The YIMAGUJRX GPL 205 G0 and GPL 105 set is the best switch lubricant choice for most keyboard builders in this group because it includes both products a typical lube job calls for: a thick grease for switch stems and housings, and a thin oil for springs. Switch lube is a specialty grease or oil applied to the moving parts of a mechanical switch to reduce friction and scratchiness. If you only want one jar, the single-grade GPL 205 G0 options are simpler, and the kit listings add tools for beginners.
Our Top Picks
Top 3 picks at a glance
Quick List
- RUNJRX JRX-205 G0 kit – best for beginners who want lube plus a switch opener and tweezers
- HONKID GPL 205G0 – best for a small, single-purpose jar of grease
- YIMAGUJRX GPL 205 G0 + GPL 105 – best for lubing both switches and springs
- Generic GPL 205g0 keyboard lube – best for Cherry MX-style switches and stabilizers on a tight budget
- RunJRX 32-switch lube station kit – best for a full tool set with a holding tray
- Glorious G-Lube – best for a synthetic grease from a known peripheral brand
Which One Is Right for You?
| If you… | Choose |
|---|---|
| want to lube both stems and springs in one purchase | YIMAGUJRX GPL 205 G0 + GPL 105 |
| have never opened a switch and need the tools | RunJRX 32-switch lube station kit |
| want a smaller kit with an opener and tweezers | RUNJRX JRX-205 G0 kit |
| only need one jar of grease and already own tools | HONKID GPL 205G0 |
| prefer a recognizable peripheral brand | Glorious G-Lube |
| want the lowest-effort jar for Cherry MX-style switches | Generic GPL 205g0 |
The deciding factors are whether you already own a switch opener, brush and tweezers, and whether you plan to lube springs. Pure lube jars are cheaper in effort and cost, while kits add the tools that are hard to improvise.
All 6 Picks in Detail
1. RUNJRX JRX-205 G0 kit – Best for beginners who need an opener
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This kit pairs 15 grams (0.53 ounces) of JRX-205 G0 switch lube with a switch opener and tweezers, according to the listing. It targets custom keyboard builders who have not yet bought tools, and the 15 gram jar is larger than the 10 gram jars elsewhere in this list.
The product is a GPL 205 G0 style grease sold under the RunJRX name, so the application advice is the same as for other 205 G0 products: a thin layer on the stem and housing rails of linear switches, never a blob. Check the full listing for which opener fits which switch type.
Most beginners underestimate how fiddly it is to open a switch without bending the clips, which is why the bundled opener matters. If your switches are hot-swap, you can pull them with a puller and work at a desk. If they are soldered, you will need a different approach, such as opening them on the board, which is awkward.
- 15 g (0.53 oz) of JRX-205 G0 grease
- Includes a switch opener and tweezers
- Designed for custom mechanical keyboards
- Switch compatibility of the opener: confirm on listing
- Brush included: confirm on listing
- Stabilizer use: confirm on listing
Pros
- Larger jar than the 10 g options
- Includes the opener most beginners lack
Cons
- No spring oil in the listing
- Tool fit depends on your switches
It is simpler than the 32-switch station kit but offers fewer tools.
2. HONKID GPL 205G0 – Best for a small single-purpose jar
The HONKID listing is a 0.35 ounce (about 10 gram) container of GPL 205G0 for switches, keycaps and stabilizers. It suits anyone who already has a switch opener, tweezers and a brush and just needs more grease for another keyboard.
The listing title mentions keycap and stabilizer use. Treat that as general advice: stabilizer wires often perform better with a thicker dielectric grease, so use 205 G0 sparingly there and check stabilizer guides. A single small jar is enough for several thin-layer lube jobs.
The small size also makes it a sensible refill for a toolkit you already own. If you lube only a few boards a year, one jar will last a long time. For a full job including springs, plan to buy a spring oil separately or choose the YIMAGUJRX set instead.
- 0.35 oz container as stated in the listing title
- GPL 205G0 grade
- Intended for switches, stabilizers and keycaps
- No tools stated in the title
- Exact grease source: confirm on listing
- Applicator included: confirm on listing
Pros
- Simple, focused product
- Right grade for linear switch stems
Cons
- No tools or spring oil
- Smaller than the RUNJRX jar
It is plainer than the YIMAGUJRX set, which adds a second lubricant for springs.
3. YIMAGUJRX GPL 205 G0 + GPL 105 – Best for switches and springs together
This listing contains two lubricants: GPL 205 G0 grease and GPL 105 oil, each in a 10 gram (0.35 ounce) container. It suits anyone who plans a full lube, since 205 G0 is used on stems and housings and 105 is used on springs to reduce spring ping.
The two products work differently. The 205 G0 is a thick grease that builds a smooth layer on plastic rails, while the 105 is a thin oil that coats a spring without adding noticeable weight. That pairing is why this set is the best fit for people who want a complete, quiet result.
