A quality mechanical keyboard is one of the key components of any gaming or office setup. Depending on the application, some people may prefer a louder click with more travel, while others may be more inclined toward quiet keys. Furthermore, some gamers may find the perfect form factor for their setup, but the available switch options may prove less than ideal. This is where the best hot-swappable keyboard models have advantages. They offer the best of both worlds with the ability to substitute switches and keycaps without much hassle.

  • Epomaker TH80 Keyboard
    Epomaker Theory TH80
    Best Overall Hot-swappable Keyboard
    $72 at Walmart
  • Mountain Everest Max keyboard
    Mountain Everest Max Mechanical Keyboard
    Best Premium Hot-swappable Keyboard
    $150 at Walmart
  • RK ROYAL KLUDGE RK61
    RK ROYAL KLUDGE RK61
    Best Budget Hot-swappable Keyboard
    $50 at Amazon
  • Keychron Q2 Pro keyboard
    Keychron Q2 Pro
    Best Wireless Hot-swappable Keyboard
    $199 at Keychron
  • Razer BlackWidow V4 75 Percent
    Razer BlackWidow V4 75%
    Best Wired Hot-swappable Keyboard
    $180 at Amazon
  • Lofree Flow Keyboard
    Lofree Flow Mechanical Keyboard
    Best Low Profile Hot-Swapapble Keyboard
    $159 at Lofree
  • Keychron K12 60% Wireless Keyboard
    Keychron K12
    Best 60% Hot-swappable Keyboard
    $90 at Amazon
  • Royal Kludge RK96 Keyboard
    Royal Kludge Rk96
    Best Full-Size Hot-swappable Keyboard
    $80 at Amazon
  • Corsair K70 PRO MINI WIRELESS
    CORSAIR K70 Pro Mini Wireless Mechanical Keyboard
    Best Customizable Hot-swappable Keyboard
    $120 at Walmart
  • best gaming keyboard deals
    ASUS ROG Strix Flare II Animate Gaming Keyboard
    Best RGB Hot-swappable keyboard
    $190 at Amazon
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Those more particular about their gear may prefer the ability to customize keyboards to achieve a specific typing feel. While technically, the switches can be changed on most keyboards, only hot-swappable keyboards allow users to do so without desoldering the existing switches. Buyers should also consider the size and key layout when shopping for an enthusiast-grade keyboard. Mechanical keyboards come in various configurations, including 60 percent options that are missing number pads and other commands to full-sized alternatives. Finally, finding an affordable wired hot-swappable keyboard is easier, but wireless alternatives can be just as modifiable.

Updated on June 19, 2024, by Adam Corsetti: The hot-swappable keyboard market is one of the fastest growing in the industry. More buyers feel comfortable modifying their gear, and manufacturers are adjusting inventories accordingly. The latest version of this buyer's guide includes gaming keyboards from Corsair and Asus with lighting that's just as customizable as their switches. Also, a new selection for the top wired keyboard was added with many of the most popular keyboard hacks.

Game ZXC's Picks for the Best Hot-Swappable Keyboards

The Epomaker TH80 Pro is a perfect mix of affordability, easy customization options, and excellent performance. This 75% keyboard doesn't turn the keyboard world on its head with its feature set. Still, for gamers who desire a reliable keyboard that is a joy to customize, whether it's with new switches or keycaps, the Epomaker TH80 Pro is a fantastic choice.

By default, this keyboard comes with a choice of two in-house Epomaker switches or Gateron Pro Yellow switches. Of course, as a hot-swappable keyboard, users can change these out for whatever they want, but out of the box, the TH80 Pro feels incredible to use. The Epomaker Flamingo switches will probably be the best option for a pure gaming keyboard, with their short travel and very responsive feedback.

The hot-swappable PCB works with both 3-pin and 5-pin south-facing switches, giving gamers a ton of choices of what switches they want to use. Most keyboards only support one or the other, so having both gives just that extra bit of customization, which gives the TH80 Pro an edge over the competition.

