Instead of purchasing separate keyboards for different styles and purposes, you can now use a hot-swappable keyboard to change keys for an all-in-one experience.
The Keyboard is flexible, easy to repair and swap, and great for changing the typing experience.
Hot-swappable keyboards are a recent invention, but how do we know if we need one?
What Is Hot Swappable Keyboard?
Hot-swapping is a computing term describing the ability to swap out parts while the computer is running without affecting its performance.
One example of this is keyboards with replaceable keys that do not require soldering.
With hot-swappable keyboards, users can easily customize and personalize their keyboards by replacing various components according to their preferences.
The hot-swap feature on keyboards allows users to remove and insert keys without the need for complicated soldering.
You can remove hot-swappable keyboards without turning off your PC or keyboard.
Unlike PCB-mounted switches, plate-mounted switches are used in hot-swappable keyboards, where switches are soldered to the PCB (Printed Circuit Board).
Should You Get Hot Swappable Keyboard?
Hot-swappable keyboards are extremely useful for gamers and customization.
Although it’s typically considered a premium feature and not an essential one, it’s undoubtedly a great addition to your PC.
A hot-swappable keyboard is perfect for gaming enthusiasts who require different switch types. You can easily swap out the keyboard’s appearance and key features on the fly.
Advantages of Hot-Swappable Keyboard
Hot-swappable Keyboards are preferred for their wide range of benefits.
In addition to their ease of flexibility and repair, they are easy to lube.
1. It is Flexible
You can easily swap the keys on a hot-swappable Keyboard without needing special tools.
They are quite easy to use and flexible. You can use different keys with different clicks, feel, etc.
| Hot swappable Keyboard | Normal keyboards |
|---|---|
| The keys can be swapped easily without soldering. | The keys are soldered. Keys are only swappable if pockets are soldered in. |
| Easy repair by removal of keys | Whole keyboard should be repaired |
| Limited Layout options | Many Layout options |
| Experience different feels, clicks of keys as per need through customization. | Users can only experience one kind of specialized sound, click and feel. |
2. Easier Switch Repairs
Hot-swappable keyboards offer a convenient way to replace faulty switches.
For instance, if any of the keys stop functioning on a keyboard like Koi Co (Koi61) Hot-Swappable Keyboard, you can simply remove the keys to examine them for faults.
Your Keyboard and PC can run while doing it, so it won’t take a minute.
Meanwhile, you will have to change the PCB or solder different keys on standard PCB soldered Keyboards.
Easy switch repair leads to a longer life for your Keyboard.
Watch the video to get more information on replacing switches,
3. Easier Lubing Experience
Lubing is not an absolute necessity for your Keyboard.
However, it helps improve the clicks of your mechanical Keyboard, reduces tactile bumps, and reduces the rattle.
To lube your PCB-solder keyboards, you need to remove the keys through soldering, which can take longer.
However, hot-swappable Keyboards do not need soldering to remove the keys, so you can quickly finish the lubing process.
If your Keyboard is hot-swappable, you can remove the switches without desoldering them.
You can easily remove the switches with a puller, making the procedure much more efficient.
4. Easy Personalization
Numerous options are available for hot-swapping, and each key swap operates independently.
Consequently, you can select keys with varied attributes and organize them on your keyboard.
You can choose keys of different colors and design a color scheme according to your preferences. You can also choose between switch types: linear, tactile, or clicky.
Disadvantages of Hot-Swappable Keyboard
Although hot-swappable Keyboards are quite useful, they lack in certain aspects such as durability.
1. Reduced Durability and Reliability
The reliability and durability of hot-swappable keys are questionable. PCBs equipped with sockets tend to generate friction with the pins, leading to scratching and eventual wear.
Frequent removal and insertion of switches can potentially harm the keyboard’s components.
Typically, sockets may break after around 4-5 hot swaps of the entire keyboard, rendering it unusable if a single socket breaks.
Special tools are necessary for key removal, which can potentially damage the switch housing of the keyboard.
There’s a finite number of swap cycles before sockets wear out. For example, Kailh hot-swap sockets offer only 100 swap cycles.
2. Not Available On Every Keyboard
Hot-swappable keys are compatible only with keyboards designed for hot-swapping.
PCB keyboards must have sockets soldered onto them to accommodate hot-swappable keys.
Moreover, half-built plates cannot be used with a hot-swappable PCB.
The switches may not attach to the PCB securely compared to soldered switches.
Consequently, the alpha switches are essentially suspended, increasing the risk of damage to your hot-swappable PCB.
3. Limited Layout Option
Hot-swappable keyboards offer fewer layout options compared to PCB-soldered keyboards.
Designing hot-swap sockets requires expertise and consumes additional space on the PCB, resulting in limited layout options.
You are constrained to one or a few layout choices when using hot-swappable keyboards.
4. Malfunction of Keys
The sound produced by hot-swappable keys is less solid than soldered keys due to the absence of soldering.
There’s also a higher reverberation, resulting in prolonged ping from the keys.
The electrical connection may be unstable, leading to issues such as misfiring keystrokes and switch wobbling.
Are all Keyboards Hot Swappable?
Not every keyboard comes with hot-swappable features by default.
However, you can modify other keyboards to include this feature.
Many mechanical and gaming keyboards still utilize soldered keys because of their limited layout options.
You can convert soldered keyboards into hot-swappable ones by soldering or adding Mill-Max sockets.
You can watch the video provided for guidance on converting a regular keyboard into a hot-swappable one.
Does Hot Swappable Keyboard Work With All Switches?
Hot-swappable Keyboards have sockets with certain switches, while some Keyboards work with most. All switches work with Cherry MX switch.
