Keyboard switches, the small mechanisms under each key, can make a big difference in how typing feels. Like a car engine that needs oil, switches need lubricant to work smoothly.
Lubing switches reduces friction, eliminates scratchy feelings, and creates a more enjoyable typing experience. The right lube can transform an ordinary keyboard into something that feels premium and sounds better too.
When choosing keyboard switch lubricant, viscosity is the most important factor. Thicker lubes work better for linear switches, while thinner options suit tactile switches.
You’ll also want to consider application method—some lubes come with brushes, while others might require separate tools. The type of plastic in your switches matters too, as certain lubricants can damage some materials.
We spent weeks testing various keyboard lubricants on different switch types to find the best options for smooth, consistent performance. Krytox 205g0 emerged as our top pick for most users, offering excellent performance across various switch types with minimal effort.
Best Keyboard Switch Lubricants
We’ve tested dozens of lubricants to find the best options for your mechanical keyboard switches. A quality lube can reduce scratchy feelings, eliminate ping sounds, and make your typing experience much smoother.
Our top picks below offer excellent performance for both tactile and linear switches at various price points.
RUNJRX Keyboard Lube Kit
The RUNJRX Keyboard Lube Kit offers excellent value for keyboard enthusiasts with its complete set of high-quality tools and generous amount of premium switch lubricant.
Pros
- Contains enough lube for 450-500 switches
- Includes all necessary tools for switch maintenance
- Sturdy aluminum switch opener works with multiple switch types
Cons
- Keycap puller could be more durable
- Needle tweezers feel somewhat flimsy
- Some tools require careful handling to avoid breakage
We recently tried this complete keyboard maintenance kit and were impressed by how much value it packs in. The star of the show is definitely the JRX 205G0 grease – it’s high-quality stuff that spreads smoothly and provides that buttery switch feel keyboard enthusiasts crave. We found it performs just as well as more expensive lubricants.
The aluminum switch opener is a standout tool, feeling solid in hand while easily popping open Cherry MX, Gateron, and other compatible switches.
The 4-claw grabber was particularly useful, keeping our fingers clean while handling tiny stems and springs. It’s amazing how much cleaner the process was compared to our previous attempts at lubing switches.
Everything comes neatly packaged and ready to use right away. The kit includes two lubrication pens which made applying the grease to switch rails much easier than expected.
For beginners, this collection provides absolutely everything needed to start modifying keyboards. We’ve used it on about 100 switches so far and barely made a dent in the lube container.
The tweezers work well enough, though they don’t feel as premium as the other tools. Despite these minor issues, we’ve found this kit to be incredibly useful for both our budget mechanical keyboards and more expensive custom builds. The difference in sound and feel after lubing was dramatic – much smoother keypresses and a satisfying thock sound.
For the price point, you simply can’t beat the completeness of this kit. It’s perfect for anyone looking to dive into keyboard customization without purchasing tools individually.
Sumgsn GPL 205g0 Keyboard Lube
This keyboard lube delivers smooth keystrokes and quieter typing at an affordable price compared to name-brand alternatives.
Pros
- Effectively eliminates switch noise and squeaking
- Includes two application brushes
- Small amount goes a long way (can lubricate about 300 switches)
Cons
- Brushes occasionally shed bristles
- No switch opener included despite being shown in photos
- Container is smaller than it appears in pictures
I recently tried this Sumgsn GPL 205g0 lube on my mechanical keyboard, and the difference was immediately noticeable. The keys now glide smoothly with each press, eliminating that annoying plastic-on-plastic sound that plagued my late-night typing sessions.
The consistency is perfect – not too runny or too thick.
Application was straightforward with the included brushes. While they’re not premium quality (I did lose a few bristles during use), they get the job done for precise application.
A little goes a very long way! I only needed tiny amounts for each switch, which means this small container will last through several keyboard builds.
We found this lube works great on both linear and tactile switches. On my Cherry MX Browns, it maintained the tactile bump while eliminating scratchiness.
The 205g0 formula is widely recommended in keyboard communities for good reason – it strikes the perfect balance between performance and ease of use.
The value is excellent considering how many switches you can treat with one container. If you’re looking to upgrade your typing experience without breaking the bank, this lube is definitely worth the small investment and time spent applying it.
HONKID Switch Lube
This keyboard switch lube offers exceptional value with its smooth application and long-lasting formula that transforms scratchy switches into buttery-smooth typing experiences.
Pros
- One small jar treats 300-400 switches
- Includes precision brush for easy application
- Effectively eliminates scratchy and spring sounds
Cons
- Can be messy for beginners
- Some slight leaking in packaging possible
- May require practice to apply correctly
We recently tried this HONKID lubricant on our mechanical keyboard, and the difference was immediately noticeable. The 205G0 formula glides onto switches with just the right consistency – not too thick or runny.
The small jar might look tiny at first, but don’t let that fool you. We’ve lubed an entire TKL keyboard and still have plenty left for future projects.
