If you’ve recently purchased a 75% keyboard, you might have noticed how satisfying a smooth typing experience can be. One way to enhance your keyboard’s feel is by lubricating the switches. In this beginner-friendly guide, we’ll walk you through how to lubricate switches on a 75 keyboard step by step.
What is Switch Lubrication and Why Does it Matter?
Switch lubrication involves applying a special lubricant to the internal parts of your mechanical keyboard switches. This reduces friction, resulting in smoother key presses, less noise, and an overall better typing experience. For 75 keyboards, which are compact yet feature full functionality, smooth switches can make a big difference in comfort and performance.
Tools and Materials Needed
Before we dive into the process of how to lubricate switches on a 75 keyboard, make sure you have the following:
- Switch opener (specific for your switch type)
- Mechanical switches removed from the keyboard
- Lubricant (typically Krytox or Tribosys)
- Small brush (size 00 or 000)
- Tweezers
- Keycap puller
- Clean workspace
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Lubricate Switches on a 75 Keyboard
1. Remove Keycaps and Switches
Start by using your keycap puller to carefully remove all keycaps from your keyboard. Then, if your keyboard supports hot-swappable switches, pull out each switch gently.
2. Open the Switches
Use your switch opener to carefully separate the top housing from the bottom housing and remove the stem and spring.
3. Apply Lubricant
Using your small brush, lightly coat the following parts:
- The stem’s sides and legs
- The spring (lightly, to avoid excess noise)
- The slider rails inside the housing
Be careful not to apply too much lubricant as it can cause sluggish key presses.
4. Reassemble the Switch
Once lubricated, carefully reassemble each switch by putting the stem and spring back into the housing and snapping the top housing into place.
5. Reinstall Switches and Keycaps
Place the switches back into the keyboard, ensuring they click into place firmly. Finally, press the keycaps back onto the switches.
Tips for Beginners
- Start by lubricating a few switches to test the feel before doing the entire keyboard.
- Use the right lubricant designed for mechanical switches. Avoid oils that can damage plastic.
- Be patient—lubricating switches takes time but significantly improves the typing experience.
Conclusion
Learning how to lubricate switches on a 75 keyboard is a rewarding skill that can transform your keyboard’s performance. With the right tools and a careful approach, you’ll enjoy smoother, quieter keystrokes every time you type. Whether you’re a gamer or a writer, switch lubrication is worth the effort.