If you watch gamer streams or have virtual meetings with some tech-savvy people, you might've heard the thocky, clicky keyboard sound in the background. And you might wonder, "Why do people invest in these noisy peripherals? What difference does it have over a cheap, generic membrane keyboard?"

So, let's dive in and see why you need a hot-swappable mechanical keyboard.

1. You Can Easily Customize It to Your Taste

As said above, hot-swappable mechanical keyboards are easy to customize. You cannot change the typing sound and feel of a membrane keyboard. But if you choose a mechanical keyboard with permanent keys, like the Keychron K2, you must know how to solder/desolder to replace its switches.

But with a hot-swappable mechanical keyboard, you only need a switch puller to replace switches. That means you can quickly change out the mechanical switches on a hot-swappable keyboard in less than an hour.

However, you must be careful when choosing and replacing switches. There are two mechanical key switch bases—three-pin and five-pin—and the five-pin model isn't compatible with three-pin keyboards.

Furthermore, some switches have a thick stem that won't fit in some models of hot-swappable mechanical keyboards. So, before buying, you should check out forums to see if the switch you want is compatible with your keyboard.

2. You Can Mix and Match Different Switches

Another advantage of hot-swappable mechanical keyboards is the ability to swap specific keys. When you buy a mechanical keyboard, it usually comes with one set of switch types. But what if you want clicky switches while playing FPS games and tactiles for the rest of the time?

With a hot-swappable keyboard, you don't have to buy a second keyboard for your game time. Instead, choose tactile switches when you check out the keyboard and buy a pack of clickies for your WASD keys. That way, you get the best of both worlds.

Alternatively, you can use linear keys for your full-size keyboard to help you type faster and install tactile keys on your number pad if you don't use them frequently. You can use different mechanical key types in any way you like—the choice is yours.

3. They're Easier to Repair and Maintain

If you've used computers all your life, you've probably disposed of many keyboards because of a faulty key or two. Of course, this is an absolute waste, especially if the rest of the keyboard is still functioning. But, at the same time, a keyboard without one key is essentially useless.

If you have a membrane keyboard, you have no choice but to replace it altogether. And if you have a non-hot-swappable mechanical keyboard, you'll have to bring it to a professional, or you must know how to solder and desolder switches and have the proper gear to repair it.

But if you have a hot-swappable keyboard, you just need your keycap and switch puller, spare mechanical key switch, and five minutes of your time. With a little effort, you'll have a fully working keyboard.

Not only did you repair your mechanical keyboard, but you also kept a whole keyboard out of the landfill.

4. You Can Change Your Keycaps

You can change your keycaps if you have a hot-swappable mechanical keyboard. However, since most key switches adhere to a standard design, you can find compatible keycaps from many sources. In fact, the keycap market has grown so big that you need a guide to help you pick custom keycaps for your mechanical keyboard.

These keycaps can affect everything—from how your keyboard looks to how each keypress sounds and feels. And if you've grown tired of your current keyboard design, simply pick out a new set of keycaps, install them, and, voila, you have a visually new keyboard!

This method is definitely cheaper than buying a new keyboard every time you grow tired of the one you have. That is, unless you're a collector.

5. It Sounds Better

Many mechanical keyboard enthusiasts got started because of how it sounds. The quiet clicking of mechanical keyboards gives an audible confirmation for each key press.

Some mechanical keyboards with clickies can get loud, though, with the clickety-clack sound getting old really quickly. But if you have a hot-swappable mechanical keyboard, you can easily replace these clicky switches with less offensive linear or tactile switches.

We've looked at the differences between clickies, tactiles, and linears, which will give you a good idea of what to expect if you buy a mechanical keyboard.

6. It Feels Better to the Touch

Aside from the aural ASMR mechanical keyboards deliver, you can also get that pleasurable tingling feeling from the feedback that mechanical keyboards bring to your fingertips. Whether you're using red, brown, or blue mechanical key switches, you'll get a distinctive feel you cannot get from membrane keyboards.

Some keyboard switch types, like clickies and tactiles, offer some resistance before triggering. This characteristic allows you to feel the pressure of each keypress, giving you tactile feedback on what you're typing.

On the other hand, linears deliver a smooth typing experience. Since linear mechanical key switches don't offer resistance, you will not get any tactile response when you type. This makes the keyboard sensitive to your keypresses, effectively making it respond faster to your inputs.

And if you have a hot-swappable mechanical keyboard, you don't have to settle for one switch type for the rest of your keyboard's life. Instead, you can pick a switch type that suits your taste and enjoy it for a while. Once you get tired of it, you can buy switches online and swap out your old ones in less than an hour.

7. It Lets You Be More Precise

Aside from the enhanced precision that linear switches deliver, you can also increase your typing accuracy with a hot-swappable mechanical keyboard. That's because you can pick and choose the perfect switch for you.

Say you've already decided that you're a tactiles kind of person. That doesn't mean you'll have to settle for a specific tactile switch, like Outemu Purples. You can try tactile switches from other brands, like Boba U4Ts, Gateron Browns, or the OG Cherry MX Browns.

In fact, some manufacturers, like Gateron and Outemu, offer two or more variations of the same switch type. So, if you want the sound and feel of tactile switches but want a different feel, you can get Gateron Blacks or Outemu Browns.

Because of these options, you can choose a switch that fits your typing profile exactly. This will let you be precise, and should you buy a different keyboard in the future, you can change its key switches to the one you're used to.

Take the Keyboard and Make It Yours

Hot-swappable mechanical keyboards are a great place to start customizing your computer. You can start with a cheap, basic model and slowly customize it to your liking. Or, you can go for an expensive mechanical keyboard group buy and build it to your exact specifications.

The beauty of hot-swappable mechanical keyboards is that you don't need mad soldering skills or a lot of money to get into the hobby. Instead, start with cheap and easy builds, then go from there. Eventually, you'll have a highly curated and exquisite mechanical keyboard collection.