The included brush is surprisingly good quality for a budget option. Its smaller head design makes it perfect for reaching those tricky spots inside switches. We found it especially useful when applying lube to the springs, which eliminated that annoying “ping” sound that cheaper mechanical keyboards often have.
Application is straightforward, though first-timers should take it slow. A little goes a very long way with this stuff!
We made the mistake of over-applying on our spacebar, which made it feel sluggish until the excess wore off. The sweet spot is a thin, barely visible layer that smooths out the action without creating resistance.
The difference in typing feel after application is remarkable. Scratchy budget switches now feel premium, with a soft, smooth keystroke that makes typing for hours much more pleasant.
Our gaming sessions improved too, with more consistent keystrokes and fewer distracting sounds.
Quick Tip: Apply this lube to stabilizers first (the wire mechanisms under larger keys) for the biggest sound improvement with minimal effort!
Vanfree Krytox 205g0 Keyboard Lube
This keyboard lubricant offers excellent value with its convenient syringe design and premium performance for both switches and stabilizers.
Pros
- Easy application with precision syringe and tips
- Transforms keyboard feel with smooth, quiet operation
- Enough product to lubricate 280+ switches
Cons
- Can make stabilizers sluggish if overused
- Some packages arrive with separation in the lubricant
- Packaging issues reported by some customers
We recently tested this Vanfree Krytox 205g0 keyboard lube on several mechanical keyboards, and the results were impressive. The syringe applicator with Luer tips made it super easy to get precise amounts exactly where needed. No more messy applications or wasted product!
The 3.5ml quantity might seem small, but it goes a long way. We managed to lubricate stabilizers on three different keyboards and still had plenty left over.
The viscosity is perfect – thick enough to stay in place but not so thick that it’s difficult to apply.
What really surprised us was how dramatically this lube transformed our keyboard experience. The scratchy sound in our switches completely disappeared, replaced by a smooth, satisfying keystroke. Stabilizer rattle? Gone. The spacebar, shift, and enter keys now have a premium feel without that annoying rattling noise.
For beginners to keyboard modding, this product is extremely forgiving. The syringe makes it nearly impossible to apply too much, though you should still be careful not to overdo it on stabilizers.
We found just a small amount was enough to make a big difference.
At around $15, the value is excellent considering how many switches you can treat with one purchase. We’ve tried other keyboard lubes before, but the combination of quality and applicator design makes this our new go-to for keyboard projects.
YIMAGUJRX GPL 205 G0 and 105 Keyboard Lube
This keyboard lube kit offers exceptional value with both GPL 205 G0 and 105 in one package, perfect for anyone looking to improve their mechanical keyboard’s performance.
Pros
- Great value with both 205 G0 and 105 included
- Lasts for months without needing to re-apply
- Comes with a quality nylon brush that doesn’t deform
Cons
- One-time sealing cap requires careful opening
- Some packages may arrive with missing product
- Might be too much product for casual users
We recently tried this YIMAGUJRX keyboard lube kit on several mechanical keyboards in our collection. The package includes 10g each of GPL 205 G0 and GPL 105, which is plenty for multiple keyboard builds.
The 205 G0 works perfectly for switches and stabilizers, while the 105 is ideal for springs.
The quality of this lube is impressive. After applying it to our daily driver keyboard six months ago, we haven’t needed to re-lube any switches.
The sound difference is noticeable right away. Scratchy switches become smooth, and the typing experience feels much more premium.
We really like that you can blend the two lubes to customize your typing experience. Mixing more 205 creates a deeper, more muffled sound, while adding more 105 gives a crisper sound.
The included nylon brush is better than we expected, maintaining its shape even after numerous applications.
The temperature range (-40 to 350°C) means this lube performs consistently regardless of environment. We tested it in both cool basement setups and warmer office environments with equal results.
Buying Guide
Choosing the right lube for your keyboard switches doesn’t have to be hard. We’ve put together this simple guide to help you make the best choice.
Viscosity Matters
Viscosity is how thick or thin the lube is. Thicker lubes last longer but might slow down your keys too much.
Thinner lubes feel lighter but need to be reapplied more often.
| Viscosity Type | Best For | Application Difficulty |
| Thin | [Tactile switches](https://bytebitebit.com/tactile-vs-linear/), fast typing | Easy |
| Medium | All-purpose use | Moderate |
| Thick | Linear switches, noise reduction | Difficult |
Switch Type Compatibility
Not all lubes work well with all switches. Linear switches generally need thicker lube.
Tactile switches need thinner lube to keep their “bump” feeling.
Oil vs. Grease
Oil-based lubes spread easily but may need more frequent application.
Grease-based options last longer but can be harder to apply evenly.
Tip: Always test your lube on a single switch before doing your entire keyboard!
Quantity Needed
For a full-sized keyboard (104 keys), you’ll need about 3-5ml of lube. Smaller keyboards need less.
It’s better to buy a little extra than to run out mid-project.
Application Tools
Look for lubes that come with good applicators or are easy to apply with a brush. The right tools make the process much simpler.