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Can You Use WD40 on a Computer Keyboard? [No, Here’s Why]

Whether you are an intense gamer or your job involves pressing the keys vigorously, one thing that’s inevitable is the keys freezing!

There can be a lot of other factors, including debris build-up around the keycaps that prevents you from pressing the keys, and thus the commands do not get registered.

Can you use WD40 on a computer keyboard?

No, you should avoid using WD40 to lubricate the switches and the key caps on any keyboard. WD40 is a low-viscosity lubricant that does not evaporate easily, and using it will ruin the entire keyboard.

If not WD40, what can you use to make the keys function properly? Well, there are some good silicone-based lubricants that you can use to keep the keyboard in good condition.

Below, in this article, we’ve mentioned some effective ways to fix the freezing key issue and make your computer keyboard work smoothly.

Keep reading to get all the answers you’ve been looking for.

Let’s begin!

Contents

Why You Cannot Use WD40 on a Computer Keyboard?

In the first place, WD40 is not a lubricant designed to grease the keys. The reason why you cannot lubricate the switches with this solution is the low viscosity.

When you spray WD40 on a bare keyboard, the solution is prone to entering the electronics, damaging the entire keyboard.

Even if you protect the electronics and spray the lubricant carefully on the switches, there is a chance that the solution will dry out quickly, leaving residue behind.

This residue will then result in a rattling sound, and you won’t be able to press the keys smoothly.

Just watch the video below:

WD40 can do bad to the keyboard rather than doing anything good to it.

Conversely, WD40 works very well on a motherboard, if you clean it carefully.

What Can I Use to Lube my Keyboard Instead of WD-40?

Can I really lube a computer keyboard?

Well, yes, you can lube a computer keyboard as it helps the switches work smoothly while reducing friction. Moreover, the keys get quieter, and it certainly improves your typing experience.

hand who clean the keyboard with a special sponge

We PC experts call this process greasing, and it is essential to grease or lube the keyboard occasionally to keep it working perfectly.

But what can you use to grease the keyboard?

Can you oil a keyboard?

What are some keyboard lube alternatives to olive oil?

Oil is not good for the keyboard, so you should avoid using any type of oil to grease the keys. Below, I’ve listed some good options that don’t damage the keyboard.

Dielectric Grease

Dielectric grease is a specially designed product you can use on a computer keyboard.

These greases contain silicone and other ingredients that increase the viscosity and prevent the grease from seeping inside the electricals.

Note: There are plenty of brands out there with a range of dielectric greases, make sure to choose a reputed product with positive customer reviews. 

Vaseline

You have to be very cautious when using Vaseline to lube a keyboard. Or, it should be your last choice, in case there isn’t anything available, and you want to silence those noisy switches.

The biggest advantage of using Vaseline is its viscosity. It stays in place and offers ultimate lubrication for the switch to slide properly.

However, it contains petroleum, which can damage the switch mechanism used regularly.

Oil Lubricants

Oil lubes also have low viscosity like WD-40, so you have to be very careful when applying them to the mechanical switches.

pouring engine oil from its plastic container

It would be great to use a dropper to apply small amounts of lube to make the switch work smoothly.

How to Lube a Computer Keyboard:  A Step-by-step Guide

At Maximum Tech, we want you to lubricate the computer keyboard properly in order to make the switches work freely and smoothly.

Thus, we have curated some steps to lube the computer keyboard by protecting it from any possible damages or issues.

#1 Remove the Keycaps

The switches are under the keycaps, so you need to remove the keycaps first in order to lubricate the keyboard.

Keyboard with removed keycaps

#2 Clean the Chassis

By chassis, we mean the frame of the computer keyboard that holds the mechanical switches in place.

Not cleaning the chassis can result in the accumulation of debris as you spray lube over the switches. Use any soft cloth or a soft-bristle brush to clean it thoroughly.

#3 Open the Switches

The switches come in a plastic housing called the Cherry case, and it safeguards the spring mechanism when you tap the keys vigorously.

You’ll need a switch opener to open the casing gently. Or you can also use a screwdriver, but be sure not to damage the casing while opening it.

#4 Lubricate the Switches

We recommend using canned lubricants as they help you target the switches you want. If all switches do not need lubrication, do not lubricate them and just target the problematic ones.

Spray the lube carefully so that it doesn’t bounce back on you and stays in place around the mechanical switch.

#5 Assemble the Keyboard and Test

Let the lubricant dry for around 5-10 minutes, and then assemble the keyboard. We also recommend pressing the switches to check if they are working fine before you put the keycaps back.

Hands typing with white keyboard

Assemble the keyboard, and you can test it out. Make sure to clean the keys regularly so that no debris or dust accumulates around the keycaps.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does WD-40 damage the electronics of the keyboard?

WD-40 is a non-conductive lubricant, so it does not directly damage the electronics. But when used on a computer keyboard, the lubricant results in the accumulation of debris which makes it hard to press the keycaps.
However, if sprayed directly on the electronics in higher amounts, WD-40 can damage the electronics making the keyboard malfunction.

How Often should you lubricate the keyboard?

There’s no rule of thumb when it comes to lubricating the keyboard. You should only do it when it is an absolute necessity. Also, avoid lubricating the keys that are working properly.

What to look for in a keyboard lubricant?

When choosing a keyboard lubricant, there are a few things to take into consideration. These include the viscosity and the compatibility. Only choose a lube that is compatible with your keyboard switch, and then look for its viscosity.
Lubricants with high viscosity are easy to apply and offer maximum lubrication. On the other hand, thin lubricants dry out quickly and evenly reach the crevices of the keyboard switches.

Does lubricating computer keyboards make the switches quieter?

Yes, but up to some extent only. The noise of the switch depends on its type. Some switches are quieter, whereas some have a poppy noise due to the spring mechanism. Lubricating the keyboard will help reduce the noise and make the keys smoother.

What To Do if I have used WD-40 on my computer keyboard?

If you have sprayed Wd-40 on the keyboard, it would be great to clean it immediately. Use a soft cloth, and clean the lube properly. Also, make sure no dust settles on the solution, as it may harden as the lubricant dries. Once cleaned, let the leftover dry, and assemble the keyboard.