How To Lube and Film MX Style Keyboard Switches

My stream schedule on Twitch is Monday 6:30PM PT, Wednesday 6:30PM PT, and Saturday morning around 10am PT.
www.twitch.tv/andyvnguyen
In this video, I finally explain my method of opening and lubing MX style keyboards switches. My method is to apply a very light layer of 205g0, which is my favorite lube for linear switches. I lube the bottom housing rails, the spring, and all parts of the stem. I do not typically lube the top housing. I film switches as needed.
**IMPORTANT**
When working with Krytox, it is highly recommended to use gloves. It is non water soluable and is horrible for your health, as it contains PTFE and PFCs in is chemical makeup. The research for this is new, so it's still developing. We need to remember that this is not a toy, but rather an industrial grade compound. Use gloves, don't be messy, and dispose of the gloves after. That way, you can get straight to eating chicken wings post lubing without any concerns.
Here is the safety data sheet for Krytox 205g0
p11.secure.hostingprod.com/@site.skygeek.com/ssl/MSDS/dupont-lubricants-grease-gpl-205-8-oz-tube-gpl205-8oz.pdf#jmui=f%3A213%3A305419896%3AbDJykLECGicX%2C%2B0%2B%40PXn%2BF.m
All of my keyboard part recommendations are in this page:
www.kit.co/andyvnguyen/keyboards
My keyboard commission page is now live!
www.andyvnguyen.com/commissions
Lube sources:
United States
www.novelkeys.xyz
switchmod.net/
www.1upkeyboards.com/
Canada
www.apexkeyboards.ca/
zealpc.net/
International
keys.my/
dailyclack.com/
mykeyboard.eu/
www.spritdesigns.com/
The TX Switch Slider Picker can be purchased from:
www.us.txkeyboards.com/products/switch-slider-picker
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discord.gg/PWXVVfr
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[@aemicek544]

2:55 for a sensual Andy Easter egg

[@AndyVNguyen]

That was the ghost of Taeha

[@aemicek544]

Andy V Nguyen TAEHA OUTDATED 204 OVERRATED LONG HAVE WE WAITED ANDY LUBE ACTIVATED

[@ubberJakerz]

with my headphones on it actually scared the hell outa me lol

[@Knux0r]

2:55 the "less is more" on the left channel creeped me out lmao. I have studio headphones and it was like someone was whispering right in my ear, it got me for sure.

[@FreezeV5]

holy shit that little tip to use the top housing as switch opener instead of a flat head was a huge time saver cuz i didnt feel like buying a switch opener

[@corwynnielsen]

Probably the best lubing guide I've found. Nice work!

[@AndyVNguyen]

Thank you! Glad I could help!

[@lifeisapain2284]

This tutorial is great and in-depth! I have no clue how to lube switches and I’m making a playlist full of helpful tips for when I do eventually get switches and I’m able to customise a keyboard. Thank you! :D

[@AndyVNguyen]

glad i could help!

[@spritestv]

hi andy, going through my first build at the moment. just want to say thank you for putting out this content, it is much appreciated!

[@jason16_]

How did it go?

[@chiuuuuuuuuuu]

Thanks for the tip on spreading out the lube. I didn't do that and overlubed my switches. However I don't like lubing the stem bottom and the floor of housing. I find the sound is crisper this way.

[@AndyVNguyen]

Yea I’m considering doing the same. Less thock tho but more clean sound.

[@KRapPsychic]

AHN cohort here. Good job on the vid! In my corporate days, used to work for Japanese switch manufacturers, more industrial though. Not tech, marketing & bizdev.

[@AndyVNguyen]

Japanese industrial switches huh? What an interesting market!

[@KRapPsychic]

@@AndyVNguyen yup, commercial apps, too, like sound control panels, broadcast eqpt, like miniature lighted toggle switches, etc. Look up NKK Switches for mini switches and Idec.com for industrial switches.

[@BokehhBob]

Great vid Andy. I’ve gotten to the point where i don’t lube the bottom housing, just make sure i get the stem/rails real good and that will spread to all the areas that need lube.

