Remove Lube From Keyboard Switches is the Easiest Process. Keyboards are essential tools for computer users, but over time, lube can build up on the switches, causing issues with typing accuracy and responsiveness.
But don’t worry, removing the lube from your keyboard switches is a straightforward process.
In this post, we’ll show you step-by-step how to effectively remove lube from your keyboard switches and restore them to their original condition.
Quick answer !
Here are steps to remove lube from keyboard switches:
- Clean the surface of the switch with isopropyl alcohol or an electronics cleaner.
- Use a toothbrush or q-tip to scrub the lube off.
- Repeat steps 1-2 until the lube is removed.
- Dry the switch thoroughly with a soft cloth. Note: Avoid using water as it can damage the switch and circuit board.
What is Key switch Lube?
Key switch lube is a substance applied to the moving parts of mechanical keyboard switches to reduce friction and improve the overall feel and sound of the keyboard.
The lube helps make the keypresses smoother and reduces the noise generated by the switches. Over time, the lube can build up and become sticky, affecting the performance of the keyboard.
That’s why it’s important to clean the lube from time to time to maintain the keyboard’s performance.
What are the Benefits of Lubing Mechanical Key Switches?
Lubing mechanical keyboard switches offers the following benefits:
- Smoother Keypresses: Lube reduces friction between the switch’s moving parts, making keypresses smoother and more consistent.
- Reduced Noise: By reducing friction, lube also helps to reduce the noise generated by the switches.
- Improved Tactile Feedback: Lube can enhance the feel of the switch’s tactile bump, providing a more satisfying typing experience.
- Increased Durability: Lube can also extend the life of the switches by reducing wear and tear on the moving parts.
- Personalization: Different types of lube can offer different levels of friction and can change the overall feel and sound of the keyboard, allowing users to customize their keyboard to their preferences.
How long do Keyboard Lube last?
Does lubricant need to be washed off?
Not necessarily. The purpose of lubricating mechanical keyboard switches is to reduce friction and improve the feel and sound of the keypresses. Some lubes are formulated to be long-lasting and do not need to be washed off.
However, if the lube builds up over time and becomes sticky, it may affect the performance of the keyboard, in which case it should be removed. Whether to wash off the lubricant depends on the type of lube being used, how often the keyboard is used, and how it’s maintained.
If you notice any issues with the performance of your keyboard, it’s always a good idea to clean the switches, which may include removing the lubricant.
How to Remove Lube from Mechanical Switches?
As you know Over time, lube can build up on the switches, causing issues with typing accuracy and responsiveness. If your keyboard’s switches have become sticky, it’s time to remove the lube and restore your keyboard to its original condition.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to remove lube from your mechanical keyboard switches:
Materials Needed:
- Keycap puller
- Cotton swabs or an old toothbrush
- Isopropyl alcohol
- A clean cloth
Step 1: Remove Keycaps
Use a keycap puller to remove the keycaps from the switches. This will allow you to access the switches for cleaning.
To remove keycaps from a mechanical keyboard, you will need a keycap puller. Follow these steps:
- Insert the arms of the keycap puller under the keycap.
- Squeeze the arms together to grip the keycap.
- Pull the keycap straight up off the switch.
Repeat this process for each keycap you want to remove. Be careful not to damage the keycaps or switches.
Step 2: Clean the Switches
Dip a cotton swab or an old toothbrush in isopropyl alcohol and use it to clean the switches. Make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies. If the lube is stubborn, you can let the alcohol sit on the switch for a few minutes to loosen it up.
To clean the switches of a mechanical keyboard, you will need the following supplies:
- Remove the keycaps with the keycap puller to expose the switches.
- Use compressed air or a blower to blow off any debris and dust from the switches.
- Dampen a Q-tip or cotton swab with isopropyl alcohol and clean around each switch, being careful not to let the alcohol get inside the switch housing.
- Use a dry Q-tip or cotton swab to clean up any remaining residue.
- Allow the switches to dry completely before reassembling the keyboard.
- Use the microfiber cloth to clean the keycaps.
Step 3: Dry the Switches
To dry the switches after cleaning them, follow these steps:
- Wait for the alcohol to evaporate completely. This should take no more than a few minutes.
- Use a dry microfiber cloth or Q-tip to wipe away any remaining moisture or residue.
- Leave the switches uncovered and allow them to air dry completely, which can take several hours.
One important thing that you should keep in mind, avoid using heat sources like a hairdryer or an oven to dry the switches, as the heat can damage the plastic components.
Step 4: Reinstall Keycaps
Once the switches are clean and dry, reinstall the keycaps.
To reinstall keycaps after cleaning, follow these steps:
- Align the keycap stem with the switch stem.
