If you're looking for more control over how your keys feel and sound, you'll want to turn to one of the best hot-swappable keyboards. These decks allow you to easily remove and replace the switches under your keycaps, so whether you prefer a lighter, clickier feel or something with a bit more depth you're free to install your own components. Not only that, but these keyboards also often come with more luxurious build components, like gasket mount designs and easily moddable cases.
There are more hot-swappable keyboards on the market than ever - and some of the previous top names are dropping their prices to compete as well. Whether you're curious about the flexibility or just looking to liven up your setup with a little extra personalization, there's plenty to choose from right now. At the moment, the best hot-swappable keyboard is the Glorious GMMK 3 - it's easily the most customizable way to build your own custom keyboard without diving into the expensive parts world and provides a fantastic typing and gaming experience. We've put plenty more top names to the test to find the best models, though, based on performance, build quality, and feature sets.
We're balancing price with features and build quality to highlight the cream of the crop across a range of budgets and needs. Whether you're after one of the best gaming keyboards with a customizable twist, or a comfortable set of keys to use on Windows, Mac, or iPad, there's something for everyone here.
The quick list
Best overall
Available in a range of sizes and with full modular customization, the Glorious GMMK 3 is the best hot-swappable keyboard on the market right now.
Best budget
Redragon abandons more premium build features in order to provide a stripped back switch-swapping experience without breaking the bank. This is for first-time tinkerers.
Best for gaming
The Azoth is the best keyboard we've tested for gaming overall, and it just so happens to be the best hot-swappable option as well.
Best full size
The Mountain Everest Max is an insanely customizable deck with switch-swapping features built in. At full build, this is a massive control panel.
Best 65%
Those Gateron Hall Effect switches might be best left installed, but if you want to add your own our favorite 65% deck is also fully hot-swappable.
Best 60%
With a smooth, slick frame, and rare arrow buttons on a 60% model, the Everest 60 is flexible and reliable during typing and gameplay.
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Best for typing
The KeyChron Q2 feels incredible to type on, with a dense, soft design. It's not the fastest deck available, though, so it's not best fit for gaming.
I've spent a good few paychecks building, modding, and breaking custom keyboards, and it all started with hot-swappable decks. With more switches and stabilizers lining my cupboards than I can count, I've been experimenting with different configurations since I was a teenager, and officially reviewing them for 12DOVE for the last three years. I currently swap between using the Glorious GMMK 3 Pro with Glorious Lynx HE switches and the Asus ROG Azoth with Epomaker Blue Bird switches.
Recent updates
December 16 - All products, stock, and prices on this page have been checked for accuracy and availability, and the order of the Mountain Everest 60 and Endgame Gear KB65HE on this page has been swapped for clarity. The page now runs in descending size order for better navigation.
The best hot-swappable keyboard overall
The Glorious GMMK 3 is everything I would have wanted back when I first started getting into custom keyboards. You can pick up a fully hot-swappable prebuilt deck for a decent price off the shelves, or dive into the brand's Boardsmith configurator tool, a full design studio allowing you to customize everything from keycaps to switch plates in one go. Throw in a healthy long-term modular upgrade system and fantastic typing feel and you've got the best hot-swappable keyboard on the market right now.
✅ You want room to grow: The beauty of the GMMK 3 is that it could end up looking completely different a few years down the line. This is about more than swapping switches, you can grab extra cases, switch plates, and even gasket mounts to mix it up.
✅ You need dedicated media controls: Fewer hot-swappable keyboards offer the same kind of extra controls as full gaming keyboards but that rotary dial has you covered here.
✅ You keep your keyboard at home: This thing is heavy, but that's fantastic for those working solely from one desk. There's no moving it once it's placed and no concerns about accidental brushes.
❌ You need to travel with your keyboard: That weight does mean those who need to pack everything into a bag every now and then should be looking at a lighter alternative.
Design: It's incredibly difficult to talk about the GMMK 3's design - because (if you go through the Boardsmith tool) your keyboard could look and even feel completely different to mine. However, the prebuilt options available at retailers like Best Buy in the US and Currys in the UK still feature a strong and sturdy build quality with a wedge shaped form factor. The base model (GMMK 3) ships with a lighter plastic chassis, but the Pro swaps that out for a more durable CNC aluminum case. Of course, all of those parts are fully modular, so you can grab a pre-built and change out its parts over time as well.