[@AndyVNguyen]

It’s the move these days since switches are already so smooth

[@BokehhBob]

@@AndyVNguyen now with creams you just dunk the whole stem in the 205g0 right? Haha

[@kevinzyrkowski]

A good tip for beginners is to get a few extra switches, so you can try different levels of lube to see what works best!

[@AndyVNguyen]

Great tip! Always good to have extras. Because you're probably going to break a few as a beginner, too.

[@believingdream]

Probably the best tutorial on how to lube MX switches. Great video

[@AndyVNguyen]

THANK YOU!

[@awwk8452]

thank you for informing me that krytox is a health concern. I was going to just start playing with it and using my hands to lube so tysm for the warning now I can stay safe with gloves

[@AndyVNguyen]

The thing that prompted that was a big creator straight up ate it and said it was food safe lmao. Some people just.. yeah

[@primuslicnl9290]

This video is very helpful, thanks a lot.

[@AndyVNguyen]

Glad I could help!

[@Staykool777]

OMG. I had no idea that it took this much work and precision. Kudos;

[@someoldcliche]

I've been opening my switches using straight-tipped tweezers. Just put one tweezer prong under each tab on both sides of the switch, then gently lift until they rise just enough to release. Works much better than a screwdriver because you can undo both tabs on a side at once evenly.

[@AndyVNguyen]

just make sure your tweezers aren't too sharp. i've stabbed myself doing that before lol

[@shinjid3705]

tbh if u arent tight on money, just get a switch opener. Saves time.

[@AwesomePossums111]

thank you this was so helpful!

[@8hen29]

thanks man you saved my life

[@kevinzyrkowski]

Thanks Andy!

[@AndyVNguyen]

Any time!

[@UnboxedTrades]

Great video very nice for someone who wants to learn how to lube their own switches ( not me) lol !

[@AndyVNguyen]

It took so long to make this video.. feels almost as long as lubing switches yourself..

[@UnboxedTrades]

@@AndyVNguyen I noticed all the editing, I was like this must have been a mission!

[@cns187]

best lube guide on the internets.

[@cinialvespow1054]

even better than taehas?

[@kevinlin8674]

cinIALVEspO w taehas uses thin lube but this one uses 205g0 which is pretty thuck

[@AllenJun]

You have convinced me to pay for a switch opener

[@haurjie]

this is very helpful. I was also told that 205g0 is for the stem but you should use 105 for the spring? how big of a difference is that?

[@mikecrimson238]

will most likely not even make a difference

[@galaxyjams]

My opinion is to use 205g0 and put the ABSOLUTE MINIMUM you possibly can..... less really is more and its designed to do its job so all you need is just a tiny tiny amount and it goes a long way - good luck

[@ParadoxStudio13]

Nice vid. Can i ask if you removed the factory lube from the Alpacas before lubing or you just lubed over them. Thinking of building a linear build closer towards the end of the year and will build them with lubed and filmed alpacas. Would you consider a video on removing factory lube? txs

[@AndyVNguyen]

I just lubed over it. It's pretty thin factory lube. I'm filming a video on using an ultrasonic cleaner to remove lube/clean vintage switches right now!

[@_goon]

If u use the screwdriver method, i recommend rotating it rather than pushing it. It is easyer and faster that way.

[@AndyVNguyen]

Very smart!

[@henriii9647]

Perfect!

[@AndyVNguyen]

Thank you! Hopefully it helped

[@SooshiShef]

Late to comment on this, but would that aluminum opener also work for Gateron switches, or would I need something different?

[@dodobird809]

why did you choose not to lube the top housing? does it make a different sound?

[@taintly7010]

What Key Switch Opener should I get if I have Kaihua swithes?

[@keebtoys5355]

very nice guide :)

[@AndyVNguyen]

Glad you liked it!

