- With hot-swappable switch keyboards, you can easily swap switches without the need for soldering.
- You can replace or repair individual switches to extend your keyboard’s lifespan and save money.
- These keyboards allow you to easily lube switches for a better feel and sound, ultimately enhancing your typing experience.
If you are into mechanical keyboards, you are probably into different mechanical switches. And, if you are into different mechanical switches, then you definitely need a hot-swappable switch keyboard.
When choosing mechanical keyboards, I have always prioritized the ability to customize and maintain my setup. That’s why I always choose keyboards with hot-swappable switches. I recommend that you also consider hot-swappable keyboards for your next purchase.
What Is A Hot-Swappable Switch Keyboard?
In case you already didn’t know, they are switches that you can replace individually. It means they are not soldered onto your keyboard; you can pull them out anytime. This is an excellent feature as you don’t have to replace the entire PCB to replace the switches of your keyboard.
As we started seeing more and more mechanical switch options, inevitably, keyboard enthusiasts started modding their keyboards. And it was only in the last 8-10 years that we began seeing keyboards that were compatible with hot-swappable switches.
Joy of Customization
One of the most significant advantages of hot-swappable keyboards is the ease of customization. With traditional mechanical keyboards, changing switches involves de-soldering and soldering, which requires technical skills and tools. Hot-swappable keyboards eliminate this hassle.
Want to experience tactile, linear, and clicky switches all in one keyboard? Do you need a more silent keyboard during the day because you work with other people but also like listening to the clicky sound whenever you game? Hot-swappable switch keyboards, with their ease of customization, have you covered in all these aspects.
I have tested multiple hot-swappable switch keyboards on our website, and all of them offer great performance and the advantage of customizability. One of the most recent includes the AULA F87 Pro, about which I said:
The Aula F87 Pro punches above its weight in the budget mechanical keyboard market. This TKL keyboard boasts a premium feel thanks to its solid build quality and PBT keycaps. It caters to both typists and gamers with its satisfying typing experience achieved through multi-layered internal dampening and hot-swappable switches for customizable feel.
Maintenance Made Simple
If you have a hot-swappable switch keyboard, you can easily replace your switches with newer ones in the unlikely event that they start to wear and tear. This is particularly beneficial as you don’t have to throw your keyboard away when its switches become faulty or wear with the passage of time. It also saves the hassle of buying a new keyboard, as you can replace a switch for as low as 20 cents only.
Another thing is that every time you get a new set of switches, it’s like you are getting a new keyboard. Because let’s face it: Removing the keycaps, removing the switches, lubing the new switches if you want, and then mounting them on your keyboard just gives a fulfilling feeling. It’s like you have customized it to be your own.
Easier Lubing Experience
The lubing process generally takes a lot of time, but you can save a lot of time with a hot-swappable mechanical keyboard. All you need to do is pull out a switch, lube it, and then put it back in, and you are good to go. Even if you decide not to lube your switches after pulling them out, you can easily put them back into the socket without any fuss.
For the beginners reading this, you probably don’t care about lubing your switches. It’s because you have either never heard of lubing your switches or have never experienced it. Let me tell you that after you have lubed your switches, it’s a whole new typing experience. They feel way better and sound way better. Anyone who has lubed switches before knows there is no going back to the stock switches.
Final Thoughts: A Worthy Investment
In conclusion, hot-swappable keyboards offer great flexibility, ease of maintenance, and a personalized typing experience. They are also great in the long run. They are perfect if you value customization and want to maintain your keyboard easily. The ability to swap switches without soldering has been incredibly beneficial for me.
So, if you want to be flexible and consider it long-term, I always recommend considering one with hot-swappable switches when you go to find one in the market. You can also check out our keyboard reviews for complete guidance.
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[Hardware Reviewer]
After many years of exploiting various pieces of hardware, Abdul Hannan now serves as an editor at Tech4Gamers. He’s been in the PC hardware reviewing industry for almost a decade, and his staff of passionate geeks and reviewers is second to none.
Abdul Hannan is constantly seeking new methods, you will always see him running into New Computer Courses to improve the performance of his computer components since he is an ardent overclocker. He is well-known for providing the most extensive and unbiased analysis of the newest and greatest hardware for PC gaming, including everything from GPUs to PSUs.