I opted for a white metal top plate with an arcic blue metal bottom case, finishing it off with a set of Ocean gradient keycaps and some silver accents. With bright, vibrant RGBs set across the main deck and on both sides (I've now worked out that these also blink when caps lock is on), there's plenty of aesthetic personalization on a software level as well.
Features: There is one thing you'll need to consider before heading to checkout; are you going to want hall effect switches somewhere down the line. The GMMK 3 and GMMK 3 HE models offer HE boards that can take both MX-style and hall effect clickers and are well worth the punt if you're a particularly keen gamer. I threw a set of Glorious Lynx HE switches in mine, and loved the soft feel but snappy response. These hall effect switches offer variable actuation points, rapid trigger, and the ability to map up to four different inputs to the same keystroke. It's overkill if you're just looking for a typing deck (in which case I'd recommend sticking with an MX board) but a fantastic feather in the GMMK 3 HE's cap.
Elsewhere, you'll also find full programmability within Glorious's Core software, and a dedicated media dial in the top corner as well. That latter feature isn't to be taken for granted in hot-swappable keyboards.
Performance: Being able to tailor your typing feel is the whole reason we all love hot-swappable keyboards in the first place, but being able to customize that feel down to the switch plate is fantastic. It means you'll be able to fine-tune the bounce and sound of your keys to your exact preferences. I've always loved the sensitive but still energetic feel of the Asus ROG Azoth below, but always wanted to pair it with a slightly softer keypress and a less clacky switch. I could have swapped the switches on that board, but being able to combine a harder switch plate with an almost marshmallowy switch gave me the exact feel I've been looking for.
Verdict: The best hot-swappable keyboards run with their main strength; customization. Glorious is doing a cross-country sprint. This is an incredibly personalized experience that doesn't start out at a high price point (though things can creep up there if you go mad in Boardsmith). Its excellent typing feel, wide range of switch options, and modular design make it the go-to right now.
Read more: Glorious GMMK 3 review
| Speed | ★★★★★ |
| Customization | ★★★★★ |
| Typing feel | ★★★★★ |
| Portability | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Comfort | ★★★☆☆ |
| Controls | ★★★☆☆ |
The best budget hot-swappable keyboard
The Redragon K530 is a compact 60% hot-swappable keyboard, but there's plenty of value packed into that tiny shell.
✅ You don't want to break the bank: Hot-swappable keyboards are coming down in price now, but it's still rare to find devices at these kinds of prices.
✅ You already have switches handy: Redragon doesn't ship with Cherry switches straight away, so if you're looking for a more name-brand experience, you'll need to have some handy from day one.
✅ You don't need competitive gaming speeds: There's no point in paying for extra features if you're purely typing, or you play slower strategy games, and don't need the competitive speeds of dedicated gaming keyboards.
❌ You want arrow keys: 60% keyboards like this drop the arrow keys, instead incorporating them into additional functions elsewhere. That can be a headache for both productivity and gaming.
❌ Luxury typing feel is a priority: Without a good deal of buffering in the main chassis the Redragon isn't going to offer up the same kind of feel as a more expensive machine.
Design: The K530 looks a lot like any other hot-swappable keyboard you'll find on the market - things are fairly subtle here with either a stock black or white aesthetic to choose from. This is a super minimalist 60% design, which means you're dropping the functionality of extra keys to maintain a super portable form factor and plenty more space for larger mouse swipes.
Features: You're picking up one of the cheaper options on this list here, but there's still a Bluetooth 5.0 wireless connection (with the ability to switch between three devices) baked in, as well as an impressive 3,000mAh battery. You can pay far more for far less juice right now, so that battery power is well worth taking note of.
If you're using your Redragon for gaming, it's worth noting the full rollover and the smart double function placements. Because this 60% form factor does away with dedicated arrow keys, the K530 offers dual-function WASD keys. Usually, we find these arrow buttons mapped to the other side of the deck, but doubling up your driver keys does make far more sense in certain games. Not only that, but you're also getting an additional function programming setting, opening up more mapping options.