[@TBSxDRUMS]

Any recommendations for silencing the switch top-out noise (the clack made by the upstroke)? I know the films can help reduce it to a certain degree, as well as lubing the top of the stem where it hits the top housing. I'm trying to research all possible ways I can make my keyboard quieter, the main issue being the top-out noise. But I'm not about to buy new silent switches haha, just experimenting with modding. (GK61 with Gateron Optical Reds)

[@AndyVNguyen]

What you mentioned is all I know. You can also swap out for uhmwpe stems but they're like $35 for $110 so you might as well go and buy another switch.

[@TBSxDRUMS]

Andy V Nguyen Right, right. My board was only $42 on sale, so the $35 for switches is pushing it lol. Thanks for the response! Glad to know I’ve at least got those two methods to try.

[@katarina8660]

Hi! Thank you for this video. Just a quick question though. Normally, how often do you need to lube the switches? Thank you.

[@killianfitzgeraldkippler]

Most people generally do not ever relube their switches, unless a switch starts to feel "off" or different then you relube, other than that you shouldn't really re lube your switches

[@hugoschmitt1772]

Daily before work

[@poopypants8806]

So would I lube the nk creams the same way you lubed the alpacas

[@linuslund116]

What is the background song? i really like it

[@jiajieguo7322]

Hey, are Alpacas the same as Durock L linears? Do you have both? And if you do, do they feel and sound the same? Since they are said to be recolored

[@AndyVNguyen]

Yes. Alpacas are recolored Durock linears

[@dylaneden6192]

i needed this

[@tyryn6851]

Are you able to lube Razer red optical switches? I haven’t seen anything on that, but I’d love to see someone mod them to see what they could really sound like

[@AndyVNguyen]

You would have to do some kind of injection lubing and I rarely suggest that. Too risky :(

[@shinjid3705]

i just figured out that u can lube the top housing yesterday. The sound feels more creamy and less high pitched. I like that tbh xD

[@AndyVNguyen]

you can! just be careful about overruling

[@shinjid3705]

@@AndyVNguyen I will thx :)

[@oucminh6668]

video rất hữu ích ạ

[@RagedN1]

I lubed mine with vaseline, and it surprisingly feels very nice, and it sounds really good.

[@AndyVNguyen]

i hope it stays that way

[@ryanmedina3851]

I know that I’m 8 months late but can someone link the switch opener please I really want it

[@hellohojae]

Hey Andy, have you heard about Gazzew’s method to lube switches? If you have, what would you recommend? Between paint brushing it and doing Gazzews method?

[@AndyVNguyen]

I’ve tried his method. Very hard to be consistent

[@Peak-02]

Hey, I really enjoy and entertain with your video. My question, can I lube the Tactile switch? Because I never see a video about lubing Tactile switch.

[@AndyVNguyen]

Yes. In the video I say you do the same steps, just skip lubing the stem legs.

[@CYMotorsport]

6:20 same question. Good answer here

[@TimManuelMiranda]

It's recommended to use less viscous lube than 205 if you want to retain the tactility. You could try 204 or tribosys 3204 or 3203.

[@ttvwrestlerskin2769]

Do the alpacas come factory lubed ?

[@everythingbuthair]

what can i do if i think i over lubed them? 😓

[@hzfa8946]

does anyone know the background music?

[@joeynanna4008]

What kind of film did you use? nice vid btw :)

[@AndyVNguyen]

Tx film

[@johnstonliu8127]

Is it ok for a little of the switch film to be sticking out or does it have to be aligned perfectly?

[@AndyVNguyen]

Varies. Sometimes films will snag until you have to intentionally misalign a bit. But for the most part they should be consistent. The top part of the switch (where the leaf is) shouldn’t have too much exposed film.

[@eddygecko3184]

when do you dip the brush back into the lube? is it # of strokes or can you visually tell?

[@AndyVNguyen]

you can visually tell

[@thegisunater7928]

You know how your suppose to break n creams since their made with pom so they sound softer can you show me how its kinda dumb but I couldn't find how to lol

[@AndyVNguyen]

Take the switch out of the bag, put it into a board. Use it. A few months later, take it out of the board, take it apart, and lube per this video. Then put it back into board. Does that make sense? FWIW, I think it's placebo after a certain point. Creams are gonna sound like creams.

