The best hot-swappable keyboard in 2022: all the top customizable decks compared

The best hot-swappable keyboards will combine comfort, portability, and durability in their cases and keycaps, all while offering the flexibility to choose from a wide pool of potential switches. Whether you’re on the hunt for a flexible keyboard for work or play, these switch-swappers make an excellent long-term companion – especially considering you’ll be able to keep the feeling fresh. However, there are so many hot-swappable keyboards on the market right now (and more being added every day), it can be difficult to tell the real gems from the trend-hoppers.

That’s why we’re rounding up all the best hot-swappable keyboards right here. We’re balancing price with features and build quality to highlight the cream of the crop across a range of budgets and needs. Whether you’re after one of the best gaming keyboards with a customizable twist, or a comfortable set of keys to use on Windows, Mac, or iPad, there’s something for everyone here. 

The top brands to be aware of straight out of the gate are Drop, Keychron, and Glorious. These are the biggest names in the industry right now, each with their own flagship and budget options. We’ve put some top hot-swappable keyboard names to the test to find the best models right here, based on performance, build quality, and feature sets.

The best hot-swappable keyboards available now

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(Image credit: Drop)

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(Image credit: Drop)

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(Image credit: Drop)

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1. Drop CTRL

The best hot-swappable keyboard overall

Specifications

Size: TKLSwitches: Cherry MX / Kailh / Drop HaloConnection: WiredKey-caps: Doubleshot PBTRGB: Per-keyBattery: NAKeys: 87

Reasons to buy

+High quality design+Excellent typing feel+USB passthrough

Reasons to avoid

-No wireless connection

The Drop CTRL is an oldie, but it’s still wearing the crown of best hot-swappable keyboard overall. While it eschews some of the newer, fancier features found in gaming-oriented decks, the CTRL places its focus on a high quality typing experience with a solid build and durable design. 

An aluminium frame and metal baseplate form the main deck, with doubleshot PBT keycaps offering the final luxury flourish. Add to that to the fact that you’re getting USB passthrough charging, and a wide range of Cherry MX, Drop Halo, and Kailh switches to choose from out of the box and there’s plenty to celebrate here. 

The look, feel, and durability of this deck make it a winner, and you can even pick up a barebones board to save some cash on that higher price point if you have some switches and keycaps around. 

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(Image credit: Redragon)

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(Image credit: Redragon)

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(Image credit: Redragon)

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2. Redragon K530 Draconic

The best budget hot-swappable keyboard

Specifications

Size: 60%Switches: Red Dragon BrownConnection: Bluetooth, WiredKey-caps: PBTRGB: Per-keyBattery: 3,000mAhKeys: 61

Reasons to buy

+Budget price point+Full rollover+3,000mAh battery

Reasons to avoid

-Only ships with Redragon switches

The Redragon K530 is a compact 60% hot-swappable keyboard, but there’s plenty of value packed into that tiny shell. You’re picking up one of the cheaper options on this list here, but there’s still a Bluetooth 5.0 wireless connection (with the ability to switch between three devices) baked in, as well as an impressive 3,000mAh battery. You can pay far more for far less juice right now, so that battery power is well worth taking note of. 

If you’re using your Redragon for gaming, it’s worth noting the full rollover and the smart double function placements. Because this 60% form factor does away with dedicated arrow keys, the K530 offers dual-function WASD keys. Usually, we find these arrow buttons mapped to the other side of the deck, but doubling up your driver keys does make far more sense in certain games. Not only that, but you’re also getting an additional function programming setting, opening up more mapping options. 

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(Image credit: Future)

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(Image credit: Future)

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(Image credit: Future)

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(Image credit: Future)

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(Image credit: Future)

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3. Mountain Everest Max

The best hot-swappable keyboard for gaming

Specifications

Size: FullSwitches: Cherry MXConnection: WiredKey-caps: ABSRGB: Per-keyBattery: NAKeys: 104

Reasons to buy

+Versatile design+Modular num-pad and display dial+Premium look and feel

Reasons to avoid

-Not fast enough for tournament use-Cheaper ABS keycaps

The Mountain Everest Max is a turbo-charged gaming keyboard. Not only is it fully hotswappable, but the TKL base unit can also be expanded with a modular number pad and separate display dial. That makes it an incredibly versatile unit, with the gaming chops to match. 

There’s nothing quite like the Mountain Everest Max on the market right now.

Mountain Everest Max review

An aluminium base plate, magnetic USB-C connections, and comprehensive software makes this an extremely luxurious package under the hand – as one would expect for that $299.99 price point. A minor gripe that we did come across in our testing was those cheaper ABS keycaps though, which felt out of place considering the high MSRP on the tag. That’s easily fixed with a replacement set, though. 