Performance: This is a basic typing experience (you've only got Redragon's switches to choose from straight out of the box). However, the chassis plays nicely with faster Cherry options for a nice degree of flexibility and everything holds up well. Cheaper hot-swappable keyboards like this often run the risk of dead ports and finnicky inputs, but we haven't found any concerns in our own research.
Verdict: You don't find wireless hot-swappable keyboards for under $60 every day, and while the Draconic does drop a few quality of life features to get you there for less this is excellent value.
| Speed | ★★★☆☆ |
| Customization | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Typing feel | ★★★☆☆ |
| Portability | ★★★★☆ |
| Comfort | ★★★☆☆ |
| Controls | ★★☆☆☆ |
The best hot-swappable keyboard for gaming
The Asus ROG Azoth is actually our favorite gaming keyboard overall, but if you don't need the speed of a deck dedicated to play, its lofty price tag isn't going to make much sense. Still, there's no other deck on the market that manages to pair the experience of a high-end custom hot-swappable keyboard with the speed and agility required for a PC gaming setup.
✅ You're investing long-term: This is a premium piece of kit, but it's built to last. Not only are those switches, obviously, swappable, but the extra features are well worth the price.
✅ You like a snappy feel: The ROG NX switches in our test keyboard feel incredibly bouncy with a snap that will satisfy those looking for a satisfying experience without the volume of a tactile switch.
✅ Speed is a priority: It's difficult to find a hot-swappable keyboard with the connection speed required to perform in more competitive gaming scenarios. The Azoth is a rare gem in this arena.
❌ You want more keybinding options: The 75% form factor may be limiting if you want the full keybinding experience of a larger deck.
❌ You can sacrifice typing feel: If you don't mind dropping down on that luxury typing feel, the Corsair K65 Plus Wireless is a pretty solid Azoth imitation.
Design: The Asus ROG Azoth blew us away in our testing, offering a gasket mounted design with three layers of foam under the hood for a particularly soft landing and great sound. Aesthetically, the Azoth follows the same two-tone design of many custom decks, with light and gray luxury PBT keycaps across the 75% form factor. Everything under those caps is incredibly well built, feeling stocky and sturdy without any movement across the desk. It's not as solid as Keychron's unit, but it's still a reliable weight.
Features: The NX switches that come stock in the box (and with pre-lubed stabilizers), offer up a snappy press and speedy debounce, with a super satisfying clack overall. You'll also receive a full switch lubing kit in the box to keep everything in top condition as well. On top of an extraordinary typing experience, you'll find plenty of gaming features that just don't make their way to the vast majority of typists' decks. Each key is programmable via the Armoury Crate software, and you'll also be able to assign presets with space for up to six profiles on the deck itself. A surprisingly detailed OLED display is the cherry on top here, offering system specs and plenty more via a bright screen in the top right corner.
Performance: The Azoth boasts incredible performance in both everyday typing and gameplay. Those super slick switches feel particularly light and soft under the hands - a speedier feel that won't be for everyone but certainly translates in to long-term comfort and in-game precision. Not only that, but the battery life holds out well to boot.
Verdict: The Asus ROG Azoth is a powerful piece of kit. A luxury typing feel, super speedy internals, and plenty of extra features make this a must-see for anyone looking to invest in a high end hot-swappable keyboard for both work and play.
Read more: Asus ROG Azoth review
| Speed | ★★★★☆ |
| Customization | ★★★★☆ |
| Typing feel | ★★★★★ |
| Portability | ★★★☆☆ |
| Comfort | ★★★★☆ |
| Controls | ★★★★☆ |
The best full size hot-swappable keyboard
The Mountain Everest Max is a turbo-charged gaming keyboard. Not only is it fully hotswappable, but the TKL base unit can also be expanded with a modular number pad and separate display dial. That makes it an incredibly versatile unit, with the gaming chops to match.
✅ Space isn't an issue: If you've got a full-sized setup, you'll want to take advantage of it. This is a larger deck, especially with all the accessories attached.
✅ You want plenty of controls: There's a number pad with four display-pad buttons available straight out the box, as well as a multi-function digital display dial. You can also attach other macro-pad and display-pad pieces in here for a full cockpit-style control panel.
