This is the best HK Gaming GK61 review because it features the product’s complete details such as pros and cons, critical criteria ratings, and thorough key feature descriptions. Casual users and beginners have issues finding mechanical gaming keyboards because most share nearly identical specs and features.
However, the GK61 mechanical keyboard has color RGB illuminated LED backlights that look fantastic in dark computer setups, this model’s most prominent feature. Therefore, you will become a professional at the GK61 product by the time you are done reading our in-depth keyboard review.
Contents
Pros and Cons Table
| Pros | Cons |
| The optical switches with hot swappable sockets are extremely fast and responsive | Several customer reviews pointed out issues with the hot-swappable optical switches |
| The pre-lubed stabilizers and detachable USB Type-C cable are of premium quality | The overall design does not include a rear kickstand to adjust the angle |
| The superb build quality provides easy access to arrow keys on the second layer | Similar mechanical keyboards have better ABS keycaps |
| Customers can enjoy the illuminated LED backlit in dark settings | Â |
Product Highlights
Although you understand more about the product’s most prominent strengths and weaknesses from the table above, you are yet to discover the critical specs and features. As a result, continue reading the following bullet list where we provide the product’s highlights and unique specifications:
- Connectivity technology: detachable USB Type-C cable
- Compatible devices: PC
- Compatible operating systems: Mac and Windows
- Case and keycaps color: black
- Number of keys: 61 pieces
- Types of switches: Gateron Optical blue switches
- Keyboard layout: compact 60%
- Backlighting: RGB LED backlit wired technology
- Product dimensions: 11.5 x 4.02 x 1.57 inches
- Product weight: 1.19 pounds
- Manufacturer: Hong Kong Keyboards
HK Gaming GK61 Review
The HK GK61 Gaming Tactile Programmable Multi-Color RGB Keyboard is one of the few mechanical gaming keyboards with impressive RGB lighting at this cost. But as you can see, we rated the product’s critical criteria, and fortunately, the HK GK61 Gaming Tactile Programmable Multi-Color RGB Keyboard did not receive a terrible rating. Namely, the overall design is straightforward and clean, but customers do not get rear kickstands to adjust the typing and gaming angle. Hence, our experts agreed on a final rating of 8.5 out of 10 for the design criterion, this unit’s worst score.
Luckily, the HK GK61 Gaming Tactile Programmable Multi-Color RGB Keyboard has typical Gateron Optical switches that perform well during heavy and prolonged gaming or editing sessions. For instance, unlike similar brands, the Gateron blue controls require a standard actuation force to operate and feel clicky. In addition, the fast response time makes this mechanical keyboard the best choice for getting an advantage in gaming and typing. Therefore, the HK GK61 Gaming Tactile Programmable Multi-Color RGB Keyboard deserves a 9 out of 10 final rating for the switch type vital criterion.
The HK GK61 Gaming Tactile Programmable Multi-Color RGB Keyboard gets its highest rating for the following criterion, proving its backlit wired programmable technologies. Namely, the HK GK61 Gaming Tactile Programmable Multi-Color RGB Keyboard has three-profile layers, 16.8 million RGB options, different RGB modes, macro and media keys, and complete customization options. Unfortunately, the only minor drawback is the little space between the keycaps and the case that prevents light from penetrating. Thus, we provide a final rating of 9.5 out of 10 for the RGB backlighting criterion.
Lastly, the HK GK61 Gaming Tactile Programmable Multi-Color RGB Keyboard has an operating force of 55 CN and a pre-travel of 2.0 mm, the average support of Gateron switches. Consequently, the moderate working pressure means customers will quickly get accustomed to this gaming keyboard because it is similar to other products. On the contrary, it would be best to purchase different switches if you prefer controls with a lower pre-travel and actuation force. Nevertheless, our experts believe this unit deserves a final rating of 9 out of 10 for the keystroke sensitivity criterion.
The HK GK61 Gaming Tactile Programmable Multi-Color RGB Keyboard is the best choice for performance and lighting enthusiasts, thanks to the impressive RGB LEDs and switch types. Unfortunately, customers will experience a few design obstacles because this unit has no adjustable kickstands or wrist rests. Nevertheless, our experts highly recommend purchasing the HK Gaming keyboard for your setup.
How Has This Product Evolved?
The HK GK61 Gaming Tactile Programmable Multi-Color RGB Keyboard has primarily improved the switches’ quality and clean RGB LED lighting. For instance, previous models did not have high-quality buttons, which made them less potent than similar brands of wired mechanical keyboards.
Fortunately, manufacturers of Hong Kong Keyboards decided to upgrade to Gateron blue switches, which was the right choice because many customers enjoy using this keyboard. Also, the HK GK61 Gaming Tactile Programmable Multi-Color RGB Keyboard includes hot-swappable sockets.
Moreover, the HK GK61 Gaming Tactile Programmable Multi-Color RGB Keyboard has one of the market’s best RGB features, which is superb for a product at this cost. For example, customers can enjoy the three-profile layers, 16.8 million RGB options, different RGB modes, macro and media keys, and complete customization options that can fit every PC setup. In addition, customers can quickly adjust the brightness color using one button, so they should not worry if something is not bright enough.