The Mountain Everest Max feels like it leans more into its gaming audience than other hot-swappable keyboards do. You’re getting a nice response time (though not as fast as more competitive, purpose-built machines), and four dedicated macro buttons (with LED displays) to boot. However, the biggest indication that this kit is designed for a gamer to invest in is that digital display dial. From offering up stats on PC performance and APM to controlling RGB lighting, volume, and setting different profiles, this notched dial is a joy to use and completes the whole experience. 

Read more: Mountain Everest Max review

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(Image credit: Keychron)

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(Image credit: Keychron)

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4. Keychron K8

The best wireless hot-swappable keyboard

Specifications

Size: TKLSwitches: Gateron G Pro Red / Blue / BrownConnection: Bluetooth / WiredKey-caps: ABSRGB: On select modelsBattery: 4,000mAhKeys: 87

Reasons to buy

+More affordable than other Keychron models+Bluetooth 5.1+4,000mAh battery

Reasons to avoid

-Hot-swapping is an additional cost-ABS keycaps

The Keychron K8 is now one of the more affordable hot-swappable keyboards from the well-known brand. It’s worth noting that that $75 price point is for the non-hot-swappable model; there’s a slight price increase of around $25 for a fully customizable deck. However, should you invest a little more, you’ll be glad to find a full set of five-pin switch beds in here, with Gateron Optical Red, Brown, or Blue switches to choose from for your shipped build. 

Switching between the Mac and Windows compatibility is easy with the FN key giving you access to three different connections and a small switch on the side swapping modes as well. Plus, that 4,000mAh battery will ensure you’re tapping away without worrying about your juice running out as well. 

The higher profile design of the K8 does put some off, though. It’s worth taking a good look at that bezel lip and taller form factor to make sure the angle is right for you.

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(Image credit: Future)

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(Image credit: Future)

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(Image credit: Future)

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5. Mountain Everest 60

The best 60% hot-swappable keyboard

Specifications

Size: 60%Switches: Mountain Linear 45 / Tactile 55 / Linear 45 SpeedConnection: WiredKey-caps: PBTRGB: YesBattery: NAKeys: 64

Reasons to buy

+Soft but satisfying switches+PBT keycaps replace ABS on previous model+Arrow buttons+Space for optional modular number pad

Reasons to avoid

-Drops some key modular features of the Max model-No dedicated volume or macro keys-Doesn’t offer competition-level speeds

The Mountain Everest 60 is the second modular hot-swappable keyboard from the premium brand, following up from the Max model featured further up this guide. While you’re dropping some of the modular options of the premium version, however, this is one of the best hot-swappable keyboard for productivity that we’ve tested. One look at those arrow keys can confirm that. 

These are some of the most pleasing springs I’ve had my hands on, and when taken with the thoughtful design and comfortable shape, they push the Mountain name even further into the limelight.

Mountain Everest 60 Review

We found the stock Mountain Linear 45 switches to be supremely comfortable in particular – offering a soft landing but in no way dropping that classic mechanical snap. It was a dream to type on this particular deck, though ripping all those switches out was just as easy as well.

It’s the overall form factor that makes the Mountain Everest 60 so well suited to productivity purposes. You’re picking up a smaller 60% keyboard here, so leaving plenty of space on your desk, but there’s very little sacrifice in the way of functions – compared to more speed focused models. The optional number pad does add a little extra to your setup, but if you’re a spreadsheet wizard it’s a must-have feature unique to the Everest lineup.

Read more: Mountain Everest 60 review

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(Image credit: Epomaker)

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(Image credit: Epomaker)

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(Image credit: Epomaker)

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6. Epomaker SK61

The best hot-swappable keyboard for optical switches

Specifications

Size: 60%Switches: Gateron Optical Black, Blue, Brown, Red, Yellow, SilverConnection: Bluetooth / WiredKey-caps: PBTRGB: Per-keyBattery: 1,900mAhKeys: 61

Reasons to buy

+PBT keycaps+Optical switches+N-key rollover and anti-ghosting+Affordable price point

Reasons to avoid

-No foam out of the box-Not compatible with mechanical switches

If you’re after a super smooth experience on a budget, we’d recommend taking a look at the Epomaker SK61. It’s a budget build, for sure, but if you’re willing to put a little time and attention into it (there’s no foam under the plate out of the box and that optical PCB isn’t compatible with mechanical switches), there’s a super low-latency experience waiting for you at a great price here. 

That’s because of the optical switches on offer here. While you are limited to a smaller pool of choices when it comes to swapping your switches out, the light-based actuation in these switches makes for a faster gaming and typing experience and feels a lot smoother to boot. 

