So my neighbor bought a new keyboard...

[DeathtoGnomes]

and has become so obsessed with it that she thinks you are supposed to lube the switches with oil on a regular schedule. This is her first mechanical 80% keyboard, i cant remember the brand but she was saying the "red" switches are prone to sticking if not lubed. Its my opinion that lubing the switches would attract dirt and dust and prematurely fail. Thoughts?

 

[Onasi]

Fairly nonsensical with a grain of truth - some lube on the stabs might be prudent once in a while on certain models (like once every couple of years), but doing it constantly to every actual switch is pointless, wasteful and probably messy. Doing it once when the board is new or ordering the switches pre-lubed? Fine, can be a preference for smoothness or less noise. If the switches she has are so dogshit that they get stuck (?) without constant disassembly and lubing then she needs a board with actually good switches. And not waste time on whatever this is.

 

[jsfitz54]

Use any guide as a guide: https://switchandclick.com/what-lube-to-use-for-mechanical-keyboard-switches/

 

[silentbogo]

"red" switches are prone to sticking if not lubed.

Red switches are prone to sticking when dunked in coffee
Otherwise, I only had issues with old Kaihl reds, and it's due to copper contact oxidation, and no amount of lube can fix that problem.
All other ones - no problems whatsoever. My old cheap Zalman ZM-K500 rebuilt on Gateron Browns still works like a champ in my office after over 10!!! years and few coffee baths. No lube, just some IPA cleaning once every couple of years. The only thing that's kinda screaming at me every day - is to stop using hot glue and replace my broken keycaps.

My home keyboard is pushing 5 years, has Kailh Choc Reds, and also no lube and no issues at all. That was the cheapest low-profile board on the market.

 

[jsfitz54]

On a funny note, you could tell her the keyboard is like a clap trap and she should keep it clean and use protection: https://www.amazon.com/Keyboard-Protector/s?k=Keyboard+Protector

 

[GerKNG]

i use mechanical keyboards for many, many years and i've never seen a "stuck key" even once in my entire life.

 

[ShrimpBrime]

I suggest to try WD40 Specialist dry lube for your friend if she's really obsessed. That should do the trick and prevent dust and dirt collecting on the "oily" spots that shes using now


GL!

 

[Rover4444]

Shouldn't you use dry lube for it? You can probably just use graphite, right?

 

[eidairaman1]

I suggest to try WD40 Specialist dry lube for your friend if she's really obsessed. That should do the trick and prevent dust and dirt collecting on the "oily" spots that shes using now


GL!

Molybdenum lol

 

[ShrimpBrime]

Molybdenum lol

It'll be fine XD

 

[Marcus L]

She might have black switches, they do take some getting used to and lube can help, should be ok after the first few times lol

 

[Caring1]

I suggest going around and offering to apply lube for her

 

[DirtyDingusMcgee]

Sounds like she is nuts. Don't stick it in crazy or crazy will stick it in you.

Tell her it is a keyboard......dust it out once in a while, and get a new one when it craps out.

 

[phanbuey]

yeah keyboards have a way to bring out the OCD and crazy in people... *looks at 3 keyboards right next to self and cylinder of new creamy yellow switches*

Not me though, I'm fine. I buy my switches pre-lubed. I'm not crazy.

 

[Veseleil]

The girl appreciate the lube, I see no harm in it, quite contrary.

Shouldn't you use dry lube for it? You can probably just use graphite, right?

I'm not sure what are the ingredients of a common KB lube (someone might step in and explain), but I had great experiences with a simple PTFE spray from Lidl on other stuff, so I guess some PTFE grease would be set it and forget it deal (if it exists at all).
Doesn't dry out, resilient to moisture, heat, not collecting dirt, it just stay there forever and do its job (it's a bike chain advertised product). Highly hazardous for the organic life tho. I've fixed an air conditioning fan motor on my car making unbearable noise (bearings busted, shaft dipped a few mm too much), still works like a charm.

 

[blinnbanir]

Sounds like she eats Blueberry Pancakes with Maple Syrup while using her PC.

 

[Shakallia]

Is she giving cheese to her wireless mice so the battery last longer ?

 

[stahlhart]

"Be sure to stay tuned to WJM for another hilarious episode of "My Mother the Car". The fun begins when Mom gets a lube job."

 

[Chomiq]

Pics of the nei... keyboard so we can access how much lube is required.

Lubing switches would only make them smoother, although applying too much of thick lube would make them sticky. To me it sounds like she went into youtube/reddit rabbit hole where all she can think about is lubing up... switches.