If budget is of no concern, the Mountain Everest Max is a premium keyboard that offers impressive customizability and modularity. It stands out from the competition because of its focus on allowing the user to create a personalized keyboard. The Everest Numpad can be attached to either side of the keyboard. This makes it easier for left-handed users and allows for a larger roaming area for gaming mice.

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The Everest Media Dock includes a few buttons and a display that allows users to easily access media controls, monitor the system, and display or switch profiles. This dock can be attached to the top right or top left of the keyboard. Another unique aspect of the Mountain Everest Max is the riser feet design, a set of spacers that can be added or removed to adjust the keyboard's angle.

The high-end hot-swappable keyboard comes with per-key RGB lighting as well as an RGB strip that runs around the entire body. It can be controlled with the Razer Chroma software as well. Coming to the switches, the Mountain Everest Max ships with 3-pin Cherry MX switches with ABS or PBT keycaps. It is a wired keyboard that comes with a magnetic palm rest that is covered in PU leather. The keyboard comes in Gunmetal Gray and Midnight Black color options.

Gamers wanting the versatility of a hot-swappable keyboard while not shelling out the cash that many options ask for should look no further than the Royal Kludge RK61. This 60% wireless mechanical keyboard is one of the best gaming keyboards out there, especially at this very affordable price point.

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The RK61 comes with Royal Kludge brand red, blue, or brown mechanical switches by default. However, the PCB is fully hot-swappable for users who don't want any of those options. As long as the new switches use the 5-pin Cherry mount, they will fit into the RK61. Gamers who want to take it a step further can swap out even the stabilizers for custom ones.

The 60% form factor is not for everyone. The more petite frame can be challenging for gamers with larger hands to feel comfortable, and there are no media keys to speak of. For gamers looking for more functionality and space to spread out but don't want to increase the budget too much, the Royal Kludge RK96 might be a better option.

Keychron has been in the keyboard game for a long time, showing its experience and expertise with the Q2 Pro. It has great build quality with its full metal design and KSA PBT keycaps. There are three color options – Carbon Black, Silver Gray, and Shell White. Keychron offers the Q2 Pro with its own K Pro switches in Red, Brown, and Banana (yellow) color options. But, since it is a hot-swappable keyboard, most Cherry, Gateron, Kailh, Panda, and other branded switches will also work, be it 3-pin or 5-pin switches.

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Whether you want a compact 60% keyboard for gaming or an ergonomic keyboard, Keychron has the perfect option for you.

The Keychron Q2 Pro can be used as a wireless keyboard via Bluetooth 5.1 or wired via a USB Type-C cable. Its 4000 mAh battery, which the company claims can last up to 100 hours with RGB on (lowest brightness) and up to 300 hours with the backlight off, also has a 1000 Hz polling rate in wired mode and 90 Hz in wireless mode. The hot-swappable keyboard uses a screw-in PCB stabilizer for better durability and, of course, stability.

For lighting, the keyboard offers 22 types of RGB backlight settings, which can be further tweaked using the VIA software, and keys can also be remapped. Note that the default keycaps do not allow light to shine through, so Keychron calls it south-facing RGB. The Q2 Pro gives users an extra level of control thanks to the programmable knob, which can be used for macro commands to assist with the workflow.

The Razer BlackWidow V4 75% is perfect for keyboard enthusiasts interested in mods beyond hot-swappable switches. As a practical option, its 75 percent form factor retains the vital keys more compact keyboards lack. Also, this premium wired keyboard offers features like an exceedingly high polling rate without concerns over latency and battery life.

By default, the BlackWidow V4 75% ships with Razer's unique Orange Tactile switches, which are quiet while producing a definable tactile bump. However, owners can replace these switches with three or five-pin alternatives, and the keyboard is durable enough to withstand constant tinkering. Inside the BlackWidow V4 75% is a reinforced gasket-mounted plate and a PCB board covered in tape. Along with layers of sound-absorbing foam, the keyboard will minimize any annoying pinging that often comes with mechanical keyboards, regardless of the switch type. Swapping the pre-lubed stabilizers is possible, but buyers should know that Razer's warranty doesn't cover all modifications.

