How to Lube Mechanical Switches

To start you need a switch opener, a fine brush, tweezers, and a lubricant suited to the job. Thin lubricants are generally used for tactile switches so you do not smother the bump, while slightly thicker lubricants are common for linears where smoothness is the goal. Clicky switches are usually left unlubed on the click mechanism because lube can dull the very sound they exist to make.

The process is methodical. Open each switch into its parts, then brush a light, even coat onto the rails of the housing where the stem slides, the stem sides that contact those rails, and often the spring to quiet any ping. The single most common mistake is using too much: a thin, even film is the target, and puddles will make switches feel sluggish and muddy.

Springs can be lubed individually with a brush or in a batch by placing them in a bag with a small amount of lubricant and shaking gently. Bag lubing is faster but less precise, so many people brush springs on a first build to stay in control. Whichever you choose, keep coats light and consistent from switch to switch.

Budget your time realistically, since a full board can take a few hours and your technique speeds up as you go. Do a handful of switches, test the feel, and adjust your amount before committing to the rest. Done carefully, hand lubing transforms a decent switch into something that feels and sounds far more premium than its cost would suggest.