Best Hot-Swappable Keyboards in 2023 (Updated!)

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As you know, the Mechanical keyboards have a hassle when you try to customize or change switches. They need to solder after you replace your switches.

This makes switching the switches a time-consuming process in a mechanical keyboard.

To solve this, the Hot Swappable keyboards came. You don’t need to solder again to swap your switches on your keyboard. Just swap them directly to your keyboard.

Isn’t it easy?

In this post, I have done a comprehensive analysis of my favorite Hot-swappable keyboards and would help you to find the best hot-swappable keyboard.

Also, I covered each detail you need to know by creating this comprehensive guide. You can also skip to the sections using the hop links below:

Let’s get started!

What are Hot-Swappable Keyboards?

A hot-swappable keyboard is a keyboard whose keycaps can be removed and replaced without tools. This allows for easy customization and repair and the ability to swap out keys for different languages or layouts.

Do you need a Hot Swappable Keyboard?

If you think that you want to experiment with a mechanical keyboard without buying a new keyboard every single time, then you need a hot-swappable one. 

This will allow you to change your switches to one that suits your taste, lube them, and even experiment with your stabilizers. 

Additionally, there are a lot of new switches being released these days that are best to be tried out first before committing to them. 

Or you might also be someone who likes changing switches from time to time for which a hot-swappable keyboard is a must-have.

Features to Consider when choosing a Hot-Swappable Keyboard

Here are the features that you need to look at below:

1. Switch Type

The two main types of switches are mechanical and membrane. Mechanical switches are the most popular type, as they are more durable and provide a better typing experience.

However, they are also more expensive. Membrane switches are cheaper and quieter but do not provide the same quality as mechanical switches.

Also, in mechanical switches, there are clicky, tactile, and linear variants.

The clicky switches are noisier, the tactile ones are less noisy but bumpy and the linear switches are silent and without any bumpy feedback.

2. Size

Hot-swappable keyboards come in a variety of sizes. The most common size is full-size, including a numeric keypad and a navigation cluster.

Tenkeyless (TKL) keyboards omit the numeric keypad, while compact keyboards further reduce the size by omitting the navigation cluster as well.

3. Layout

Keyboards are available in various layouts, including QWERTY, Dvorak, and Colemak. The layout you choose is a matter of personal preference.

4. Macro Keys

Some keyboards include macro keys, which can be programmed to perform complex actions with a single keystroke.

This can be useful for gamers or power users who need to perform repetitive tasks quickly.

5. Backlight

Backlit keyboards are ideal for use in low-light conditions. Many keyboards allow you to adjust the brightness of the backlight or even turn it off completely.

6. N-Key Rollover

This feature allows each key to be registered independently so that you can press multiple keys at the same time without ghosting.

This is important for gamers or anyone who needs to perform complex keyboard shortcuts.

Pros of Hot-Swappable Keyboard

1. Easy to Customize

Ideally, it is pretty easy to customize a hot-swappable keyboard.

You can remove the keycaps and change the switches without any soldering.

This is a great way to customize your keyboard according to your needs and preferences.

2. Durable

Another great advantage of a hot-swappable keyboard is it’s very durable. The switches are usually made of high-quality materials that can withstand wear and tear.

This means that you won’t have to replace your keyboard very often. Easy to Repair It is straightforward to repair if something goes wrong with your hot-swappable keyboard.

You can remove the damaged switches and replace them with new ones. This is a lot easier than soldering new switches onto a traditional keyboard.

3. Great for Gaming and Programming

If you are into gaming or programming, a hot-swappable keyboard is a way to go.

4. Customizing

the layout and switches make it perfect for these activities.

In addition, the backlighting on some models can enhance your gaming or programming experience.

Cons of Hot-Swappable Keyboard

1. More expensive

Hot-swappable keyboards generally are also more expensive than non-hot-swappable ones.

Which is the best Hot-Swappable Keyboard?

	Keyboard Pick	My View	Keyboard Type	Keyboard Size	TechBullish Rating	Category
1.According to Budget	Epomaker SK61 60% hot-swappable keyboard	If you are on a budget, the Epomaker SK61 60% hot-swappable keyboard is a great option. It is very affordable and offers a lot of features that are perfect for gaming and programming.	Both Wired/Wireless with Bluetooth 5.1	60% Keyboard	9.5/10	Best Budget-Friendly Hot-Swappable Keyboard
2. For Gaming	Keychron K6	If you are looking for a hot-swappable keyboard specifically for gaming, the Keychron K6 is a great option. It has a 65 keys layout and RGB backlighting which makes it perfect for gaming.	Wireless	65% Keyboard	9.5/10	Best Hot-Swappable Keyboard for Gaming
3. For Typing	Epomaker GK61	If you want a hot-swappable keyboard that is specifically designed for typing, the Epomaker GK61 is a great option. It has a 61 keys layout and Gateron optical switches which make it perfect for typing.	Wired	60% keyboard	9.3/10	Best Hot-Swappable Keyboard for Typing

Here are the best hot-swappable keyboards reviews:

Pick #1. Drop CTRL 60% Hot-Swappable Keyboard

It is a keyboard designed to be durable with its anodized Aluminium frame that will not bend or flex.

