How to Lubricate a Topre Space Bar Stabilizer

Are you looking to enhance the performance and sound of your keyboard? Today, I'll walk you through my process of lubricating a Topre space bar stabilizer.

Preparation

The first thing you need to know is that the left and right stabilizers are identical, so the procedure for each will be the same. Ensure you have your stabilizer disassembled, and that you have your Krytox 206g2 lube ready in a syringe for easy application.

Applying the Lube

You'll see a C-shaped shelf on each of your stabilizers. Your goal is to fill this completely with lube. Picture it like you're stuffing a cannoli full of ricotta cream. You want to make sure your 'customer' (in this case, the stabilizer) is not let down.

Don't feel like you're overdoing it with the lube. The only issue you want to avoid is getting any lube where the plunger slides up and down. This is why I prefer to use a syringe - it allows for precise application.

Now, let's say we're working on the left stabilizer. Fill the entire area right on the C-shape with your lube. It's like a generous chef filling up a cannoli shell. Once that's done, the bar goes in.

After Installation

Even after installing the bar, there's a bit more to do. Take your syringe and apply some more grease to the back of the bar where it displaced all of it. For good measure, you can also top it off at the end of the bar.

It's okay if you're a bit of a perfectionist here, much like welders who take pride in their welding aesthetics. After all, even if it's just applying lube, you might as well do it right.

Troubleshooting

Now, this process should eliminate any stabilizer bar tick or other anomalies about 24 out of 25 times. However, there are the odd boards where the spacebar starts ticking on one side after a day, despite doing everything just as I've explained here.

In those instances, I'm unsure of the exact cause. If there's anyone with suggestions on how to improve this, I'm all ears. I suppose one could cover the bar more, or try using a heat shrink tube. However, in my experience, the latter doesn't do anything. It's all about the lube.

And so, with that generous application of 206g2 lube as I've shown you here, you should be able to enjoy a perfectly silenced Topre spacebar.