Mechanical Keyboard Lubing Guide For Beginners Step By Step Noise Reduction

Lubing a mechanical keyboard may sound like a niche ritual reserved for enthusiasts, but it’s one of the most effective ways to reduce typing noise, eliminate scratchiness, and enhance overall key feel. For beginners, the process can seem intimidating—tiny parts, unfamiliar tools, and the fear of damaging an expensive keyboard. However, with the right approach, even your first lube job can yield dramatic improvements. This guide walks you through every stage of the process, from preparation to reassembly, ensuring you achieve a quieter, smoother, and more satisfying typing experience.

Why Lubing Reduces Noise and Improves Typing Feel

Mechanical switches produce noise not just from the spring or stem hitting the housing, but also from internal friction between moving parts. The plastic-on-plastic contact inside switches creates high-pitched scratches, clacks, and rattles—especially as keyboards age or accumulate dust. Lubrication reduces this friction by creating a slick barrier between components, damping vibrations and smoothing actuation.

Switches contain three primary areas where lubricant makes a difference: the stem rails (where vertical movement occurs), the spring (which compresses and rebounds), and the housing contact points. Properly applied lube minimizes metal fatigue, prevents premature wear, and significantly lowers acoustic output. In fact, many users report a 30–50% reduction in perceived noise after a full lube, especially when combined with foam mods or case dampening.

“Lubing isn’t about making your keyboard silent—it’s about refining the sound profile and eliminating unwanted artifacts like scratchiness and ping.” — David Lin, Keyboard Acoustics Researcher, KeyTune Labs

Essential Tools and Materials Checklist

Before disassembling your keyboard, gather all necessary supplies. Having everything ready ensures a smooth workflow and prevents mid-process delays that could lead to contamination or lost parts.

Tip: Work in a clean, well-lit area with minimal airflow to avoid dust settling on exposed switches.

• Keycap puller (plastic recommended to avoid scratching keycaps)
• Screwdriver (usually Phillips #0 or #1 depending on your case)
• Switch opener or tweezers (for removing switch tops without damage)
• Switch cleaning solution (isopropyl alcohol, 90% or higher)
• Soft brushes (toothbrush or dedicated electronics brush)
• Lint-free cloths or coffee filters
• Switch lubricants: light (e.g., Krytox 205g0), medium (e.g., Tribosys 3202), and thick (e.g., Krytox 205g0 with PTFE additive)
• Applicators: precision syringes, small paintbrushes, or Q-tips
• Small containers for sorting screws and parts
• Foam mod kit (optional, but highly recommended for noise reduction)

Step-by-Step Guide to Lubing Your Mechanical Keyboard

This process assumes you're lubing individual switches rather than applying lube while assembled—a method known as \"plate lubing\" that is less effective and harder to control. Full disassembly yields the best results, especially for beginners who need visibility and access.

1. Remove keycaps and disassemble the keyboard. Use a keycap puller to gently lift each keycap. Set them aside in a container or tray. Unscrew the bottom plate and separate the case layers. If your board has a PCB foam layer or silicone pad, carefully remove it for later reinstallation.
2. Extract switches from the plate. Flip the plate and use a switch puller or gentle pressure from below to push each switch out. Place them stem-up on a clean surface. Avoid touching the electrical contacts.
3. Clean each switch thoroughly. Dip a soft brush in isopropyl alcohol and scrub the exterior of each switch, focusing on the housing and stem. Let them dry completely—this can take 10–15 minutes. Skipping this step risks trapping dirt under the lube, which worsens performance.
4. Disassemble switches (if applicable). For linear and tactile switches, open the top housing using a switch opener or tweezers. Remove the stem, spring, and bottom housing. Do not disassemble clicky switches unless you’re experienced—they contain delicate leaf springs that are easy to misalign.
5. Lube the stem rails. Apply a small amount of light lubricant (like Krytox 205g0) to both vertical rails of the stem using a precision brush. Use only enough to create a thin, even coat—excess lube can migrate and attract debris.
6. Lube the spring (optional but recommended). Stretch the spring slightly and apply a thin line of medium-weight lube along its length. Rotate it to distribute evenly. This reduces coil-spring noise (\"ping\") and evens out force during actuation.
7. Lube housing contact points. Apply a tiny dot of lubricant where the stem rails meet the upper housing. Avoid getting lube near the crossbar or electrical contacts.
8. Reassemble switches carefully. Reinsert the stem into the bottom housing, then snap the top housing back on. Ensure the stem moves freely without wobble or resistance.
9. Test each switch before reinstalling. Press each switch several times to check for smoothness and listen for residual noise. If a switch feels gritty or sticky, disassemble and clean it again.
10. Reinstall switches and reassemble the keyboard. Push each switch back into the plate, ensuring proper alignment. Reattach the PCB foam if present, then secure the case halves with screws. Finally, snap keycaps back on.

