Alright, gamers and tech enthusiasts, gather around! Today we’re diving headfirst into the thrilling world of hot swap keyboards. Now, you might be thinking: “Hot what now?” Don’t worry, we’re not talking about a fiery exchange of keyboards mid-game. We’re talking about the ability to switch out your keyboard switches (the things that go ‘clickety clack’ when you type) without needing a soldering iron or an engineering degree. If you’ve ever thought about customizing your keyboard to match your gaming style or if you’re just curious about these nifty devices, stick around. We’re about to embark on an illuminating journey to discover the very best hot swap keyboards available in the market today!
Glorious GMMK 85% Percent TKL
The Glorious GMMK 85% Percent TKL is an excellent choice for gaming enthusiasts looking for a hot swap keyboard. Its build quality is top-notch, featuring an aluminum metal top plate and ABS plastic bottom plate for sound tuning, as well as Gateron Brown Tactile mechanical switches. The keys feel great and are backlit with bright RGB SMD LED lights that can be customized using the easy to navigate software included. It also boasts superior ergonomics and compatibility with multiple operating systems, ensuring seamless integration into your gaming setup.
Though it does have some drawbacks like potential sticking of keys when typing with continuous keystrokes or occasional lags, these are minor issues that won’t detract from the overall experience. With its 1 Year Limited Manufacturer Warranty and 30 day return policy through Amazon, the Glorious GMMK 85% Percent TKL is a great option for gamers looking to upgrade their keyboards without breaking the bank. Plus, its fully modular design means you can easily plug in and out switches without soldering – perfect if you ever need to make adjustments on the fly!
Keychron K2
The Keychron K2 is an excellent gaming keyboard for those looking for a hot-swappable option. It comes with pre-installed Gateron G Pro mechanical Brown switches, and can withstand up to 50 million keystrokes. With the White LED backlight, double-shot ABS keycaps, and 4000 mAh big battery, users can enjoy up to 72 hours of typing or up to 7 days of normal use (8hrs per day). To help maximize multitasking needs, this keyboard connects with up to 3 devices via Broadcom Bluetooth 5.1 chipset and can switch among them easily. The wired mode also provides a USB Type-C connection for added convenience. Furthermore, the K2 offers a unique Mac layout while remaining compatible with Windows Operating Systems; extra keycaps are included for both systems as well.
One of the biggest advantages of this product is that it takes up minimal desk space due to its slim design. It also has dedicated DEL keys and navigation keys for easy use and convenience; plus all key cap profiles are compatible with it – so you can customize your keyboard without worry! Additionally, it has hot swap options for all MX-style 3/5 pin options which allows you to mix and match various switches according to personal preference. Lastly, swapping out new switches even improves sound quality every time! A minor con is that the delete key isn’t separately board by any board – so keys may appear smushed together at times.
Overall, the Keychron K2 is an excellent choice if you’re in search of a powerful gaming keyboard with hot swap capabilities – allowing you to customize your experience in ways never thought possible before!
BOYI WK68 Hot Swappable RGB Mechanical Keyboard
Looking to level up your typing experience? Let me introduce you to the BOYI WK68 Hot Swappable RGB Mechanical Keyboard. It’s a fantastic pick for those of us who crave a keyboard that effortlessly marries size with performance. Its compact 65% layout gives you all the essential keys, yet is still snug enough to tuck into your bag and carry along on your travels.
But here’s where it gets even better – the ease with which you can switch out keycaps and switches! This feature allows you to truly make this keyboard your own, customizing its aesthetics and feel to suit your preferences. So whether you’re gaming, typing, or just showing off your setup, this keyboard has got you covered!
Not only is it customizable, but it also offers three connectivity options via Bluetooth 5.0 Wireless, USB Type-C Cable or 2.4GHz Dongle (Adaptor). The RGB presets are varied and you can also customize them using Boyi software for an even more personalized experience. The XDA Profile PBT Sublimation Keycaps are top-notch quality providing great durability and feel when typing, plus they look really nice too!
The BOYI WK68 also has ergonomic design features including an integrated palm rest which supports your wrists in comfort – something gamers will appreciate on those long gaming sessions. It’s built with a 3500mA large capacity polymer battery so you won’t need to worry about recharging constantly either! Finally, this keyboard comes with extra themed keycaps so you can add an extra touch of personalization to your setup.
Overall, the BOYI WK68 Hot Swappable RGB Mechanical Keyboard is an excellent option if you’re looking for a high performing hot swap keyboard that looks great too! With its sound and feel, customization options, ergonomics design features, multiple connectivity options and affordability – this keyboard has it all!
