Not sure which keyboard to choose? Try the Keyboard Finder now!

Head to head · Prices checked Nov 14, 2026

X-Bows X Bows Knight vs X Bows Knight PlusHot-Swap or Numpad

Get the X-Bows Knight for solder-free switch changes, or the Knight Plus for its detachable magnetic numpad and RGB lighting.

KeebFinder may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.

Quick verdict

Which one should you get?

Get the

X-Bows X Bows Knight

Hot-swappable

If you want

  • Hot-swappable sockets let you replace compatible switches without soldering.
  • CNC-machined aluminum alloy unibody construction.

Get the

X-Bows X Bows Knight Plus

Build quality in the top 40% of Numpad boards under $300.

If you want

  • Detachable 21-key magnetic numpad can attach on either side or be removed.
  • Adjustable RGB backlighting with 16.8 million colors.

Rules this board out

  • Switches are soldered. Swapping them means soldering.

Bottom line

Choose the X-Bows Knight if changing compatible switches without soldering is important, since it offers hot-swap sockets that the Knight Plus does not. Choose the Knight Plus for its detachable, independently programmable numpad and RGB lighting, features the Knight lacks. Avoid the Plus if you expect to swap switches without soldering.

What actually differs

The differences that matter

Skip the 40-row spec sheet. These are the specs that change how each board feels, sounds, and fits your desk.

X-Bows X Bows Knight

X-Bows X Bows Knight Plus

  • Hot-swappable

    Yes

    No

    Switch changes without soldering

  • Backlight

    None

    RGB

    RGB for looks and low light rather than speed

  • Released

    2026

    2025

KeebFinder scores

How we score
  • X-Bows X Bows Knight
  • X-Bows X Bows Knight Plus
Performance
51
69
Build quality
80
73
Productivity
69
69
Customizability
86
80
Portability
44
68

What they share

  • Connection: Wired
  • Case material: Aluminum
  • Switch options: Clicky, Linear, Silent, Tactile
  • QMK
  • VIA
See every spec side by side

Best for

What will you mostly use it for?

The Knight has the clearer advantage for switch customization because compatible switches can be swapped without soldering. The Knight Plus is a more task-oriented option when numeric input, programmable numpad keys, or RGB lighting matter. Travel is difficult to call from the available specifications, since only the Plus has a listed weight and neither keyboard offers wireless connectivity. Both share the same broad ergonomic layout and programming-tool support.

For gaming

Pick the X-Bows X Bows Knight

  • The Knight has hot-swappable switches, which can be changed without soldering when using compatible switches.
  • The Knight Plus uses soldered switches, so switching them requires soldering.

Full specs

X-Bows X Bows Knight vs X Bows Knight Plus specs

Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.

3 of 15 specs differ

X-Bows X Bows Knight

X-Bows X Bows Knight Plus

Typing & switches

Switch options

Clicky, Linear, Silent, Tactile
Clicky, Linear, Silent, Tactile

Hot-swappable

Yes
No

Layout

Layout size

—
Numpad

Layout standard

ANSI
ANSI

Ergonomics

Standard
Standard

Display

None
None

Connectivity & battery

Connection

Wired
Wired

Build & materials

Case material

Aluminum
Aluminum

Weight

—
960 g

Backlight

None
RGB

Firmware & software

QMK

Yes
Yes

VIA

Yes
Yes

VIAL

Yes
Yes

Mac & Windows

Yes
Yes

Extras

Released

2026
2025

Where to buy

Compare prices

Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.

Prices in USD are converted to your currency and can change at any time. KeebFinder may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.

Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.

FAQ

X-Bows X Bows Knight vs X Bows Knight Plus: your questions

The Knight has hot-swappable switches, while the Knight Plus has a detachable 21-key magnetic numpad and RGB lighting. The Plus’s switches are soldered, so changing them requires soldering.

Yes. It includes a detachable 21-key magnetic numpad that can be attached on either side or removed.

Yes. X-Bows describes the numpad as independently programmable, with separate firmware from the main keyboard. Its configuration uses QMK, VIA, or VIAL support.

Yes. The Knight has hot-swappable sockets for compatible switches, which can be changed without soldering. Check switch compatibility before buying replacements.

No. The Knight Plus’s switches are soldered, so replacing them requires soldering.

Both are listed with QMK, VIA, and VIAL support. The Knight Plus main keyboard and numpad use separate firmware and are configured individually.

The Knight Plus has adjustable RGB backlighting, listed with 16.8 million colors. The Knight is listed without RGB.

Both use X-Bows’ radial-columnar layout, designed around finger movement and intended to encourage more neutral wrist positioning. Getting used to this layout involves learning different key positions.

Yes. Its magnetic numpad can attach to either side of the main keyboard or be removed. Left-side placement can keep a right-handed mouse closer to the typing area, depending on the setup.

No. Both are listed as wired-only keyboards. The Knight Plus’s detachable numpad does not change its wired connectivity.

The Knight Plus has a detachable 21-key numpad intended for numeric entry, which makes it the more direct fit for spreadsheet-heavy work. Its numpad can also be positioned independently of the main typing area.

Both are listed with an ANSI standard layout and X-Bows’ radial-columnar ergonomic design. The Knight Plus adds a detachable numpad to its main keyboard.

Still torn?

Answer a few quick questions and the keyboard finder ranks 2,000+ boards by how you will actually use yours.