[@xTheTamingx]

So, I just lube switches. And I tried to use a light amount maybe a little more than what you showed. And the brush felt dry when lubing the bottom housing, so I added a bit more. It doesn't sound over lubed, but it feels heavier now? Did I in fact overlube? I am using lube I had left over from maybe 8 months ago, but I mixed it and it still seemed fine.

[@AndyVNguyen]

if the feel is different then yes you overlubed

[@mogtrader8]

So you can actually use a flat head for cherry, kaihl, gateron type switches as well?

[@AndyVNguyen]

Yea

[@hilden7310]

Hi! Since alpacas are factory lubed did you wipe anything before manually lubing?

[@AndyVNguyen]

I usually don’t. Unless it’s particularly goopy and inconsistent.

[@thesweatylemon6161]

i have to do this for EVERY switch!?

[@jakevandecamp9991]

Thank you

[@AndyVNguyen]

yw

[@Nebrida23]

Just wondering but bad seed said that you recommended him to only lube the stem rather than the stem and the bottom housing, is this because he has a tendency to overlube or would you recommend that to everyone over the technique seen in this video?

[@AndyVNguyen]

Stem only saves time but will trend the switches toward a clackier sound than deep. If you want deep sound this is still the way to go imo.

[@jenchan6288]

i was here for the kickboxing

[@natemcricevr9648]

Quick question, when you lube the springs, why so you only lube the top and bottom, not the whole spring?

[@AndyVNguyen]

When you're using grease, just the top/bottom is enough to stop the pinging. With oil you can bag lube the whole thing. There's diminishing returns if you are brushing grease onto the entire spring.

[@henriii9647]

do you thinks lubing the top housing is a must ? Does it makes any big differences ?

[@AndyVNguyen]

I don't really lube the top housing. In the times I have, I didn't find that it did too much considering how much time it added to the process.

[@rokassudavicius5689]

Is it okay to lube springs with 205g0? I've had people tell me that it's bad and that it's better to use 105 or a 1:1 mix of the two. Is this true? Or does this only apply to bag-lubing?

[@AndyVNguyen]

I brush lube with 205g0 all of the time. Using oil and bag lubing is faster. I find brushing with 205g0 completely eliminates all possibly ping even if you slam the switch. Bag lubing with oil leaves just a bit of ping left.. but that ping is only heard if you put the switch in your ear and slam the stem.

[@christophersmith8028]

Newer to the hobby, but have recently been playing with some durock pom linears and 205g0, and have been asking myself the same question on bag lubing with 105, or brushing with the 205g0. From what I’ve read on forums and seen from this and Taehas lubing video, brushing with the lube you’re already using is far superior. It’s more cost effective, doesn’t waste nearly as much, and the thicker lube being applied directly to the pinging spots, which seem to be the coiled ends of the spring, seems to be the best method. The thinner lube just like when placed in the bag will over time work it’s way off your spring and into a small puddle in the bottom housing. I had great results with sound and feel using relative the same method as this video. Cheers, and happy modding!

[@CaddieBen123]

I have a problem. I have durock films and my stem legs keep getting caught on them. Is there any way to fix this

[@AndyVNguyen]

it's just a placement thing

[@joltanoid349]

Would you lube outemu brown switches the same as cherry mx???

[@beaflm]

Outemu switches are MX style switches, so yes, they are lubed the same, but remember that the brown switches are tactile so don't lube the legs, or you will risk losing the "bump" that makes them tactile. Good luck!

[@DoGGuY]

Im having problems while reassembling my switches, the bronze metal thingy always gets bent forwards and the stem wont move down at all…

[@AndyVNguyen]

the leaf should not be bent. if you bent it uh.. likely that switch is gone

[@sky13041]

I've been trying to get into modding keyboards but when I see keycap pullers there are two different ones, one says mx style and the other one says kailh style what are the differences between the two?