Applying the oil is the easy part: a few drops in a small bag with the springs, a gentle shake or massage, and a rest on a paper towel to drain excess. The grease goes on the switch with a brush after the switch is open. That workflow takes longer than lubing only stems, but the springs are a frequent source of ping on a bare board.
- GPL 205 G0 grease, 10 g (0.35 oz)
- GPL 105 oil, 10 g (0.35 oz)
- Designed for switches and springs
- Applicators and tools: confirm on listing
- Stabilizer use: confirm on listing
- Pack count and exact brand source: confirm on listing
Pros
- Covers both springs and stems
- Thin oil avoids heavy spring resistance
Cons
- Two products means more steps
- No opener or tools in the listing title
It does more than the HONKID jar, but the RunJRX station kit includes the tools.
4. Generic GPL 205g0 keyboard lube – Best budget jar for Cherry MX-style switches
This listing names GPL 205g0 switch lube grease for mechanical keyboards, with Cherry MX switches, stabilizers and reduced clicking sound mentioned in the title. It suits users who want a lube jar without extras for a Cherry MX-style board.
The title does not state the amount, tool list or brand source. That is a reason to read the full listing before buying, especially if you want to know how many switches the jar covers. Reducing click sound is a general effect of lubing, but results depend on switch type and how much you apply.
Without a stated amount, the practical approach is to read the product page, check recent buyer questions and compare it with the other jars here. It is the type of listing where a vendor’s photo or a brand name would help, but neither is in the title. It still matches the grade most builders recommend for linear stems.
- GPL 205g0 grade in the title
- Marketed for Cherry MX-style switches
- Marketed for stabilizers
- Amount: confirm on listing
- Tools included: confirm on listing
- Brush or applicator: confirm on listing
Pros
- Right grade for linear stems
- Straightforward, single-purpose product
Cons
- Few specifications stated
- No spring oil or tools
It is similar to the HONKID but gives less stated detail.
5. RunJRX 32-switch lube station kit – Best for a full tool set
This is the most complete tool set here: a 32-switch acrylic lube station, a switch opener, a switch puller, a keycap puller, switch lube and other tools in a 12-piece set, according to the listing. It suits first-time modders who want everything in one box.
The station holds up to 32 switches during lubing, which helps organize batches. The lube type and amount are not clear from the listing title, so confirm the grade and quantity before assuming it covers a full board.
Even with a good kit, the process is slow: you open each switch, lube the stem and housing, reassemble and return it to the board. The tray keeps the parts from rolling off the desk, which is the main advantage for beginners. Check which switch opener sizes are included, since openers are made for specific switch footprints.
- 12-piece kit with an acrylic lube station for 32 switches
- Switch opener and switch puller
- Keycap puller
- Switch lube included; grade: confirm on listing
- Brush and tweezers: confirm on listing
- Switch compatibility of the opener: confirm on listing
Pros
- Holds switches in organized batches
- Includes most basic modding tools
Cons
- Lube details are limited
- May include tools you already own
It is the opposite of the plain jars, with more tools than any other kit.
6. Glorious G-Lube – Best for a synthetic grease from a known brand
The G-Lube from Glorious is described as a synthetic grease that works on plastics and metals, stable from negative 50 to 130 degrees Celsius. The listing also says one container covers a large number of parts. It suits builders who want a branded product and a wide temperature range.
Because the listing does not name a Krytox-style grade, it may feel different from GPL 205 G0. Treat it as a separate product, try it on a few switches first, and compare the feel before you apply it everywhere.
Because it works on both plastics and metals, it can be used on stabilizer wires as well as stems, though results depend on the thickness. A branded product may be easier to find again when you need a refill. If you already have a favorite 205 G0 feel, stick to that grade for consistency across boards.
- Synthetic grease for plastic and metal parts
- Rated stable from -50 to 130 degrees Celsius
- Listing says one container covers up to about 500 components
- Viscosity and base: confirm on listing
- Applicator: confirm on listing
- Best use on stabilizers versus stems: confirm on listing
Pros
- Brand with wide peripheral availability
- Works on both plastic and metal
Cons
- Grade and viscosity are not stated in the title
- No tools or spring oil
Unlike the 205 G0 jars, it does not name a known switch-lube grade.
Specs Compared
| Model | Lube type | Amount | Included tools | Spring oil | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RUNJRX JRX-205 G0 kit | JRX-205 G0 grease | 15 g (0.53 oz) | Switch opener, tweezers | No | Beginner kit |
| HONKID GPL 205G0 | GPL 205G0 grease | 0.35 oz | None stated | No | Switches, keycaps, stabilizers |
| YIMAGUJRX 205 G0 + 105 | Grease and oil | 10 g each | Confirm on listing | Yes (GPL 105) | Switches and springs |
| Generic GPL 205g0 | GPL 205g0 grease | Confirm on listing | Confirm on listing | No | Cherry MX-style, stabilizers |
| RunJRX 32-switch station kit | Switch lube (grade: confirm on listing) | Confirm on listing | Station, opener, switch puller, keycap puller | Confirm on listing | 12-piece set |
| Glorious G-Lube | Synthetic grease | Confirm on listing | None stated | No | -50 to 130 C stability |
How We Chose These
We started with the six lubricant listings in the current catalog set and read the listing titles alongside published guides to switch lubrication from keyboard hobby sources and retailers. We favored clear grade names, stated amounts and a plain list of included tools, and we treated vague claims about quietness with caution. Where a listing did not state an amount, a brush or a lube grade, we marked it to confirm on the product page. We did not lube a keyboard ourselves for this guide, and the application advice comes from published hobbyist guidance.
