Lube
Lube is the best way to enhance the smoothness of the switches on your mechanical keyboard. Here's a non-exhaustive list of the most popular lubes. When lubing switches, remember that less is more and light applications are recommended for the best results.
Krytox™ is produced by and a registered trademark of The Chemours Company.
TriboSys™ is produced by and is a trademark of Miller-Stephenson Chemical Company.
Oils
| VPF 1514 | GPL 103 | GPL 104 | GPL 105 | GPL 106 | GPL 107 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Operating Temperature (°C) | -54 to 160 | -60 to 154 | -51 to 159 | -36 to 204 | -36 to 260 | -30 to 288 |
| Viscosity (cSt) at 20°C | 140 | 82 | 177 | 522 | 822 | 1535 |
| Oil Density (g/mL) | 1.89 | 1.92 | 1.93 | 1.94 | 1.95 | 1.95 |
| Shelf Life (Year) | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 |
Note
VPF = Vacuum Pump Fluid
GPL = General Purpose Lube
Krytox™ VPF-1514
Low-viscosity perfluoropolyether (PFPE) lubricating oil.
Cheaper option to GPL range.
Suitable for switch springs or as a thinner when combined with NLGI grade 2
greases (203g2, 204g2 or 205g2) to produce hybrid lubes such as ‘GH V4’.
Krytox™ GPL 105
High-viscosity perfluoropolyether (PFPE) lubricating oil.
Medium viscosity in GPL range, most popular option.
Suitable for switch springs or tactile switches.
Krytox™ GPL 107
High-viscosity perfluoropolyether (PFPE) lubricating oil.
Second-highest viscosity of any available Krytox general-purpose oils.
Suitable for switch springs or heavy, worn or uneven linear switches.
Not suitable for tactile or clicky switches.
Lube
TriboSys™ 3203
Low-viscosity perfluoropolyether (PFPE) grease, thickened with
polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).
Comparable to Krytox™ GPL 203g0.
Suitable for tactile or clicky switches.
TriboSys™ 3204
Medium-viscosity perfluoropolyether (PFPE) grease, thickened with
polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).
Comparable to Krytox™ GPL 204g0.
Suitable for linear switches.
Krytox™ GPL 205g0
High-viscosity perfluoropolyether (PFPE) grease, thickened with
polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).
Suitable for linear switches and stabilizers.
Not suitable for tactile switches.
Krytox™ GPL 206g0
High-viscosity perfluoropolyether (PFPE) grease, thickened with
polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).
Suitable for heavy linear switches.
Not suitable for tactile switches.