- Gently push down on the keycap until it clicks into place.
- Repeat for all keycaps.
Be careful When you are reinstalling keycaps, not to bend or break the switch stems and make sure the keycaps are properly aligned and securely attached.
And that’s it! With these simple steps, you can remove lube from your mechanical keyboard switches and restore their performance. Regular cleaning and maintenance can help to keep your keyboard in top condition and extend its lifespan.
Here I am sharing Video on How to Remove Lube From Keyboard Switches?
These are Important Tips don’t forget to Follow them!
- Avoid using water to clean the switches, as this can cause corrosion.
- If you’re lubing your switches for the first time, make sure to use a high-quality lube specifically designed for keyboard switches.
- Use a keycap puller carefully to avoid damaging the switches or keycaps.
Can lube damage a switch?
Lubricant can attract dust and debris and cause switches to become gummy and stick, which can lead to performance issues. Also using the wrong type of lubricant or applying too much of it can cause damage to the internal components of the switch.
It is recommended to only use lubricant recommended by the manufacturer and to apply it sparingly, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
If you’re unsure about using lubricant, it’s best to avoid it and consider other options for improving switch performance, such as cleaning the switches or replacing worn-out components.
What are Pre-Lubed Key Switches?
Pre-lubed key switches are mechanical keyboard switches that have been lubricated before being sold. Lubrication is a process that involves applying a small amount of oil to the moving parts of a switch to reduce friction and improve its performance.
Pre-lubed key switches are intended for users who want the benefits of lubricated switches without the hassle of applying the lubricant themselves.
The pre-lubed switches should be ready to use out of the box, with a smoother and more consistent keystroke than unlubricated switches.
Why you Would Clean Pre-lubed switches?
Just like any other mechanical keyboard switches, pre-lubed switches should be cleaned regularly to maintain their performance and longevity.
The frequency of cleaning will depend on the environment in which the keyboard is used, but generally, a good rule of thumb is to clean the switches every six months or so.
Cleaning pre-lubed switches is still important even though they have been lubricated before use, for the following reasons:
- Dust and debris can accumulate over time and negatively impact switch performance.
- Lubricant can attract dirt and grime, reducing its effectiveness over time.
- Regular cleaning helps to extend the lifespan of the switches and prevent potential performance issues.
What happens if you don’t wash lube out?
If you don’t wash out lubricant after applying it to a mechanical keyboard switch, it can have the following consequences:
- Attraction of dirt and debris: Lubricant can attract dust, dirt, and other particles, which can lead to a build-up of debris inside the switch and negatively impact its performance.
- Reduced effectiveness of lubricant: Over time, the build-up of dirt and debris can cause the lubricant to become less effective, leading to increased friction and potential performance issues.
- Sticking or gummy switches: The accumulation of dirt and lubricant can cause switches to become gummy and stick, leading to inconsistent keystrokes and reduced overall performance.
- Potential damage to the switch: Excess lubricant can seep into the switch mechanism and cause damage to the internal components, potentially reducing the lifespan of the switch.
Therefore, it’s important to wash out any excess lubricant after applying it to mechanical keyboard switches to maintain their performance and longevity.
Why Should You Remove Lube from Switches?
Because By removing the lube from the switches, you can restore their performance and avoid these issues. Regular cleaning and maintenance of your keyboard can also help to prevent lube from becoming sticky in the first place.
You should remove lube from mechanical keyboard switches if it becomes sticky and affects the performance of the keyboard. Some common issues caused by sticky lube include:
- Reduced Typing Accuracy: Sticky lube can cause the switches to stick or bind, leading to mis-typings or missed keystrokes.
- Reduced Responsiveness: If the lube becomes too thick, it can slow down the actuation of the switch, making the keyboard feel less responsive.
- Increased Noise: Sticky lube can generate more friction, causing the switches to make more noise than they normally would.
- Decreased Durability: Sticky lube can also put additional stress on the switches, causing wear and tear that can shorten their lifespan.
Is lube easy to wash off?
Yes! if the lube is fresh and has not become sticky, it should be relatively easy to wash off. However, if the lube has built up over time and becomes difficult to remove, it may require more effort to clean it off.
However, The ease of washing off lube depends on several factors, including:
- Type of Lube: Different types of lube have different properties and may be more or less difficult to wash off. Some lubes are formulated to be long lasting and are more difficult to remove, while others are more easily removed.
- Age of Lube: The longer the lube has been on the switches, the more difficult it may be to remove, especially if it has become sticky.
- Method of Cleaning: The method used to clean the switches will also affect how easily the lube can be removed. Some methods, such as using isopropyl alcohol, are more effective at removing lube than others.