In addition, we must note the HK GK61 Gaming Tactile Programmable Multi-Color RGB Keyboard includes several color choices, so your options are not limited. Namely, customers can select the case and keycaps color, but we recommend getting matching colors for best results. Previous units did not have this feature, so everyone believes the HK GK61 Gaming Tactile Programmable Multi-Color RGB Keyboard is worth the money. Therefore, customers wanting modern gaming units will benefit the most from this keyboard’s upgrades and changes.
Product Features Breakdown
So far, this article captured the HK GK61 Gaming Tactile Programmable Multi-Color RGB Keyboard’s critical criteria and its specifications, but about the best features? The following sections explain the product’s characteristics in a way that everyone can understand, so stick around for more.
– Futuristic Build Quality
The HK GK61 Gaming Tactile Programmable Multi-Color RGB Keyboard is made of an aluminum plate and a thick plastic case, making this product very durable. For example, if you try to flex the board manually, nothing will happen because it takes more force to bend the sturdy case. Fortunately, the HK GK61 Gaming Tactile Programmable Multi-Color RGB Keyboard can withstand a fall, although some keycaps and switches might fly out. In addition, customers can quickly locate the four rubber feet on the back that prevent the board from sliding around.
Unfortunately, the HK GK61 Gaming Tactile Programmable Multi-Color RGB Keyboard does not have adjustable rear kickstands to customize the typing angle. However, the case is inclined, which boosts comfort and makes the customer’s palms rest in a natural position. In addition, although typical optical keyboards tend to sound hollow, the HK GK61 Gaming Tactile Programmable Multi-Color RGB Keyboard does not have this problem. Furthermore, customers can obliterate the open feel by adding extra foam inside the case.
Lastly, the aluminum top plate mounts all switches and keycaps but can be easily scratched when replacing your controls. Moreover, the USB Type-C port is located in the top left corner, so it is not highly visible. Therefore, customers wanting clean keyboards without much fluff will love this impressive model.
– Matte Finish Prevents Slips
The key caps on the HK GK61 Gaming Tactile Programmable Multi-Color RGB Keyboard are made of ABS plastic with a double shot injection molding process. As a result, the legends and symbols on the keycaps will not fade because they are on a different layer of plastic. Unfortunately, the sub-legends and signs will wear over time because they are laser-etched, unlike the primary legends. Hence, customers should be careful scratching the keycaps and their sub-legends.
In addition, the HK GK61 Gaming Tactile Programmable Multi-Color RGB Keyboard’s keycaps have an OEM profile, meaning the uniform form factor reduces the distance between each row. Most customers are accustomed to the OEM profile because many similar keyboards share the same feature. However, the OEM profile is not ideal for RGB LED lighting because it prevents light from penetrating through due to the reduced distance between each row. Nevertheless, the 60% layout is excellent for replacing the keycaps, thanks to the nicer PBT plastic that is more oil-resistant.
– Unique Stabilizers
Lastly, the HK GK61 Gaming Tactile Programmable Multi-Color RGB Keyboard has unique plate-mounted stabilizers that prevent your controls from wobbling. Fortunately, the stabilizers are pre-lubed, meaning customers should not worry about doing this time-consuming and tedious job independently. Unfortunately, our experts stated the lube is overdone and applied messily with many visible globs of lube between the stem and the stabilizers.
Also, the HK GK61 Gaming Tactile Programmable Multi-Color RGB Keyboard’s stabilizers sound better than other affordable units, meaning the lube does its job. Nevertheless, we highly recommend wiping off the factory lube and repeating the process if you have time. This way, you will ensure that the HK GK61 Gaming Tactile Programmable Multi-Color RGB Keyboard will have an improved and consistent sound and feel. In addition, you will reduce the button’s wobble to a minimum, which is essential during long and heavy gaming sessions.
Fortunately, the HK GK61 Gaming Tactile Programmable Multi-Color RGB Keyboard has hot-swappable sockets, which have many practical benefits. First, customers do not have to desolder anything because they can pull the switches out easily. Also, you do not have to remove the whole plate if one switch or keycap breaks. Now you understand the practical benefits of pre-lubed stabilizers.
Final Conclusion
The HK GK61 Gaming Tactile Programmable Multi-Color RGB Keyboard is a fantastic choice for beginners and office users wanting to boost their overall performance. Namely, the HK GK61 Gaming Tactile Programmable Multi-Color RGB Keyboard has several unique specs and features, but the bright RGB lighting is the most prominent.
In addition, the HK GK61 Gaming Tactile Programmable Multi-Color RGB Mechanical Keyboard has improved switches and keycaps, and the material is premium. Fortunately, this is an affordable keyboard that customers can upgrade over time, especially by using hot-swappable sockets and switches. With all this in mind, our experts highly recommend purchasing this unique and budget-friendly gaming unit.