HK GAMING GK61s Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
Bottom line: The HK GAMING GK61s Mechanical Gaming Keyboard: Hotswap sockets let you change switches with no soldering; main trade-off: 61 keys means no arrows, F-row, or numpad without Fn layers.
As an Amazon Associate, SpecPicks earns from qualifying purchases. Full disclosure →
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Hotswap sockets let you change switches with no soldering
- ✓ Gateron Yellow linears are smooth and quiet for the price
- ✓ Doubleshot OEM keycaps keep legends from wearing off
- ✓ Pre-lubed stabilizers cut spacebar and shift wire rattle
Cons
- ✗ 61 keys means no arrows, F-row, or numpad without Fn layers
- ✗ Wired only, so no Bluetooth or 2.4GHz wireless option
- ✗ Lighting and macros require HK Gaming's Windows software
- ✗ Mac users may need to remap keys through that software
Manufacturer description
It ships with Gateron Mechanical Yellow linear switches in a Lavender colorway, and the hotswap sockets mean you can pull those switches and drop in a different feel without touching a soldering iron. Doubleshot OEM-profile keycaps keep legends sharp instead of letting them wear off, and pre-lubricated stabilizers cut the wire rattle you normally hear on budget boards. RGB backlighting covers 16.8 million colors across twenty adjustable patterns, all configurable through HK Gaming's software alongside macro recording and key rebinding. A 1kHz polling rate delivers 1ms response, and the…
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 swap the switches without soldering?
Yes. The GK61s uses hotswap sockets, so you can pull the Gateron Mechanical Yellow linears and drop in other switches by hand. A keycap puller is included in the box; check the listing for whether a switch puller ships with it.
What do Gateron Yellow switches feel like?
They are linear, meaning the keypress travels straight down with no tactile bump or click. HK Gaming positions them for fast, responsive gaming input. Gateron does not publish an actuation force on this listing, so check the product page for the current switch spec.
Does a 61-key keyboard have arrow keys?
Not as dedicated keys. A 60% layout drops the numpad, function row, and arrow cluster, so arrows and F-keys live on an Fn layer. You can rebind those layers using the included software if the default placement does not suit you.
Does it work on a Mac?
Yes. HK Gaming lists compatibility with macOS along with Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, and XP. Some keys may need remapping through the software to match Mac modifier placement.
Is the cable removable?
Yes. It ships with a detachable 5ft/1.5m Type-C to Type-A USB cable, so you can unplug it for travel or swap in a custom cable. The keyboard is wired only and polls at 1kHz for a 1ms response time.
Key Features
- ✅ PREMIUM MECHANICAL SWITCHES: The GK61 comes equipped with hotswap mechanical switches that deliver ultimate performance and reliability, designed for enduring and intense usage.
- ✅ CUSTOMIZABLE RGB LIGHTING: Experience a vivid spectrum of 16.8 million colors with twenty adjustable backlight patterns using the included software, letting you tailor the multicolor RGB system to your preference.
- ✅ LINEAR: Designed for swift and responsive gaming; favored by some of the world's top gamers for seamless play.
- ✅ REMOVABLE TYPE-C CABLE: Features a 5FT/1.5M Type-C to Type-A USB cable that can be detached for your convenience, providing a consistent connection with your devices.
- ✅ SMOOTH STABILIZERS: With pre-lubricated stabilizers, enjoy solid gaming without wire rattle, for a seamless experience.
- ✅ ADAPTABLE SOFTWARE: Customize complex macros, rebind keys, and personalize lighting effects to suit your preferences.
