Replacing Switches on Hot-swappable vs Standard Mechanical Keyboards

Mechanical keyboards allow you to customize settings, lighting effects, macros, and more. They're favorite computer peripherals for gamers, computer enthusiasts, and modders who want to tailor their equipment to suit their needs and preferences.

Mechanical keyboards are designed to be customizable. But how it is customized is the real question. Can you change switches without altering their electronic connections? Are you willing to do some cool electronic modifications? Or can you simply pluck them out and replace them at will?

That's what this article is. We'll talk about the differences between hot-swappable and standard mechanical keyboards.

Differences Between Hot-swappable Keyboards and Standard Mechanical Keyboards

If you're a keyboard aficionado, gamer, or computer enthusiast, you're probably familiar with standard and hot-swappable mechanical keyboards. Both work excellently, but they have differences that can impact your gaming, typing, and customizing experience. 

1. Switch Replacement Mechanism
   • Hot-swappable Keyboards: Hot swappable keyboards have sockets on the PCB for switches. These sockets allow fast and effortless insertion and removal of switches without the need for soldering the switches to the PCB. 
   • Standard Mechanical Keyboards: In contrast, standard mechanical keyboards require soldering the switches onto the PCB. Switches are typically fixed in place and cannot be easily removed without desoldering.
2. Customization
   • Hot-swappable Keyboards: Boasting extensive customization capabilities, hot-swappable keyboards enable users to easily swap switches without any technical expertise or specialized tools. 
   • Standard Mechanical Keyboards: Once switches are soldered onto the PCB, they are fixed in place. This makes it impractical for users to replace them without desoldering, which involves skills in electronic kit building (specifically soldering) and soldering tools.
3. Maintenance
   • Hot-swappable Keyboards: Hot-swappable keyboards simplify maintenance because users can replace worn-out or malfunctioning switches without soldering or professional repair services. 
   • Standard Mechanical Keyboards: Maintaining standard mechanical keyboards can be more challenging since replacing switches requires desoldering and soldering skills. This process is time-consuming and may require additional tools and expertise.
4. Ease of Modification
   • Hot-swappable Keyboards: Hot-swappable keyboards are easier to modify and customize since users can swap out switches, keycaps, and other components without any soldering.
   • Standard Mechanical Keyboards: Modifying standard mechanical keyboards requires soldering and desoldering skills, which may deter users from making changes to their keyboards. 

Pros and Cons of Hot Swappable Mechanical Keyboards

Many keyboard modders prefer hot-swappable mechanical keyboards due to their advantages over standard mechanical keyboards. However, they have their own set of drawbacks. 

Pros

1. Customization: Users can easily customize their keyboard by simply swapping out switches. Users can experiment with different switch types, brands, and designs.
2. Flexibility: Users can replace switches without the need for soldering or technical expertise, making it convenient to customize the keyboard to specific tasks or gaming genres.
3. Maintenance: If a switch becomes damaged or starts malfunctioning, users can simply replace it without having to disassemble the entire keyboard.

Cons

1. Limited Compatibility: Hot-swappable keyboards may not be compatible with all types of switches. 
2. Potentially Loose Switches: Switches may not fit as snugly as they would in a soldered configuration. 
3. Increased Cost: Hot-swappable keyboards tend to be more expensive than standard mechanical keyboards due to the additional engineering required for the hot-swappable feature. 
4. Risk of Damage: While hot-swappable keyboards eliminate the need for soldering, there is still a risk of damaging the keyboard or switches during the swapping process, especially for inexperienced users. 

Pros and Cons of Standard Mechanical Keyboards

Standard mechanical keyboards, while lacking the hot-swappable feature, still offer several advantages and disadvantages. After all, they are a must-have peripheral for gamers, computer enthusiasts, and modders. 

Pros

1. Durability: Mechanical keyboards are known for their durability and longevity. The mechanical switches can last tens of millions of keypresses.
2. Typing Experience: Mechanical keyboards offer a satisfying typing experience with tactile feedback and/or audible clickiness. 
3. Stability: Switches in standard mechanical keyboards are soldered directly onto the PCB, providing a stable and secure connection. This also reduces the risk of switches becoming loose or wobbly over time.
4. Wide Availability: Standard mechanical keyboards are widely available from various manufacturers and in a range of price points, making them accessible to users with different budgets and preferences.
5. Lower Cost: Standard mechanical keyboards tend to be more affordable than hot-swappable keyboards. This can make them a more budget-friendly option for many users.

Cons

1. Limited Customization: Users cannot easily swap out switches or customize keycaps without soldering. This limits the level of customization available to users who may want to tailor their typing experience to their preferences.
2. Maintenance Difficulty: Repairing or replacing switches in standard mechanical keyboards requires soldering equipment and technical expertise. This makes maintenance more challenging and time-consuming compared to hot-swappable keyboards.
3. Limited Upgradability: Standard mechanical keyboards may become outdated as new switch designs or technologies emerge. Upgrading to newer switches often requires purchasing a completely new keyboard rather than simply swapping out switches.

How to Replace Switches on a Hot-swappable Mechanical Keyboard

Replacing switches on your hot-swappable mechanical keyboard? Replacing switches on a hot-swappable mechanical keyboard is a straightforward process. 

1. Gather Necessary Tools: You'll probably need a keycap puller and a switch puller. And that's it. 
2. Remove Keycaps: Using your fingers or keycap puller, gently pull upward on each keycap until it pops off the switch stem. Set the keycaps aside.
3. Access Switches: Depending on your keyboard's design, you may need to remove a protective plate or cover to access the switches. Some keyboards have an open design, allowing easy access to the switches.
4. Remove Old Switches: Using a switch puller, gently extract the old switches from their sockets. For stubborn switches, carefully wiggle the switches back and forth while applying upward pressure until they come loose from the sockets. 
5. Insert New Switches: Align the new switches' pins or sockets with the corresponding slots on the PCB. Press down firmly but gently until the switches are fully seated in the sockets. 
6. Replace Keycaps: After the new switches are in place, reattach the keycaps by pressing them firmly onto the stems of the switches. 
7. Test the Keyboard: Test the switches to ensure they are working correctly. Press each key to confirm that it registers properly and that there are no issues with the new switches.
8. Reassemble the Keyboard: Make sure all components are properly aligned and fastened before using the keyboard.

How to Replace Switches on a Standard Mechanical Keyboard

Replacing switches on a standard mechanical keyboard involves a more complex process compared to hot-swappable keyboards. The process typically involves desoldering and soldering the switches. 

1. Prepare Necessary Tools: You'll need a soldering iron, soldering wire, desoldering pump or solder wick, switch puller (optional), keycap puller, and replacement switches.
2. Disassemble the Keyboard: Remove all keycaps from the keyboard. Remove screws or clips to open the case and access the PCB.
3. Identify the Switches to Replace: Locate the switches you want to replace on the PCB. Take note of their positions and ensure you have enough replacement switches.
4. Desolder the Old Switches: Heat your soldering iron and apply it to the solder joints connecting the old switches to the PCB. Use a desoldering pump or solder wick to remove the molten solder and free the switches from the PCB. Be careful not to damage the PCB or surrounding components.
5. Remove Old Switches: Carefully remove the old switches from the PCB. You may need to use a switch puller or gently wiggle the switches to loosen them from the PCB.
6. Prepare Replacement Switches: If necessary, prepare your replacement switches by removing any pins or clips that may interfere with installation.
7. Solder the New Switches: Insert the replacement switches into the vacant switch positions on the PCB, ensuring their proper alignment. Heat your soldering iron and apply solder to the solder joints to secure the switches to the PCB. Do not use too much solder or create solder bridges between adjacent joints.
8. Test the Keyboard: Before reassembling the keyboard, plug it into your computer and test the new switches to ensure they are working correctly. Press each key to confirm that it registers properly.
9. Reassemble the Keyboard: Reassemble the keyboard by reattaching any screws or clips and reinstalling the keycaps.

Can you change the switches on a standard mechanical keyboard without desoldering?

In most cases, changing switches on a standard mechanical keyboard without desoldering is not possible. The switches in a standard mechanical keyboard are typically soldered directly onto the PCB, making them difficult to remove without desoldering. Once the solder has been removed, the switches can be lifted off the PCB and replaced with new ones.

Desoldering requires some skill and experience with soldering equipment. If you're not comfortable with soldering or don't have the necessary tools, it's best to seek assistance from a professional technician or consider purchasing a hot-swappable mechanical keyboard for easier switch replacement.

Conclusion

Hot-swappable and standard mechanical keyboards are great devices. With this article, you're ready to customize your gaming and typing experience in amazing ways. Whether you're upgrading a hot-swappable model or getting your hands dirty with a standard one, you can have fun with your keyboard customization experiments.