The upfront answer is yes. Lubing is worth it for almost everyone.
Most people notice something feels "off" about their switches but can't pinpoint why. Lubing is usually the answer.
Lubing reduces friction, improves sound quality, and smooths keystrokes. It takes time, but the result is a noticeably better keyboard.
Below, we cover what lubing does in detail, what lube to get, and an overview of the process.
Table of Contents
- What Does Lubing Actually Change?
- Does Switch Type Affect Lubing?
- Is Lubing Hard to Do?
- When is Lubing NOT Worth It?
- Conclusion
- FAQ
What Does Lubing Actually Change?
Out of the box, most switches have a dry, scratchy feel.
You'll hear a high-pitched scrape on each keystroke and feel slight resistance throughout the travel. It's not broken; it's just unlubed.
Lubing affects both the sound and feel of your switches.
Sound
- Eliminates the scratchy, high-pitched scrape on actuation
- Produces a deeper, more consistent sound profile (the "thock" people chase)
Feel
- Smoother travel from top to bottom
- No gritty resistance mid-stroke
Those two changes alone are enough for most people to notice a difference immediately.
Beyond sound and feel, lubing also improves consistency and longevity.
Switches in the same keyboard often feel slightly different from each other, and lube evens them out.
Lube reduces wear on the stem and housing over time, extending the life of the switch.
That said, not all switches benefit from lubing in the same way, and using the wrong lube can actually make things worse.
Does Switch Type Affect Lubing?
Yes, it does. It determines what kind of lube you use, and how much you should apply.
Linear Switches
The main appeal of linear switches is the smooth, uninterrupted travel, so lube amplifies exactly what makes them good.
Krytox 205g0 is the best lube for this switch. The thick viscosity eliminates scratchiness and produces a deeper, more satisfying sound.
Tactile Switches
With tactiles, you need to lube carefully.
The tactile bump comes from friction between the stem legs and housing, so over-lubing will wash it out and make them feel like a worse linear.
Super Lube 51010 is a thinner lube perfect for tactile switches. It improves sound and feel without eliminating the bump.
Clicky Switches
Do not lube clicky switches. The click mechanism relies on physical contact that lube muffles or destroys.
Once you know what lube to use, the process itself is straightforward.
Is Lubing Hard to Do?
No. It's repetitive, not difficult. The learning curve is low and most people get it right on their first try.
You'll need lube, a small brush, and a switch opener.
The process involves taking out the switches, opening them with a switch opener, and applying lube to the stem rails, bottom housing, and spring.
After that, you reassemble the switch and repeat. For a full walkthrough, see our How to Lube Mechanical Keyboard Switches guide.
It takes roughly 1-2 hours for a full board, but the result is worth it.
If your keyboard is hot-swap, the process is even easier; switches pop out without any soldering.
The Biggest Beginner Mistake: Using Too Much Lube
When in doubt, apply less lube. You can always go back and add more if it feels off, but if you apply too much you'll have to wipe it and start over.
When is Lubing NOT Worth It?
Lubing isn't always the right call. Here are the cases where you can skip it.
Pre-Lubed Switches
Out of the box, re-lubing isn't needed and risks over-lubing if you don't already know what's on them.
That said, applying a fresh coat of lube can be beneficial after around a year.
Clicky Switches
Clicky switches rely on physical contact that lube muffles or destroys.
The answer to scratchy or dry clickies is a new set of switches, not lubing.
You Have a Non-Hot-Swap Board
The process becomes significantly more time-consuming and involved without hot-swap.
You'll need to desolder the switches, making it difficult for beginners.
You're Not Planning to Keep the Keyboard
If it's a temporary board or you're planning to sell/replace it soon, the time investment isn't justified.
You Already Love How It Sounds and Feels
Lubing changes the characteristics of a switch.
If you're happy with it already, there's no need to mod it.
Conclusion
Lubing is worth it for most people, especially linear switch users.
It's beginner-friendly, the tools are minimal, and the result is immediate and noticeable.
For linears, go with GPL 205 G00. For tactiles, Super Lube 51010 is the better choice.
Browse our Keyboard Switch Lubes collection to find the right lube for your switch type.
Related Articles
- How to Lube Mechanical Keyboard Switches
- Mechanical Keyboard Switch Types Explained: Linear, Tactile, and Clicky
FAQ
Is lubing keyboard switches worth it?
Yes, for most people. Lubing reduces scratchiness, improves sound, and smooths the feel of your switches.
The difference is immediately noticeable, especially on linear switches.
What lube should I use for linear switches?
Krytox 205g0 is the best option for linear switches.
The thick viscosity eliminates scratchiness and produces a deeper, more satisfying sound.
What lube should I use for tactile switches?
Use a thinner lube like Super Lube 51010.
Over-lubing tactile switches will wash out the bump and make them feel like a worse linear.
Should you lube clicky switches?
No. The click mechanism relies on physical contact that lube muffles or destroys.
Skip lubing entirely if you have clicky switches.
How long does it take to lube keyboard switches?
Roughly 1–2 hours for a full board. The process gets faster once you find a rhythm.
Do you need to lube pre-lubed switches?
Not right away.
Factory lube is usually sufficient out of the box. Re-lubing after around a year can be beneficial, but doing it too soon risks over-lubing.
Is lubing switches hard?
No. It's repetitive, not difficult. You'll need lube, a small brush, and a switch opener. Most people get it right on their first try.