Whether you like mechanical keyboards or struggle to find the right style switch, don’t worry. With a hot-swappable keyboard, you don’t have to make a choice. Replacing switches has never been easier and no soldering is required.
How We Picked Best Budget Hot Swappable Keyboard
After analyzing hundreds of reviews from a wide range of products with different price tags and key features, we found that DropCTRL was our number one choice. To choose the best hot-swappable keyboard, we searched for models with excellent typing performance and exceptional build quality. We only reviewed keyboards that allow users to quickly swap hot switches without soldering. A good keycap design is also essential.
We look for keyboards with good durability and stability, favoring those with integrated switch plates and metal frames. Spill and dust resistance is considered a useful bonus. Aesthetics can also be a factor in choosing the right hot-swappable keyboard kit.
That’s why I looked for a keyboard with a classic design and a comfortable layout. RGB backlight is not required, but it deserves an additional point. There is a keycap that is resistant to stain underprint with dye. Includes both full-size and compact keyboards, giving additional points to the best hot-swappable keyboards in 60% and 75% sizes to save desk space.
I was looking for a combination of a wired keyboard and a wireless keyboard, but I found the convenience of a removable USB C cable to be useful as well. With compatibility and ease of setup in mind, we prioritized plug-and-play keyboards that run on Windows, Mac, Chrome, and Linux OS.
These are the best hot swappable keyboards based on price, features, and more. Keep reading this article to learn more about some of the best keyboards on the market today.
10 Best Hot Swappable Keyboards
1. Drop Ctrl Hot Swappable Keyboard
Why do we like it
This hot swappable keyboard has excellent aesthetics and solid build quality. The standard Halo True switch, on the other hand, provides a smooth, immersive typing experience and improves typing speed thanks to its light preload and precise touch feel.
How to tell if a keyboard is hot swappable
A good way to tell is simple by trying to take out a key switch, not forcefully of course but if the key switch itself comes out then now you know its hot swappable and vice versa.
What keyboards are hot swappable?
Any keyboard with hot-swappable PCB and switch plates will allow you to hot-swap the switches without soldering. Some models even include toggle tools and key pullers in case you don’t already have them, so you can get to work faster.
Is a hot swappable keyboard worth it?
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, a hot-swappable version offers unique benefits; you can change switches for different needs, like use quiet switches when working in low noise environments or you can even mix and match different types of switches for different keys together.
Are Ducky keyboards hot swappable?
While the popular Ducky One 2 Mini keyboard has solder switches and are not replaceable, there are instructions online if you’re looking to change the switches. However, the Ducky keyboard allows for easy key replacement.
Are all keyboard switches hot swappable?
In general, hot-swappable keyboards are limited to swapping between compatible switch types. This usually means that the motherboard is configured to run contactless or contactless switches. So, if hot-swappable keyboards come with optical switches, you can change them to different optical switches, but not spring-contact switches like Cherry MX Blues.
Product Description
This hot-swappable mechanical gaming keyboard offers a full set of arrow and F keys while saving space with a compact yet convenient 87-key layout. The rugged built-in switch plate minimizes unwanted wobbling and provides a solid and accurate typing experience. This version comes standard with the Halo True switch.
It’s also compatible with Cherry MX and Kalih switches for those who want to customize their keyboard. One of the best looking keyboards on the market, it has a minimalist and classic design with no cheesy graphics or extra styling touch. Using a translucent double-shot PBT keycap with an easy-to-read legend, users can customize the lighting for each key.
Magnetically adjustable legs provide a comfortable and ergonomic typing experience. The best chiclet keyboards also have adjustable legs for typing comfort. If you’re looking for a keyboard that’s comfortable and can be held in a natural position, check out the best ergonomic keyboards.
2. Keychron K6 Hot Swappable Keyboard
Why do we like it
This wired/wireless hot-swappable mechanical keyboard features a compact 65% form factor and a clean look. With a high quality metal frame, excellent battery life, and full compatibility with Mac OS, this is a great keyboard on the go for almost any task you can think of.
Product Description
If you’re looking for the best wireless hot-swappable keyboard, this model is definitely worth considering. It has a clean classic design, ergonomic concave keys, and full Mac OS compatibility. It’s also comfortable to type, and the compact 68-key layout saves desk space while preserving the arrow keys.
The standard switch is Gateron Browns, which takes only about 5 seconds to replace, so you can easily switch to a linear switch or a clicky blue switch if you like. Also, if you have other settings for certain smart features of your keyboard, take a look at some of the best Android keyboards.
The Keychron K6 hot-swap keyboard can be connected via Bluetooth 5.1 or configured as a wired keyboard using the included USB C cable. It also features gamer-friendly features such as wired mode nkey rollover (or Bluetooth 6key) and programmable function keys. This is compared to the best gaming keyboards that also offer full nkey rollover, 100% anti-ghosting, and a true per-key RGB backlight.
3. Epomaker SK61 Hot Swappable Keyboard
Why do we like it
This hot swappable keyboard has excellent aesthetics and solid build quality. The standard Halo True switch, on the other hand, provides a smooth, immersive typing experience and improves typing speed thanks to its light preload and precise touch feel.
Product Description
This hot-swappable mechanical gaming keyboard offers a full set of arrow and F keys while saving space with a compact yet convenient 87-key layout. The rugged built-in switch plate minimizes unwanted wobbling and provides a solid and accurate typing experience. This version comes standard with the Halo True switch. It’s also compatible with Cherry MX and Kalih switches for those who want to customize their keyboard.
4. Drop Alt Hot Swappable Keyboard
Why do we like it
This hot swappable keyboard has excellent aesthetics and solid build quality. The standard Halo True switch, on the other hand, provides a smooth, immersive typing experience and improves typing speed thanks to its light preload and precise touch feel.
Product Description
This hot-swappable mechanical gaming keyboard offers a full set of arrow and F keys while saving space with a compact yet convenient 87-key layout. The rugged built-in switch plate minimizes unwanted wobbling and provides a solid and accurate typing experience. This version comes standard with the Halo True switch. It’s also compatible with Cherry MX and Kalih switches for those who want to customize their keyboard.
5. Womier K87 Hot Swappable Keyboard
Why do we like it
This hot swappable keyboard has excellent aesthetics and solid build quality. The standard Halo True switch, on the other hand, provides a smooth, immersive typing experience and improves typing speed thanks to its light preload and precise touch feel.
Product Description
This hot-swappable mechanical gaming keyboard offers a full set of arrow and F keys while saving space with a compact yet convenient 87-key layout. The rugged built-in switch plate minimizes unwanted wobbling and provides a solid and accurate typing experience. This version comes standard with the Halo True switch. It’s also compatible with Cherry MX and Kalih switches for those who want to customize their keyboard.
6. Glorious GMMK TKL Hot Swappable Keyboard
Why do we like it
This hot swappable keyboard has excellent aesthetics and solid build quality. The standard Halo True switch, on the other hand, provides a smooth, immersive typing experience and improves typing speed thanks to its light preload and precise touch feel.
Product Description
This hot-swappable mechanical gaming keyboard offers a full set of arrow and F keys while saving space with a compact yet convenient 87-key layout. The rugged built-in switch plate minimizes unwanted wobbling and provides a solid and accurate typing experience. This version comes standard with the Halo True switch. It’s also compatible with Cherry MX and Kalih switches for those who want to customize their keyboard.