Lubing Akko switches involves carefully disassembling each switch, cleaning its components, and applying a thin, even layer of lubricant to specific friction points to enhance smoothness and improve sound.
Why Lube Your Akko Switches?
Lubricating your Akko mechanical switches can significantly elevate your typing or gaming experience. The primary benefits include:
- Smoother Actuation: Reduces friction between moving parts, resulting in a buttery-smooth keypress.
- Improved Sound Profile: Minimizes scratchiness and pinging sounds, leading to a deeper, more satisfying acoustic.
- Enhanced Feel: Provides a more consistent and premium feel across your entire keyboard.
Essential Tools and Materials
Before you begin, gather the following items to ensure a smooth and efficient lubing process:
- Switch Opener: Specifically designed for MX-style switches to safely open Akko switches without damage.
- Small Brush (e.g., #000 or #00 size): For precise lube application.
- Fine-Tipped Tweezers: Useful for handling small components like springs and stems.
- Lube Station (Optional but Recommended): A tray with compartments to hold switch components during disassembly.
- Keyboard Lubricant:
- Krytox GPL 205g0: Ideal for linear switches, providing a very smooth, creamy feel.
- Tribosys 3203 or 3204: Excellent for tactile switches, as they retain tactility while reducing friction.
- Krytox GPL 105 or 106: Best for springs to eliminate spring ping.
- Small Container or Tray: To keep components organized.
- Small Brush or Cotton Swab: For cleaning.
- Gloves (Optional): To keep hands clean and prevent oils from transferring to components.
- Microfiber Cloth: For general cleanup.
Step-by-Step Guide to Lubing Akko Switches
Follow these steps carefully to achieve optimal results:
1. Disassemble Your Keyboard (if needed)
If your Akko switches are installed in a hot-swappable keyboard, use a switch puller to gently remove them from the PCB. For soldered keyboards, you will need to desolder the switches first, which is a more advanced task.
2. Open Each Akko Switch
Using your switch opener, carefully pry open each Akko switch. It's usually best to start with one side, then the other. Once opened, separate the five main components:
- Top Housing
- Bottom Housing
- Stem
- Spring
- Leaf (the metal contact inside the bottom housing)
Organize these parts, ideally using a lube station, to prevent losing small components.
3. Clean the Switch Components
Before applying lubricant, ensure all parts are free of dust and debris. Use a small brush or cotton swab to gently remove dust and impurities inside the switch, especially on the stem, top housing, and bottom housing. A clean surface ensures better lube adhesion and prevents grit from causing scratchiness.
4. Lubricate the Components
This is the most crucial step. Precision and moderation are key.
- Springs:
- Method 1 (Bag Lubing): Place multiple springs in a small bag with a few drops of Krytox GPL 105 or 106. Shake gently until evenly coated. This is efficient for many switches.
- Method 2 (Brush Lubing): Lightly brush each end of the spring and a small portion of the coil with a thin layer of lube.
- Purpose: Eliminates spring ping.
- Bottom Housing:
- Apply a thin layer of lube to the rails (where the stem slides) inside the bottom housing.
- Carefully apply a very small amount to the leaf, particularly on the ramp where the stem's legs will interact with it.
- Drop an appropriate amount of keyboard lubricant on the metal contact points inside the switch.
- Purpose: Smooths actuation and sound.
- Stem:
- Lightly lube all four sides of the stem (the "legs" and the "poles").
- For tactile switches, avoid lubing the tactile legs if you wish to preserve maximum tactility. For linear switches, lube the legs.
- Lube the stem pole (the part that goes through the spring).
- Purpose: Reduces friction, enhances feel, and dampens sound.
- Top Housing:
- Apply a very thin layer of lube to the interior sides where the stem makes contact.
- Purpose: Further reduces friction and improves sound.
Important: Be careful not to drip too much to avoid the lubricant overflowing and contaminating other parts. Over-lubing can make switches feel sluggish or sticky. Less is often more.
5. Reassemble the Switches
Carefully put the switches back together in reverse order:
- Place the spring onto the stem pole.
- Insert the spring and stem into the bottom housing, ensuring the spring is seated correctly and the stem legs align with the leaf.
- Place the top housing onto the bottom housing, making sure the clips align perfectly and snap securely into place. You should hear a distinct click.
6. Test and Install
Once all switches are reassembled, gently press each one a few times to spread the lubricant and check for smooth operation. You should immediately notice a difference in feel and sound.
Finally, install your lubed Akko switches back into your keyboard.
Recommended Lubricants for Akko Switches
The choice of lubricant depends on the switch type and your personal preference.
| Lubricant Type | Consistency | Best For | Benefits | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Krytox GPL 205g0 | Creamy | Linear switches (e.g., Akko CS Jelly White) | Ultra-smooth feel, deep sound profile | Can make tactile switches feel mushy; apply sparingly. |
| Tribosys 3203 | Medium | Tactile switches (e.g., Akko CS Jelly Blue) | Preserves tactility, reduces scratchiness, good all-rounder | Lighter feel than 205g0; suitable for both linear and tactile if you prefer a less "creamy" linear. |
| Tribosys 3204 | Medium-Thick | Tactile switches, Linears | More body than 3203, still preserves tactility well. Can be used for linears. | Good balance for those who want a bit more dampening than 3203 but less than 205g0 for linears. |
| Krytox GPL 105/106 | Oil | Springs | Eliminates spring ping, easy application (bag lubing) | Not suitable for switch housings or stems due to its thin consistency. |
Pro Tips for Success
- Work in a Clean Area: A dust-free environment minimizes contamination.
- Start with a Few Switches: Lube 2-3 switches first to get a feel for the process and amount of lube needed before doing all of them.
- Watch Videos: Consult reputable YouTube tutorials on switch lubing for visual guidance. Mechanical Keyboard Lube Guide (Example link to a general guide).
- Don't Rush: Take your time; precision is more important than speed.
- Consistency is Key: Aim for an even, thin coat of lubricant on all relevant surfaces.
By following these guidelines, you can significantly improve the performance and sound of your Akko switches, enhancing your overall keyboard experience.
