The HK Gaming GK61 is a fan favorite when it comes to recommending a good budget mechanical keyboard. But keep in mind that this specific keyboard has optical switches. This means the legends of the board will not ever fade because they’re a different layer of plastic. However, the sub-legends will wear over time because they’re laser-etched. Plastic keycap puller– A keycap puller allows you to change up the keycaps with little effort on your part. However, we recommend you use a wire keycap puller such as this one instead to decrease chances of scratching your keycaps. This change of mind return policy is in addition to, and does not affect your rights under the Australian Consumer Law including any rights you may have in respect of faulty items. To return faulty items see our Returning Faulty Items policy. The GK61 is a 60% compact mechanical keyboard with hot-swappable optical switches, pre-lubed stabilizers, different RGB effects, and has different programmable layers for all of your needs.

I bought this initially because I was looking for a decent TKL that didn't force you to install bloatware and had to be constantly running for the RGB setting to actually work. I also bought this because it's from Hong Kong and I have a lot of trust and respect for the hardworking people over there especially when it comes to tech stuff. Fortunately, the GK61 has a standard 60% layout with a common bottom row, which makes it extremely easy to replace the keycaps to a nicer PBT-plastic set that is more oil-resistant and has more professional legends. For the price, these keycaps are not bad. However, over time, they will exhibit shine and feel more smooth to type on.Let’s dig into what makes this keyboard a great option for your setup if you’re looking to find a compact keyboard with fast-performing switches. You might be thinking, but I’m not ready to sacrifice the arrow keys. Do not fear, because this keyboard makes it easy for you to access them, even on another layer.

I will never buy a high name brand keyboard ever again. For what is 50 dollars, i got everything i could ever need out of a keyboard where high end brands like logitech would charge 100 to 120 or more for similar offerings. For me, spending extra money on anything else would be a 100 percent waste. I would gain nothing meaningful to me or my setup at all. Braided USB-C cable – A braided USB-C cable has longer durability and can be straightened out to avoid kinks much easier than a rubber cable. However, the lube appears to be overdone and messily applied. There are visible and larger globs of lube inserted between the stem and the stabilizer housing as well as on the stabilizer wire. There are many optical mechanical keyboards that are budget-friendly nowadays. They’re all very similar, but they have slight subtleties such as keycaps, design, and features such as Bluetooth connectivity. The FN key is all the way in the far right with the arrow keys right next to it. This makes it possibly to use the arrows with just one hand, by holding the FN key with your pinky finger and manipulating those other keys around it to navigate.If you do want an optical keyboard, but you’re not sure about sacrificing those arrow keys yet, perhaps look at the Epomaker SK64 (which is just as small as the GK61). We did a full review of the SK61 mechanical keyboard here. The aluminum top plate, where the switches are mounted to, is white and can be scratched quite easily when replacing your switches. However, the RGB reflects off of it and looks very nice in dim lighting. I was excited to try out these switches and I love them. I have been playing type racer for a couple of hours today just because of the amazing typing experience and the pleasing low bassy sound that comes from these keys. they are also a big reason why have taken the time to write out such a lengthy review for this product because i just enjoy typing on these switches so much. The legends (the symbols and letters on each keycap) are stenographic, meaning that closed letters and symbols are separated. This is seen in letters such as O, P, B, and D. FULLY PROGRAMMABLE - Macro recording, advanced lighting effects and customizations through software. Features multimedia keys through multiple layers. Full Anti Ghosting Mode n-key Rollover (NKRO) for ideal FPS, MOBA and MMO gaming experiences.