Has your keyboard gotten to a point where typing is getting unbearable due to sticky keys?
Or maybe even just one key is stuck and you often think you’ve pressed it, only to have to go back and re-enter that letter or command?
You may have already tried several options to fix your stuck key(s).
But can you use WD40 to free up your stuck keyboard switches?
What are keyboard switches?
First things first, what is a keyboard switch?
Keyboard switch is the generic term for the device inside your keyboard that translates each key press into an electrical signal.
Keyboard switches are simply the mechanisms underneath the keycaps on a mechanical keyboard.
These register that the key has been pressed and sends that message to your computer, laptop, smart device, etc. They are made up of metal contacts that make the sound you hear when typing.
Can you use WD40 on keyboard switches to loosen them?
The quick and simple answer is always “No” because WD40 is a low viscosity lubricant which means it’s lightweight and dries out relatively quickly.
While it does leave a protective waterproof barrier behind it after it’s been applied, it doesn’t have long-term lubrication qualities.
So, while WD40 might get rid of that sticky key problem for a few weeks it’s not a permanent solution.
Which makes it a waste of time and effort unless you enjoy constantly having to dismantle your favorite keyboard.
What can you use to lube your keyboard?
The first thing we want to share here is this: You shouldn’t need to lube your mechanical keyboard if its brand new.
That was done in the factory for you. So if you’ve just taken your shiny new keyboard out of the box and found that some of the keys are stuck, then do yourself a favour and return it now. Trying to lube it yourself might invalidate the warranty.
Read on however if you’ve had the keyboard for a while, and are constantly eating cookies and soda over it.
The best option for loosening stuck keys on your computer’s keyboard is always a good keyboard lubricant.
But these are actually more like a very lightweight grease than a traditional oil.
They’re also best applied with a brush, so it’s not just a squirt-and-go fix you’re dealing with.
You can find and use either oil or grease based lubricants. Oil lubricants are easier to use, and you can lubricate all of the springs from your keyboard at once. However, grease lubricants last much longer.
Something like this lube should work well for your sticky keyboard needs, or you can go the whole hog and get a lube kit instead.
Wrapping things up
So what you learned today is that not everything can be fixed with either a roll of duct tape or a can of WD40.
In fact, you should never use WD40 to lube keyboard switches.
You don’t want to make a mistake with a “quick fix” that can just worsen the problem.
It is a also a good idea to refrain from eating or drinking around your electronics at all.
Good luck getting those keys unstuck!
