Best Cheap Hot Swap Mechanical Keyboards - A Buying Guide

Are you looking to buy the best cheap hot-swap mechanical keyboard on the market? Then you’ve come to the right place! In this guide, I’ll go over everything you need to know about mechanical keyboards and how they can help make your life easier as well as more efficient in various ways. If you want to know more about these products, read on and let me share my expertise with you!

Buyer’s guide to types of mechanical keyboards

There are quite a few different kinds of mechanical keyboards on today’s market, with more being added all of the time. Before you jump into buying a board, you should be aware of your options and how to choose a keyboard that is best for you. For example, some keyboards utilize MX switches from Cherry (and/or clones) while others will use Kailh or Gateron switches instead. Some boards offer backlighting, programmability through software (and/or via keycaps), other bells and whistles that might be important to you...

Find out what type of switch you prefer

Key switches dictate how a keyboard feels, and what kind of action you’ll get from it. It’s no exaggeration to say that typing on different switch types is like night and day. In most keyboards, there are three main styles of switch: tactile (this means you can feel when a keypress is registered), linear (pressing a key doesn’t do anything until you bottom out), and clicky (which gives a satisfying bump as you bottom out). Which kind do you prefer? If you’re not sure, go to your local computer store or online shopping site and try some keyboards with different kinds of switches.

Set your budget

Before you head out to buy a keyboard, make sure you know exactly how much money you can afford to spend. (You don’t want to impulse-buy something only to realize it was well outside your budget.) What’s more, depending on what type of mechanical keyboard you get, some might be cheaper than others. If you have to make a choice between durability and price, prioritize quality over cost. There are plenty of cheap mechanical keyboards out there—but if they aren’t built well and won’t last very long (or maybe they will), then that cheapness is just an illusion anyway.

Pick the right key layout for you

There are a ton of different kinds of keyboards out there, but what’s right for you? Our guide will help you figure that out. From ergonomic to mechanical to extended, we explain each type of keyboard layout and what types of uses they’re best suited for. With so many options on the market today, knowing how to pick which one is best for you can save you time and money. If you know which kind of keyboard is right for your needs and have an idea about where to find it in a retail store or online, then picking one out should be a breeze!

Check reviews to find quality mechanical keyboards

While there are certainly subpar keyboards available, most mechanical keyboards are built to stand up to intense use for many years. As such, you should spend a bit of time reading reviews and checking ratings before making your purchase. Look for reviewers who provide insight into their experience with using a keyboard instead of only counting keys that stick or letters that don’t print. Do they recommend other software or add-ons to help you get more out of your new keyboard? It can be helpful to read comparisons between models or find guides that include information on how best to take care of a mechanical keyboard, so be sure to browse those as well.

Compare features, design, and build quality

We'll talk more about build quality in a bit, but let's look at some of those other features that are nice to have. First up is switches, which are arguably one of a keyboard's most important features. There are two main kinds of a mechanical switches—red and black—and each kind has several variants. For example, Cherry MX reds come in linear and non-linear varieties, with varying weighting (light or heavy) and actuation forces (65 or 45 grams). Depending on your preference for feel, you might prefer one type over another.

What brands should you consider?

There are a number of brands that offer best hot swappable keyboard. As always, you should do your homework and research different options before making any purchases. The biggest brands include Logitech, Razer, Corsair, SteelSeries, Ducky, and Cooler Master. Be sure to check out gaming key switches for each of these companies. Most mechanical keyboards on a budget use one of two types: Cherry MX Blue or Cherry MX Brown. For a more detailed breakdown of what each switch is like to use day-to-day, head over to our dedicated guide here. If you'd like some recommendations for particular models you can find them below with direct links to Amazon listings!