Independent buying guides for mechanical keyboards

Best Switch Pullers (2026)

Updated How we research

Our top pick

Keychron Aluminum Switch Puller, Ergonomic Semi-Automatic Removal Tool

Keychron's aluminum semi-automatic switch puller uses an ergonomic design to speed up hot-swap switch removal.

Our score8.4/10

Best budget

YMDK MX Switch Top Removal Tool / Switch Dropper Puller 3-in-1 for Hot Swap

YMDK's 3-in-1 MX switch top removal tool opens switches and also works as a switch puller for hot swap boards.

Our score8.2/10

A switch puller clamps onto the top and bottom tabs of a switch so you can pull it straight out of a hotswap socket without bending or breaking the two delicate pins underneath. The grip design is what matters most: a tool that grabs the tabs squarely lifts evenly, while a poor fit tilts the switch and risks folding a pin flat. Look for firm, well-aligned jaws and a handle you can grip with a little force, since some switches sit tightly and need a confident, straight pull. Switch pullers suit anyone with a hotswap board who wants to try different switches, clean their board or replace a faulty switch. They are essential for the whole point of hotswap, which is easy experimentation without soldering. If your board is soldered rather than hotswap, a puller will not help, since those switches are fixed to the PCB. For everyone else, it is a cheap tool that protects your switches and your sockets, and skipping it almost guarantees a bent pin sooner or later.

The short version

We compared 7 picks. Our scores range from 7.1 to 8.4 out of 10.

Scores are our editorial assessment, not customer ratings. How we score

Tick up to 3 picks to compare them side by side.
Keychron Aluminum Switch Puller, Ergonomic Semi-Automatic Removal Tool#1
See on Amazon

Keychron's aluminum semi-automatic switch puller uses an ergonomic design to speed up hot-swap switch removal.

Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 9/10 · Value 7/10

  • + Semi-automatic action reduces effort when pulling many switches
  • + Aluminum body feels solid and precise in the hand
  • + Ergonomic grip helps during full keyboard switch swaps
  • - Costs more than basic steel switch pullers
  • - Mechanism adds parts that could wear compared with simple tweezers
YMDK MX Switch Top Removal Tool / Switch Dropper Puller 3-in-1 for Hot Swap#2
See on Amazon

YMDK's 3-in-1 MX switch top removal tool opens switches and also works as a switch puller for hot swap boards.

Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10

  • + Opens MX switch tops for lubing or filming switches
  • + 3-in-1 design saves buying separate opener and puller tools
  • + YMDK makes tools aimed at DIY keyboard builders
  • - Switch opener side may not fit every switch housing design
  • - Plastic parts can wear with heavy use
GLORIOUS Switch Puller, Stainless Steel Premium Switch Puller (GLO-Acc-SP)#3
See on Amazon

Glorious' premium stainless steel switch puller removes hot-swap switches cleanly from mechanical keyboards.

Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 9/10 · Value 7/10

  • + Stainless steel prongs grip switch clips securely
  • + Glorious design is shaped specifically for MX style hot-swap switches
  • + Durable tool that holds up to repeated switch swaps
  • - Switch puller only, with no keycap puller included
  • - Pricier than generic switch pullers with similar function
YMDK MX Switch Top Removal Tool 3-in-1 for Hot Swappable Keyboard (Option 3)#4
See on Amazon

YMDK's MX switch top removal tool 3-in-1 in Option 3 suits hot swappable keyboard builders who lube switches.

Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10

  • + Combines switch opening and pulling for hot-swap boards
  • + Option 3 variant gives a specific tool configuration to choose from
  • + Handy for opening many switches during a lube session
  • - Option naming is vague, so check which parts Option 3 includes
  • - Not a replacement for a full lube station
Atdcoek 2-in-1 Keycap Puller and Switch Puller, Stainless Steel Extractor#5
See on Amazon

Atdcoek's 2-in-1 stainless steel extractor works as both a keycap puller and a switch puller.

Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10

  • + 2-in-1 design covers both keycaps and hot-swap switches
  • + Stainless steel wires resist bending and rust
  • + Compact tool is easy to store with keyboard accessories
  • - Combined tools are less refined than dedicated pullers
  • - Lesser known brand with uncertain build consistency
Granvela Switch Puller Tool for Mechanical Keyboard, Stainless Steel (Pack 2)#6
See on Amazon

Granvela's pack 2 of stainless steel switch puller tools gives you a spare for mechanical keyboard switch swaps.

Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 9/10

  • + Pack 2 means a backup tool or one to share with a friend
  • + Stainless steel construction resists bending
  • + Simple squeeze design pulls MX style hot-swap switches
  • - Basic design can scratch plates if used carelessly
  • - No keycap puller included in the pack
Tugeta Switch Puller V2 Mechanical Keyboard Switches Removal Tool (Black)#7
See on Amazon

Tugeta's black Switch Puller V2 is a dedicated tool for removing mechanical keyboard switches.

Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 8/10

  • + V2 design refines grip on switch clips for fewer slips
  • + Black finish looks tidy in a keyboard tool kit
  • + Low cost option for occasional hot-swap switch changes
  • - Check the tool material before ordering this puller
  • - Lesser known brand with limited durability information

Before you buy: trade-offs we flagged

No pick is perfect. These are the main compromises we noted for the top products in this guide, so you can check they will not matter for you.

Frequently asked questions

›What is the best choice among switch pullers (2026)?

Keychron Aluminum Switch Puller, Ergonomic Semi-Automatic Removal Tool is our top overall pick. Keychron's aluminum semi-automatic switch puller uses an ergonomic design to speed up hot-swap switch removal. It earns our score of 8.4/10, based on fit for the job, features, build and value.

›What is a good budget option?

YMDK MX Switch Top Removal Tool / Switch Dropper Puller 3-in-1 for Hot Swap is the strongest low-cost pick in this guide. YMDK's 3-in-1 MX switch top removal tool opens switches and also works as a switch puller for hot swap boards.

›How much should I expect to spend?

Picks in this guide span See on Amazon price bands (roughly: $ = under $30, $$ = $30 to $100, $$$ = over $100). We never display exact prices because they change constantly, so the buttons above always show Amazon's current price.

›How were these products chosen?

We shortlist products that fit the job this guide solves and compare their published specifications, such as size, capacity, materials and what is included. Each pick gets an editorial score out of 10 for fit, features, build and value, and we write the pros and cons from those details. Our score is not an Amazon customer rating. We earn a commission if you buy through our links, which never affects the ranking.

MechKeeb Lab independently selects every product; we may earn a commission from links above.

Popular right now

  1. What Is a Hot-Swap Keyboard and Why It MattersArticle
  2. Best Ortholinear Keyboards (2026)Buying guide
  3. North vs South Facing SwitchesArticle
  4. What Are QMK and VIA? Keyboard Firmware ExplainedArticle
  5. Linear vs Tactile vs ClickyArticle
  6. Mechanical Keyboard Switch ChartArticle

Based on the last 28 days of search and visitor data.