The keyboard also comes with a built-in keycap puller and a braided micro-usb power cable. The GMMK TKL/Full is one of the most affordable hot-swaps currently available. This keyboard is definitely worth taking a look at, just keep in mind the keycap design is not for everybody as it uniform and a unique shape that may be difficult to adjust to. The charging port will be USB-C with a detachable power cable. A couple unique features include a keycap puller built into the back of the keyboard for easy access, in case you ever need to swap out a switch quickly. The hot-swap feature alone is quite rare to find on a keyboard under $150, let alone under $50. But if RGB lighting is not very exciting to you anyways, this feature won’t impact you at all. The TKL also comes with a braided power cable with micro-usb head. A detachable cable would be a BIG upgrade if Tecware ever decides to implement that feature. This keyboard is absolutely packed with features, but on top of that, it does the basic stuff really well. The Keychron K8 is another keyboard that is a product of a successful Kickstarter launch, notice a trend here? For those of you looking to purchase a PCB for a 65% or 75% hot-swappable PCB, we recommend checking out the latest group buys on https://mechgroupbuys.com/. Just beware, this is not a keyboard for someone who enjoys typing on a normal-sized layout, as lacking so many keys can be quite uncomfortable for those who like to enter data on a number pad. The normal phantom can only take Outemu switches. A couple questions about modding my phantom.-Could i get some aftermarket stabs to put on it?-Could i desolder the outemu hot swap sockeys?-Why is it so goddamn hard to find outemu switches? The only feature we don’t like is the non-detachable power cable. Phantom L’s hot-swappable sockets allow you to replace the mechanical switches on your own, minimizing downtime. Keychron K6: Best Wireless Hot-Swappable Mechanical Keyboard. Retain full control and a comfortable typing experience. Coming with the standard Keychron package of an aluminum frame, RGB lighting, hot-swappable switches, Windows/Mac compatibility, and Bluetooth connectivity, the K8 can knock your socks off. Subscribe to get updates on the latest keyboard news, reviews, and giveaway updates. Archived. This Impulse was made for the purpose of having the best RGB possible. No Cable Fuss Connects via a detachable … Coming with a detachable USB-C cable, which makes it easy to plug and unplug. We recommend checking out the latest group buys for those components. In addition, the keyboards are fully programmable with QMK. And with a standard bottom row, it’s easier than ever to swap out the keycaps to a higher-end option. Switches have never been easier to change, no soldering required. Black Plastic Body / Gunmetal Alloy Backplate, 01 x Phantom L Keyboard Archived [Keyboard]Tecware Phantom RGB full-sized 104 mechanical gaming keyboard hot-swap Outemu switches[$50][10% off] Outemus are a budget Cherry MX knock-off, so the quality of the switch won’t be the best, but if you need a hot-swappable 60% layout you can easily swap the switches out to whatever kind you prefer. Switching between switches has never been easier with hotswappable keyboards, because the switches are not soldered to PCB at all. The Kailh BOX switches are also quite interesting to type on. The wireless option is quite impressive as the battery will last up to 4 weeks without the usage of the RGB, that’s crazy good. This makes it easy to install several different styles of switches into your keyboard or swap them out whenever you get bored of a certain style. The plastic case is not quite as sturdy as the all metal cases/plates, and the keys tend to rattle a bit to reflect that. Although we would have liked to see USB-C, the micro-usb is not that big of a deal. This allows you to swap-out and test different switches on the same keyboard without having to solder. WHAT’S IN THE PACKAGE. In addition, if you live in an apartment and don’t have a good area to work, soldering may not be feasible or be too much of a hassle for you. TecWare Phantom 87 RGB or RK Kludge Sink87G. The Elite seems a straight clone of the GMMK then and even uses the same software. Not to mention you can connect via Bluetooth to multiple devices. One thing to keep in mind is the switch compatibility since the Phantom L sockets are only compatible with low profile Outemu switches and not the regular Outemu switches. You also have the option to deck this keyboard out with an aluminum frame. On the Keychron store you can also choose to add a wooden wrist rest and PBT keycaps if you want to bring your setup to a whole new level. The keyboard has a 60% layout, which basically means there is no arrow keys, number pad, or function row. The only downsides to this build are the relatively thick design and thin ABS keycaps. Having the hot-swap feature is a must these days to easily replace malfunctioning keys. Thus, they have a more reliable and consistent latency. Hot-swappable keyboards are perfect for those who don’t have the equipment, space, or time to solder their keyboards, and want to try out a ton of different switches on their keyboards. Without having to solder a single switch, all you need to do is pull out the old switches with a switch puller, and press the new ones into the PCB. The options are the following: You can also pick custom keycap kits for additional costs. Luckily, all you might need is a comfy wrist rest and your wrists will be happy. If you were comparing blues vs blues, it's a toss up that boils down to personal preference. The Redragon K530 is a budget-friendly 60% mechanical keyboard with Redragon-branded Outemu switches that are easy to swap out with the hot-swappable sockets. Hot-swappable keyboards make it easier than ever to install and remove switches from your keyboard and don’t require the skills, equipment, or work area that soldering switches normally requires. With a new improved ergonomic design and the recent addition of hot-swappable switches, this keyboard is a tough contender. Hot swap switch sockets for MX switches. With a hot-swappable keyboard, you don’t have to pick! The keyboard comes with RGB, aluminum bezel, wireless connectivity, and Mac/Windows compatibility. The overall design is very similar to the Keychron K2, but instead of being a 75% layout (meaning no number pad), the K6 it is scaled down to smaller, more bit-sized 65% layout. link to Is Surround Sound Good For Gaming Or A Gimmick? There is no easy way to find a hot-swappable keyboard, so our list was meant to make is super easy for you find them! Tecware Phantom Elite 87 Keys 4 extra switches Key switch puller. The K6 comes with a variety of switch types, including LK optical, Gateron hotswappable, and standard Gateron switches; coming in brown, blue and red colors. We have very few complaints about this keyboard, and you can check out our more in-depth review here. Despite it being a budget-friendly keyboard, you can modify the keyboard to feel and sound much better. Know more about our affliate disclosure terms. If you’re looking for a 75% layout, you can’t pass up on the Keychron K2. The Geek GK61 is a keyboard that’s widely known amongst gamers who need a budget compact keyboard with screaming fast optical switches. Usually the easiest PCB to find is one for a 60% layout, the other layouts need a custom plate and custom case meant to fit those PCBs, specifically.