Saw these 2 bottles of WD-40 while shopping for some other stuff at the local hardware store. Was wondering if any of them are safe to be used as switch lube?


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Thanks for your insights, finally something more usable compared to the FB group. I don't plan to spray the lubricants on, but more like, wondering if it's suitable. My technique, if they are suitable, would be something I learn from Spray Painting spray cans, that is, to spray them into a container, then use a brush or applicator to apply them onto the areas needed instead. Just worried that they ain't exactly plastic safe, coz they aren't cheap, around RM30/can.

How so? Just because of the name "WD40"? It's NOT the regular Mineral Oil ones, the thing that raised my curiosity was the "PTFE"

It is supposed to dry quickly, and leave behind a film of PTFE. Yes, it's cheaper than the Krytox, but more importantly, easily obtainable, if it works, that is.


Thanks for the link. Had gone thru the album, but just feel that none of the items are any easily obtained in Malaysia, which is why I'm searching for alternatives as I can't really wait for the lub to arrive before assembling my set. Which is why the search for alternatives.

Mind if I ask where did you get the Krytox 105 from? Online order I suppose? I agree the part where you said "cheap lubes do work, but less optimal (and might need re-application)"

Oh.. So you went to try it out at Ace Hardware just now? Thanks for letting me know. It seems that further reading does indicate that dry lube does wear out over time and hence needing to re-applying.

Care to link me on those Taobao Krytox? Gonna get some stuff anything, might as well ship it along.

iKBC C87's keycaps are not double-shot. They are laser-etched, but, considering the price of RM229(TKL) and RM249(Full 104 keys), I think it's pretty difficult to find anything else that gives equal value if you don't mind the lack of lighting.

As for Ducky, stay away from the "Zero" series. At the very least get the "One".

The iKBC C87 is super value buy at the moment at RM229.

Tecware Phantom's "Hot Swappable" design is only meant for Outemu switches if you're looking for a direct fit. Outemu switches have thinner pins and those "hot swap" sockets do not fit the slightly larger pin diameter shared by Cherry, Kailh, and Gateron. If you plan to use other brands' stem and spring, you'll have to re-use the Outemu switch housings.

Only those recent "hot swap" keyboards that uses the Kailh hot-swap PCB mount sockets can fit all range of switches as those come with spring-clamp sockets.

Shouldn't be an issue, but I would recommend getting some old broken electronics to practice on first if this is the first time you're actually doing any soldering.

For the price, I'm not sure if you can get a similar kit from Jalan Pasar(if you live around KL and surrounding areas) instead of ordering online.

Been a while since I've been there. While I won't spend much on a soldering iron, I still believe that a decent one with a lasting heater core and replaceable tips is a good one to go. Personally am using Hakko for the normal soldering irons but I've since upgraded to a TS-100 microchip controlled one.

Really depends on what your want out of the set. As for desoldering pump, try to get one with a flexible tip (soft yet doesn't get burnt) and also big sized yet still manageable single handedly. Unless you get something like the Engineer SS-02 which costs around RM100+, most basic desoldering pump has the concept of "bigger size, bigger suction volume", the flexible tip also helps in making sure the suction on the desoldering area is good and manages to suck it all out in one go.

Oh yeah, kinda reminded me that with inexperience, overheating the area plus high power sucker will damage the pad.

Nah.. I mean, I had forgotten about this point to take note off, granted, I'm now using a desoldering station to do all these desoldering work.

Already swapping out the keycaps so soon?

Nope, non-backlit but comes with PBT keycaps.

I do offer switch replacement service. Am located in Puchong.

The "easiest" way, is to buy one where someone built and moved on (to other switches), but, I don't seem to see that happening, not in the Malaysian market. So, in Malaysia, the easiest way, is still, to build one of your own.

Tecware Phantom (full 104 keys) can be bought for less than RM219. If you have the budget, the iKBC is definitely a worthy buy. While the Tecware Phantom is cheaper and might seemed to be dissed upon by some people, with some minor tweaks, it can be quite a decent keyboard. Tweaks including lubing the switches (only for the brown and red models, that's the wonders of a "modular" board where you can remove the switches without any soldering/desoldering required), clipping and lubing the stabilisers (for less noise as well as less mushy feeling stabilised keys) and also adding some foam into the casing to make the keyboard sound less hollow when typing.

Basically:
- Lube switches
- Clip, lube and band aid stabilisers
- Adding foam to casing

Budgeting around RM20-50 depending on what kind of lube you use.

I have exactly that, a "ghetto modded" Tecware Phantom I bought as scrap to use in the office.

I wouldn't mind swapping the black x black caps if I have a FC660C since I don't look at the keyboard while typing, but I don't have one!

I do have a set of thick (1.3mm) Dye-sub PBT keycaps (however, they aren't "shine-thru" if you have a backlit keyboard) on sale here if you're interested: https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/159039388312777

Am asking for RM125, but if you do meet me in Puchong, I might be able to offer a slightly better pricing.

This post has been edited by GRexer: Jan 21 2019, 11:21 PM


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Haha.. No longer working in town. Full time in Puchong for now. Offering repair/assembly services for keyboard and mouse nowadays to stay afloat.

I think kbdfans do offer a similar colour scheme but this set is not from them. Seri Kembangan is kinda a stone's throw from my side of Puchong and I do occasionally head over on weekends. Could still work out something if you're seriously interested.

Can only think of the Vortex ViBE if you are referring to EXACTLY 60% + numpad configuration. However, the Zer0 key is divided into 00 and 0.



Personally though, I use a custom built 60% with a separate wireless numpad (the latest Magicforce 21 has a wireless option but no backlit, obviously).

This post has been edited by GRexer: Mar 24 2019, 12:07 AM

Yes, it's an updated Magicforce Smart 21(which used to be a wired option). Uses it's own proprietary 2.4GHz and runs on 2 x AAA batteries. Not sure about local availability, got it off Taobao, all in cost should be around RM100+ (below RM150) for Gateron switch model, there's also a Cherry switch offering. The numlock runs independently/separately from your main keyboard too. I do have an extra Gateron Red with ABS caps one if you're interested.