✅ You play single player: We didn't have any issues with the speed of the Everest Max when testing in single player adventures, but it doesn't quite have the response times to keep up with more competitive endeavors.
❌ You don't need extra gadgets: A lot of this price is baked into that modular design - if you don't need all those extra controls, there are much better models out there for you.
❌ You play competitive games: While faster than other hot-swappable keyboards when it comes to gaming, the Mountain Everest Max still can't keep up with more competitive decks.
Design: An aluminium base plate, magnetic USB-C connections, and comprehensive software makes this an extremely luxurious package under the hand - as one would expect for that $299.99 price point. A minor gripe that we did come across in our testing was those cheaper ABS keycaps though, which felt out of place considering the high MSRP on the tag. That's easily fixed with a replacement set, though.
Features: The Mountain Everest Max feels like it leans more into its gaming audience than other hot-swappable keyboards do. You're getting a nice response time (though not as fast as more competitive, purpose-built machines), and four dedicated macro buttons (with LED displays) to boot. However, the biggest indication that this kit is designed for a gamer to invest in is that digital display dial. From offering up stats on PC performance and APM to controlling RGB lighting, volume, and setting different profiles, this notched dial is a joy to use and completes the whole experience.
Performance: The Mountain Everest Max is faster than the Keychron Q2 and, overall, held up better for gaming performance. It's not going to hold up to twitch reflex gameplay, but response times and repeat keypresses generally held up well for solo play across a range of genres.
Read more: Mountain Everest Max review
| Speed | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Customization | ★★★★★ |
| Typing feel | ★★★★☆ |
| Portability | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Comfort | ★★★★☆ |
| Controls | ★★★★★ |
The best 65% hot-swappable keyboard
Mixing adjustable hall effect switches straight out the box with a fantastic typing experience, luxury keycaps, and a rock solid build quality, the Endgame Gear KB65HE isn't just the best 65% hot-swappable keyboard, it's the best deck we've tested in that form factor overall.
✅ Speed is a priority: Being able to set those 0.1mm actuation points makes this an excellent keyboard for those looking to get twitch-reflex combos in as quickly as possible.
✅ You want more control: You're getting a granular level of control over exactly how your keyboard feels to use here - and that's not something we can say of even the most widely compatible hot-swappable keyboards.
✅ You don't travel too often: The heavier weight and wired only connection means this is one for those who keep their setup at home.
❌ You need to take your keyboard on the road: This might prove too heavy in the backpack if you're travelling with your setup regularly
❌ You don't want extra cables: If you keep a tidier setup, you might be better off with a wireless option.
Design: It's not the most exciting in the world, but the all-black aesthetic of the KB65HE is hiding a seriously impressive build. This is full CNC-milled aluminum, with a stocky but solid base providing a wedge-shaped design and secure housing for a set of premium Ducky PBT keycaps. Such a design means this isn't one for those taking their keyboards on the road. Weighing just over 1kg, this is certainly a dense piece of kit.
While we did feel like the whole chassis could do with a higher elevation than the additional rubber feet provide, everything feels great under the hand. Each tap is smooth and bottoms out with a soft landing thanks to the two silicone rubber sheets inside (and those Gateron switches). We were a little disappointed that the additional features assigned to each key weren't included in the printed legends, however.
Features: The Endgame Gear KB65HE is a hot-swappable keyboard, but we'd recommend taking the stock switches out for a spin before you break out the puller. Gateron's KS-37B hall effect clickers have a secret weapon. They function through magnets, which means their actuation points can be customized from just 0.1mm. That means you can set the sensitivity yourself, making for some serious speedy inputs at the lower end.
This is a wired-only affair, with no dedicated media controls so there are some sacrifices to be made, but if you're after a deck you can make your own the switches themselves are a fantastic feature.
Performance: In-game, the Endgame Gear KB65HE does everything you could need it to, and then some. Setting those switches to a super flyweight 0.1ms had us speeding through Apex Legends arenas, once we got used to the sensitivity. However, being able to experiment with higher travel distances kept things tactile and precise even in slower games like Assassin's Creed Odyssey as well.
Verdict: The Endgame Gear KB65HE prides itself on its switches, so it's not one you'll need to hot-swap too soon. However, if you're looking for a value-busting 65% hot-swappable deck it's still an excellent option from its build quality and additional functions alone.