Is hand soap OK for lube?
According to my experience, Hand soap is not recommended for use as a lubricant for mechanical keyboard switches. Hand soap is not specifically designed for use on keyboards, and its properties may not be suitable for lubricating the switches.
The soap can leave a residue that can attract dirt and dust, and over time it may become sticky, which can negatively impact the performance of the keyboard.
For best results, it is recommended to use a lubricant that is specifically designed for use on mechanical keyboard switches. These lubricants are formulated to provide long-lasting lubrication and minimal residue, and they are safe for use on the switches without causing any damage.
You can find specialized keyboard switch lubes online or in select electronic stores.
How do you clean dried lubricant?
It’s important to clean the switches thoroughly to remove all traces of the dried lubricant, as any residual lubricant can attract dust and dirt, which can affect the performance of the keyboard.
To clean dried lubricant from mechanical keyboard switches, you can try the following steps:
- Remove Keycaps: Remove the keycaps from the switches to make cleaning easier. This will also allow you to clean the switches more thoroughly.
- Use a Cleaning Solution: Apply a cleaning solution, such as isopropyl alcohol or a specialized electronics cleaner, to a cotton swab or microfiber cloth. Avoid using water as it can damage the switches.
- Gently Rub: Gently rub the switches with the dampened swab or cloth to remove the dried lubricant. Be careful not to apply too much pressure, as this can damage the switches.
- Repeat if Necessary: If the lubricant is particularly stubborn, you may need to repeat the cleaning process several times. Be patient and persistent, as it may take several attempts to fully remove the dried lubricant.
- Dry Thoroughly: After cleaning, make sure to dry the switches thoroughly before reassembling the keyboard. A microfiber cloth can be used to gently wipe down the switches to remove any residual cleaning solution.
Is dry lube really dry?
“Dry lube” is a term used to describe a type of lubricant that is specifically designed for use on mechanical keyboard switches.
Despite the name, dry lube is not actually dry, but it is formulated to be less viscous than other types of lubricant, and it does not leave a noticeable residue. The consistency of dry lube is closer to a light oil than thick grease, and it is designed to provide long-lasting lubrication with minimal residue.
When applied to the switches, dry lube can help to reduce friction, improve the smoothness of keystrokes, and reduce the noise generated by the switches. It can also help to extend the lifespan of the switches by reducing wear and tear.
In general, dry lube is considered a good choice for lubricating mechanical keyboard switches, as it provides a balance of performance and cleanliness, and it is less likely to attract dust and dirt than other types of lubricant.
Conclusion:
Removing lube from mechanical keyboard switches can be a straightforward process if done correctly. By using a cleaning solution, such as isopropyl alcohol, and following a gentle cleaning process, you can effectively remove the dried lubricant from the switches.
It is important to clean the switches thoroughly to ensure that all traces of the lubricant are removed, as a residual lubricant can attract dust and dirt, which can negatively impact the performance of the keyboard.
By removing the lubricant, you can ensure that your keyboard is functioning optimally, and you can also extend the lifespan of the switches by reducing wear and tear.
FAQs:
What is the best cleaning solution for removing lube from keyboard switches?
Isopropyl alcohol is a commonly used and effective cleaning solution for removing lube from keyboard switches. However, it’s important to avoid using water as it can damage the switches.
Can I use water to clean my keyboard switches?
No, it is not recommended to use water to clean mechanical keyboard switches as it can damage the switches. Isopropyl alcohol or a specialized electronics cleaner is a better choice.
Is it safe to use a toothbrush to clean keyboard switches?
Yes, a toothbrush can be used to gently scrub the switches to remove dried lubricant. However, it’s important to be gentle and not apply too much pressure, as this can damage the switches.
How long does it take to remove lube from keyboard switches?
The amount of time it takes to remove lube from keyboard switches can vary depending on the amount of lubricant and its consistency. However, with a gentle cleaning process, it can typically be done in just a few minutes.
What should I do if I accidentally apply too much lube to my keyboard switches?
If you have applied too much lube to your keyboard switches, you can use the cleaning process described in this article to remove the excess lubricant. Be patient and persistent, as it may take several attempts to fully remove the lubricant.
I am Rai Saleem (MSc. Computer Science). Worked with Different Tech StartUps. I have 4+ Years of Working Experience in the Computer Industry. On This platform, I share My Experience and Providing Solutions for Computer problems.
I Started This Journey From 2G internet with 30KB downloading Speed to This modern 5G World. Now Sharing My IT Experience With loving People Like You. I am addicted to This Drug of Computer Science since My Childhood When I Got my first core 2 duo Pc.
