Nowadays, hot-swappable mechanical keyboards are becoming the norm in the gaming industry. Some experienced keyboard enthusiasts can try different key switches, test different preferences, and determine the switches that suit their long-term use. However, some newcomers are still trying to scratch the surface of what hot-swappable keyboards can offer.
In a hurry? Here are our top picks for the best hot-swappable keyboards in 2022!
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What is a Hot-Swappable Keyboard?
When we talk about hot-swappable keyboards, we refer to mechanical keyboards that don’t require you to solder and desolder the switches to change them. However, they are like keycaps that you can pull off and insert with a single press. In this article, we will explore some of the best hot-swappable keyboards on Amazon. But first, let’s look at some reasons to get a hot-swappable keyboard.
Why Buy a Hot Swappable Keyboard?
Using a hot-swappable keyboard offers you different benefits. For instance, it takes away the stress of desoldering and soldering the board. For beginners, hot-swappable keyboards are the best option and highly convenient. Other reasons we consider for you to buy a hot-swappable keyboard for your typing or gaming adventure include:
- You can easily modify the keyboard stabilizers for improved sound and feel
- You can replace a single switch without soldering
- Easy access to switches to lube them
1. Drop CTRL Mechanical Keyboard – Premium Pick
No keyboard can beat the Drop CTRL Mechanical keyboard and our premium pick for the best hot-swappable keyboards on Amazon. It is a tenkeyless version of the Drop ALT keyboard and comes in both high and low-profile. However, the high-profile version costs more. For newbies, a tenkeyless keyboard means that it has dedicated arrow keys, a function key row, a navigational cluster but comes without the number pad.
Hardly can any experienced keyboard user bypass the Drop CTRL Mechanical keyboard because of its unique features. The keyboard is made of aluminum and comes with Doubleshot PBT keycaps, and is toned in light and dark grey. Despite having different switch types, you can easily change them without much stress.
The prebuilt version comes in silver and black cases. Additionally, suppose you want a low-profile version of the Drop CTRL Mechanical Keyboard. In that case, it has other colored cases such as silvery, midnight green, burgundy, almost black, and dark purple that you can buy.
Unlike most keyboards with a single USB-C port, the Drop CTRL keyboard has two USB-C ports at the top left and right sides. You can convert the unused port to a low-energy charging port. That’s pretty convenient if you love simplicity. With a short USB cable, the keyboard can work properly despite not having many RGB lights.
Overall, the Drop CTRL Mechanical Keyboard is a beauty to behold; it is comparable to any custom mechanical keyboard that is high class. By modding the stabilizers, you can improve the feel and sound of the keyboard. We highly recommend this keyboard for your gaming and typing jobs.
Why is this the best Hot-Swappable Keyboard?
We consider the Drop CTRL Mechanical Keyboard the best hot-swappable keyboard because of its customization options, fully programmable macros, RGB backlighting, a detachable USB-C cord, and hot-swappable switches.
2. Logitech G PRO X Keyboard – Best Logitech’s Hot-Swappable Keyboard for Gaming
The Logitech G PRO X Keyboard can go head-to-head with the Drop CTRL Mechanical keyboard due to its diverse features. It is fully customizable with RGB lighting. It comes with programmable macros with three switches (GX Brown tactile, GX Red linear, and BX blue clicky). Besides this, the Logitech keyboard board is compatible with any MX style switch.
The Logitech software allows you to customize the RGB lighting and program the macros. It also has three angles feet that allow you to position the keyboard to the angle of your choice. Indeed, the keyboard is a premium keyboard for a wonderful gaming experience. The detachable micro USB cable feature three designs for safe transport and secure connection.
3. Keychron K6 Hot-Swappable Keyboard – Runner Up
Many keyboard lovers tag the Keychron K6 Hot-Swappable Wireless Bluetooth keyboard as the best hot-swapping keyboard for gaming. The keyboard has mouthwatering features that put it as one of the top keyboards. It looks like a high-end custom mechanical keyboard with a barebones form that amounts to half of its price.
