The Razer Huntsman mini is a compact and stylish gaming keyboard that features Razer’s optical switches, which use light to actuate instead of metal contacts. The keyboard has a 60% layout, which means it does not have the function row, arrow keys, or the numpad. This makes it ideal for gamers who want more desk space and portability. But what if you want to change the switches on the Razer Huntsman mini? Can you swap them with other switches without soldering or voiding the warranty? In other words, is the Razer Huntsman mini hot swappable?

Is the Razer Huntsman mini Hot Swappable?

The short answer is no, the Razer Huntsman mini is not hot swappable. The keyboard does not have sockets on the circuit board; rather, the switches are soldered directly to it. This means you cannot remove or replace the switches without desoldering them, which is a risky and complicated process that can damage the keyboard and void the warranty.

However, some users have reported that the Razer Huntsman mini is technically hot swappable, but only with other Razer optical switches. This is because the optical switches do not have metal contacts, but rather a plastic stem that fits into a hole on the circuit board. The optical sensor that registers the keystroke is on the board, not the switch.

This means you can theoretically pop out the switches and swap them with other Razer optical switches, such as the clicky purple ones or the improved linear red ones. However, Razer does not recommend or endorse this, as it may damage the keyboard and void the warranty. Moreover, you will need to open the keyboard case and remove the screws to access the switches, which is not easy or convenient. You will also need to source the Razer optical switches separately, as they are not widely available on the market.

What is hot swapping?

Hot swapping is the ability to replace the switches on a keyboard without desoldering them from the circuit board. This means you can easily customize your keyboard with different switches with different characteristics, such as sound, feel, and actuation force. Hot swapping allows you to replace faulty or worn-out switches without buying a new keyboard.

Hot swappable keyboards usually have sockets on the circuit board that hold the switches in place. You can use a switch puller tool to remove and insert new switches. However, not all switches are compatible with all sockets, so you must ensure the switches you want to use have the same pin layout and size as the original ones.

Conclusion

The Razer Huntsman mini is a great gaming keyboard with fast and smooth performance with its optical switches. Is the razer huntsman mini hot swappable? However, the Razer Huntsman mini is not the best option if you are looking for a keyboard that you can customize with different switches. The keyboard is not hot swappable, and swapping the switches may cause more harm than good. Therefore, you should be happy with the switches you choose when you buy the keyboard, or look for another hot swappable keyboard.