The Ultimate Guide to Lubing Your PCB for Electro Capacitive Keyboards

Hello, keyboard enthusiasts! This is BuddyOG from Unreal Keyboards, and today, I'm going to walk you through a unique process: lubing your PCB (Printed Circuit Board). Yes, you read that right! This guide is specifically designed for electro capacitive keyboards, and it's a shortcut to individually lubing the conical springs with Krytox 105.

Why Lube Your PCB?

The primary purpose of lubing your PCB is to enhance eliminate the noise made by the conical springs as they are actuated, ofter referred to as "spring crunch". This process saves you the hassle of having to buy a separate lubricant for the conical springs. It's a simple yet effective way to improve the feel and sound of your keyboard.

Choosing the Right Lube

I usually start with a five milliliter vial of TriboSys 3203. However, you have the flexibility to choose other lubes like TriboSys 3204, Krytox 205g0 or even 206g2, depending what you have available. Keep in mind that 206g2 is more viscous and a bit tougher to spread compared to 205g0. It's important to note that any silicone based grease will deform stock topre domes and they should never be used in conjunction.

The Lubing Process

To start, take a small amount of lube on your finger. Your first goal is to distribute it equally across the board. I prefer to do this by row, ensuring that each section gets an adequate amount of lube.

One of the advantages of using TriboSys 3203 is its visibility despite its thinness. Unlike Krytox 205g0, which gives a very translucent coat when applied thinly, TriboSys 3203, despite being thinner, is less transparent. This makes it easier to see how much you've applied.

After you've applied the lube, your next goal is to spread it as evenly as possible across the board. You want to avoid high and low spots to ensure a uniform layer of lube.

Determining the Right Amount

The amount of lube you apply can vary based on your preference. Aim for as thin as possible and work from there. Be careful not to overlube your PCB or you will have keys that will not register until you remove the excess lube.

Alternate Options

If you're not comfortable with this method, or if you feel that it's not working for you, there's always the option to lube the conical springs directly. It's a more traditional approach, but it's equally effective.

I hope this guide helps you in your quest for the perfect keyboard experience. Remember, the goal is to enhance your keyboard's performance and make typing a more enjoyable experience. Happy lubing!