It is an all-black mechanical keyboard with an option of aluminum bezels. We recommend you purchase the aluminum bezels version because of the increased durability, sturdiness, and overall aesthetics.
The Keychron K6 Hot-Swappable Wireless Bluetooth keyboard is your best 65% keyboard with lots of options – you can choose between mechanical and optical switches. The optical switch is the best option if you want to have decreased latency and improved speed. However, the optical switches have limited switches for you to choose from.
Nevertheless, the mechanical hot-swap offers over 50 switches for you to pick. With newer mechanical switches emerging, it provides you a whole lot of options. Notwithstanding, the difference between these two switches isn’t that much for most people to consider.
The RGB lighting gives you access to 18 effects. However, the drawback is that it doesn’t have dedicated software to record macros or remap keys. Conversely, you can download software elsewhere to remap and record macros. Additionally, the Keychron K6 65% keyboard is highly compatible with Mac and Windows operating systems. Interestingly, it comes with Windows and Mac modifier keyboards, which most keyboard lacks.
You can easily connect up to three devices using Bluetooth. The connecting and switching from one device to another happens quickly using a combination of keys. With a simple switch of a button, you can swap your keyboard to Windows or Mac compatibility. Undoubtedly, the Keychron K6 Hot-Swappable Wireless Bluetooth keyboard has everything you desire in a keyboard.
4. Tecware Phantom 87 Key Mechanical Keyboard – Budget Pick
At times, you might be under a tight budget but still want to enjoy a quality hot-swappable keyboard. Well, the Tecware Phantom 87 key Mechanical Keyboard is our best budget pick for you. It doesn’t lag behind other premium keyboards as it comes with RGB backlighting that helps to improve gaming. The 18 preset configuration makes your gaming experience wonderful as you can create a unique match for your setup.
The Tecware Phantom comes with Oetemu mechanical switches for comfortable typing and precise gaming. Additionally, it has spare switches, keycap, and switch removal tools for easy replacement. It features new font; the keycaps are Doubleshot ABS, ensuring the keyboard has great resistance against surface wear. The 1000Hz polling rate and full N-key rollover allow you to enjoy fast speeds and a smoother gaming experience.
5. Glorious GMMK Keyboard
The Glorious Modular Mechanical Keyboard (GMMK) is a class on its own because it has received widespread recommendations from people on Reddit, whatnot, and forums. The keyboard is available in three sizes, including tenkeyless, compact 60%, and full-size. Due to the multiple options, it is pretty popular among many keyboard users.
However, each model of the GMMK varies slightly. For instance, the full-size keyboard doesn’t have a detachable cable, whereas other models – compact and tenkeyless come with detachable cable. Furthermore, the prebuilt version comes with Gateron switches. Nevertheless, you can buy it barebones without keycaps or switches. Additionally, the ABS plastic keycaps make it shine even after prolonged usage.
It comes with a full aluminum plate with the bottom case made of plastic, whereas the top is made of aluminum. The plate is top-mounted that helps to generate a consistent sound throughout each row. Furthermore, it comes with 3 pin hot-swap sockets. The software allows you to customize the already available different lighting modes. You can use several key combinations to cycle through all the modes.
There are also two single-angle adjustable kickstands at the back of the case to help adjust the angle. Additionally, you also have a built-in keycap puller; all three GMMK have standard layouts. Therefore, changing or replacing the keycap is easy as you don’t have to work on any special key.
For newbies, the GMMK allows you to customize the keyboard to your choice. You can’t make any mistake playing with the customization features. The keyboard is a great entry point to custom mechanical keyboards without any Bluetooth, side buttons, and fanciness.
6. Hexgears Impulse Keyboard
The Hexgears Impulse mechanical keyboard is among the few keyboards that offer a full-size and hot-swap feature, which is its version of the GMMK full-sized keyboard. It is an impressive keyboard with about 104 keys and a non-detachable braided cable that is relatively thin. However, if you want a portable keyboard, the Hexgears Impulse keyboard doesn’t fit that description.