Durgod TGK021
The Durgod TGK 021 is a great choice for gamers looking for an ergonomic and customisable keyboard. Its red switches offer soft and gentle typing experience, while its anti-skid PBT keycaps make it durable and comfortable to use. The keyboard also features full RGB backlighting with adjustable brightness levels, as well as 16.8 million RGB light effects and multiple light modes that can be customized to suit your preferences.
The magnetic palm rest makes it even more comfortable to use during longer gaming sessions. Another great feature is the hot swappable keys which make changing them out quick and easy if something gets damaged or you just want to customize your setup. However, the RGB lighting cannot be adjusted without software, so some users may find this inconvenient.
Additionally, the switches are very quiet so it may not provide the tactile feedback some gamers are looking for in their keyboards. Overall though, this is a great option if you’re looking for an ergonomic gaming keyboard with customizable lighting options and fast response times due to its Kailh Red Turbo Switches!
DROP CTRL
The Drop CTRL could just be your new best friend if you’re on the hunt for top-notch hot swap keyboards. Sporting a tenkeyless (TKL) design, it’s compact enough to accompany you for those intense gaming sessions on-the-fly. The sturdy CNC aluminum frame ensures it can take a beating, while the magnetic legs lend you the flexibility to adjust your typing angle effortlessly.
Ever dreamed of a setup that mirrors your unique style? With RGB backlighting and under-lighting at your disposal, customizing your rig is as easy as pie. If quick reaction times without compromising accuracy or precision are your thing, the Kaihua Speed Silver Switches are just what the doctor ordered. They offer 3.5 millimeters of total travel with 1.1–1.4 millimeters of pre-travel.
The best part? The hot swappable PCB empowers you to switch up your key switches whenever you fancy, with no soldering required! And if you’re feeling adventurous, why not dive into the fully programmable firmware to tweak the layout and illumination settings further?
Yes, this keyboard might make a bit more of a dent in your wallet than some other models out there, but trust us – it’s worth every penny with its rich features and consistent performance across various scenarios – yes even those high-pressure home defense applications where keys will be hit repeatedly.
Epomaker EP84
The EPOMAKER EP84 Pro is an excellent choice for those looking for a great gaming keyboard. It features a 75% layout and comes with a range of RGB effects that can be easily programmed with compatible software. The use of PBT keycaps makes it more durable and reliable, while the Gateron Pro Yellow switches give it an even better feel when gaming.
The EPOMAKER is more than just a keyboard – it’s your personal gaming ally. Featuring hot-swappable custom switches, it gives you the freedom to tailor your gaming experience to your liking. So, whether you’re in the middle of an intense battle or simply want a different tactile feel, you can adjust on the fly.
But that’s not all. The thoughtful addition of arrow keys adds to its practicality and usability. Plus, two kickstand levels mean you can set it up comfortably in any setting – be it your cluttered desk or the sleek gaming arena downtown. It’s all about making your interactions with the keyboard as enjoyable and effortless as possible.
So go ahead, make the EPOMAKER yours. Because gaming shouldn’t be just about winning, it should also be about enjoying every moment – and every keystroke.
One downside is that some users have reported issues with left shift key responsiveness as well as loud enter key issues in previous versions, though this hasn’t been widely reported in newer models. Additionally, some users have experienced battery issues initially but these have largely been resolved by now.
All things considered, the EPOMAKER EP84 Pro is an excellent option for gamers looking for a hot swap keyboard at an affordable price point. With its customizable features and solid build quality, this keyboard will meet all your needs without breaking the bank!
RK Royal Kludge RK84
The RK Royal Kludge RK84 Wireless RGB 75% Triple Mode BT5.0/2.4G/USB-C Hot Swappable Mechanical Keyboard is a great option for those seeking an affordable and functional mechanical keyboard. It boasts two built-in USB pass-through ports, one Type-C port, and up to 200 hours of week-durable battery life without the backlight on and only 6-7 hours when fully charged. Its innovative 75% layout cuts more clumsy space off while still providing the same functionality as practical arrow, multimedia, and control keys.
The most impressive feature of this keyboard is its hot swappable design with the ability to handle 3 and 5 pin switches freely without soldering issue. This makes it easy for users to customize their keyboards on their own or switch out components quickly in case of any malfunctions or damage. The set also comes with extra switches, a keycap puller, combo cap, USB A to USB C cable for added convenience.
Though there are drawbacks such as generic drivers needing to be installed for compatibility and no foam or gasket mount included in build, these issues can be easily overlooked given all that this keyboard has to offer at such an affordable price point.
