What's a Hot Swappable Keyboard? Are They Really Worth It?

At their core, mechanical keyboards operate on an entirely different level compared to conventional office keyboards. They utilize mechanical switches, which provide a distinct type of feedback with each keystroke, akin to playing individual notes on a piano. These switches are what define the 'mechanical' in the mechanical keyboards. Each switch contains moving parts, typically a spring and a stem, which provide tactile and auditory feedback.

These switches come in three varieties: linear, tactile, and clicky, each catering to different user preferences. Gamers might prefer the smooth, uninterrupted keystrokes that linear switches provide. In contrast, tactile switches, with their noticeable bump halfway through the keypress, offer an intuitive feel that others often favor. Clicky switches, reminiscent of old-school typewriters, provide a pronounced audible click with each keypress, which programmers and vintage tech aficionados might enjoy. The beauty is in the variety - there's no absolute 'best' switch. It's all about what feels right to you.

A great way to find the mechanical switch best for you is with a switch sample pack. It includes 18 mechanical switch options and 4 O-Rings dampener types.

Now that we've touched on the mechanical keyboards, let's discuss what makes a keyboard 'hot swappable.'  First and foremost, it’s important to note that not all mechanical keyboards have this feature. The magic of hot swapability lies in a special printed circuit board (PCB) - the heart of the keyboard - designed with special sockets, allowing you to change your switches with simple tools. This enables the user to pull out or replace a switch without having to solder it onto the board, making it a dream for customization 

and experimentation.

A board that is not hot swappable, on the other hand, would require soldering and much more effort to customize your build. What’s more, it paves the way for potentially damaging the board if you accidentally do something incorrectly, almost certainly voiding the warranty immediately. A hot swappable keyboard does not run any of these risks. 

Why choose a hot swappable keyboard? Customization freedom is one of the biggest advantages. Hot swappable keyboards allow you to swap out keycaps and switches with a simple removal tool. The ability to replace or experiment with switches and other modifications allows you to discover exactly what keyboard configuration is the best for you.

Another advantage of hotswap is practicality. With a conventional keyboard, a broken key usually means replacing the entire keyboard, which can be frustrating, costly, and wasteful. With a hot swappable keyboard, you can easily replace a faulty switch, making it a much more sustainable and economic choice for the long term. Without a doubt, it’s not only a more satisfying typing experience, but a much better investment overall.

If you're considering stepping into the world of hot swappable keyboards, the GMMK 2 is an excellent starting point. It is the successor to the original GMMK, the world’s first hotswap keyboard. The name stands for Glorious Modular Mechanical Keyboard, and it was revolutionary in the keyboard community since it took customization to a whole new level, making it accessible and simple for all.  

The GMMK 2 builds on its predecessor's features with vastly improved acoustics, better tactility, and a premium solid aluminum top frame, compared to the GMMK 1's plastic frame. Priced at just $120, with free shipping for orders over $50 in the continental US, it offers exceptional value for money. While the GMMK 1 is about $80, the significant enhancements are well worth the extra bucks.

The GMMK 2 comes in two sizes to suit different user preferences and space constraints. The 96% layout provides all the standard keys in a compact design, reducing the keyboard's size by 4% and saving valuable desk space.

For those who prefer an even more compact form factor, the GMMK 2 also offers a 65% keyboard. This compact variant retains the essential keys but omits the number pad, further saving space without compromising functionality.

If you want to go even smaller than 65%, the original GMMK has a Compact 60% keyboard layout for the ultimate space-saving design, giving your mouse plenty of space to move.

For those who are after the ultimate hot swappable keyboard experience, the GMMK PRO is the premium choice. This award-winning keyboard features top-of-the-line components, superior acoustics, and limitless customization options. It also includes an infinite-spin rotary knob for volume, which is clickable to pause and play audio. The GMMK PRO is a 75% keyboard, and it takes the entire keyboard experience to a whole new level.