It also has a hot-swappable switch socket which allows you to customize the switches without any soldering.

Moreover, it has a double shot of shine-through PBT keycaps that provide durability and legends that never fade away.

Pros:

• Anodized Aluminium frame
• Hot-swappable switch socket
• Double shot shine-through PBT keycaps

Cons:

• More Expensive than the others

My Experience

The Drop CTRL keyboard, I have been using the Drop CTRL keyboard for a few weeks now, and I enjoy it.

The build quality is excellent, with a sturdy aluminum frame that feels very durable. The hot-swappable switch socket is a nice feature, as it allows you to customize the switches.

The double-shot shine-through PBT keycaps are also a nice touch, as they provide durability and legends that never fade away.

The only downside to this keyboard is that it requires soldering for customization. This is not a big issue for me, but it may be for some people.

Overall, I am very happy with the Drop CTRL keyboard and recommend it to anyone looking for a high-quality hot-swappable keyboard.

Last update on 2023-04-01 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Pick #2. Epomaker SK61 60% Hot-Swappable Keyboard

It is a keyboard that supports USB-C for fast and reliable recommend it to anyone looking for a high-quality hot-swappable keyboard.

It also has Gateron optical switches, which are hot-swappable and provide a lifespan of up to 100 million keystrokes.

In addition, it has a61 keys layout and RGB backlighting which makes it perfect for gaming and programming.

Pros:

• USB-C for fast and reliable connections
• Gateron optical switches
• RGB backlighting

Cons:

• Non-detachable cable

My Experience

I have used a hot-swappable keyboard for my computer, and I have found it very convenient.

I was able to customize the keyboard’s layout and change the switches without any soldering.

The keyboard was also very durable, and the keycaps were easy to remove and replace.

Overall, I was delighted with the hot-swappable keyboard and would recommend it to anyone looking for an easy-to-customize and repair keyboard.

Last update on 2023-04-01 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Pick #3. Keychron K6 Hot-Swappable 65% Wireless Bluetooth Keyboard

It is a keyboard with a hot-swappable Gateron Brown switch which makes it easy to customize.

It also has a65 keys layout and Bluetooth 4.0 for wireless connectivity. In addition, it has an aluminum body and white LED backlighting which makes it perfect for gaming and programming.

Pros:

• Hot-swappable Gateron Brown switch
• 65 keys layout
• Bluetooth 4.0 for wireless connectivity

Cons:

Non-detachable cable

My Experience

I have to say that it is one of the best keyboards I have ever used. It was effortless to customize, and the switches were straightforward to swap out.

I would recommend this type of keyboard to anyone looking for an easy way to customize their keyboard.

Last update on 2023-04-01 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Are All Mechanical Keyboards Hot-Swappable?

Take note that not all mechanical keyboards are hot-swappable. Even with the hype in the mechanical keyboard industry and the demand for hot-swappable keyboards, you can still purchase non-hot-swappable keyboards. 

Thus, when purchasing a mechanical keyboard, this is something that you should really take into consideration. 

Are you fine with the commitment to a non-hot-swappable keyboard or with having to desolder and solder each time you replace a switch with this type? 

Or would you like to go the hot-swappable route and be more experimental? 

In case you want to buy a hot-swappable mechanical keyboard, then always check the description and do your research first before purchasing to be sure especially since there are models of keyboards that come in both hot-swappable and non-hot-swappable variants.

Are All Hot-Swappable Keyboards Compatible With All Switches?

Another thing to consider is that not all hot-swappable mechanical keyboards are the same. There are keyboards that are 3-pin while others are 5-pin. 

For 3-pin mechanical keyboards, you will not be able to use 5-pin switches. On the other hand, for 5-pin keyboards, both 3-pin switches and 5-pin switches are compatible. 

There are various kinds of switches so it is better to go for a 5-pin keyboard so that you can try out various switches or if you are already sure with a 3-pin switch, then you could proceed with a 3-pin keyboard. 

Nonetheless, you may also convert your 5-pin switches into 3-pin ones by clipping the extra pins if needed.

FAQs on Hot-Swappable Keyboards

Conclusion

Let’s conclude the post on the best hot-swappable keyboards!

A hot-swappable keyboard is a way to go if you are looking for an easy way to customize and repair your keyboard.

It is also a great choice if you want a durable keyboard that won’t need to be replaced very often.

I would recommend this type of keyboard to anyone looking for an easy way to customize their keyboard.

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