Unraveling the Magic of Hot-Swap Keyboards
Ever found yourself lost in thoughts, imagining a keyboard that feels and clicks just the way you like? Welcome to the world of hot-swappable keyboards! These aren’t your run-of-the-mill gaming keyboards from major brands like Razer, Corsair, or HyperX. They typically opt for more cost-effective soldered PCB boards.
But But here’s where hot-swappable boards stand out – their switches aren’t soldered in place. This naturally begs the question: Are all mechanical keyboards hot-swappable? Well, not necessarily, but for those that are, it means you have the freedom to swap out the switches to your heart’s content without breaking a sweat or worrying about damaging your keyboard.
These keyboards are a game changer for keyboard enthusiasts like us. No longer are we bound by the manufacturer’s choice of switches. Want a different typing experience or need to replace a faulty switch? Just pop out the old one and slot in the new – easy peasy!
With these hot-swappable marvels, crafting the ultimate typing ambiance is within everyone’s reach. Whether you’re a fan of silky smooth linear switches or crave the clickiness of tactile ones, hot-swap keyboards place the reins in your hands. If you’re looking to add a touch of aesthetic flair to this functional feature, why not explore the best pink hot swappable keyboards on the market?
Imagine tuning your keyboard to match your mood or task in hand – that’s the beauty of hot-swappability. It’s like having a new keyboard every time you switch. So if you’re someone excited about keyboards and loves to tinker around, this might just be your next playground.
Identifying a Hot-Swappable Keyboard
Before we dive in, let’s take a moment to ensure we’re proceeding safely with your keyboard tinkering. It’s not just important, but essential, to determine if your keyboard is hot-swappable. Wondering how to do this? No worries! Just read our guide about how to know if a keyboard is hot-swappable. Remember, upgrading your keyboard isn’t unlike a strategic game – every move should be calculated and precise!
The Switch Types
Now onto the fun part: choosing your switches. Hot-swappable keyboards primarily use three types of switches – linear, tactile, and clicky. If you’re into gaming or programming where speed is vital, linear switches might just be your best friend due to their smooth and fast operation. Tactile switches come with a distinct bump in the press that provides feedback and can increase speed once you get used to the travel distance. And for those who love that loud clack noise for extra feedback as they type away, clicky switches are made for you.
Testing Your Hot-Swappable Keyboard
When testing hot-swappable keyboards, it’s essential to assess factors like out-of-the-box switch performance, macro/media controls, speed/response times, and typing feel. Additionally, replacing the entire switch set is a good way to ensure there are no dead PCBs and check how easy it is to remove and insert new switches.
Benefits of Hot-Swappable Keyboards
The beauty of hot-swappable keyboards lies in their simplicity; they eliminate any need for soldering. Whether you lack the appropriate tools or skills for soldering or simply want an easy way to try different switch types without much hassle, these keyboards are a saving grace. For a full explanation make sure to read our guide about hot swap vs solder PCB.
The Rising Popularity of Hot-Swappable Keyboards
In recent times, hot-swappable keyboards have been making waves in the tech world with increasing popularity among users due to their customizable nature. They now come in various sizes and styles including ones with optical switches.
Building a custom keyboard has never been more exciting thanks to these devices. However sourcing a hot-swappable PCB can be challenging due to high demand leading to quick stock sell-outs.
If you’re interested in specific types of hot-swap keyboards like 65% or TKL versions click here for our comprehensive guide on 75% hot swappable keyboards, or here for our top picks for TKL hot swappable keyboards.
To further illustrate the expansion of this trend, we’ve recently explored the tm680 hot swap mechanical keyboard kit, a prime example of modern keyboard craftsmanship.
In conclusion, while most gaming brands may not offer many options yet when it comes to hot-swap models (except outliers like Mountain Everest Max), they certainly represent an exciting frontier in personalized gaming gear that’s worth exploring.
Conclusion
To wrap up, the world of gaming and tech has gotten a serious upgrade thanks to the innovation of hot-swappable keyboards. Imagine being able to customize your keyboard just as you would your game character or workspace; that’s the kind of personalization these devices bring. From linear to tactile, from clicky to optical switches, there’s a smorgasbord of options for you to select from.
You know what’s even better? The ability to switch out an entire set without needing any fancy soldering skills or tools. It’s like changing outfits, but for your keyboard! Not only does this add a level of convenience that we all love, but it’s also kinder on our wallets in the long run.
So yes, hot-swappable keyboards aren’t just a passing trend. They’re here to stay and grow in popularity. Because who doesn’t love having more choices, right? As more folks catch on to their potential, we can expect these game-changers (pun intended) to become an even bigger part of our tech-driven lives.