10 Best Hot Swappable Keyboard Models Today

The best hot-swappable mechanical keyboard for those who want a compact layout is none other than Drop ALT. Through it, you gain access to several customization features that aren’t always available on mechanical keyboards. For example, the keyboard has a full N-key rollover, per-key RGB lighting, and a detachable USB-C cable.

As for the switches, the Drop ALT comes in multiple different switch options. These include the Cherry MX Blue/Brown, Halo Clear/True, and Kaihua Box White/Box Silver. Moreover, the keys can come in either high or low profiles, depending on your preference.

Speaking of keys, they’re made of Doubleshot PBT plastic so they’re both beautiful and durable. The typing experience is also great (although it will depend on the switches you use). It’s generally responsive, fast, and light to the touch.

Finally, the hot-swappable keyboard is also both durable and lightweight. Its frame is made of aluminum and the model has detachable magnetic feet, allowing for better ergonomics. However, it is quite expensive and goes for roughly $200 on Amazon.

The Drop CTRL is widely considered the best hot-swappable keyboard – and we can see why. After all, the model has all the features you might need from a hot-swappable keyboard. For example, it has several customization options and provides fully programmable macros. The keyboard also comes with a detachable USB-C cable, RGB lighting, and a variety of switch options.

Its compatible switches are the same as the Drop ALT. These include the Cherry MX Blue/Brown, Halo Clear/True, and Kaihua Box White/Box Silver. Apart from the selection of switches, you can also choose between high and low-profile versions depending on your needs. Alternatively, you can purchase just the body without switches/keycaps if you want to head straight into customization.

Like the Drop ALT, the build quality on the Drop CTRL is high-quality. It’s made of sturdy aluminum, and the keys are made of Doubleshot PBT plastic. The feet are also rubberized and magnetic, allowing for adjustable positions and better ergonomics.

Perhaps the only difference between the Drop CTRL and the Drop ALT is the layout. The Drop CTRL is a hot-swappable keyboard TKL, whereas the ALT features a 65% size. This makes the CTRL much more functional as it retains the function keys and commands keys in place.

Moreover, it’s much easier to transition to compared to the ALT because the layout is more reminiscent of full-sized keyboards. It also costs about the same as the ALT on Drop’s website.

If you’re looking for a hot-swappable keyboard with a 60% layout, then we recommend the Epomaker SK61. It’s not often that hot-swappable keyboard models come in this size. After all, most people like larger sizes that are easier to get used to.

Nonetheless, if you need a tiny keyboard, the Epomaker is the best one to use. That’s because its switches are not only hot-swappable but its keycaps are also made of PBT. They’re high-quality, durable, and aesthetically pleasing as well. Apart from these, the hot-swappable keyboard also comes with RGB backlighting as an additional perk.

Furthermore, the keyboard itself provides a light typing experience. The keys are fast and responsive, and you don’t need to press too hard to register a stroke. However, the experience will vary depending on the type of switches you use.

Speaking of which, the switch compatibility is fairly decent as well. The hot-swappable keyboard can come with linear black switches or more tactile blue ones. There’s also internal flash memory that can hold up to three different profiles.

Finally, the keyboard is one of the few that’s highly compatible with macOS. Hence, it’s the better choice if you’re someone who uses Mac computers. It’s also inexpensive, coming in at less than $70 on Amazon.

Are you looking for a full-size hot swappable keyboard that’s as versatile as Drop’s selections? Then look no further than the Glorious GMMK. It’s high-quality and versatile, providing you with a selection of 13 different switch options, including Cherry MX Red ones. Moreover, the keyboard itself – specifically the plate – is highly durable and is made out of sandblasted aluminum.

Apart from this, the GMMK is unlike other keyboards on this list in that it comes in multiple sizes. You can choose from three, specifically: full-sized (100%), TKL, or 60%. As a result, you can gain all of the GMMK’s features regardless of your limited desk space.

In addition, the Glorious GMMK features macro programmability and sports full RGB lighting. It’s certainly tough to beat, especially considering it’s only half the price of the Drop CTRL and ALT.

However, do note that this hot swappable keyboard has its downsides, such as the ABS plastic keycaps. Sure, they’re Doubleshot so they’re more durable than regular ABS keys. Nonetheless, they will appear greasier over time compared to their PBT counterparts.

If you’re looking for a hot swappable keyboard equipped with the best RGB lighting, we recommend the Hexgears Impulse. That’s because, unlike most RGB keyboards, this one shines its RGB lighting on multiple sides.

For one, its RGB light shines through on a per-key basis, allowing for more versatility and uniqueness in its design. In addition, the Impulse’s sides have RGB lighting, so it lights your entire desk space not just through the keys. The RGB is also customizable (although the method for it is a little hard to wrap your head around).