Read more: Endgame Gear KB65HE review
| Speed | ★★★★★ |
| Customization | ★★★★★ |
| Typing feel | ★★★★☆ |
| Portability | ★★★☆☆ |
| Comfort | ★★★☆☆ |
| Controls | ★★☆☆☆ |
The best 60% hot-swappable keyboard
The Mountain Everest 60 is the second modular hot-swappable keyboard from the premium brand, following up from the Max model featured further up this guide.
✅ You still need arrow buttons: The majority of 60% keyboards omit those arrow buttons, but you're still getting them packed in here.
✅ You want the option to expand: If you don't know whether you'll still be on that compact hype in a year's time, the extra accessories available can help put your mind at ease.
✅ You want luxury typing: This is a deck built on luxury typing feel, perfect for those after more of a typing investment than a gaming one.
❌ You want more dedicated controls: If you're after more of a macro array, you'd be better served by a larger deck like the Max.
Design: The Mountain Everest 60 manages to squeeze plenty of extra features into a smaller footprint. That means you're benefitting from the shrunken design while also keeping that extra space for wider mouse sweeps. Elsewhere, you'll find a similar brushed black design to the Max model, with bright RGB lighting and a sturdy build quality.
Features: While you're dropping some of the modular options of the premium version, this is one of the best hot-swappable keyboard for productivity that we've tested. One look at those arrow keys can confirm that. It's the overall form factor that makes the Mountain Everest 60 so well suited to productivity purposes. You're picking up a smaller 60% keyboard here, so leaving plenty of space on your desk, but there's very little sacrifice in the way of functions - compared to more speed focused models. The optional number pad does add a little extra to your setup, but if you're a spreadsheet wizard it's a must-have feature unique to the Everest lineup.
Performance: We found the stock Mountain Linear 45 switches to be supremely comfortable in particular - offering a soft landing but in no way dropping that classic mechanical snap. It was a dream to type on this particular deck, though ripping all those switches out was just as easy as well.
Read more: Mountain Everest 60 review
| Speed | ★★★☆☆ |
| Customization | ★★★☆☆ |
| Typing feel | ★★★★☆ |
| Portability | ★★★☆☆ |
| Comfort | ★★★★☆ |
| Controls | ★☆☆☆☆ |
The best hot-swappable keyboard for typing
With all the customizations they go through, the best hot-swappable keyboards need to be tough enough to take a beating. The Keychron Q2 isn't just tough, it's an absolute unit.
✅ You're building a home setup: The Q2 wants to sit on your desk and stay there. The weight and chunkier build mean you won't be transporting this deck too far.
✅ You want a solid feel: This is a deck made to feel sturdy, and it does just so. The CNC aluminum chassis and incredible heft means this won't be flying across your desk.
✅ You don't need super fast speeds: Typists are going to be best served with the Q2, and while it's more than useful for everyday play more competitive players will notice those slower speeds.
❌ You travel regularly with your kit: Being this heavy, the Q2 isn't best suited to those who need a portable hot-swappable keyboard.
❌ You play competitively: The speed of this connection just isn't high enough to play competitively.
Design: This is easily one of - if not the - heaviest keyboards to grace our testing desk. Weighing in at an incredible 3.6lbs while only measuring 327 x 121 x 33.8mm. That's a seriously stocky board which certainly won't fare well in a backpack, but will stand strong on your table top.
There's a reason the Q2 is so reassuringly dense; it's built with solid CNC aluminium, stuffed full of Poron foam, and double gasket mounted to keep everything whisper quiet. We were impressed by just how well the Q2 absorbed any unwanted switch sounds during our testing; it was like typing into a vacuum. Of course, you're still getting that satisfying thud of a heavier linear switch, and the clack of a debounce can still ring out.
The keycaps this hot-swappable keyboard ships with may split opinion. The Keychron-specific 'OSA' design sees a heavy curve to each of these keys. We did find some of the legends to be printed in strange ways, but the color scheme and luxury PBT feel made it a joy to work across this board.
Features: With the ability to open up every nook and cranny, and some premium enthusiast features built into the case, this is certainly one for the tinkerers out there. You're still getting a fully programmable suite of keys, as well as an optional programmable dial for dedicated media controls as well.
