HK GAMING GK61 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard - 61 Keys Multi Color RGB Illuminated LED Backlit Wired Programmable for PC/Mac Gamer Tactile (Gateron Optical Brown)

An excellent mechanical keyboard with optical switches that is around $60.00 dollars. That sentence feels crazy to say, but its the gosh darn truth. This review is mainly for the Gateron Red Optical switch version of this keyboard. Pros 1. Hot-swappable. If a switch dies just pull it out and replace it (not likely to happen considering no metal leaf), or get some different Gateron Optical switches like blacks or yellows to change the entire feel of the keyboard. Example, these red switches are incredibly easy to press. I really like how smooth the linear switch is, so Id probably want to get some Gateron Optical Black switches. 2. Programmable. A really underappreciated plus is definitely going to be the software of this keyboard. Its not in English, but it definitely still gets the job done. There are also Macros which I have started to use more often. Example, I was able to change around my Home and End keys so that they are more comfortably near the Function key. 3. That FAST response time. There is a noticeable difference between pressing a Cherry MX Blue switch down and having the character move and pressing this linear optical switch down and having the character move. I think there are two reasons for this. a. The reason that actually matters, the switch actuation point is higher at 1.5 mm versus a Cherry MX Blue being at 2.00 mm. b. The optical nature of the switch is said to have a response time of 0.2 mm. I dont know if this actually matters in the long run, but its good to know that it may be faster. Cons 1. The key caps are okay, but I do think these switches need O-rings to be perfect. I think the sound of the key caps is my biggest issue with them; they just sound cheap and the O-rings keep them from hitting the bottom plate. My second issue is that they dont have a lot of texture to them so theyre kind of like in-between being smooth and textured which is just not a good feeling at all. 2. Certain keys are not programmable. For some reason all of the keys that change lighting effects and swab profiles cant be disabled. I think this would be my only real problem with the keyboard on the software level. 3. THIS IS A PET PEEVE. I like the RGB, the screws guys, but come on. Theyre not black nor are they white, just plain silver. I cant not see them. They stare at me between the key caps. Neutral 1. Theres a microphone in the keyboard for the Music back-lighting mode. I plan to mod this keyboard more, so Ill probably end up desoldering the microphone anyways. I wish it was more software and went by the audio playing on the computer since that would be sick. Current modifications: PBT key caps and O-rings. Queued modifications: Better stabilizers, desolder microphone, I plan to replace the O-rings with some type of foam insert that will dampen noise more and result in less fatigue, and I want to refine my function key layout and figure out some macros.

This keyboard is alright, I guess a semi alternative version of the huntsman mini if you want something close to being as responsive as it, it didn’t live up to the standards I got put in my head after hearing reviews on responsiveness. Also, The Cheap keycaps hitting the plastic board is flat out annoying, but eh it is what it is and just like with all keyboards you can lube the switches and sound dampen it for better sound after all of that it is so bad after all. I just wouldn’t recommend maining this keyboard when there’s way for potential out there

At first, it worked wonderfully; granted the new spacing took some time adjusting, but beyond that, the keyboard worked and sounded great. But just one month in (unfortunately RIGHT after the return period was up), the p-key stopped working. Either it wouldn’t write the letter at all or it spammed it—you never really know which one you were going to get. Regardless it was so annoying having to copy and paste that letter each time I wanted to use it so now the keyboard’s just collecting dust, real ironic considering it was basically brand new. I am extremely disappointed by this defective situation. The only thing abstaining me from a single star is that it at least worked well for a little while…

I August keyboard for my son for gaming purposes. He absolutely loves it I purchased this keyboard a year and a half ago and its still holding up absolutely just fine he uses it every single day just about all day long never had no issues with it a great Buy

Loud but durable!! Read the comments they are accurate. This keyboard is super loud, I can hear my son playing even when the door is closed. It durable. Great color but loud when using

Nephew loves it to play computer games with.

The GK61 was my first 60% mechanical keyboard, after about 19 months of using the HyperX Alloy Elite with linear switches. I decided to make the jump to this form factor really because I wanted more space for my mouse movements (I mainly play first-person shooters like Counter-Strike and Call of Duty) and the fact that I rarely used the number pad and keys like Home, Delete, and Page Up/Down. When I found this keyboard, I was surprised that it was this cheap for a 60% with Gateron switches. Upon receiving the keyboard, I immediately tried to customize the lighting on the keyboard, and just like how the reviews I watched on YouTube said - the keyboards software wasnt good. I couldnt put custom hex codes, even though there were places in the software to do so. In the end, I stuck with just a plain white backlight. Another thing that I did was pull out a keycap and switch to figure out how both the keycaps were and how to replace switches. When I pulled out the keycap, I ended up chipping a part of it off and putting a black mark on the white keycap, which is okay because i dont really look at my keyboard a lot. Would I recommend this keyboard? Well it depends. If youre someone who wants to customize your RGB lighting settings a lot, then this keyboard isnt it. If you just want a small form factor keyboard that works for what it is, then yes- I would definitely recommend this.