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Compared to the full-sized BlackWidow V4 Pro, the smaller version sacrifices some features, such as USB passthrough. Still, it handles a variety of tasks well, and a volume rocker, along with two media keys, shines when the keyboard is used as a daily driver. Keyboards that suit smaller hands often ship without a wrist rest, but the BlackWidow V4 75% includes a rather plush cushion that attaches magnetically to its bottom edge.

There is no denying that the BlackWidow V4 75% is pricey for a wired keyboard, but its 8000 Hz polling rate makes cutting-edge typing performance possible. In reality, most gamers won't benefit from this insanely fast registering of keystrokes, but this could change as PCs become better equipped to process rapid inputs.

The BlackWidow V4 75% saves buyers from the time-consuming hassle of common tweaks to improve a keyboard's sound and feel. Build quality is top-notch inside and outside the keyboard, ensuring that the BlackWidow V4 75% can safely evolve as preferences change.

Unlike the hot-swappable gaming keyboards in this guide, the Lofree Flow is an excellent low-profile keyboard that doesn't look out of place in an office. Despite being just 10 mm thick, the Flow houses fantastic mechanical switches that can easily be swapped out for low-profile alternatives.

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However, in Game ZXC's full review of the Lofree Flow, we found that most people will thoroughly enjoy the included switches too much to swap them out immediately. This is the first low-profile keyboard to use full POM switches and a gasket design. The POM switches are incredibly smooth and responsive, and the gasket design makes this keyboard sound full and satisfying despite its shallow interior.

As an excellent coding keyboard, the Nuphy Air75 is the only real competition for the Lofree Flow, but the Flow delivers more consistent performance and an excellent typing feel. Plus, with a battery life of 40 hours, even the hardest working people can get through an entire workweek with this keyboard without needing a recharge.

Keychron has already made its way into this guide with the Q2 Pro, but for users looking for a more compact and minimalist option, the K12 is a prime candidate. This keyboard carries the excellent reputation that Keychron keyboards have, in stride with fantastic customization options and an incredible typing experience; this keyboard is perfect for anyone looking for a hot-swappable 60% keyboard.

Like all Keychron keyboards, the K12 is entirely hot-swappable and easily customizable. The switches offered on Keychron's website are a great place to start looking for alternatives to the ones that come with this keyboard, although they all offer a pretty excellent typing experience out of the box. The Gateron Brown switches, in particular, are fantastic for users who want a tactile option.

60% keyboards have a condensed layout typically reserved for gaming keyboards. While the K12 is no slouch when it comes to performance, it's aimed more toward the productivity crowd. But seeing such a compact form factor make its way out of the gaming space is welcome. Whether users have a smaller desk or prefer the feeling a compact keyboard gives, a 60% keyboard is a great solution. Now, thanks to the K12, it doesn't have to look like it belongs strictly in a gaming setup.

To clarify, technically, the Royal Kludge RK96 is not a full-size keyboard in the strictest sense. Even with six fewer keys than a standard full-size keyboard, the RK96 provides a full-size experience with a much more compact form factor, making it much more approachable for users with smaller hands or desks. Plus, with a hot-swappable PCB, this keyboard can easily be customized to the user's exact liking.

Full-size keyboards are the standard keyboard form factor, and for the most part, there has not been a ton of innovation in the layout of a full-size keyboard in quite some time. The RK96 cuts and squeezes a lot of space out of a typical full-size keyboard to make the footprint much more petite. While this might seem like a hindrance to users who prefer the spread-out form factor, it doesn't feel much smaller when using it. The num-pad and arrow keys are excellent for productivity users, and while the page navigation keys are missing, these can easily be reassigned to macro shortcuts.

Like the RK61, the RK96 is very affordable, making it an ideal option for budget users who want an excellent building platform to enter the DIY keyboard space.