[@AndyVNguyen]

Mx is cherry style switches kailh is like halo true and halo clear switches. The top housing clip is diff. Kailh is one big flat one either side and mx is two clips either side

[@sky13041]

@@AndyVNguyen oh ok thank you very much

[@neovisual633]

do you recommend lubing the leaf or the stem pole?

[@yose_yes9036]

Usually lubing the leaf makes it smother but can take away the tactility of tactile switches

[@kdiaz8054]

That’s for the awesome explanation. You still lube this way?

[@AndyVNguyen]

Yep, I vary the # of strokes on the bottom housing depending on how I want it to sound.

[@cliveconrad6460]

Andy V Nguyen and the less strokes you have, the more lube is applied... aka less is more. (I know that’s not what Taeha means when he says it)

[@LogiinVal]

Is it going to be bad if each switch is a little different in terms of how much lube it has?

[@AndyVNguyen]

It’s not ideal. When switches are lubed well it’s consistent. But it’ll still function like a keyboard if they’re inconsistent

[@jordenrl]

How long would it take to lube and film an entire tkl keyboard?

[@AndyVNguyen]

your first time will probably take 3-5 hours

[@datadavd]

Any reason you don't lube the stem center column? Always see people conflicted on doing this or not

[@AndyVNguyen]

lubing the parts i have already makes switches smooth. i know that there are other points where the components make contact but i don't find the extra effort worth it.

[@datadavd]

@@AndyVNguyen makes sense, u also run the risk of lube farts if even a tiny bit more than a little is used. Thank you for the quick response Andy!!!!

[@dizzydave578]

does this apply for novelkey creams?

[@AndyVNguyen]

Yes

[@Panda991.2]

I got krytox on my hand and washed it with soap and water, should I be fine?

[@AndyVNguyen]

Yea . Wash twice just to be safe

[@chumpapii]

6:50 did you lube the circle thing at the center?

[@AndyVNguyen]

No, I don't usually lube that

[@nayton7711]

should the lube be visible on the spring?

[@cinialvespow1054]

i like to do visible on top and bottom, a bit more than he does.

[@dpactestaccount]

Link for your brushes?

[@AndyVNguyen]

If you click the kit.co page, the brushes are in there!

[@alexfung7417]

Can you make a video of how you lube your Holy Pandas, cuz your holy panda sounds really good. Pleaseeeee!!

[@AndyVNguyen]

This is exactly how I lubed my HPs lol

[@cinialvespow1054]

@@AndyVNguyen with 205g0? even tho everyone says you're not meant/allowed to? I admire that small rebellion hehe.

[@AndyVNguyen]

@@cinialvespow1054 Hahah yeah. I like the deeper sound!

[@cinialvespow1054]

@@AndyVNguyen gonna be lubing my t1s with 205g0 when they both come in, was gonna go for 3203 or 4 because meta, but they're not in stock, but i think that deeper sound plus super silky smooth, and a mellow bump will be great

[@user-qn1zj5bs5p]

normally i wont touch the lubed part with my fingers , it will makes the lube go away because normally we have some sweat on fingers

[@AndyVNguyen]

yeah def avoid getting it on your fingers. it takes a bit of work to clean it off

[@user-qn1zj5bs5p]

@@AndyVNguyen dont know why , when building a keyboard , none of those tools are more important than a tweezer , it basically can do anything !

[@NRPBantagaming]

Sorry for asking Lube is poisonous? If we touch then what do?

[@AndyVNguyen]

Best to use gloves.. but primarily don’t touch them directly on skin if you don’t have to and wash your hands after.

[@NRPBantagaming]

@@AndyVNguyen ok sir thank you so much for replying 🙏❤️

[@madrickgacal6328]

How often should I lube my keyboard switches?

[@AndyVNguyen]

Once

[@madrickgacal6328]

Oww really? I dont have to maintain it? Or relube?

[@timtaylor8557]

Many components like this made of some type of plastic or nylon are non lubricated for a reason. As soon as you add a lubricant to them, you create an attractant for dust. Then they will start to bind as the dust builds up.

[@TranquilMarmot]

Most switches are sealed when closed. I know a lot are IP56 rated, which means they will not let in dust.

