This article aims to throw light on such viable alternatives to mechanical keyboard switch lube that aren’t typically marketed for that specific use but can still do the job. It is, however, crucial to clarify that these recommendations are not permanent solutions but rather alternatives to consider if specialized switch lubes are not immediately available or if one is not ready to commit to purchasing such products.
Viable Alternatives for Keyboard Switches Lube
- Vaseline – Vaseline, with its consistent texture and non-corrosive nature, may prove to be a worthy contender as a keyboard switch lubricant substitute.
- Paraffin Wax – Paraffin wax from unscented, white tealights could be an interesting option due to its non-spoiling, stable nature.
- Silicon Spray – Silicon sprays often used in home repairs, automotive applications, and even for waterproofing could be tried out.
- Bicycle Chain Grease/Oil – If it can withstand the friction and wear of a bike chain, it might just work for a keyboard switch.
- Workshop Lubricants – While not ideal due to possible volatile and residue-leaving tendencies (e.g., WD40), other non-volatile workshop lubricants could serve as temporary switch lubes.
- Cork Grease – A lubricant typically used for wind instruments like clarinets or saxophones, cork grease, could also serve as a keyboard lube alternative.
- Body Lubricants – Certain silicone-based personal lubricants could potentially function as keyboard lubes. However, it’s recommended to steer clear of water-based products that might evaporate or leave residues.
The Good, the Bad, and the Untried
Not all alternatives mentioned above are tried and tested. However, one user on Reddit did share a positive experience with cork grease on blue switches, which maintained their clickiness and reduced rattling.
On the other hand, while canola oil might seem like a free and readily available option, its food-based nature could cause it to go rancid over time and potentially harm the keyboard switches or even the PCB.
Skin creams or lotions are also ill-advised due to their intended drying effect, which would likely cause gunking on your keyboard.
The takeaway here is: while there are various alternative lubricants that can be used in a pinch, their long-term effectiveness and safety for keyboard switches may vary greatly. Always proceed with caution when deviating from products specifically designed for keyboard switch lubrication. However, if you’re willing to experiment a bit, these alternatives might just be worth exploring.
Why Consider Specialized Keyboard Lube Kits
While the creative exploration of alternative keyboard lubes can be a fun and enlightening endeavor, if preserving the longevity and performance of your keyboard is a primary concern, it might be well worth considering investing in a specialized keyboard lube kit. These kits are specifically designed with the intricacies of keyboard mechanics in mind, and therefore they pose less risk of causing damage or unexpected issues over time.
- GPL 205G0- It weighs 0.42 oz. It can lubricate about 300 mechanical key switches
- PURPOSE- It suitable for lubricating mechanical keyboard switches, stabilizers, springs and other parts
- EFFECT-It can enhance the flexibility of the keyboard and improve your typing feel
- 【KEYBOARD SWITCH LUBE】JRX 205G0 grease has high temperature stability, oxidative stability and good compatibility,Suitable for lubrication and maintenance of mechanical keyboard switchs and stabilizer.Enough to lubricate 450-500 switches.
- 【KEYBOARD TOOL】Through our testing, we have found that the most practical and time-saving tools are the keycap puller and switch puller. These tools help you disassemble keyboard switches for subsequent lubrication work.
- 【ALUMINUM PRECISION PARTS GRIPPER】4-Claw grabber can hold the stem, keep your hands clean while lubing.
- Keyboard Lube: krytox 205g0 This high viscosity lubricant is optimised to silence keyboard stabilisers and comes in a convenient ml syringe that fits inside your stabiliser.Lubrication Amount Approximately 280 switches or more
- Easy to use: Remove the stabiliser keycaps and surrounding keycaps, use a small amount of lube to lift the stabiliser shaft to make room for the syringe.
- Lube Syringe Works on any Mx-style mechanical keyboard stabiliser where a metal wire is in contact with a plastic housing. Be careful not to use too much as this will result in sluggish stabilisers.
Although the initial cost might seem steep, keep in mind that a single kit can typically service several keyboards and last for a considerable amount of time. These kits are readily available on platforms like Amazon, often ranging from $15 to $20. The investment not only ensures that your keyboard operates smoothly but also gives you peace of mind knowing you’re using a product designed and tested specifically for the task at hand. Plus, many of these kits come with handy tools, such as brushes and applicators, that make the lubing process more manageable.
