Steelseries

If you own a mechanical keyboard, you already know the satisfying click-clack of a quality switch. But even the best out-of-the-box switches can benefit from a little TLC. Lubing — applying lubricant to the internal components of your switches — is one of the most popular keyboard mods for good reason: it dramatically reduces friction, eliminates spring ping, and gives every keystroke a buttery-smooth feel. Whether you're a competitive gamer seeking the fastest actuation or a typist craving silence, this step-by-step guide to lubing mechanical keyboard switches will walk you through everything you need.

Why Lube Your Switches? The Benefits of Keyboard Switch Lubing

Before diving into the process, it helps to understand what lubing actually accomplishes. Mechanical switches have several moving parts — the stem, the spring, and the housing. When these parts rub together, they create friction, which can lead to scratchiness, uneven travel, and audible pinging. Applying a thin layer of lubricant reduces that friction, resulting in:

• Smoother keypresses: Each stroke feels more fluid and consistent.
• Quieter operation: Lubricant dampens the sound of plastic-on-plastic contact and spring noise.
• Improved longevity: Less wear on switch components means your keyboard lasts longer.
• Better typing and gaming performance: Consistent actuation helps with both speed and accuracy.

For gamers using a high-performance board like the Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 US - Blemished Box, lubing can elevate an already excellent typing experience. And if you pair lubed switches with a premium pad like the Aerox 5 Wireless + QcK Vector, you'll have a setup that feels incredibly responsive from the ground up.

What You’ll Need: Tools and Supplies for Lubing Switches

Successful lubing requires the right gear. Here's a checklist of everything you should have on hand:

Tool	Purpose
Switch opener	Pries open switch housings without damaging clips
Keycap puller	Removes keycaps safely
Tweezers (fine-tip)	Handles small parts like springs and stems
Small brush or applicator	Applies lubricant precisely
Lubricant (Krytox 205g0 or Tribosys 3204 recommended)	Reduces friction on plastic surfaces
Container or tray	Holds switches and parts during disassembly
Paper towels or lint-free cloth	Wipes excess lube

For beginners, a thick grease like Krytox 205g0 is ideal for linear switches, while a thinner oil like Tribosys 3204 works better for tactile switches (to avoid dampening the bump). Avoid using WD-40 or any petroleum-based lubricant — it can damage plastic and ruin your switches.

Step 1: Disassemble Your Keyboard and Remove the Switches

Start by unplugging your keyboard and removing all keycaps with a keycap puller. If your keyboard has hot-swappable sockets, you can pull the switches out using a switch puller. For soldered boards, you'll need to desolder each switch — this guide assumes you're working with a hot-swappable keyboard for simplicity.

Place each switch in a tray or container. Label the rows if you want to keep them in order. Sorting by switch type is also a good idea if you have different switches on the same board (e.g., linear for gaming and tactile for typing).

Step 2: Open Each Switch

Using a switch opener, gently pry open the top housing of each switch. Most openers have two prongs that fit into the side clips. Apply even pressure until the top pops off. Be careful not to bend the pins or lose the spring. Once open, separate the three components:

• Top housing (the plastic cover)
• Stem (the sliding part that moves up and down)
• Spring (coiled metal that returns the key)
• Bottom housing (the base with electrical contacts)

Set the parts in a clean, organized layout. A silicone mat or paper towel works well to prevent parts from rolling away.

Step 3: Apply Lubricant to the Stem and Housing

This is the core of the process. Dip your brush lightly into the lubricant — a tiny amount goes a long way. You want a thin, even coat, not a glob. Apply lube to the following areas:

Stem

Focus on the side rails (the vertical grooves) and the slider legs (the four small posts on the bottom). Avoid the center post where the spring sits — too much lube there can cause the switch to feel sluggish. For tactile switches, also lube the contact leaf area very lightly to preserve the bump.

Bottom Housing

Apply a thin layer to the side walls inside the housing where the stem slides. Also lube the spring seat (the small circular indent where the spring rests).

Spring

You can optionally lube the spring itself to eliminate ping. Place a few drops of thin oil (like Krytox 105) on a paper towel, then roll the spring through it. Let the excess drip off before reassembling.

Step 4: Reassemble the Switch

Place the spring back into the bottom housing. Insert the stem (make sure the legs align with the contact leaf). Then snap the top housing back on. You should hear a satisfying click. Test the switch by pressing it a few times — it should feel smooth and quiet. If it feels sticky or sluggish, you've used too much lube. In that case, open it up and wipe off the excess with a lint-free cloth, then try again.

Repeat this process for all your switches. Depending on the number of switches, this can take anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours. For a full-size keyboard (104 switches), plan on 2–3 hours for a meticulous job.

Step 5: Reinstall the Switches and Keycaps

Once all switches are lubed, insert them back into the keyboard's hot-swap sockets. Make sure the pins are straight and the switch clicks firmly into place. Then replace the keycaps. Power on your keyboard and test every key — listen for any inconsistencies in sound or feel. A properly lubed switch should be noticeably quieter and smoother than before.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Lubing Switches

• Using too much lube: This is the number one error. A thick coat can make switches feel mushy and attract dust. Thin layers are more effective.
• Lubing the wrong parts: Avoid putting lube on the electrical contacts — it can cause connectivity issues. Stick to the stem rails, housing walls, and spring.
• Skipping the spring: Even if you don't lube the stem, lubing the spring can drastically reduce metallic pinging.
• Rushing the process: Good lubing takes time. If you try to do all switches in 15 minutes, you'll likely miss spots or apply uneven coats.

Should You Lube Every Switch Type?

Linear switches benefit the most from lubing because they have no tactile bump to preserve — the smoothness is the whole point. Tactile switches also improve, but you need to be careful not to lube the tactile leaf too much, or the bump will feel muted. Clicky switches (like Cherry MX Blue) are generally not recommended for lubing because lubricant can silence the click mechanism and ruin the intended sound profile.

If you're using a keyboard that ships with pre-lubed switches, you may not need to re-lube right away. However, many stock switches are under-lubed or unevenly lubed, so a manual job often yields better results.

Lubing and Your Gaming Setup: A Match Made in Heaven

A lubed keyboard isn't just about feel — it can improve your gaming performance. Smoother keystrokes reduce fatigue during long sessions, and quieter switches mean less distraction for you and your teammates. Pairing a lubed board with a responsive mouse like the Aerox 5 Wireless + QcK Vector gives you a unified, high-performance peripheral ecosystem. And if you're into competitive gaming, a low-latency headset like the Arctis Nova 7 Wireless completes the trifecta — allowing you to hear every footstep while your keys glide silently.

Final Thoughts: Is Lubing Worth It?

Absolutely. Keyboard switch lubing is one of the most cost-effective mods you can perform. For the price of a small bottle of lubricant and a few hours of your time, you can transform a scratchy, noisy keyboard into a premium typing instrument that rivals custom builds. Whether you're a casual user or a hardcore gamer, the smoother feel and quieter operation are immediately noticeable.

If you're ready to start, grab your tools and a comfortable workspace. And if you need a board that's already top-tier, check out the Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 US - Blemished Box — a fantastic foundation for your lubing project. With the right technique, you'll never want to go back to stock switches again.

Ready to Upgrade Your Keyboard Experience?

Now that you know how to lube your switches, why not take your setup to the next level? Explore the Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 US - Blemished Box — it's a high-performance tenkeyless keyboard that's perfect for modding. Click here to learn more and start building the smoothest typing experience of your life.