Skip to main content
HK GAMING GK61s Mechanical Gaming Keyboard - 61 Keys Multi Color RGB Illuminated LED Backlit Wired Programmable for PC/Mac Gamer (Gateron Mechanical Brown, Red)
HK Gaming

HK GAMING GK61s Mechanical Gaming Keyboard

Bottom line: The HK GAMING GK61s Mechanical Gaming Keyboard: Hot-swappable 5-pin PCB takes Gateron, Kailh, or Cherry switches with no soldering; main trade-off: 61-key 60% layout drops the number pad, arrow keys, and function row.

Check price on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate, SpecPicks earns from qualifying purchases. Full disclosure →

Check price on Amazon → Compare to similar gaming peripherals

By , Founder & Editor-in-Chief · Listing data updated

Mike Perry — Hardware researcher since 2014. For keyboards, mice, headsets and other PC peripherals, synthesises manufacturer specs and independent reviews rather than first-hand lab testing. Core beat: GPU performance across gaming, rendering, and local-LLM inference.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • ✓ Hot-swappable 5-pin PCB takes Gateron, Kailh, or Cherry switches with no soldering
  • ✓ Gateron switches rated for 50 million keystrokes
  • ✓ Full NKRO with anti-ghosting for simultaneous FPS and MOBA inputs
  • ✓ Per-key RGB with 16.8M colors, plug and play with no driver install

Cons

  • ✗ 61-key 60% layout drops the number pad, arrow keys, and function row
  • ✗ Arrows and multimedia controls require learning layer key combinations
  • ✗ ABS doubleshot keycaps shine over time faster than PBT
  • ✗ Macros and advanced lighting need separate software, not on-board only

Manufacturer description

The HK Gaming GK61s strips a full keyboard down to 61 keys, and that 60% footprint is the point: you reclaim desk space for wide, low-DPI mouse sweeps in FPS and MOBA sessions. Underneath sit Gateron mechanical switches on a hot-swappable 5-pin PCB, so you can pull the Brown tactile switches and drop in Kailh or Cherry replacements with no soldering — a rare feature at this size and price. Each switch is rated for 50 million keystrokes. Per-key RGB covers 16.8 million color combinations with adjustable brightness and multiple lighting effects, and it runs plug-and-play with no driver install…

Related Products

Other products in this category you may like:

SpecPicks Verdict

SpecPicks scored HK GAMING GK61s Mechanical Gaming Keyboard using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the gaming peripherals category. HK Gaming's gaming peripherals lineup sits within the broader category mid-tier; price and specs are the deciding factors over brand loyalty here. Judge it on the specification table and the price rather than on sentiment: check the figures that decide your use case, then put it side-by-side with two or three close alternatives in the Compare tool before clicking through.

Common buyer scenarios for gaming peripherals of this kind: matching it to an existing build, replacing a failing part, or upgrading from a previous-generation equivalent. Check the spec table below against your current setup — particularly socket / form-factor / power-rating fields — and confirm compatibility on the retailer's listing before purchase. Prices and stock are set by the retailer and may have moved since this page was last updated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change the switches without soldering?

Yes. The GK61s uses a hot-swappable 5-pin PCB, so you can pull the stock Gateron Brown switches and drop in Gateron, Kailh, or Cherry replacements by hand.

Does it work on a Mac?

Yes. HK Gaming lists compatibility with macOS as well as Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, Vista, and XP, and it works with any computer or laptop brand over USB.

Where are the arrow keys on a 61-key board?

There are no dedicated arrow keys. The 60% layout puts arrows and multimedia controls on secondary layers accessed with a function key combination.

Do I need to install software to use the RGB lighting?

No. Lighting is plug and play with no drivers needed. Software is only required for macro recording and advanced lighting customization.

What do Gateron Brown switches feel like?

Brown switches are tactile with a soft bump and no click, which suits mixed gaming and typing. Each switch is rated for 50 million keystrokes.

Key Features

  • FULL RGB BACKLIT GAMING KEYBOARD – 16.8 million Color combinations, adjustable brightness levels and multiple different lighting effects. Plug & Play, no drivers needed.
  • GATERON MECHANICAL SWITCHES – The switches can be hotswapped and replaced with other switches without soldering. 5 Pin PCB, rated for 50 million keystrokes (Hot Swappable with Gateron, Kailh, Cherry switches).
  • 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.
  • PRACTICAL FEATURES – Small form factor mini 60% Layout with 61 keys with individual backlighting. Spill and dust resistant to withstand accidental spills while playing. Switchable ABS Doubleshot keycaps that can be changed with the included keypuller.
  • COMPATABILITY WITH MAC & WINDOWS - Compatible with Windows 11, Win 10, Win 8, Win 7, Win Vista, Windows XP and Mac OS. Ideal Keyboard for all Environments works with all Computer or Laptop Brands and Gaming PCs. Compatible for Home and Office use. Detachable USB C to Type-A cable included.

Full Specifications

BrandHK GAMING
ColorRed
StyleGaming
Themegaming
LanguageEnglish
Model NameGK61s
Style NameGaming
Unit Count1 Count
Switch TypeTactile
ConnectivityUSB-C
Model NumberGK61s
Power SourceDC
CompatibilityPC, Mac
Built-In MediaKeycap Puller, USB Cable
Number of Keys61
Button Quantity61
Connection TypeWired
Keyboard LayoutQWERTY
Mfr Part Numbergk61_rd_brown
Special FeatureLighting
Full listing titleHK GAMING GK61s Mechanical Gaming Keyboard - 61 Keys Multi Color RGB Illuminated LED Backlit Wired Programmable for PC/Mac Gamer (Gateron Mechanical Brown, Red)

Ready to buy?

HK GAMING GK61s Mechanical Gaming Keyboard - 61 Keys Multi Color RGB Illuminated LED Backlit Wired Programmable for PC/Mac Gamer (Gateron Mechanical Brown, Red) is listed on Amazon. Price, availability, shipping and returns are set by Amazon and its sellers — check the listing for current terms. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.

Check price on Amazon →

Related Gaming Peripherals

Keep exploring SpecPicks

Other buying guides

Browse the catalog

Editorial

More guides & deep dives from the SpecPicks archive

Browse all articles & guides →

More reviews from the SpecPicks archive

Browse all reviews →

Earliest SpecPicks reviews

Browse full archive →
HK GAMING GK61s Mechanical Gaming Keyboard - 61 Keys Multi Color RGB Illuminated LED Backlit Wired Programmable for PC/Mac Gamer (Gateron Mechanical Brown, Red)
View on Amazon →