Hall effect switches are not inherently hot-swappable—their hot-swappability depends entirely on the keyboard's design. While the switches themselves use magnetic fields and don’t require physical contact, they must be used with a keyboard that has a compatible PCB and socket system designed for magnetic switches.
Some keyboards support hot-swapping: Models like the Keychron Q1 HE, MCHOSE Ace 60, and Wooting 60HE are explicitly designed with hot-swappable Hall effect switches, allowing users to replace them without soldering.
Not all Hall effect keyboards are hot-swappable: Many are built with integrated switches that are not meant to be replaced by users.
Compatibility is critical: Even if a keyboard is hot-swappable, switches are not universally interchangeable. Differences in magnet polarity (north-up vs. north-down), strength, and pin layout can prevent proper function. Always verify compatibility with the manufacturer’s specifications.
In short: Check the specific keyboard model’s specs—hot-swappability is not guaranteed just because a keyboard uses Hall effect switches.
I apologise if this comes across as silly question but; Is it possible to swap a regular mechanical switch into - say - the Field75 HE? All I know is that the PCB is different for the sensor to detect the magnet but does this mean regular mechanical switches wont be able to work on the KB?
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I have a Ducky mecha one 2 mini with Silent reds and was wondering if it would be possible to switch out some of the keys with hall effect switches and run rapid trigger. I know nothing about custom keyboards but I know how to solder.
Let me know if you have any questions!
Thanks
Hey all.
I've been using my trustly (old af) Corsair CM Storm with Cherry MX Browns for literally like a decade now. It's been great, the only annoyance is the stabilizers are non-existent/terrible. So the spacebar and Shift keys have always rattled like hell.
I'm looking for a new Mech board. I write a lot of code and play a lot of games (Mostly World of Warcraft, but some CS2 and Dota).
All the millions of reviews are point at the Rainy75 as being the 'best' reasonably priced board. It looks awesome, it's the perfect size I'm looking for and the price is fair. I HATED Cherry MX Reds so I would be a bit worried about using Linear switches but I guess I could always put tactiles in if I couldn't get used to it.
Is getting something like the Rainy75 kind of outdated now? - I see a lot of hype for HallEffect/RapidTrigger switches, and some of the boards are cheaper than a Rainy.
If I was to buy a magnetic switch board, could I just put normal switches in it (like Cherry MX Browns or similar) If I wanted? or do these new Magnetic boards only work with other HallEffect Switches? (I'm not sure how good the tactile ones are).
Any advice would be great, it's been many years since I purchased a nice keyboard - Thanks.