A hot swap mechanical keyboard is a customizable gaming or productivity keyboard with switch replacements built right into the PCB. These switches aren’t soldered to the board, so they can be changed quickly and easily without needing a soldering gun or other tools.
A hot swap PCB also makes it easy to add customizations like RGB lighting and macros, which are otherwise difficult or costly to do. These features can be important if you’re buying a custom keyboard for gaming or work.
Switches
Hot swap mechanical keyboard come with a wide range of switches to choose from, allowing you to change them out easily without compromising the functionality of your keyboard. This ability to switch out the switches in your keyboard is particularly popular among gamers, as it allows you to build a custom setup that fits your gaming style and preferences.
To get started, you’ll need a keyboard that supports hot-swap switches and a tool to replace the switches on the board. The most common tool for this is a keycap puller, which is designed to grip underneath a switch and remove it from the keyboard.
Once you have the switches out of the keyboard, it’s time to line up the pins on the new switch with the sockets on the board, and then push down gently but firmly. This is important as it keeps the switch from bending, which can make it less stable when it’s installed.
Most hot-swap mechanical keyboards will come with a variety of different switches to choose from, ranging from linear (red) to clicky (blue) to tactile (brown). Some offer as many as three different options, so it’s worth reading the specifications carefully before you buy yours.
Some hot-swap mechanical keyboards are able to accept both plate mounted switches and PCB mounted switches, while others only accept plate mounted switches. The easiest way to find out which type of switch your hot-swap keyboard supports is to check with the manufacturer.
If you’re not sure, a simple test is to plug in your keyboard and see if the switches move freely when you press them. This will tell you whether the switch is soldered to the board or if it’s socketed.
Usually, socketed switches are easier to install than those that have been soldered to the board. It also saves you the hassle of de-soldering and resoldering each switch individually, which can be time consuming.
Some hot-swap mechanical keyboards have a unique socket design that grips the switches, preventing them from sliding out when you pull them. These types of sockets are incredibly useful for deep customization, as you can change the switch under each key to suit your specific preferences. This can include switching out to silent tactile switches for a quieter alternative when you’re gaming or swapping out the switch under a certain key for something that feels more tactile for work.
Case
When shopping for a new mechanical keyboard, the case can make all the difference in how it performs and looks. It’s important to choose a case that’s built well, and one that will last. It’s also important to find a case that has a good balance between form and function.
The best hot swap mechanical keyboards have a case made from high-quality plastics like PBT or ABS that will keep the switches in place and protect them from damage. Some also have extra features like RGB lighting or macros, which can further enhance your gaming experience.
Besides switches, the keycaps are another important part of your hot swap mechanical keyboard. You can get a variety of colors for them, so you can customize your keyboard to look exactly how you want it to. You can even get padded or extra-large keycaps to add some weight and comfort.
You’ll also want to consider the size of the keys on your hot swap mechanical keyboard, as a smaller layout can be more ergonomic. This is especially true for gamers, since they’re often working with their hands more than their feet, so the right size can be critical for minimizing fatigue and getting a comfortable grip.
Hot swappable keyboards allow you to change the switch on the fly without having to disassemble the keyboard, reducing downtime and increasing your productivity. They’re perfect for those who need to switch from an old keyboard to a new one, or who simply want to try out a different set of switches in their current setup.
A hot swap keyboard has special sockets that let you remove or replace switches on the fly without needing to solder them on the circuit board inside. This is a significant advancement over previous hot swappable designs, which required you to unsolder the keys to be changed.
The best hot swappable mechanical keyboards are made by companies that are known for their quality and craftsmanship. You’ll find them in a wide range of prices, so there’s something for everyone.
The best hot swap mechanical keyboards include features like programmable macros, detachable cables, and RGB lighting. Some also have adjustable kickstands, which can be helpful if you have to position your keyboard in different positions during gameplay.
Keyboard layout
Hot swap mechanical keyboards offer a lot of customization for gamers and others who like to experiment with the feel of their keys. You can swap out switches for certain keys to try out different key responses, or even place different switches in the same row to remap specific re-mappings. This is a great feature for gamers because it allows them to customize their experience and increase their performance in games that use plenty of specialized commands.
The best hot swap mechanical keyboards allow users to change switches on the fly, without needing to disassemble the entire keyboard. This is especially helpful if you have a keyboard that has a few defective keys and need to replace them quickly.
It’s also a good option for people who want to swap out their keyboard’s switches at some point, but don’t know what kind of switch they’d like. Then they can use a switch puller to remove the old switches and replace them with a new one that fits their preferences.
Some hot swap mechanical keyboards are also compatible with other types of switches, such as optical switches. However, these switches aren’t as reliable or as durable as mechanical ones. This can make them more expensive in the long run.
If you’re looking for a quality hot swap mechanical keyboard, you should look for a model that has a solid build and is designed with a comfortable, ergonomic layout. This will help you achieve a smooth, engaging typing experience that will boost your typing speed and accuracy.
RGB lighting
RGB backlighting on a hot swap mechanical keyboard is a great way to add some aesthetic appeal. The colors can be changed with the touch of a button, and there are several different lighting effects to choose from.
This type of backlighting can be used on a wide range of components, from cases to switches and keycaps. It’s a bit of an art form, and it really depends on the particular board you have and your individual tastes.
The best kind of backlighting is a per-key lighting scheme that uses RGB LEDs installed on the PCB. These LEDs can be either “dumb” RGB LEDs that only have a red, green, and blue light in them (common anodes), or they can be addressable RGB LEDs. The more addressable versions of these LEDs will allow you to change the colors of each one, or even set up patterns.
Another popular form of backlighting is underglow, which uses a combination of red and green LEDs to create a glow under the keys. This is the lighting that most gamers are familiar with, and it can be added easily to a DIY board.
It’s important to note that the two types of lighting will produce very different aesthetics, so you need to consider which you want when making a build. If you are going with underglow, it is best suited for clear/frosted cases and switches.
A hot-swappable mechanical keyboard with RGB lighting is a great choice for gamers who want a high-quality, custom gaming experience. These boards offer a fast key response and low noise, plus they come with programmable RGB lighting that can be used for different gaming modes or other purposes.
Hot-swappable boards are getting more popular in the community for a few reasons, including the ability to easily swap out switches when needed. They also come in a variety of flavors, so you can pick the ones that best suit your needs.