A growing number of keyboards allow for changing mechanical switches, but the Corsair K70 Pro Mini's physical customization is on another level. Leaning more toward the gaming aesthetic than the Keychron K12, the K70 Pro Mini is chock-full of modifiable RGB lighting. This ultra-compact 60% keyboard also maximizes desktop space while setting new high-performance marks whether wired or wireless.

Many premium 60% keyboards are so heavy that they are better suited as permanent desktop fixtures than portable peripherals. However, the K70 Pro Mini keyboard blends enough hard plastic with an aluminum frame to keep its weight reasonable. Of course, the lack of a full keyboard layout also benefits its mobility. 60% keyboards entice gamers with little use for number or arrow keys or enhance productivity in the most cramped settings. To compensate for the lack of keys, users must press the Fn key extensively to activate commands side printed on keycaps.

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By default, the K70 Pro Mini ships with Cherry MX Red or Speed Switches, emphasizing either smooth linear pecking or the most rapid typing possible. Users can replace the switches, but three-pin rather than five-pin MX replacements are required. What's more flexible with the highly customizable K70 Pro Mini is its physical appearance. RGB lighting dominates the keycaps, but on Corsair's website, buyers can replace the accent bar on its rear with other colored components. For fans of white keyboards and mice, the rest of the K70 Pro Mini's exterior is sold in a brighter color scheme.

The K70 Pro Mini is also one of the most versatile wireless keyboards on the market. Gamers' preferred connectivity method is Slipstream Wireless, which uses a USB RF dongle with insanely low latency. Other options include Bluetooth and using the keyboard wired, where an 8000 Hz polling rate unlocks. Even when used cordless, the K70 Pro Mini doubles the reporting rate of most competitors at 2000 Hz. Thanks to a dedicated PlayStation mode, the keyboard will make inputting text on the console far less painful.

As one of the most customizable keyboards, Corsair's keyboard combines replaceable MX switches with other modular components. The K70 Pro Mini is the best hot-swappable keyboard when creating the perfect-looking keyboard is just as critical as typing performance.

RGB keyboards have become so commonplace that manufacturers look for other ways to add flair to these peripherals. The Asus ROG Strix Flare II Animate sports the usual per-key lighting but adds an LED display reminiscent of dot matrix printing. It also has an extremely durable construction with swappable ROG NX switches that provide light but satisfying typing.

The ROG Strix Flare II Animate is not meant for gamers with small desks, as it's a full-sized behemoth weighing around two and a half pounds. However, with the added size comes space for the AniMe Matrix LED display on the keyboard's upper right corner. While the lighting effects here aren't colored, gamers can choose from some decent-sized animations most visible in darker rooms. More than just cosmetic, the small LED lights can display alerts and signal users when notifications arrive. The ROG Strix Flare II Animate also has more conventional RGB effects extending to its included wrist rest.

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Perhaps because of the Matrix display, the media keys are in a slightly unusual location. Even so, these controls are hardly an afterthought and rise off the surface of the keyboard's top left corner. With the tall keycaps on many mechanical keyboards, it can be slightly annoying to have to reach over the top row to access small buttons. Fortunately, on the ROG Strix Flare II Animate, the volume rocker and other media controls have a tactile feel, and there are tall buttons next to them to lock the Windows key and adjust RGB brightness.

The ROG Strix Flare II Animate is more about being seen than heard, and rugged switch stabilizers soften typing. Inside the keyboard's casing is sound-dampening foam, which makes typing on the ROG NX Blue, Red, or Brown switches more pleasant. Although the switch selection is generous, gamers can also replace them with three-pin Cherry MX-style substitutes.

Asus' Armoury Crate software is a bit complex just to adjust keyboard settings, slowing down customization efforts. Nevertheless, the ROG Strix Flare II Animate is the best hot-swappable keyboard when ordinary RGB keyboards have lost some luster.

