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Lubing Alps

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Lubing Alps

Posted: 14 Aug 2020, 05:25
by -Space-NATO-
~ Lubing ALPS Help ~

Hello everyone!! Okey here is the thing, i'm restoring some orange alps and some cream damped alps, both are like 6.5/10. Some keys bind but most don't bind at all. The keyboard are quite dirty, they certainly need a thorough cleaning.
After reading and reading and reading there seems to be no ideal lube that everyone consensus on.
Overall I've found 3 candidates. (out of a lot)

  • Dry PTFE
  • WS2 Powder
  • Silicone Grease

Where I live and under Covid circumstances I can get my hands on these WD 40 "Specialist" sprays and some silicone greases.


Do you guys recommend any of those? Did you try any of those and what are your conclusions?
I know there are surely better options for what i've listed above, but those are the ones I can purchase right now.

Any help is appreciated! Thank you very much!

Re: Lubing Alps

Posted: 14 Aug 2020, 14:54
by fohat
You definitely want a dry lube - anything else will collect dust. That said, a thicker grease is good for stabilizers.

Re: Lubing Alps

Posted: 14 Aug 2020, 15:46
by ddrfraser1
Yikes really? I tried ptfe powder and will never do it again. It ruined the feel on my switches. I swear by 1514 VPF oil

Re: Lubing Alps

Posted: 14 Aug 2020, 16:32
by ZedTheMan
If you're looking for a dry lube, try R0-59 ym KT. You can buy it at ringkeys if you're in the US, but seeing you're in argentina that's unfortunately not viable. Best dry lube I've seen for alps at this point, at least for linears. (Apply to both slider and housing)
Be careful using lubes on alps in general. Try a good clean first and foremost (not removing existing lubricant remains if it's the early alps that has it). Which alps are you using?

Re: Lubing Alps

Posted: 14 Aug 2020, 17:48
by -Space-NATO-
Spoiler:
fohat wrote: 14 Aug 2020, 14:54 You definitely want a dry lube - anything else will collect dust. That said, a thicker grease is good for stabilizers.

Thanks! diddnt know that about the stabilizers!

Spoiler:
ddrfraser1 wrote: 14 Aug 2020, 15:46 Yikes really? I tried ptfe powder and will never do it again. It ruined the feel on my switches. I swear by 1514 VPF oil

Thats what i've read but surely i'm wrong, either way i'm going to try some dry lube.

Spoiler:
ZedTheMan wrote: 14 Aug 2020, 16:32 If you're looking for a dry lube, try R0-59 ym KT. You can buy it at ringkeys if you're in the US, but seeing you're in argentina that's unfortunately not viable. Best dry lube I've seen for alps at this point, at least for linears. (Apply to both slider and housing)
Be careful using lubes on alps in general. Try a good clean first and foremost (not removing existing lubricant remains if it's the early alps that has it). Which alps are you using?

Orange and cream damped alps also some white ones that are getting dirty in a shelf. I've read that orange alps got some factory applied lube but cream damped alps don't. I haven't opened neither yet. I've found this dry lube, ill test drive one of each and compare them with the dirty ones. Will update later!

Spoiler:
Image

Thanks for all the replies!

Re: Lubing Alps

Posted: 14 Aug 2020, 22:34
by fohat
-Space-NATO- wrote: 14 Aug 2020, 17:48
Thanks! didn't know that about the stabilizers!
I have been using this for years with great results, but I am almost out and don't know where to get more.

https://us.amazon.com/EliteKeyboards-Me ... B00CZIZBTK

Re: Lubing Alps

Posted: 14 Aug 2020, 23:29
by ddrfraser1
fohat wrote: 14 Aug 2020, 22:34
-Space-NATO- wrote: 14 Aug 2020, 17:48
Thanks! didn't know that about the stabilizers!
I have been using this for years with great results, but I am almost out and don't know where to get more.

https://us.amazon.com/EliteKeyboards-Me ... B00CZIZBTK
I think WASD has it.
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