What to Look For
Grease versus oil, and what GPL 205 G0 and GPL 105 mean
GPL 205 G0 is a thick grease, popular for linear switch stems and housing rails because it stays in place and smooths the slide. GPL 105 is a thin oil, used on springs because it coats evenly without adding resistance. Only the G0 grade belongs in a switch; thicker grades such as 205 G2 add drag. Do not use household oils or silicone sprays, which can creep or attract dust and damage plastics.
Switch type matters
Linear switches benefit the most because the stem slides along rails with no bump. Tactile and clicky switches have bumps or click bars, and heavy lube on those parts dulls the feel or changes the sound. If you own tactile switches, lube only the stem rails lightly, or skip the stem entirely and treat the springs and housing sides. Try one switch before opening the whole board.
Application and amount
Use a small brush and a very thin layer, enough to make the surface look wet but not to leave a visible blob. Over-lubing causes sluggish returns and can leak onto the circuit board, where it may interfere with contacts. Wipe away excess with a clean lint-free cloth. A vendor-style guide suggests a few ml covers several hundred switches when applied thinly, so a 10 gram jar is ample for a single board.
Tools and batch size
You need a switch opener that matches your switch type, tweezers or a puller to remove switches, and a way to hold open switches. Here is a worked example: a full-size board has 104 switches and, as a rule, one spring per switch. A 32-switch lube station handles a batch at a time, so 104 switches takes about four batches, with the last one only partly full. Oil for springs is used by the drop, with a few drops per hundred springs described in hobby guides.
Brush, container and cleanliness
A small, soft brush makes the difference between a thin layer and a mess. Sizes 0 to 00 are popular among hobbyists, but a clean fine-tip brush of any kind works. Keep a separate brush for oil and grease, and store the lube jars closed so dust does not get in. A tray, a lint-free cloth and good lighting help you spot where the grease has gone.
Stabilizers
Stabilizers are the most common source of rattle on larger keys. Sources disagree on the best product: some use 205 G0 on the housings and stems and a thicker dielectric grease on the wire ends, while others prefer a thin oil for the wire. Pick one approach and apply it lightly. The listings here that mention stabilizers should be treated as suggestions, not guarantees.
Hot-swap versus soldered boards
Hot-swap boards let you pull switches with a puller and put them back, so lubing is a matter of patience. Soldered boards require desoldering each switch, which needs a soldering iron and practice, or you can open the switches while they are still on the board, which is awkward and risky for the contacts. If you are new, a hot-swap board is the easiest place to learn. Count your switches first so you know how many batches to plan.
Safety and cleanliness
Lubricants are for keyboards, not skin. Keep them away from food, children and pets, wash your hands afterward, and work on a clean surface with good lighting. Do not apply lube to the electrical contacts of a switch.
Questions
Which lube is best for linear switches?
A thin layer of GPL 205 G0 grease is the most commonly recommended choice for stems and housing rails. Pair it with a light oil on the springs if you want to cut spring noise.
Can I lube tactile switches?
Yes, but with care. Avoid the tactile bump and click bar, and use only a thin film on the rails, because heavy grease reduces the tactile feedback.
Does the keyboard have to be desoldered first?
Not if it is hot-swappable, since you can pull switches out. Soldered boards require desoldering to remove switches, which is harder for beginners. Some switch openers also work without removing the switch, but it is more awkward.
How much lube do I need?
For one board, a 10 gram jar is usually plenty if applied thinly. Spring oil is used in very small amounts, and the exact quantity depends on how many springs you treat.
Will lubing make my keyboard quieter?
It usually reduces scratchiness and some rattle, but the effect depends on the switches, case and keycaps. Stabilizers and the case often matter as much as the switch itself.
Is the Glorious G-Lube the same as Krytox?
The listing describes G-Lube as a synthetic grease and does not name a Krytox grade. Treat it as a different product and confirm the details on the listing.
Update History
- October 20, 2026 – Initial publication; product set drawn from current catalog listings.
- Check the product page for current specifications and availability before buying.
Sources
- Retailer listing titles and specification fields for RunJRX, YIMAGUJRX, HONKID and Glorious products
- Published keyboard-hobby guides to GPL 205 G0 and GPL 105 lubricants
- Manufacturer information for the Glorious G-Lube