The switches themselves are not hot-swappable. The socket that connects the switches to the PCB is hot-swappable.
Mechanical keyboards typically feature two types of switches: three-pin and five-pin switches.
Five-pin switches include two additional plastic pins for enhanced stability.
All five-pin switches are compatible with three-pin switches. However, you can convert five-pin switches into three-pin switches by clipping off the two extra legs.
Keyboards like the Drop ALT are only compatible with three-pin switches. However, custom keyboards generally support most types of switches.
| Hot Swappable Keyboards | Normal keyboards |
|---|---|
| The keys can be swapped easily without soldering. | The keys are soldered. Keys are only swappable if pockets are soldered in. |
| Easy repair by removal of keys | Experience different feels and clicks of keys as per need through customization. |
| Limited Layout options | Many Layout options |
| Users can only experience one kind of specialized sound: click and feel. | Experience different feels and clicks of keys as needed through customization. |
What To Look For In Hot Swappable Keyboard Switch?
Hot-swappable Keyboards must be chosen with Keyboard size, Keycaps, and features like travel distance, actuation points, etc., in consideration.
1. Keyboard Size And Layout
While selecting a keyboard switch based on the keyboard size may seem somewhat disconnected, understanding keyboard sizes is crucial when determining the number of switches needed.
Common keyboard sizes include Full-sized, TKL (Tenkeyless), and 60%. Additionally, there are other sizes like 75%, 65%, and 40%.
As the keyboard size decreases, the number of keys also reduces accordingly.
For example, a full-sized keyboard requires more keys, which can increase costs.
Conversely, smaller keyboards are easier to customize since they require fewer keys, making purchasing and installing custom keycaps simpler.
| Keyboard Size | Number of keys | Keys reduced |
|---|
| Full sized (100%) | 104 | None |
| 1800 Compact Full-sized | 103-104 | Number Pad |
| TKL (87/80 ) keyboard | 87 | Number Pad |
| 75% Keyboard | 80-84 | Number Pad |
| 65% Keyboard | 66-69 | Number Pad Function Row |
| 60% Keyboard | 58-65 | Number Pad Home Cluster Function Row |
| 40% Keyboard | 40-44 | Number Pad Home Cluster Function Row Arrow Keys Number Keys (Top Row) |
| Number Pad | 17 | Home Cluster Function Row Arrow Keys Number Keys (Top Row) Full Alphabet |
| Macro Pad | 8-16 | Number Pad Home Cluster Function Row Arrow Keys Number Keys (Top Row) Full Alphabet |
2. Keycaps
Keycaps are not part of the switch but are responsible for the key noise when pressed. They cover the switches and are detachable.
However, not every switch is compatible with all keycaps.
Cherry MX switches go with the most common keycaps. But brands like Razor keycaps have their switches.
Cherry MX switches need keycaps with a+ shape that fit into the switches well, while other brands may have different shape requirements.
3. Switch Compatibility
Not all switches are compatible with all Keyboard stems.
Please review the table below for some common and compatible switches.
| Switch | Switch compatibility |
|---|---|
| Logitech | Romer G stems |
| Kailh Box Switches for Mechanical Keyboards | Kahil Low profile stem |
| Logitech GX Red Switch | Cherry stem |
| Kailh x LTC Box Switches for Mechanical Keyboard | Cherry Stem |
| Gateron Zealio V2 Switch Tactile | Cherry Stem |
4. Reset Point
The reset point indicates the distance at which a released button deactivates after being pressed.
For example, in light Linear Cherry MX Red switches, the actuation point is at 2 mm, and the reset point is at 1.8 mm, which are closely spaced.
When the actuation point and reset point are near each other, it enhances speed. This allows for faster repeated key presses, making it particularly beneficial for gamers.
5. Switch Type
Switches are of different types specified linear, tactile, and clicky. Gamers generally prefer linear switches as they are the smoothest.
Speed switches have a short travel distance and actuation point, which allows for fast tapping of keys and is ideal for gaming.
Tactile switches are best for typing due to their accuracy.
Optical switches operate on lasers, so less physical contact leads to minor friction damage. They are durable, stable, and fast.
Low-profile switches are shorter and have lower actuation points and travel distances. They have fast inputs suitable for gaming.
Best Hot-Swappable Keyboards In 2024
Hot-swappable Keyboards are very popular in the market.
Check out the best Hot-swappable Keyboards in 2024.
| Hot Swappable Keyboards | Feature and Price |
|---|---|
| Drop ALT Mechanical Keyboard | Hot-swappable 3-pin sockets Customizable RGB lighting QMK firmware PBT keycaps Cost: $200 |
| Keychron K6 68-Key Mechanical Keyboard | RGB lighting Mac and Windows Compatible 5-pin Hot Swap Sockets Cost: $69 |
| Kemove Shadow/Snowfox | Compact layout Mac and Windows compatible 3-pin hotswap Cost: $98.99 |
| Skyloong GK61 | Optical hot-swap Water-resistant RGB lighting Cost: $91.66 |
| Hexgears Impulse Hot-swap Mechanical Keyboard | Best for typing Full size hotswap 3-pin sockets Cost: $99 |
| Glorious Modular Mechanical Keyboard (GMMK) | 3-pin hotswap RGB effects Detachable cable Cost: $136 |
| DIERYA DK61E 60% Mechanical Gaming Keyboard | oil-proof ABS keycaps Best for gaming Cost: $47.99 |
| MOTOSPEED Mechanical Keyboard | High quality and reliable performance. Strong compatibility with any kind of device Cost: $69.90 |
| ANNE PRO 2, 60% Wired/Wireless Mechanical Keyboard | Compact and minimal design. Cost: $65 |
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