Apart from the RGB, this hot swappable keyboard also comes in a full-sized layout. Hence, you get the benefit of having the Numpad and all the peripheral command keys you want. The keyboard also features durable pudding PBT keycaps and is compatible with several mechanical switches.

However, the drawback to the Impulse is that its braided cable is non-detachable. Hence, you can’t throw it in a backpack to travel with as easily. Not that you’d want to, of course, as the design and size itself are large and bulky. Nonetheless, if you’re okay with its drawbacks, the Hexgears Impulse is not too expensive and only costs $100 on Amazon.

The Kemove Shadow & Snowfox is a compact 60% hot-swappable keyboard that’s perfect for those with tiny desk spaces. By default, it comes with different Outemu switches such as the black, blue, brown, and red switches.

Now, we know that those switches aren’t the best in terms of quality. However, the keyboard does make up for it in that it’s hot-swappable and compatible with other brands. Moreover, the keyboard provides other advantages like the durability of its aluminum frame and the Doubleshot PBT keycaps. Of course, the case itself is made of plastic but there’s little-to-no flex to it despite that.

Apart from this, the keyboard is unique in that it’s compatible with both USB-C and Bluetooth 5.0. Hence, you can easily pair it with devices other than your main computer anytime. The wireless connectivity (on top of its compact size) also makes it great for portability.

However, the downside to the compact nature of the 60% layout is the high learning curve. That’s because 60% models come with no navigational or function keys by default. Hence, you’ll have to rely on pressing the FN key and additional layers to input any kind of navigational commands. Nonetheless, it’s the perfect option for tiny workspaces and those who are on a budget.

The Keychron K6 is, by far, one of the best hot-swappable 65% keyboard models out there. That’s because it comes with several customization options that aren’t present in most keyboards.

For example, the keyboard allows you to choose between Optical and Mechanical switches. This lets you have more control over the typing experience you want (and the variety of switches to choose from). The keyboard also comes with 5-pin sockets so it’s compatible with both 3-pin and 5-pin switches.

Apart from this, the hot-swappable keyboard also gives users a choice between aluminum or non-aluminum bezels. Hence, you can choose to cut down the cost or spend a little more for durability and better aesthetics.

In addition, the keyboard supports over 18 RGB backlighting effects. You can also remap keys or program macros – but it’ll take a third-party software to do so. Furthermore, the hot-swappable keyboard is compatible with both Mac and Windows. The brand even sells different modifier keycaps allowing you further control.

Finally, the affordable hot-swappable keyboard also comes with Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity. It can even connect to three devices at once so it’s great for multitasking and switching workspaces. However, do note that the K6 only comes with Doubleshot ABS keycaps. Hence, while the legends are pretty, they can become greasier and shinier over time.

If you’re looking for the best keyboards that are hot-swappable with a TKL layout, we suggest the Keychron K8. It has most of the best features you’ll ever need in a keyboard. For example, the keyboard features both wired and wireless (Bluetooth 5.1) connectivity. Hence, you can switch between multiple computers (Mac or Windows) anytime.

In addition, the K8 comes with a 4,000mAh battery built-in – that’s a lot, even for smartphone standards. Rest assured you can use this keyboard for at least 72 hours wirelessly without needing to charge.

Apart from this, the Keychron K8 also comes with 5-pin sockets, allowing for easy customization. However, your choice of default switches is limited to only Gateron Optical ones (Red, Brown, and Blue). Moreover, the keys on the K8 are high-profile and made of ABS plastic so they aren’t exactly ideal. Nonetheless, if you’re looking for a reliable but affordable option, it’s certainly a good choice.

The best budget hot-swappable keyboard on the market is none other than the Redragon Draconic K530. It’s hot-swappable, affordable, and has Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity (up to three devices at once). Moreover, the 3,000mAh battery can keep it going even over long periods.

Apart from this, the hot-swappable keyboard is great for gaming as it has full rollover features built-in. It also has smart dual-function keys that supplement the lack of dedicated function and arrow buttons.

However, the K530 does have its downsides. For example, it only ships with proprietary Outemu switches. Hence, you have to swap those out when the product gets to you if you want a better typing experience. Nonetheless, it’s the perfect choice for those who need a compact and affordable hot-swappable keyboard.

If you’re specifically looking for something with impeccable RGB lighting, we recommend the Womier K87. That’s because the RGB truly shines through almost every part of the keyboard including the keys and even the case. However, do note that there’s no dedicated software that will help with customization. As a result, the 18 lighting effects it comes with are all you’ll ever get.

Like other hot-swappable keyboard models, it gives you a choice between several different switches by default. These include the Gateron Blue, Red, Yellow, Brown, and Speed Silver. The keys that ship with the keyboard also feature Doubleshot PBT plastic so it’s highly durable and reliable.

However, do note that the build quality isn’t the most durable. Moreover, the lack of dedicated software makes it a little harder to use. Nonetheless, if you need something fairly affordable and aesthetically pleasing, it’s certainly a decent choice.