Do’s and Don’ts of Keyboard Lubing

Do	Don’t
Use high-purity lubricants designed for switches (e.g., Krytox, Tribosys)	Use household oils or WD-40—they degrade plastics and attract dust
Work in a dust-free environment	Leave switches exposed for long periods
Label or organize screws by location (e.g., case, plate)	Mix up screw types or over-tighten
Apply lube sparingly—less is more	Glob on excess lube; it migrates and causes issues
Let lubed switches settle for 24 hours before heavy use	Type aggressively immediately after assembly

Real Example: Transforming a Noisy Office Keyboard

Jessica, a remote software developer, used a stock Gateron Red-based keyboard that had become increasingly loud and scratchy after two years of daily use. Her coworkers frequently commented on the noise during video calls, and she found herself typing more lightly to avoid disturbance. She decided to try lubing her keyboard following this guide.

After cleaning and lubing all 61 switches with Krytox 205g0 on stems and springs, she noticed an immediate change. The keys felt smoother, required less force, and produced a softer, more consistent sound. Combined with adding a simple case foam mod (a 1mm EVA sheet lining the interior), her typing noise dropped noticeably. Colleagues no longer mentioned background noise, and Jessica reported improved comfort during long coding sessions. The entire process took about four hours, including drying time, and cost under $20 in materials.

Tip: If you're lubing multiple keyboards, label your lube syringes clearly—mixing viscosities can ruin consistency.

When to Lube: Maintenance Frequency and Longevity

A well-lubed keyboard can retain its smoothness for 12–24 months, depending on usage intensity and environmental factors. Signs it's time to re-lube include:

• Increased scratchiness or graininess when pressing keys
• Inconsistent actuation force across switches
• New or worsening rattle sounds
• Visible dust accumulation inside switches (if transparent)

For heavy typists or gamers, consider a partial refresh (re-lubing stems only) every 12 months. Full re-lubing is typically needed every 18–24 months. Regular external cleaning—wiping down keycaps and using compressed air—can extend the life of your lube job significantly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I lube switches without removing them from the keyboard?

Yes, but it’s far less effective. Plate lubing involves applying lube around the switch housing while installed, which only reaches limited surfaces. It won’t touch the stem rails or spring directly, so noise reduction and smoothness gains are minimal compared to full disassembly.

Is lubing safe for all switch types?

Most linear and tactile switches handle lubing well. Clicky switches can be lubed, but caution is required—the leaf spring and click mechanism are sensitive. Many users prefer to leave clicky switches un-lubed or use only minimal lube on the stem rails to preserve the signature click.

Will lubing void my keyboard warranty?

In most cases, yes. Opening switches or modifying internal components typically voids manufacturer warranties. Check your product terms before beginning. Some boutique brands offer pre-lubed switches and explicitly support user maintenance.

Final Tips for Success

Patience is the most important tool in your kit. Rushing through disassembly or applying too much lube leads to inconsistent results. Start with a single row of switches as a test—compare them side-by-side with unlubed ones to hear the difference. Keep a log of which lubes you used and how each switch type responded; this helps refine your technique over time.

Also, consider pairing lubing with other sound-dampening modifications. Adding foam inside the case, using a gasket-mounted keyboard, or installing O-rings on keycaps can further reduce noise. Together, these tweaks transform even the loudest mechanical boards into quiet, refined tools.

“The difference between a stock and properly lubed keyboard is like comparing a factory-new hinge to one that’s been tuned and oiled—it just moves right.” — Marcus Reed, Custom Keyboard Builder & YouTuber

Conclusion: Take Control of Your Typing Experience

Lubing your mechanical keyboard isn’t magic—it’s meticulous craftsmanship that rewards attention to detail. With this step-by-step guide, even a beginner can achieve professional-level results: quieter keystrokes, buttery-smooth travel, and a keyboard that feels uniquely yours. The process strengthens your understanding of how your device works and empowers you to maintain it for years.

💬 Ready to silence the clack? Gather your tools, pick a weekend, and start your first lube job today. Share your results, ask questions, or help others learn—your journey into custom typing starts now.