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jiyeon
jiyeon jiyeon

Something I've noticed about linear switches - and more specifically with the lighter-weighted ones like Reds and Yellows - is that when I lube them even with thin or thick lube, they tend to increase their travel time.

I don't know if I'm applying a really thicc layer or lube or if this is a universal thing, but it certainly affects how the lighter switches are pressed in my experience.

 

To put it into simple terms, here's how I feel on lubed and unlubed travel times:

  • Unlubed Reds: Take a fraction of a second, easy and fast actuation
  • Lubed Reds: Take about 1.2X the speed of an unlubed, as well as feel ever so slightly heavier to actuate

This does not by any means change my view on lubed switches, because I don't think linear switches should be used unlubed regardless.

 

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  1. Tristerin

    Tristerin

    Got my first Cherry Red switches keyboard in the mail atm - first mechanical keyboard as well - can you advise what you use for lube?  And the reason you have a view on lubed switches?

  2. jiyeon

    jiyeon

    Nice one joining the mech keyboards scene, glad to have you. :)

     

    I use either Krytox 205g0 (a thick lube) or Tribosys 3204 (a thin lube) for my switches. I lube the housing sliders, center pole, the top and bottom of springs, as well as the entire sides, front, back, bottom, and legs of the switch stem. While lubing can take hours for an entire keyboard, the lubing process improves a switch experience for me and I can't really live with unlubed switches anymore.

    I like lubing as it gives linears switches a nicer, smoother experience when typing, it's like typing on jam or honey, nice and smooth, compared to stock linears which can be scratchy and sound clacky.

     

    To make a minor oversimplifcation of lubed vs unlubed; Think of unlubed like stroking your skin when it's dry versus when you stroke your skin with lotion applied. It's a very different experience and the latter is far smoother in both feel and sound.

  3. Tristerin

    Tristerin

    Yeah I am starting cheapo-depot but, as I see it, was cheaper to get this keyboard at $19 shipped than to buy switches so worth trying:

    https://flash.newegg.com/product/9SIA10V9CA5241

     

    I don't want clacky so I will have to do this, but first Ill try them unlubed so I can understand the experience :)  

  4. jiyeon

    jiyeon

    I'd highly recommend searching on YouTube for lubed versus unlubed typing test, your ears will thank you so much.

    Also yes, that keyboard for some reason costs less than all the Reds in it alone. :D

  5. Tristerin

    Tristerin

    @Den-Fi tbh, I have to give the price credit first lol - however that made it a really easy choice to join the scene

  6. Energycore

    Energycore

    I love my reds. So easy to type quickly and never worry about wrist strain because they take so little force

  7. b emoji

    b emoji

    Use something thinner like 3203/203 and apply really thing coats, the lube should be clear not white. 

  8. jiyeon

    jiyeon

    I like applying quite thicker-than-normal coats, about 1.5x the amount people should usually apply. I like feeling the wetness. I do have some spare unlubed Gaterons so I might try some 3204 and apply what I'm supposed to apply. :P

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