[@timtaylor8557]

@@TranquilMarmot IP56 seems to be quite the oddity. Protection from powerful jets of water from any direction and yet only partial dust protection??? This makes no sense to me.

[@198Immortal]

Do you not lube the stem poles?

[@AndyVNguyen]

I do not

[@johnstonliu]

Does every type of switch need switch film?

[@AndyVNguyen]

Not all of them do. For example holy pandas can’t take them and creams need a special thinner one

[@johnstonliu]

@@AndyVNguyen Do you need them for zealios v2's and tealios?

[@calliisto]

Are films needed to gateron yellows? also how should i lube them? thank you

[@AndyVNguyen]

I use em without films and they’re pretty good. I have a lube guide for switches here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/omnGoJqMqKignNE

[@akikleist]

What makes Alpacas so great?

[@AndyVNguyen]

Very smooth switch that is sold at a reasonable price and has a pretty good sound.

[@fizzyd7586]

They’re very cute from a distance and make a silly sound sometimes though they may try and spit in your face if your close to them.

[@legendbroz_5999]

Can we get timestamps next time pls and thank you

[@INovemberI]

I lined up the knubs wrong and broke one of my leafs :( I guess that's why I got 18 extra lol

[@INovemberI]

thank you for the video though it was a big help

[@AndyVNguyen]

sorry to hear! I sometimes do that too. If it doesn’t close easily I don’t force it

[@Mido-qr6bw]

Can you tell us your brush tip size ?

[@AndyVNguyen]

Size #0 works best

[@Mido-qr6bw]

@@AndyVNguyen thank you 🙏

[@noidsuper]

Wish I had this video last year before I overlubed my Creams lmao

[@imryden]

😭

[@AndyVNguyen]

So sorry to hear :(

[@noidsuper]

@@AndyVNguyen They were saved since it was hotswap. Just took another few hours of wiping the excess off

[@AndyVNguyen]

@@noidsuper I've done that.. takes just as long as lubing the first time!

[@ankeebs5856]

uhhh where is the filming part

[@AndyVNguyen]

4:02

[@ankeebs5856]

@@AndyVNguyen oh thanks, idk why did not I see it :v. Your videos are great. Keep it up !

[@cosmo8387]

thanks for showing how to put the film in 😐

[@AndyVNguyen]

i did tho, right?

[@HungHoang-vc8dr]

Soundtest

[@niceone1456]

My god what a hassle, must take 3+ hours to do all of those switches. I'll just buy them lubed and filmed

[@DionMango]

Quick tip. you can open a switch with a tooth pick

[@AndyVNguyen]

you can use anything thin but bro a toothpick might just snap

[@DionMango]

@@AndyVNguyen i had been using toothpicks for a long time now. you just remove a bit on the top part and nothing will break

[@hc1888zxc]

Bro wheres the films

[@AndyVNguyen]

it helps to watch the video in its entirety to not miss 4:02

[@dude6723]

At 1:35 my PC bluescreened :(

[@AndyVNguyen]

Lmao I thought I punched a hole in my hand then

[@Kong-pc3ui]

A better method when using a screw driver, just open it in between the legs... it’s less work and can help when opening switches. Because of this method a, I was able to open a freaking switch using the opposite side of a brush.

[@AndyVNguyen]

I'm having trouble imagining this.. between the legs? So not the plastic tab?

[@jova7031]

Do you not like lubing the stem?

[@AndyVNguyen]

I.. do lube the stem?

[@nonnegaard]

3:21 both sides, not either side.

[@rok6146]

I cut my thumb using the screwdriver

[@GalacticBlader]

FUCK I HATE THIS SHIT everytime i souch a switch i end up breaking the legs or not be able to put it bac together

[@AndyVNguyen]

Breaking the legs??? Whaf

[@GalacticBlader]

@@AndyVNguyen nvm i overreacted i fixed it just putting the switch back was annoying i don't do this everyday but am learning

[@gaydubbbz8148]

thanks budget taeha types (that s a joke lads)