Many keyboard enthusiasts tend to first consider switch lubrication, when thinking about customizing for switch feel and sound. With the growing number of switches that come from the factory with pre-lube, enthusiasts find themselves wondering if switch lubrication is still required.
This is a primer on lubed switches and discusses the effect of lubrication on switch performance. Additionally, the article explores why the factory pre-lubed design is so appealing. Finally, the article will consider the GATERON × Ukeebs Green Switch Series and the integration of material choice and factory lubrication.
What Are Lubed Switches?
A mechanical keyboard switch is designed with multiple moving components, including the switch stem, upper and lower housings, and a spring. With each key press, the components undergo friction, which can affect the smoothness of the key press and the sound.
Lubed switches are mechanical switches with lubricant applied to the surfaces of the switch that undergo friction, including:
- Stem rails and contact surfaces
- Spring seating surfaces and end contact
- Internal housing surfaces
Lubrication serves to reduce the friction, the presence of noise, and to make the key press feel more consistent and smooth.
Friction reduction via lubrication can be performed manually in the form of hand-lubing, or as part of a factory pre-lubing process.
Benefits of Lubed Mechanical Switches
Lubrication of Mechanical Switches does not change the mechanics of the switch but helps improve the user experience in a few ways.
Smoother Key Travel
When Mechanical Switches are lubricated, the plastic components of the switch friction is decreased. This helps remove any rough or scratchy sensations that is often felt with un-lubricated switches. This is particularly useful for users who type repeatedly.
Improved Acoustic Performance
Un-lubricated Mechanical Switches friction and vibration tends to help create a ping sound with the spring and produce sharp sounds. Lubrication helps absorb some of that noise and improves the sound profile.
More Consistent Performance
Factory-applied lubrication provides a consistent baseline across an entire switch set, and reduces mechanical friction.
Factory Pre-Lubed vs. Hand-Lubed Switches
Depending on the user, factory pre-lubed and hand-lubed switches both offer a distinct set of advantages.
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Factor
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Factory Pre-Lubed
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Hand-Lubed
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Consistency
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Controlled application across production batches
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Depends on user technique
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Convenience
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Ready to install and use
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Requires tools and preparation
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Customization
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Neither option is fully adjustable lubrication level
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Considerably adjustable lubrication levels
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Time Required
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Minimal setup
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Significant time for a full keyboard
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For users who want to improve the smoothness of their Mechanical Switches, but don't want the additional time investment, factory pre-lubed is the way to go. Hand-lubing is the most popular choice for enthusiasts who want the fully customizable option.
GATERON's Factory Pre-Lubed Switch Technologies
Out of the box, some of GATERON's mechanical switches deliver smooth, low friction performance thanks to factory-integrated lubrication.
GATERON pre-lubed switches have:
1. Custom Lubrication Application
Factory lubrication allows GATERON to apply a consistent amount of lubricant to critical friction points. As a result, the smoothness of the switches is consistent across the entire batch.
2. Enhanced Switch Lifespan
Integral to many of GATERON's switches is a contacts structure designed for a long service life with a peak rating of 80 million keystrokes for some selectable designs.
3. Broad Mechanical Keyboard Compatibility
Many of GATERON's switches include a 5-pin PCB mount design with both SMD and through-hole LED support, making them a great option for many different custom mechanical keyboards.
Through optimized material selection and lubricant application, pre-lubed switches offer an ideal solution for a user's desire for a smooth, low friction typing experience without the need for modifications.
Example: GATERON × Ukeebs Green Switch Series
GATERON × Ukeebs Green Switch Series demonstrates that factory lubrication with optimized material selection can lead to the design of a switch with distinct typing characteristics.
This series utilizes:
- Nylon for the bottom housing stability
- Factory pre-lubed internal components
Housed in these switches is support for SMD and through-hole LEDs with a 5-pin design for stable mounting to the PCB.
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Switch Variant
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Type
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Operating Force
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Pre-Travel
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Total Travel
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Spring
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Lubrication
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Green 45gf
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Linear
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45±15gf
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2.0±0.6mm
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4.0mm max
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Single-stage
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Pre-Lubed
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Green 55gf
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Tactile
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55±15gf
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2.0±0.6mm
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4.0mm max
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Single-stage
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Pre-Lubed
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Green 60gf
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Linear
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60±15gf
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2.0±0.6mm
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4.0mm max
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Single-stage
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Pre-Lubed
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The linear 45gf and 60gf provide user choice on the amount of resistance, and the 55gf has a tactile bump for those users that prefer a tactile feedback over resistance.
Are Lubed Switches Worth It?
When deciding on the worth of the lubed switches, it is dependent on an individual's choice and what they use their switches for.
Factory pre-lubed switches makes for a good choice for a user looking for:
- An easier smoother key travel
- A more refined and controlled sound
- A switch that is ready for use immediately.
Customizers of keyboards, who flourish in the world of customization, prefer hand-lubing switches for more control over the lubricant used and the amount of lubricant.
In essence, lubed switches are not a must for any build of a mechanical keyboard, but they aid in improving the build without any more work required and factory pre-lubed switches of the GATERON × Ukeebs Green Switch Series, in particular, makes for a good choice for users looking to improve their keystrokes on their keyboard.
FAQs
Q1. Are lubricated switches superior to non-lubricated ones?
When comparing lubricated to non-lubricated switches, lubricated switches offer smoother, friction-reduced key travel.
Q2. Do factory pre-lubed switches require lubrication?
Generally, no. However, some enthusiasts apply lubrication for personal preference.
Q3. How long does lubrication last?
With quality lubrication, it can last for several years. However, this largely depends on the construction of the switch and the lubricant used.
Q4. Are lubricated switches more silent?
Lubrication dampens some of the sounds made by the switch and aids in providing more control to the sound.
Q5. What parts of a switch require lubrication?
Most of the time lubrication is used on the rails of the stem and housing, the contact points of the housing, and the ends of the spring.