Performance: We wouldn't recommend diving into this board for gameplay; the speed under the hood can't hold up to dedicated devices. However, the sound and feel underneath everyday typing is fantastic. That double gasket mount design works hard to make sure that no matter how hard you slam the keys you're getting a soft landing every time. There's a lighter profile to these keypresses, with a deeper thock on larger keys.
Verdict: The Keychron Q2 is a dense, solid bulldog of a keyboard. Heavy, stocky, and built for tactile stability, this is a hot-swappable keyboard for those after something chunky.
Read more: Keychron Q2 review
| Speed | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Customization | ★★★☆☆ |
| Typing feel | ★★★★★ |
| Portability | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Comfort | ★★★★★ |
| Controls | ★★☆☆☆ |
Also tested
How we test hot-swappable keyboards
We test hot-swappable keyboards using all the same checks we would place on dedicated gaming keyboards, running through out of the box switch performance, any macro or media controls, speed and response times, and typing feel. When testing a new keyboard, we'll live with that deck for a considerable period of time, bringing it into our everyday work and gameplay to ensure it holds up beyond just a few hours of use. After that, though, we'll tear these things apart, completely swapping the whole switch set to make sure there's no dead PCB, and to check the ease of pulling and plugging.
A hot-swappable keyboard still needs to fit the same design expectations we hold regular gaming decks to. That means we examine build quality and materials to ensure all joins and hinges are secure and smooth. Keycaps are tested for their grip, precision, and overall comfort, with ergonomics tested across all elevation levels and both with and without any supplied wrist rests. Aesthetics are largely subjective, but we explore whether a color scheme will fit in both office and gaming environments for full usability. Hot-swappable keyboards do have another round of design tests to pass, which may not be present in general gaming devices. This relates to the internal sound dampening of the device. We're constantly listening to the auditory feedback present when typing at various strengths, and feeling the results of different switch plates and mounting materials. We also make sure to note the number of keys on offer, in case they sit outside of the usual size parameters (and may therefore require multiple switch kit purchases).
All hot-swappable keyboards are tested for their speed, additional programming functions, connectivity options, and onboard controls. We use faster paced games like CS:2 and Apex Legends to put polling rates, variable actuation points, and overall switch speed to the test, while also exploring any additional macro or functional programming options through other PC titles. We use each keyboard across all of its available connection offerings, using only the supplied cables and wireless receivers. Where applicable, we test battery life by charging to 100% as soon as we open the box and running the device for as long as possible at 50% RGB until charge is depleted. We run this test for both 2.4GHz and any Bluetooth connections available, and keep a close eye out for any response degradation as that battery level lowers.
We first test these decks with the switches they are shipped with, usually a stock linear option. This allows us to examine an out-of-the-box experience, testing the comfort, sound, feel, and response of the switch's travel distance, actuation force, actuation speed, debounce, while noting any degradation over time. Hot-swappable keyboards are then stripped down as much as possible and re-fitted with a set of Cherry MX Reds or Gateron Blues. This allows us to test the switch removal process for smoothness and compatibility with both three and five pin switches, while we also check the PCB itself for any manufacturing defects or rough edges.
Once our review is completed, every hot-swappable keyboard is assigned scores out of five across six categories; speed, customization, typing feel, portability, comfort, and controls.
You can find out more about how we test keyboards, or check out how we make all our recommendations in our full 12DOVE Hardware Policy.
Glossary
The rabbit hole of custom keyboards can lead you towards plenty of strange new jargon, so if you're picking up your first hot-swappable keyboard it can be handy to go in armed with some key language. You'll find some of the more commonly spouted terms defined just below.
60%
The smallest keyboard type in common circulation (though you will find smaller), 60% keyboards drop most extra keys navigational or functional keys for a more compact form factor.
65%
A 65% keyboard is only slightly larger than a 60% model, and may keep a few navigational keys and arrow buttons.
75%
A 75% keyboard keeps more navigational buttons as well as arrow keys while also spacing the deck a little more. You're also more likely to find dedicated media controls on these builds.
Actuation force
The force on the key required to 'actuate' or trigger the switch underneath.
Actuation point
The point at which a mechanical switch registers an input when being pushed.
