Questioning the lubing of switches

[jani80k]

Hi,
I am fairly new to this game so it would be nice if you guys could answer a question.

This guy from Cherry is stating that you should not lube anything but those two little notches in your switches because it will decrease the longievity. He says that Cherry style copies of switches often feel smoother than the original because they are lubed in different areas but their tests have shown that these switches will end up being a dirt magnet and not lasting as long.

Actually I am not so convinced of lubing anymore. All these videos on the internet called e.g. "Typing on Retooled MX Black 68g (lubed)" or even the typing tests at the end of certain build streams which offer marvellous sounding keyboards - no question - are all recorded shortly after the lubing has been done.

How long does the sound last? Has anyone opened the switches after one year and checked if there is any dirt sticking to the sides of the switch?

Let's say I get a hold of some nice vintage blacks for a high price per piece, and then lube them before my build, will it deprive the value of the switches in the long run?

Are people in 10 years going to be searching for "Unlubed Vintage Blacks" instead of "Vintage Blacks"?

[RWIndiana]

I have a well-used (most keys fairly shiny) Matias "quiet-click" keyboard, which uses lubed, dampened keys, and it has actually gotten quieter and softer over time. I'm not sure how the lubrication would affect the longevity though. Also not sure what kind of lube Matias uses. I did have to replace one key that was misbehaving a little bit.

[jani80k]

Thanks for your input. I am also talking about the standard lubing routine for Cherry MX Style Switches in the community. (Not hating, just curious and wanting to learn).

[Hypersphere]

If you use liquid lube and if dirt then gets inside the switch, it could become suspended in the lube and act as an abrasive.

Alps switches are more sensitive than Cherry mx (or its clones) to dirt. For Alps switches, many people recommend using a dry lube such as quick-drying suspensions of teflon or molybdenum disulfide.

I've used liquid lube on Topre switches. I've had some of my lubed Topre-switch keyboards for 3-4 years, and they still seem fine after the iniital lubing.

[Findecanor]

The criticism is against grease-type lubricants.

The RO-59 lubricant is supposed to be more like a surface treatment than a grease: the PTFE should bond to the plastic when it dries, and remain dry and slick.

[Chyros]

I have a series of videos planned for the future about restoring Alps switches, and in one of them I'm going to do a side-by-side comparison of different lubricants (which I'm in the process of acquiring atm). I also want to use that opportunity to talk about how lubrication works and what the difference is between oils, greases etc. as many people don't seem to know (or what the pros and cons of each are). It'll also allow me to get a feel for which lubricant works best on them, and how much of them can be salvaged to begin with .

[jani80k]

Thanks for your clarification and looking forward to the video(s).

On a sidenote: What do you guys recommend I should lube my MX Silent Blacks with to make them super silent ? I have obtained Superlube, GPL 105, Tribosys 3203 and Tribosys 3204. They are all non grease lubricants I take it...

[Hypersphere]

I have a series of videos planned for the future about restoring Alps switches, and in one of them I'm going to do a side-by-side comparison of different lubricants (which I'm in the process of acquiring atm). I also want to use that opportunity to talk about how lubrication works and what the difference is between oils, greases etc. as many people don't seem to know (or what the pros and cons of each are). It'll also allow me to get a feel for which lubricant works best on them, and how much of them can be salvaged to begin with .

You are venturing out onto a slippery slope ....

[Chyros]

I have a series of videos planned for the future about restoring Alps switches, and in one of them I'm going to do a side-by-side comparison of different lubricants (which I'm in the process of acquiring atm). I also want to use that opportunity to talk about how lubrication works and what the difference is between oils, greases etc. as many people don't seem to know (or what the pros and cons of each are). It'll also allow me to get a feel for which lubricant works best on them, and how much of them can be salvaged to begin with .

You are venturing out onto a slippery slope ....

I know! But it's about time someone did it, right? XD

[Menuhin]

I have a series of videos planned for the future about restoring Alps switches, and in one of them I'm going to do a side-by-side comparison of different lubricants (which I'm in the process of acquiring atm). I also want to use that opportunity to talk about how lubrication works and what the difference is between oils, greases etc. as many people don't seem to know (or what the pros and cons of each are). It'll also allow me to get a feel for which lubricant works best on them, and how much of them can be salvaged to begin with .

+1

Looking forward to your chemist talk about lubrication
And perhaps plus some ASMR talking plus intense key-switch-lotion lubricating sound experience

[Menuhin]

Also one thing for me lubing newbie to know more about in general is "over-lubing" - never know if I lubed my switches and stabs enough until they're obviously "over-lubed".

[Hypersphere]

@Chyros: Yep, it's high time someone took on this task. As one chemist to another, I think you are the man for the job, and I look forward to seeing your analysis.

@Menuhin: Indeed, "moderation in all things"is a good mantra.

[cli]

I have a series of videos planned for the future about restoring Alps switches, and in one of them I'm going to do a side-by-side comparison of different lubricants (which I'm in the process of acquiring atm). I also want to use that opportunity to talk about how lubrication works and what the difference is between oils, greases etc. as many people don't seem to know (or what the pros and cons of each are). It'll also allow me to get a feel for which lubricant works best on them, and how much of them can be salvaged to begin with .

Hi @Chyros,
Can you give us a spoiler for which product to use for lubing Alps Blue sliders
I'm restoring/modernizing my Tulip Montery K201 and am considering Super Lube Dry Film
https://www.super-lube.com/dri-film-lub ... colon-ptfe