Written by Elizabeth · Published June 28, 2023
Reviewed & Updated by Olivia · Updated on July 27, 2026
⚡ Quick answer
To film a switch, open it, drop a thin plastic film onto the bottom housing so it fills the gap between the two halves, then reassemble. Filming reduces housing wobble and tightens the sound. Not sure whether your switches even need it? Read what switch films are and whether you need them first, then come back here for the how-to.
This guide is the step-by-step. If you have your films and want to get filming, everything you need is below.
What you need
- Your switches and a set of switch films (usually 0.15mm to start)
- A switch opener (do not use a flathead, it cracks housings)
- Tweezers for handling the film
- A clean, well-lit workspace and a tray to catch springs
Step-by-step: how to film a switch
- Open the switch. Set it in the switch opener and press down to pop the top housing off the bottom. Set the stem and spring aside so nothing gets lost.
- Place the film. Lay the film onto the rim of the bottom housing. Most films have cutouts that line up with the internal posts and the gold contact leaf. Line them up and do not cover the leaf.
- Check the fit. The film should sit flat and flush against the rim, with no overhang, lifting, or wrinkling. Nudge it with tweezers until it seats cleanly.
- Reassemble. Drop the spring and stem back in, then snap the top housing on. It should close with a normal press. If it needs real force, the film is too thick, so switch to a thinner one.
- Test it. Press the switch a few times. A filmed switch should feel noticeably tighter with less side-to-side wobble than before.
Repeat for each switch. A full board takes 1 to 2 hours once you find a rhythm.
Pro tips
- Film before you lube. Handle the dry housing and film first, then apply lube after the film is seated. If you plan to lube too, our switch lubing guide covers the next step.
- Start with 0.15mm. It suits most switches. Go thinner (0.125mm) if reassembly feels tight, thicker (0.2mm) only for very loose housings.
- Do a test batch of five before committing to the whole board, so you can confirm the thickness is right.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Covering the contact leaf with the film, which stops the switch registering. Keep the leaf area clear.
- Forcing a too-thick film, which raises the top housing and can bind the stem. Drop to a thinner film instead.
- Wrinkled or overhanging film, which prevents a clean close. Reseat it flat.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to film a keyboard’s switches?
About 1 to 2 hours for a 60 to 80 key board, similar to lubing. It goes faster once you settle into a rhythm.
Should I film or lube first?
Film first, then lube, since both need the switch open and lube would get in the way of seating the film cleanly.
What thickness film should I use?
Start with 0.15mm. It works for most switches; go thinner or thicker only if reassembly is too tight or the housing is very loose.
Do all switches need filming?
No. Tight, premium switches gain little. See our switch films explainer for how to tell if yours will benefit.
The bottom line
Filming is simple once you have the rhythm: open, seat the film, reassemble, test. Start with a small batch at 0.15mm, film before you lube, and keep the contact leaf clear. Done right, your switches will feel tighter and sound cleaner.
We keep our how-to guides updated as tools and techniques change.