There’s also PBT keycaps, full RGB, n-key rollover, and 100% anti-ghosting in here – a swathe of features that typists, programmers, and gamers will find excellent value in. Not only that, but there’s three layers of additional programmability built in, which means there’s plenty of key bindings that can be added into your work or play. 

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(Image credit: Future)

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(Image credit: Future)

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(Image credit: Future)

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7. Vissles V84

The best hot-swappable keyboard for Apple fans

Specifications

Size: TKLSwitches: VS Brown / Red / BlueConnection: Bluetooth / WiredKey-caps: ABSRGB: Per-keyBattery: 3,750mAhKeys: 84

Reasons to buy

+Great value price point+Long battery life+Multiple Bluetooth connections+iPad support

Reasons to avoid

-Shell has considerable flex-Too heavy for full portability

If you’re switching between multiple devices – iPads included – the Vissles V84 is the ultimate hot-swappable keyboard. Out of the box Mac and Windows compatibility (with the keycaps to match) is quickly becoming a must for typists looking for a premium set of keys. 

However, the Vissles V84 goes beyond this simply compatibility, being able to connect to up to five different Windows / Apple devices, easily switch between them via a simple keyboard command, and offering the battery life to sail through even the most hectic workday. 

Being able to seamlessly switch between typing on an iPad and swinging through Tomb Raider on a gaming laptop was a particular highlight.

Vissles V84 review

The V84 also ships with Vissles’ own VS switches. We tested the linear model and found them to be particularly smooth and soft, if feeling slightly shorter than the standard Cherry MX / Gateron stems. However, swapping your switches is easy and quick. 

The 75% layout may throw some prospective typists. This is an unusual form factor that builds all the keys into one slab, without spacing. That means you keep your directional arrows and home functions, while also ensuring you have enough space for wider sweeping mouse movements. 

At around $100 / £100, there’s some excellent value packed in here – perfect if you’re after flexibility on a smaller budget.

Read more: Vissles V84 review

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(Image credit: Future)

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(Image credit: Future)

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(Image credit: Future)

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(Image credit: Future)

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8. Keychron Q2

The most durable hot-swappable keyboard

Specifications

Size: TKLSwitches: Gateron G Pro Red / Blue / BrownConnection: WiredKey-caps: PBT (OSA design)RGB: YesBattery: NAKeys: 67

Reasons to buy

+Excellent sound dampening+Comfortable typing experience+CNC aluminium case

Reasons to avoid

-No function row-Not fast enough for gaming

With all the customizations they go through, the best hot-swappable keyboards need to be tough enough to take a beating. The Keychron Q2 isn’t just tough, it’s an absolute unit. This is easily one of – if not the – heaviest keyboards to grace our testing desk. Weighing in at an incredible 3.6lbs while only measuring 327 x 121 x 33.8mm. That’s a seriously stocky board which certainly won’t fare well in a backpack, but will stand strong on your table top. 

This is a stout piece of kit – a squat bulldog of a keyboard, and I love it for that.

Keychron Q2 review

There’s a reason the Q2 is so reassuringly dense; it’s built with solid CNC aluminium, stuffed full of Poron foam, and double gasket mounted to keep everything whisper quiet. We were impressed by just how well the Q2 absorbed any unwanted switch sounds during our testing; it was like typing into a vacuum. Of course, you’re still getting that satisfying thud of a heavier linear switch, and the clack of a debounce can still ring out.

The keycaps this hot-swappable keyboard ships with may split opinion. The Keychron-specific ‘OSA’ design sees a heavy curve to each of these keys. We did find some of the legends to be printed in strange ways, but the color scheme and luxury PBT feel made it a joy to work across this board.

With the ability to open up every nook and cranny, and some premium enthusiast features built into the case, this is certainly one for the tinkerers out there. However, we wouldn’t recommend diving into this board for gameplay; the speed under the hood can’t hold up to dedicated devices.

Read more: Keychron Q2 review

How we test hot-swappable keyboards

We test hot-swappable keyboards using all the same checks we would place on dedicated gaming keyboards, running through out of the box switch performance, any macro or media controls, speed and response times, and typing feel. When testing a new keyboard, we’ll live with that deck for a considerable period of time, bringing it into our everyday work and gameplay to ensure it holds up beyond just a few hours of use. After that, though, we’ll tear these things apart, completely swapping the whole switch set to make sure there’s no dead PCB, and to check the ease of pulling and plugging. 

You can find out more about how we test keyboards, or check out how we make all our recommendations in our full GamesRadar+ Hardware Policy.


We’re also rounding up all the best Razer keyboards and taking a look at the best wireless gaming keyboard on the market right now. Or, for more discounts, take a look at the latest cheap gaming keyboard deals.

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