2024 could be the year of the hot-swappable gaming keyboard
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This time last year we were celebrating the CES announcement of theAsusROG Azoth, still thebest gaming keyboardwe’ve tested so far and an early dip into the world of mainstream hot-swappable keyboards for gaming. Yes, these switch-swapping decks have been around for a long time, gently nudging the curious into the pricey world of custom builds and mods. They’ve always typically been more focused on the tactile feel of a keypress and less on the speed and extra controls baked into gaming specific models.
That started to change last year. Asus kicked January off with the aforementionedROG Azoth,Corsairchimed in with theK70 Pro Mini Wirelessin the summer, and then Razer hopped on the wagon in the winter months with the BlackWidow V4 75%. All three decks packed hot-swappable switches into speedy, feature-rich gaming decks, taking design and feature inspiration from some of thebest hot-swappable keyboardson the market.
The Asus ROG Azoth cost $249.99 when it launched last year, Corsair’s K70 Pro Mini Wireless hit a slightly more manageable $179.99, andRazer’s own entry came in at $199.99. While Alienware’s deck is likely to command these kinds of prices, there’s a glimmer of hope that cheaper models could spring from these early beginnings, with more budget-minded brands having a crack at their own switch swappers. Not only that, but with 12 months between now and the launch of the Azoth (and Black Friday prices already knocking $50 off that final cost) and Corsair discounting its own model to under $100 in the last couple of months, the discounts are already appearing.
In Association with ROG Ally
We’re also bringing you all thebest wireless gaming keyboardson the shelves, as well as thebest membrane keyboardsfor anyone after something a little cheaper. If you’re building a full setup, don’t forget to check out thebest gaming mouseavailable.
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Managing Editor of Hardware at GamesRadar+, I originally landed in hardware at our sister site TechRadar before moving over to GamesRadar. In between, I’ve written for Tom’s Guide, Wireframe, The Indie Game Website and That Video Game Blog, covering everything from the PS5 launch to the Apple Pencil. Now, i’m focused on Nintendo Switch, gaming laptops (and the keyboards, headsets and mice that come with them), PS5, and trying to find the perfect projector.
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