What is Hot Swap? Benefits of Hot Swap on mechanical keyboards

Hot Swap Keyboard is a detachable computer keyboard that is currently creating a very hot trend among the keyboard enthusiast community. Maybe for some people, this concept is quite strange. To better understand what Hot Swap is as well as the outstanding advantages that make it popular with many people, let's find out with TipsMake through the following article.

What is Hot Swap?

Hot Swap, also known as swap, swappable, hot swappable keyboard, is a term used to refer to a type of keyboard that can be easily assembled and disassembled without the need for soldering to the PCB as often found in traditional keyboards. Currently, Hot Swap has two popular types: Hot Swap Keyboard and Hot Swap Switch.

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These two types of Hot Swap have quite similar concepts, so they often cause confusion for users. In particular, Hot Swap Keyboard is a type of keyboard that can be easily removed but does not necessarily have a Hot Swap Switch. Take Cherry MX as an example, this is a Hot Swap Pinout Keyboard. However, it does not have the Hot Swap Switch feature for frequent changes without soldering.

Why should you use Hot Swap keyboard?

For those who regularly use the keyboard to edit, play games, write code, etc., Hot Swap Keyboard will be a great choice to enhance the experience as well as improve work efficiency. The biggest plus point of the HotSwap keyboard is that it can be upgraded continuously and quickly. Users can use multiple favorite switches on the same keyboard. Besides, HotSwap mechanical keyboard is also a type of keyboard that brings high savings because of its ease of change. Furthermore, users can unleash their creativity and install a keyboard that reflects their personality.

For those who are passionate about computer keyboards and need a high quality keyboard that is durable and shows their own personality, Hot Swap will be an extremely suitable keyboard. However, the number of Hot Swap Keyboards currently on the market is very limited. Therefore, to buy a keyboard of this type, you will spend a lot of time searching.

Top 5 Hot Swap keyboards that are most popular today

Below, TipsMake will introduce to you the 5 Hot Swap keyboard models that are currently the most popular on the market.

1. Glorious GMMK PRO RGB Keyboard

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Like its name, the Glorious GMMK PRO RGB keyboard has an extremely luxurious, elegant and eye-catching design. The keyboard is made of solid aluminum with 83 keys, of which 75% of the circuit is Hot Swap. The keyboard is intelligently designed to reduce natural vibration, providing a realistic feeling when typing. This is an ideal mechanical keyboard model that gamers, programmers or people who often work with keyboards can choose.

2. Keyboard AKKO 3068 v2

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AKKO 3068 v2 is an extremely impressive mechanical keyboard model with two main colors: yellow and red. This design is considered a symbol of wealth and prosperity in the new year. The keyboard is equipped with RGB backlighting with 18 color modes, creating a shimmering, magical look every time you use it.

The AKKO 3068 v2 keyboard is quite compact with 68 small keys. The keys are printed with extremely sharp Dye-Subbed technology with unique details, bringing a new and unique look to the user.

3. Keychron K4 V2 keyboard

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This is the product line for those who are passionate about Hot Swap but have to travel often. Keychron K4 V2 keyboard is equipped with the ability to connect 3 Bluetooth devices at the same time with almost zero latency when switching between devices. This keyboard has 3 types of Gateron switches: Blue, Red, Brown, allowing users to choose the appropriate typing mode. Currently this type of keyboard has more than 15 types of extremely eye-catching RGB LED lights.

4. NJ68 keyboard

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The NJ68 keyboard model impresses with its unique, youthful and personality color scheme with basic monochrome colors such as yellow, black, white, etc. This type of keyboard allows connection by both Bluetooth and cable to connect. Connect the keyboard to the device using Type-C port. When needing to move, users can connect via Bluetooth 4.1/5 port with extremely high stability while still maintaining battery life of up to 2 weeks of use.

5. Keychron K3 V2 keyboard

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Considered the first version that opened the Hot Swap trend, Keychron K3 V2 is still trusted by mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. This keyboard model has a thin, light, simple design with a basic black color that is easy to see. This type of keyboard is suitable for everyone, it is designed to be 40% lighter than conventional switches. The lifespan of the Keychron K3 V2 keyboard is also extremely impressive, up to 70 million keystrokes.

Simple instructions for changing Hot Swap right at home

After learning clearly about what a Hot Swap Keyboard is and owning your own HotSwap, you can change the Hot Swap yourself at home at any time. Below are detailed instructions on how to simply replace HotSwap for you.

Preparing instruments

To perform Hot Swap on the keyboard, you need to prepare the following tools:

1. Keycap puller: This is a tool used to easily remove the keycap, limiting damage to the keyboard.

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1. Switch puller: This is a tool to safely remove the switch from the key circuit without damaging the PCB.

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Implementation process

The process to remove and replace Hot Swap has 3 basic steps as follows:

Remove the Keycap

First of all, you need to remove the Keycap from the keyboard as follows:

1. Step 1: Use the two steel wires of the Keycap puller tool to hook them to the side of the keycap and then gently shake your hand so that the steel wire hooks to the two sides of the key.
2. Step 2: Make sure the Keycap puller is firmly hooked to the keycap, use one hand to hold the keyboard, and lift the Keycap puller with the other hand.
3. Step 3: Place the newly removed Keycap in a convenient place to avoid losing it.

Remove the Switch

After removing the Keycap, the next step is to remove the keyboard switch according to the following procedure:

1. Step 1: Place the two ends of the Switch puller on the top and bottom edges of the switch.
2. Step 2: Use hand force to pick up the switch and place it in a convenient position next to it.

Attach the new Switch and Keycap

The final step is to attach the new Switch and Keycap to the keyboard.

1. Step 1: Hold the switch you want to mount, look closely underneath it to make sure the switch pins will be inserted correctly into the hole on the Hot Swap.
2. Step 2: Determine the correct position and direction of the plug, place the switch on it and gently press the switch into the socket. Use moderate pressure, absolutely do not press too hard.
3. Step 3: Hold the keycap you just removed, observe the + sign below the keycap to attach it correctly to the switch. Making sure that the joints are correct, gently press the keycap on the switch. So you have replaced the Hot Swap very simply.

Epilogue

Hot Swap is truly the ideal choice for those who are passionate about the keyboard and often work with it. Thanks to its flexibility, ease of conversion and saving on upgrade costs, Hot Swap Keyboard is worth investing in. Hopefully TipsMake's sharing above has helped you better understand what Hot Swap is as well as how to simply replace it yourself at home.

David Pac

Update 03 October 2023