Unlike the Keychron K6 Hot-Swappable Wireless Bluetooth keyboard that comes with 5 hot-swappable pin sockets, the Hexgears Impulse keyboard has 3 hot-swappable pin sockets that allow you to change most mechanical switches. Besides this, the two dual-angle adjustable kickstands make it easy to modify the keyboard to the angle of your choice. Additionally, you can change the perimeter ring lighting around the keyboard using key combinations.
It has PBT pudding keycaps, which is extremely rare for most keyboards. Remarkably, you can experience the RGB effects light on your desk as you use the keyboard. Additionally, you can customize the RGB using the firmware on the board; edit the color of each key using the preset effects, color options, or key combinations. You can hardly run out of options editing the color. The manual is available to guide you on how you can easily edit colors to your satisfaction.
The keyboard design makes it suitable for gamers. Nevertheless, the major drawback is its size. However, it is a masterpiece to add to your numerous gadgets.
7. Redragon K530 Keyboard – Best Hot-Swappable Wireless Keyboard
Redragon is renowned for high-quality manufacturing keyboards. Besides this, it is a household name for people looking for a budget-friendly mechanical keyboard like the K552 mechanical keyboard.
With quality in every keyboard, the Redragon K530 Draconic mechanical keyboard is your best 60% hot-swappable wireless keyboard with Oetemu switches. If you have used a keyboard with Oetemu switches, you know that the switches have small metal pins that connect to the printed circuit board (PCB) instead of other switches.
For newbies, it can be confusing; however, it means an Oetemu hot-swap socket can only work with Oetemu switches. Alternatively, you cannot hot-swap Oetemu switches with other brands such as Kailh, Gateron, or Cherry MX. However, if you want to experiment, you need to remove the metal pins using a Dremel or any similar instrument.
The Bluetooth feature allows you to connect up to three devices by interchanging them using the button on the switch on the left side of the board. Additionally, you can also use the USB-C port to connect any device of your choice. The board has RGB effects; you can easily edit the effects using the software. The editing allows you to record macros and remap the keys to your choice.
Comparing the Redragon K530 Draconic mechanical keyboard stabilizers and the price makes it an impressive option to consider. You won’t experience anything like extra noises of the keys rattling. The Redragon brown switches are very tactile and come with a nice bump. Furthermore, the keyboard is available in black and white color. However, the switches come in blue, brown, and red colors. The keycaps are ABS plastic with an impressive textured top that is oil resistant.
Conclusion
If you are a fan of mechanical keyboards, you might have to look through custom build keyboards. Regrettably, custom mechanical keyboards are expensive and hard to build. Furthermore, the soldering of the switches can be intimidating for most people. However, with a hot-swappable keyboard, you don’t have to go through this stress.
Today, hot-swappable keyboards have become the standard keyboard most people use. They come with various features and advantages. We’ve analyzed the best hot-swappable keyboards on Amazon for you to pick the one that suits your need easily.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are most mechanical keyboards hot-swappable?
Empathically yes. Hot-swappable keyboards come in different sizes, even those of optical switches. We’ve been able to review the best hot-swappable keyboards on Amazon. It is hard to find the best swappable keyboard, which is why we make it extremely easy for you.
Are hot-swappable keyboards good?
Generally, hot-swappable keyboards are good since you can easily replace any faulty switches. Additionally, you can integrate compatible switches to create a customized typing or gaming experience. Furthermore, you can upgrade the switches with flexibility whenever you desire.
Do I need a hot-swappable keyboard?
You need a hot-swappable keyboard if you want to minimize the time to swap switches because hot-swappable keyboards come with the switches you can pull off and pull in back. Furthermore, if you love the customization of your keyboard, you might need a hot-swappable keyboard. Importantly, if you want to minimize the cost of customizing switches, you might want to consider using a hot-swappable keyboard.
How do you use a hot-swappable keyboard?
You can use any hot-swappable keyboard as you would use a standard keyboard. Most people use their hot-swappable keyboards for gaming and typing-related activities. However, hot-swappable keyboards are suitable for whatever you desire to use them for.