Bottom-out
The process of fully pushing a key down to the bottom of the switch's position.
Clicky
A type of mechanical switch that pairs a tactile actuation bump with a loud, 'clicky' sound.
Linear
A type of mechanical switch that doesn't have a bump in its actuation, making the process of pushing all the way down smooth the entire way.
Lubrication
The process of lubricating stabilizers to reduce wobble and dampen any rattling noise.
PCB
The plate underneath the main top of your keyboard where you can plug your switches in. The PCB is a circuit board that controls your keyboard.
Pin
The small prongs at the bottom of a switch which plug into the PCB on a hot-swappable keyboard. Switches may have three or five pins but many keyboards accept either models these days.
RGB
Colorful, often customizable lighting placed underneath the keycaps on a keyboard.
Stabilizer
A guide bar that secures larger key caps to the main deck in order to prevent wobbling and rattling during typing.
Switch
A mechanical button underneath the keycap that actuates with every key press.
Tactile
A switch design with an inbuilt bump that can be felt when pressing the key.
TKL
A keyboard design that maintains everything from a full deck without the number pad. That means you'll get a full selection of navigation keys, as opposed to just a few featured in a 75% model.
Travel
The movement of a switch when being pushed down to actuate (pre-travel indicates the distance it takes before a switch will hit its actuation point, and total travel indicates the distance it takes before a switch fully bottoms out).
Which switches are right for you?
The best part of picking up a hot-swappable keyboard is experimenting with the massive range of switches on the market to find the best feeling clickers for your fingers. Thankfully, it's a lot easier to narrow your choices considering there are only three main switch types up for grabs; linear, tactile, and clicky.
Linear switches
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Linear switches will move straight down when pressed, without any bumps or sound on the way down. That makes them typically faster for gaming or programming. They are typically denoted by either a red, silver, or black color, with each offering a slightly different typing feel based on its actuation force (measured in cN, higher is heavier).
Red and silver switches are typically the lighter models, with black options packing a heavier feel better suited to those who don't want to worry about accidental presses. Linear switch typically keep to a 2mm actuation point with 4mm of total travel.
Tactile switches
Tactile switches remove the smoothness of a linear, adding a tactile bump to the press which can make them faster to actuate once you get a feel for the travel distance. These are more geared towards heavier typists who want to move across a deck as quickly as possible, but it does take some time to get to that point. This is the best way to get the tactile 'bump' without the excessive noise of a clicky switch.
There are fewer tactile switches on the market, with the vast majority of players opting for a brown model. These switches range from 1.1mm to 2mm in actuation points, with 3.5mm to 4mm of total travel.
Clicky switches
Clicky switches, meanwhile, offer an emphasized tactile bump but with a much louder clack noise for extra feedback. That makes it a lot easier to actuate the switch without fully bottoming out - a much faster typing process overall. It can be hard to pull off repeat presses quickly with this feel, though.
Clicky switches tend to come in a lighter blue color or a heavier green option.
If you're after more information on your different options, check out our full mechanical keyboard switch guide.
Hot-swappable keyboards: FAQ
What is a hot-swappable keyboard?
A hot-swappable keyboard is simply a mechanical (or sometimes optical) keyboard that does solder its switches to the PCB plate underneath the case. This means you can easily pop the switches themselves in and out, customizing the sound and feel of your keyboard.
Are gaming keyboards hot-swappable?
The vast majority of gaming keyboards produced by brands like Razer, Corsair, HyperX, and others are not hot-swappable. You'll often have to delve further into the customizable keyboard space to find a model that will let you swap the switches, whereas gaming brands will typically stick to cheaper soldered PCB boards.
There are, however, a few gaming-oriented hot-swappable keyboards, like the aforementioned Mountain Everest Max.
How to tell if a keyboard is hot-swappable
The most reliable way to find out if a keyboard is hot-swappable is to check the product page on the brand's website. Many keyboards allow you to remove the key cap to see the switch underneath, but pulling at this switch to try and remove it can seriously damage your board if it's not hot-swappable itself.
We're also rounding up all the best Razer keyboards and taking a look at the best wireless gaming keyboard on the market right now. Or, for more discounts, take a look at the latest cheap gaming keyboard deals.
