.
6. Reassemble switches. Place the stem back into the housing, insert the spring, and snap the top and bottom halves together. Ensure no debris is trapped inside.
7. Test before installation. Press each switch several times to check for smoothness and listen for unwanted noise. Set aside any that feel gritty or stiff for rework.
8. Install switches. Solder or plug them back into the keyboard. Consider testing with a switch tester before full assembly.

This entire process can take 4–8 hours for a full-size keyboard (104+ switches), depending on your speed and attention to detail. Patience is essential—rushing leads to misaligned stems, uneven lube distribution, or broken clips.

Do’s and Don’ts of Switch Lubing

Do’s	Don’ts
Use high-quality, switch-specific lubricants like Krytox or Tribosys.	Use household oils (WD-40, Vaseline) — they degrade plastics and attract dust.
Lube in a clean environment to avoid contaminating internals.	Over-apply lube — excess grease migrates and causes stickiness.
Label or organize switches by row/column if testing individually.	Disassemble switches while mounted on a PCB — risk of shorting circuits.
Let lubed switches sit for 24 hours before use to allow settling.	Use metal tools near exposed contacts — risk of static discharge or scratches.
Start with a few switches to test technique before committing to a full batch.	Ignore manufacturer guidelines — some switches (e.g., optical) shouldn’t be lubed at all.

Real-World Example: The Home Office Upgrade

Consider Mark, a software developer working from home with his toddler nearby. His original mechanical keyboard—a budget Tenkeyless model with blue switches—was loud and inconsistent. After researching mods, he decided to upgrade. Instead of buying a new $200 keyboard, he purchased a tube of Krytox 105 and spent a weekend disassembling and lubing all 87 switches.

The result? Typing became noticeably smoother, with reduced finger fatigue during long coding sessions. More importantly, the keyboard was now quiet enough that it didn’t wake his child during late-night work. While the process took longer than expected, Mark found the hands-on project rewarding. He later shared a video of his build on Reddit, receiving dozens of questions from others considering the same mod.

His takeaway: “I saved money, improved my daily tool, and learned something new. Was it worth it? Absolutely—but only because I had the time and interest to do it right.”

Alternatives to Full Switch Disassembly

Not everyone has the time or inclination to open hundreds of switches. Fortunately, there are effective alternatives that offer significant improvements without the painstaking effort.

• Top housing lube: Apply a small amount of lubricant to the upper part of the stem where it contacts the top housing. This reduces initial friction without requiring full disassembly.
• Spring damping: Insert small foam pads or O-rings beneath the keycap to absorb spring noise. This doesn’t affect smoothness but cuts down on clatter.
• Plate foam and case padding: Adding sound-dampening materials inside the case minimizes resonance and echo, improving acoustics without touching switches.
• Bake switches (debatable): Heating switches in an oven (~200°F for 30 minutes) can burn off factory lubricants and mold release agents. Often used before lubing, though results vary.
• Buy pre-lubed switches: Brands like Greetech and Durock now offer factory-lubed variants. These save time and perform nearly as well as hand-lubed units.

These methods can yield 70–80% of the benefits of full disassembly with a fraction of the labor. For casual users or those upgrading older boards, they represent a smart compromise.

Tip: If using O-rings, choose ones slightly smaller than your switch stem to avoid affecting actuation depth.

Expert Checklist: Is Full Switch Lubing Right for You?

Before committing to this intensive mod, ask yourself the following questions:

• ✅ Do I own high-quality switches that respond well to lubing?
• ✅ Am I willing to invest 4+ hours for a full keyboard?
• ✅ Do I have the proper tools and a clean workspace?
• ✅ Am I comfortable handling tiny components without damaging them?
• ✅ Is sound or typing feel a top priority for my use case?
• ✅ Have I tested lubing on a few switches first?

If you answered “yes” to most of these, full disassembly is likely a good fit. If not, consider partial lubing or alternative sound-dampening methods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can lubing damage my switches?

Yes—if done improperly. Using incompatible lubricants (like silicone-based greases on polycarbonate housings) can cause clouding or cracking over time. Over-lubing leads to gunk buildup and inconsistent feel. Always use switch-safe lubes and apply sparingly.

How long does switch lube last?

High-quality fluorinated oils like Krytox can last 2–5 years under normal use. Performance gradually degrades as lube migrates or collects debris. Re-lubing every few years maintains optimal feel.

Are optical switches safe to lube?

Generally not recommended. Optical switches rely on precise light transmission between emitter and sensor. Introducing foreign substances—even non-conductive lube—risks interfering with the beam or attracting dust that disrupts registration.

Final Verdict: Is It Worth Taking Apart Every Switch?

The decision ultimately hinges on your expectations and constraints. For keyboard enthusiasts, competitive typists, or audio-focused creators, disassembling and lubing every switch is a justified upgrade—one that elevates a functional device into a finely tuned instrument. The difference in smoothness, consistency, and acoustic refinement is tangible and deeply satisfying.

However, for most users, the marginal gains don’t outweigh the time investment. Modern switches are already well-engineered, and simpler modifications like case foam, O-rings, or top-only lube can achieve a quieter, smoother experience with minimal effort. Pre-lubed switches also eliminate the need for DIY work entirely.

If you value craftsmanship and personalization, and you’re ready to embrace the slow, meditative nature of the task, then yes—taking apart every switch is worth it. But if your goal is simply a better typing experience without hassle, smarter shortcuts exist.

“The perfect switch isn’t the one with the most lube—it’s the one that feels right to you.” — Lena Park, Mechanical Keyboard Designer at TypeWell Labs

Take Action: Start Small, Build Confidence

💬 Ready to try switch lubing? Don’t overhaul your entire keyboard on day one. Pick five spare switches, practice disassembly and lubing, and test the results. Learn from mistakes, refine your technique, and scale up when confident. Share your journey online—many beginners look to real experiences like yours for guidance.