Full Specifications
| Brand | HK GAMING |
|---|---|
| Color | Lavender |
| Style | Gaming |
| Language | English |
| Model Name | GK61 60% US Layout |
| Style Name | Gaming |
| Unit Count | 1 Count |
| ✅ LINEAR | Designed for swift and responsive gaming; favored by some of the world's top gamers for seamless play. |
| Switch Type | Linear |
| Connectivity | USB |
| Model Number | GK61s |
| Power Source | USB Powered |
| Compatibility | PC, Mac |
| Built-In Media | Keycap Puller, USB Cable |
| Number of Keys | 61 |
| Button Quantity | 61 |
| Connection Type | Wired |
| Keyboard Layout | QWERTY |
| Mfr Part Number | gk61_lv_yellow |
| Special Feature | Lighting |
| Full listing title | HK GAMING GK61s Mechanical Gaming Keyboard - 61 Keys Multi Color RGB Illuminated LED Backlit Wired Programmable for PC/Mac Gamer (Gateron Mechanical Yellow, Lavender) |
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 Yellow, Lavender) 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.
Related Gaming Peripherals
More guides & deep dives from the SpecPicks archive
Browse all articles & guides →- Emulation Hardware in 2026: FPGA, Software, and Cart-Reader Ecosystems
- RTX 4070 Super vs RX 7800 XT — Which to Buy in 2026
- The Complete Voodoo5 5500 AGP Driver Guide (2026 Edition)
- Best Budget Gaming PC Build 2026 — ~$1,000 ($800 on Sale)
- Best Retro Handhelds in 2026 — From $35 to $500
- How to Build a Windows 98 Retro PC in 2026
- Best 1440p Gaming GPUs in 2026
More reviews from the SpecPicks archive
Browse all reviews →- Blue Yeti vs HyperX QuadCast 2 S: Best Streaming Mic Under $200
- Best Streaming Kit for Beginners in 2026: Mic, Cam, and Lights
- Logitech G920 vs HORI Racing Wheel: Best Beginner Sim Setup (2026)
- RTX 5090 vs RTX 4080: Specs, Gaming & AI Compared
- Plug-and-Play Retro Consoles Compared: Genesis Mini vs SNES vs NES Classic
- Ryzen 7 9800X3D vs Ryzen 9 9900X3D: Which Zen 5 X3D Chip Wins in 2026?
- Best Internal SATA SSDs for PC Upgrades (2026)
- Dual RTX 3090 Setup Guide 2026: PSU, NVLink, Cooling
- Best Gaming CPUs Under $400 for 2026: Ryzen, X3D, and Intel Picks
- Can a Modern Sound Blaster G6 Replace an AWE64 for Retro PC Audio?
- 2026 Homelab Stack: OPNsense + Proxmox + TrueNAS + 10GbE
- Best GPU for 1080p Esports in 2026: Why the RTX 3060 Still Wins
- Best Quiet PC Upgrades for Apartment Gaming in 2026
- Building a Period-Correct 1999 3dfx Voodoo3 Windows 98 PC in 2026
- Booting Windows 98 From CompactFlash: The Silent Solid-State Retro Drive
- How to run DeepSeek-R1 32B on NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080
- Minimal Raspberry Pi 5 Case: Friction-Fit 3D Printing Guide
- Ryzen AI Max Mini-ITX: Framework Desktop Specs Explained
- Best Streaming Gear for a $500 Twitch Starter Setup in 2026
- Asus ProArt PA27USD 27-Inch OLED Review: Color Meets Gaming Speed
- Sound Blaster Audigy FX in a Period-Correct WinXP Build: 2026 Install and Tuning Guide
- What a $15 Raspberry Pi Zero W Can Still Do in 2026
- Forza Horizon 6 Cuts Load Times to 4 Seconds With Advanced Shader Delivery
- Samsung SSD Brand Guide 2026: Every Drive Worth Buying
Earliest SpecPicks reviews
Browse full archive →- Best GPU for Llama 3.1 8B (2026)
- Best GPU for Qwen 3 14B (2026)
- Best GPU for Qwen 3 32B (2026)
- Best GPU for Llama 3.1 70B (2026)
- Best GPU for DeepSeek-R1 32B (2026)
- Best GPU for Llama 3.1 405B (2026)
- How to run Llama 3.1 8B on NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090
- How to run Qwen 3 14B on NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090
- How to run Qwen 3 32B on NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090
- How to run Llama 3.1 70B on NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090
- How to run DeepSeek-R1 32B on NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090
- How to run Llama 3.1 8B on NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090