How to Find the Best Hot-Swappable Keyboard

Epomaker TH80 Pro on orange background

Instead of buying an entirely new device, a hot-swappable keyboard can adapt to changing typing preferences. Even though the enthusiast DIY keyboard market can be quite expensive, there are cheaper options that are more inviting for beginners. Along with budget, buyers should consider these factors when shopping for a customizable keyboard:

Form factor

Mechanical keyboards are available in full-size, compact, TKL or tenkeyless, compact TKL, and other smaller sizes. While this variety is true in the gaming mechanical keyboard market, hot-swappable options are not as varied. Most hot-swappable keyboards are TKL or smaller.

Those looking for full-size hot-swappable models have very limited options. However, the ASUS ROG Strix Flare II Animate is an exception, with added space for tall media controls and an unusual Matrix LED display. The form factor depends on the use case. For example, someone working with many numbers prefers a full-size keyboard with a number pad rather than a TKL without number keys. On the other hand, some gamers prefer smaller keyboards like the 60% Keychron K12 as they offer more desk space for XL mousepads.

Switch Compatibility

Switch compatibility can be categorized under PCB pin design and the type of switch. The switches have multiple contact points on the PCB board for connectivity and stability. Some keyboards come with three-pin connections, while others come with five-pin connections. These determine the type of switches that can be used on that particular hot-swappable keyboard.

The hot-swappable switches come with a three-pin or a five-pin design, with the five-pin option offering more stability. Notably, the two extra pins on the five-pin design are just plastic pins for stability and have nothing to do with connectivity. This means three-pin switches can be used on PCBs with five connecting points, but not vice versa. A keyboard like the CORSAIR K70 Pro Mini accommodates a wide variety of switches but is limited to three-pin components. On the other hand, the Razer BlackWidow V4 75% has a PCB board that's inviting to both three and five-pin switches.

Not all hot-swappable keyboards work with all switches. Some keyboards only accommodate certain brands, such as Cherry MX, Topre, or Alps, which should be confirmed before purchasing. However, several clones out there offer different types of feedback on the same switch design, which can also work. For example, Kailh and Gateron switches are typically clones of Cherry MX and will work with hot-swappable keyboards that use Cherry MX switches.

Budget

A positive aspect of the hot-swappable keyboard market is that there are cheap and premium options. Those looking to get into the world of hot-swappable keyboards can find entry-level, budget-friendly options. The affordable RK Royal Kludge RK61 is a great gateway into the world of enthusiast keyboards and doesn't sacrifice build quality. At the same time, buyers can spend hundreds of dollars for the optimum experience. The pricier Mountain Everest Max includes modular components like a number pad to complement its hot-swappable capabilities. With hot-swappable keyboards, buying different switches is an added expense to consider when purchasing.

Connectivity

A keyboard can be wired or wireless; with the advancement in wireless technology, many cordless models perform just as well. Wireless keyboards allow for a cleaner desk setup but come with their own drawbacks, like limited battery life and being more expensive. Some wireless keyboards also allow for Bluetooth connectivity, which means they can be used with a phone or a tablet, making them even more versatile. The Keychron Q2 Pro can connect to almost any device, which negates many advantages of wired keyboards with incredible battery capacity.

The Epomaker Theory TH80 emerges as the best hot-swappable keyboard among stiff competition. This wireless 75% keyboard preserves valuable desktop real estate without lacking essential keys. It also excels as a multi-platform productivity solution with adequate latency for gaming.

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FAQ

Q: What are the downsides of hot-swappable keyboards?

While hot-swappable keyboards come with some obvious advantages, there are some disadvantages as well. The PCB for a hot-swappable keyboard has a slightly different design than the standard ones which is why they are relatively expensive. Soldered keyboards or non-hot-swap keyboards are generally more durable and stable.

Q: Is it worth getting a hot-swappable keyboard?

Hot-swappable keyboards allow users to switch up the typing experience relatively easily so those who like to experiment should go with a hot-swappable option. Those satisfied with one particular key switch can either get a non-hot-swappable keyboard or even a hot-swappable one. In the current market, there are several budget options, so it makes sense to go the hot-swappable route for some added flexibility.

Q: Do you need to solder hot swappable keyboards?

No, hot-swappable keyboards do not require any soldering to replace key switches. The switches can be pulled using a switch puller just like keycaps.