Getting the right gaming keyboard for your set-up is imperative. So, we’re looking at the top five gaming keyboards at Overclockers UK with hot-swapping technology!
Hot-swapping is a great feature for those looking to customise and tailor their gaming keyboard to suit their exact needs. It’s a user-friendly process and we are loving the fact it’s becoming more readily available! If you’re looking for your next gaming keyboard, settle in and get your basket ready!
What is Hot-Swapping?
A keyboard with hot-swapping technology means you can freely change and replace the switches. With a handy dandy switch puller, you can easily remove the switch from the keyboard’s switch mounting gasket and then press your new switches into place. No soldering required. Easy peasy, lemon squeezy.
As a result, you can take your original hot-swappable keyboard and fine-tune the typing experience to suit your needs. Whether you completely replace the switches or just install different models on select keys, it’s up to you! Put linear switches with short travel on your WASD keys, give your spacebar a switch with a little crunch, or swap to a switch across the board that has a nice balance of actuation and travel. The keyboard is your oyster.
Top 5 Hot-Swappable Gaming Keyboards
As it is quickly becoming a must-have feature, hot-swappable technology is available on a range of premium gaming keyboards. We’ve picked out five of our favourites here to kickstart your search!
Ducky One 3 Gaming Keyboards
The whole Ducky One 3 range is equipped with hot-swapping technology. We’ve picked the Ducky One 3 Gossamer Pink Keyboard here, but the feature applies to the whole range. Spicy stuff.
We’ve chosen the One 3 Gossamer Pink for its fab aesthetic and full-size form factor. You have a full arsenal of keys at your disposal, all in vibrant shades of pink, too. Definitely pink gaming room goals. Equipped with Cherry MX switches as standard, this gaming keyboard has hot-swappable switch sockets enabling you to instal the switches of your choice. What’s more, you can take advantage of gaming-focused features, like N-key rollover, reliable 1,000Hz polling rates, and ergonomic support, to boost your performance.
Glorious GMMK 3 Gaming Keyboards
Once again, the whole Glorious GMMK 3 has hot-swapping capabilities, with enhanced compatibility for 3-pin, 5-pin, and HE switches (on select models). What we love about the GMMK 3 range is the complete customisation on offer – you can change the aesthetics, typing feel, and more!
Here we have the Glorious GMMK 3 HE 75% Pre-Built Keyboard. Its 75% form factor is perfect for smaller gaming set-ups without compromising on functionality. This model is equipped with Hall Effect switches as standard, which utilise magnetics to facilitate the smoothest typing experience. However, you are free to swap between HE and mechanical switches so you can craft a blend to suit you. Plus, the Modular Gasket System can be tailored to provide a firmer or softer typing experience as you need. The GMMK 3 is more than just customising with pretty keycaps!
Corsair K70 PRO MINI Wireless Keyboard
Taking compact to whole new levels, we have the Corsair K70 PRO MINI Gaming Keyboard. The near frame-less effect and vibrant RGB lighting make this a stunning addition to your gaming set-up, whilst hot-swapping technology adds versatility. As standard, this gaming keyboard utilises Cherry MX Red switches, which are short, light, and linear, making them excellent for gaming. Thanks to compatibility with 3-pin MX switches, you can swap and change out the MX Reds for a wide range of switches currently on the market. Plus, this keyboard comes with all the accessories you need to get hot-swapping!
On top of this, the Corsair K70 PRO MINI features Corsair’s ultra-fast sub-1m SLIPSTREAM WIRELESS, so you can game with near-zero latency. In fact, it has a whole ruck of gaming-focused features, like Corsair AXION Hyper-Processing Technology, on-board shortcut key commands, and vibrant RGB lighting – all in a compact 60% form factor.
ASUS ROG Azoth Extreme 75% Gaming Keyboard
Next, we have the ASUS ROG Azoth Extreme Gaming Keyboard. This bad boy is packed with the game-boosting technology, including Tri-Mode connectivity, 8K polling rates, an AMOLED touchscreen. Plus, of course, hot-swappable switches. Out of the box, it features ASUS ROG NX Snow switches, pairing light actuation and short travel to make these switches excellent for high-speed gaming. They provide great “thocky” acoustics, but you are free to swap them out if you prefer your switches to make little to no noise.
So much is packed into the ASUS ROG Azoth Extreme’s 75% frame, from premium build materials to stunning RGB lighting. One of our favourite features is the fact that this gaming keyboard can be paired with the ASUS ROG Omni Receiver. This device lets you connect both a compatible mouse and keyboard to a single receiver – streamlining your set-up and freeing up those precious USB ports.
Ducky ProjectD Tinker Gaming Keyboards
Many of the recent Ducky ranges feature hot-swapping, but we particularly love the ProjectD Tinker keyboards. Available as either pre-built or barebones, the ProjectD Tinker keyboards offer extensive customisation options, from the inner materials to the switches you use.
We’ve picked the Ducky x Fallout ProjectD Tinker 75 Nuka-Cola Edition Keyboard here because, well, why wouldn’t we?! Between our love for Fallout and its stunning good looks, it’s a no brainer really. Beneath the officially licenced Fallout Nuka-Cola design is a carefully crafted gaming keyboard that facilitates high-performance gaming. The Nuka-Cola range comes with Cherry MX2A switches, which build on the success of Cherry MX switches with enhanced features and robust materials to deliver that oh-so-satisfying keypress.
Plus, for a limited time, it comes with a free matching Fallout Nuka-Cola mouse mat!
More Hot-Swappable Gaming Keyboards
Of course, there are plenty more hot-swapping fish in the sea. If none of our picks here float your boat, you can explore the full Overclockers UK range of gaming keyboards to find the best fit for you. From the Ducky One 3 Series to Glorious modular keyboards – and a few more in between! – there is a hot-swappable keyboard to meet your style, aesthetic, and gaming needs.
Brush Up On Your Switch Knowledge
If you’re going to fully customise your gaming keyboard’s typing experience, you should know a thing or two about the switches out there. We have in-depth breakdowns on Cherry MX, Glorious, and Ducky switch sets to help you find your dream switches.
Do You Have a Hot-Swappable Keyboard?
Are you using hot-swap technology in your gaming set-up? Let us know in the comments below!
- 6 min read
Emily Haylock
Author
Emily is a board and cosy gamer, keyboard obsessive, and content copywriter for Overclockers UK. She has been with Overclockers UK since 2020, writing about everything from noblechairs to 8Pack PCs. She writes from within her desk nest with a foster pup at her feet. (What, a desk duvet is a totally normal thing!) In her downtime, she likes to play board games, farming sims, and old-school Final Fantasy. IX to be specific. It is the best, and that is a hill she will die on.
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