Factory Lubed vs. Hand Lubed Switches:

Which is Better?

Mechanical keyboard enthusiasts often talk about “lubed switches” when describing smooth typing feel and reduced noise. But not all lubed switches are the same. Some switches come factory lubed by manufacturers, while others are hand lubed by hobbyists for maximum precision. So, which one should you choose?

In this guide, we’ll break down the difference, the pros and cons of each, and help you decide which option fits your needs.

What Does “Lubed” Mean in Keyboards?

Lubing switches refers to applying a thin layer of lubricant to moving parts inside the switch, such as the stem rails, spring, and housing contact points.

Why lube?

The main purpose of lubing—whether at the factory or by hand—is to enhance both feel and sound:

• Smoother keystrokes: Lubing reduces scratchiness, giving each press a buttery feel.
• Better sound profile: Depending on the lube type, the sound can shift from sharp and rattly to deeper, thockier tones.
• Reduced spring ping: Light oil on springs eliminates unwanted metallic resonance.
• Consistency across keys: Proper lubrication makes every key feel uniform, which is especially satisfying in long typing sessions.

What Are Factory Lubed Switches?

Factory lubed switches are pre-lubricated during manufacturing. Popular brands like Akko, and MonsGeek often release switches that are lightly lubed before packaging.

Advantages:

• Convenience: No tools or effort needed—just install and type.
• Consistency (at scale): Modern factories apply lube with machines or controlled brushes, reducing human error.
• Good for beginners: Ideal if you’re new and don’t want to dive into modding right away.

Drawbacks:

• Not always perfect: Some switches may feel uneven, with too much or too little lube applied.
• Limited control: You can’t choose the lubricant type or thickness.
• Less customizable: If you’re chasing a specific sound profile, factory lube might not get you all the way there.

Rosewood Switch
(factory-lubed)

What Are Hand Lubed Switches?

Hand lubed switches are individually lubricated by the user or custom builder. This involves opening the switch, applying lube with a brush or tool, and carefully tuning each part.

• Maximum precision: You decide how much lube goes where.
• Better sound tuning: Can achieve creamy smoothness or a deeper thock, depending on your preferences.
• Customization freedom: Different lubes (e.g., Krytox 205g0 for smoothness, GPL 105 oil for springs) allow fine adjustments.

Factory-lubed switches can sometimes suffer from inconsistent application but still feel better compared to non-lubed switches. Sometimes users will also lubed again to better consistency and control.

Side-by-Side Comparison

How to Lube Switches (Step by Step)

If you decide to hand-lube your switches, here’s a simple process to follow:

1. Disassemble the switch
   Use a switch opener to carefully separate the top and bottom housing without damaging the clips.
2. Lube the spring
   Apply a very light coat of oil to the spring, or use the “bag-lubing” method (placing all springs in a bag with a drop of lube and shaking gently). This helps reduce spring ping.
3. Lube the stem
   For linear switches, brush a thin layer of lube on the stem rails and legs for a smoother press.
   For tactile switches, avoid lubing the tactile bump area to preserve the intended feedback.
4. Lube the housing
   Add a small amount of lube to the points where the stem slides against the housing. Avoid over-lubing, as it can make the switch feel mushy.
5. Reassemble and test
   Snap the switch back together and test it in your board before moving on. Adjust your technique if the feel or sound isn’t what you expected.

Which One Should You Choose?

Choose Factory Lubed if:
You’re new to mechanical keyboards, want a plug-and-play smooth experience, or don’t want to spend hours modding.

Choose Hand Lubed if:
You’re an enthusiast chasing the perfect sound and feel, enjoy DIY projects, or want full control over your typing experience.

For many users, factory lubed switches (like Akko’s Creamy series) are already smooth and satisfying. But for hobbyists, hand lubing remains the gold standard for achieving a true creamy or thocky typing experience.

There’s no absolute “better” choice—it depends on your goals. Factory lubed switches make keyboards more accessible, while hand lubed switches unlock the full potential for enthusiasts.

If you’re curious, start with a factory lubed switch to experience the difference, and later try hand lubing a few switches to see if the extra effort is worth it for you.

Recommended Factory Lubed Switches

If you’d like to try factory lubed switches, here are a few solid options to start with:

Akko V5 Creamy Blue Pro Switch (factory-lubed)
Tactile bump with a refined, pre-lubed experience.

👉 Want more options? Browse our full switch collection here.

Further Reading

Want to explore more switch-related topics? Check these guides: