Keychron Vs Glorious Hot Swappable
Browse all hot swappable keyboards guidesHot-swappable mechanical keyboards have revolutionized the custom keyboard hobby by letting you change switches without soldering. While Keychron and Glorious are two leading brands in this space, the market offers numerous alternatives that challenge them on features and value. This guide helps you navigate your options using the products below as real-world examples.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Price | Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|
 AULA F99 Pro Wireless Mechanical Keyboard - Silent Version, BT5.0/2.4G... | $125.31 | ★★★★★4.7 | View |
 ATTACK SHARK X85 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard 75% Hot Swappable Wireless... | $89.99 | ★★★★★4.7 | View |
 EPOMAKER x Aula F75 Gasket Mechanical Keyboard, 75% Wireless Hot Swapp... | $119.99 | ★★★★★4.6 | View |
 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard | Hot Swappable Mechanical Keyboard | Ice B... | $50.44 | ★★★★4.2 | View |
 Glorious Gaming - White Keyboard - Hot Swappable Mechanical Switches -... | $154.42 | ★★★★4.1 | View |
AULA F99 Pro Wireless Mechanical Keyboard - Silent Version, BT5.0/2.4GHz/USB-C Hot Swappable Custom Keyboard, Packing Structure, Loss Linear Switches RGB Backlit
ATTACK SHARK X85 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard 75% Hot Swappable Wireless 2.4GHz/BT/USB-C Gasket CNC Knob Coiled Cable RGB NKRO Cherry Profile Side Print PBT Keycaps White Jade Switch for Win/PC/MAC
EPOMAKER x Aula F75 Gasket Mechanical Keyboard, 75% Wireless Hot Swappable Gaming Keyboard with Five-Layer Padding&Knob, BT/2.4GHz/USB-C, RGB (Light Blue, LEOBOG Reaper Switch)
Mechanical Gaming Keyboard | Hot Swappable Mechanical Keyboard | Ice Blue Backlit Keyboard with Brown Switches and 104 Keys | Wired Gaming Keyboard | Mechanical Keyboard, PC Gaming Keyboards
Glorious Gaming - White Keyboard - Hot Swappable Mechanical Switches - Full Size Wired Keyboard - Low-Profile - Cherry Mx Style - Double Shot Keycaps & Linear Switches - PC Gaming Setup Accessories
Why this product type matters
Hot-swappable keyboards give you unprecedented freedom to customize your typing experience. Unlike traditional soldered boards, you can easily swap out switches to find your perfect feel—whether that's linear, tactile, or clicky—without buying a whole new keyboard. This flexibility makes them ideal for enthusiasts who want to experiment, gamers seeking competitive advantages, and professionals who need specific ergonomic properties. The technology has also democratized keyboard customization; what once required technical skills and expensive equipment now only needs a switch puller. Additionally, it future-proofs your investment—if a switch fails or you simply want to try new switch releases, you're not locked into your initial choice. The products shown here demonstrate this versatility, ranging from budget-friendly wired options to premium wireless models with advanced features like gasket mounting and rotary knobs.
How to choose
1. Switch Compatibility: Look for 'MX-style' hot-swap sockets (the industry standard). Most boards support both 3-pin and 5-pin switches, but verify before buying exotic switches. The Glorious model explicitly mentions Cherry MX-style compatibility, while the AULA and EPOMAKER boards also use this universal standard.
2. Connectivity Options: Decide between wireless flexibility (BT5.0/2.4GHz) or wired reliability. The AULA F99 Pro and EPOMAKER F75 offer tri-mode connectivity, while the Glorious keyboard is wired-only. Wireless adds convenience but may introduce latency for competitive gaming.
3. Form Factor: 75% layouts (like the EPOMAKER F75 and ATTACK SHARK X85) save desk space while retaining function keys, whereas full-size boards (like the Glorious and generic option) include numpads for data entry. Your workflow should dictate this choice.
4. Build Quality & Features: Premium features like gasket mounting (EPOMAKER F75, ATTACK SHARK X85) provide a softer, more premium typing feel. Rotary knobs add media control convenience, and PBT keycaps resist shine better than ABS. The Glorious board emphasizes low-profile design, while others focus on RGB customization.
5. Price-to-Value: Options range from $50 (basic wired) to $154 (Glorious). The mid-range $90-125 models often deliver the best balance, offering wireless connectivity, gasket mounts, and knobs that rival premium brands. Check review counts: the EPOMAKER F75 has 3,374 reviews at 4.6 stars, indicating proven reliability.
6. Brand Ecosystem: Consider long-term support, software quality, and community resources. Established brands like Glorious have robust software, but newer brands like AULA and ATTACK SHARK often deliver comparable hardware at lower prices.
Related Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'hot-swappable' actually mean?
It means switches can be removed and installed without soldering. The PCB (circuit board) has special sockets that grip switch pins securely. You simply pull out old switches and push in new ones using a small tool—similar to snapping LEGO bricks together. All products listed feature this technology, making them beginner-friendly for customization.
Are Keychron and Glorious switches compatible with these keyboards?
Generally yes. Most hot-swap boards use MX-style sockets compatible with Cherry, Gateron, Kailh, Keychron, and Glorious switches. The Glorious keyboard explicitly supports Cherry MX-style switches. Always check pin configuration: 5-pin switches work in 3-pin sockets (with two plastic locating pins snipped), but not vice versa. The AULA and EPOMAKER boards support both configurations.
Is wireless or wired better for hot-swappable keyboards?
It depends on your priorities. Wireless (like the AULA F99 Pro and EPOMAKER F75) offers a clean desk setup and device switching, perfect for multi-device users. Wired boards (like the Glorious model) provide maximum polling rates for competitive gaming and eliminate charging concerns. Modern 2.4GHz wireless has minimal latency for most users, but wired remains king for esports.
Do I need to spend $150+ to get a quality hot-swappable keyboard?
No. While the $154 Glorious keyboard is excellent, the $90-125 range offers exceptional value. The ATTACK SHARK X85 at $90 and AULA F99 Pro at $125 include premium features like gasket mounting, wireless connectivity, and rotary knobs that compete with more expensive brands. The key is matching features to your needs rather than chasing brand names.