Do I Need to Lube My Keyboard Switches?
Figure 1: Sometime around here is a good time to ask that question... If you’re new to the mechanical keyboard hobby, I have no doubt that planning your first keyboard build is a bit of a daunting task. To be entirely honest with you, it’s only a tiny bit less daunting for your second or even third keyboard builds should you stay around a little while longer. You’ve got the keyboard itself to worry about, stabilizers, keycaps, and even switches on top of all of the intangible marks you want your dream keyboard to hit. Switches are especially daunting right out of the gate as there’s just so many options out there to pick from – each with their own unique specifications, manufacturers, and more. Yet, in spite of all of these differences between switches, time and time again I find people always asking about lubing switches as one of their chief concerns when it comes to picking some up. With countless numbers of content creators talking about lubing switches, its no...
Apr 17, 2024
I have the 55G uniform weight, and constantly when gaming I accidentally press one of the keys. Absolutely do not buy the ergonomically weighted or 45G versions unless you are purely a typist. Also a nitpick, but the rubber feet on this keyboard are terrible and do almost nothing to keep the keyboard sliding around. Most of the Cherry keyboards I tried at least had nice grippy feet, but this one they're real lackluster on so I have to move it back every so often as it seems to slide around on my keyboard tray from being pulled out and closed. This keyboard is just unbelievably hyped for what turned out to be really mediocre. I'm utterly unimpressed with this keyboard and Topre switches.
That being said, just wondering here – have you given up on mechanical keyboards altogether? If not, I'm rather curious about which switches you perhaps have settled on…
at first glance i was searching for the sarcasm or irony tag, but their isn't one. It seems this hobby isn't meant for you, which is fine!
Only hope left, if you're not satisfied with rubberdome either, could be trying Matias switches or Buckling springs.
Would have been nice if you would have told which Cherry switches you've tried or what made you unhappy about them.
One of the main advantages of mechanical switches isn't the difference in the feeling of the typing, which might be a matter of taste. It's the consistancy of the feeling, they stay on the same level and don't wear off like rubberdomes.
I wish you luck in finding something that pleases you and you should be able to sell your Topre keyboard without great loss.
Cheers
Vistance, if you wish to part with the keyboard you have, check out Reddit at r/MechMarket -- you'll likely find interested parties quickly.
I originally thought the same thing as you about Topre... (pft just a rubber dome board) But after trying every Cherry based switch and with every possible modification you can think of (lube, stickers, etc.) I now have a whole new respect for just how awesome Topre is. It is very hard to reproduce such quality in any other type of mechanical switch. The only thing that comes close in my opinion is ergo-clear: 62g - 80g springs, lubed, and stickered on a nice thick stainless steel plate. (yes that matters... it gives it stability and a deeper sound)
But after owning these keyboards for ~5 months now I find it quite difficult to switch back to a "regular" keyboard, especially flat laptop ones. The feel grows on you. Also, do keep in mind that Topre switches seem to take about a week of use to fully "break in". Again, dunno how long you kept any of your mechanical keyboards but you really should have given it a bit more time. It's a long-term relationship :)
Others asked what did I settle on or am I using rubber domes? No, I didn't go back to rubber domes. The keyboard I liked the most was an IBM Model M with buckling springs. Didn't want to mention it because I figure the conclusion will be made I don't like the Topre because it's not clicky like the IBM, but that isn't why I dislike the Topre. The feel itself just doesn't do it for me. The Browns were closer to what I wanted, but I couldn't get rid of that slightly gritty feel when pressing the keys and it bothered me.
I had considered other options, but the ones with the kind of switches I've been told might be good are going to be hard to find vintage options that don't show up frequently. I work on a laptop for work and it has chiclet style keys (Thinkpad T430). I don't really have a problem typing on it at all. I think I got wrapped up in the idea that a mechanical keyboard was something extra that could be "upgraded" on my computer, as I saw lots of people posting about them and I think most of the people posting weren't typists and I knew quite many just bought them because of numerous other posts by people advocating the superiority of mechanical keyboards.
It's really just an interface with the computer. I feel like many people after reading their remarks, obsess over keyboards in some unhealthy way. I was intrigued by Topres since everyone who posted professed their love of them and how much they liked them better than everything else. I kept each of my mechanical keyboards for almost the 30 day return window to make sure I adjusted to the keyboard as best I could without being stuck with it. I even tried multiple different Cherry Blues/Browns. The Das Keyboard was the most disappointing of all, expensive and I hated the gloss finish (which later models did away with).
I feel like I'm supposed to be the ideal person who would champion mechanical keyboards. I type a lot, I'm a touch typist, I like nice things - yet for me, I can type just fine even on a cheap whatever keyboard. The cheap throw in keyboards often used on public computers (aside from often being disgustingly dirty) don't really impede my ability to type or make it any less enjoyable. If anything, I make more typos on my mechanical keyboards. I used the IBM Model M for many months so I had plenty of time to get used to it. I've owned this Topre for many months as well, I don't make typos or have issues often other than just the feel to me doesn't seem drastically different from the cheap "bad" keyboards it's touted as being better than.
Just wanted to offer a dissenting opinion, I'm sure there's someone else out there who has tried several different switch types and keyboards and wonders if Topre is any good but has no way to try it other than just dropping the cash to buy with no chance to return. None of my rubber dome keyboards ever suddenly became inoperative or had issues, usually just upgraded to a newer one. I used a Saitek Eclipse with the command pad for years, then switched to a Logitech G15 (I thought the screen was a cool feature). Both worked fine when I sold them off, I tried all the mech keyboards and then the last one was the Topre. I would have returned if they didn't disallow returns, mostly I just don't think it's worth the high price tag.
Keyboard collecting is unhealthy like collecting every other thing. I just told my wife that i find her behaviour of collecting shoes might be unhealthy. I guess no (satisf) action for the next weeks, i might get out of trouble gifting her some new shoes :-)
Have had the same experience with MX Browns as you have – really like them except for that slight grittiness. MX Clears I think are quite nice once you realize you don't need to bottom out on them. I've only tried Topres briefly, and was not initially that impressed, but many people say they grow on you with time. Well, and then there's the whole 45-gram versus 55-gram thing…
Anyway, thanks for taking the time to provide some food for thought!
And you're not alone. There's plenty of people who've tried Topre and cannot figure out how they're any better than your typical rubber dome keyboard, and they'll often say that quite loudly and repeatedly. When you consider the fact that the mechanical keyboard community is full of practically religious zealots, you can probably imagine the kind of toxic arguments that follow. It's a touchy subject for many I suppose.. perhaps it has something to do with the expense involved.
So again, thanks for sharing your thoughts + experiences in an open and honest manner. No one here will judge you for your opinions on Topre.. well, I'll try not to anyways :)