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HK GAMING GK61s Mechanical Gaming Keyboard - 61 Keys Multi Color RGB Illuminated LED Backlit Wired Programmable for PC/Mac Gamer (Gateron Mechanical Black, Blue)
HK Gaming

HK GAMING GK61s Mechanical Gaming Keyboard

Bottom line: The HK GAMING GK61s Mechanical Gaming Keyboard: Hot-swappable 5-pin PCB fits Gateron, Kailh, and Cherry switches with no soldering; main trade-off: 60% layout drops the function row, arrows, and numpad entirely.

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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 fits Gateron, Kailh, and Cherry switches with no soldering
  • ✓ Gateron switches rated for 50 million keystrokes
  • ✓ Per-key RGB with 16.8 million colors, adjustable brightness, multiple effects
  • ✓ Full NKRO anti-ghosting for FPS, MOBA, and MMO input stacking
  • ✓ Detachable USB-C cable and included keypuller for keycap swaps

Cons

  • ✗ 60% layout drops the function row, arrows, and numpad entirely
  • ✗ Media and arrow keys require learning layered Fn combinations
  • ✗ ABS doubleshot keycaps shine over time compared to PBT
  • ✗ Macro and lighting customization needs the software, not onboard only

Manufacturer description

The HK Gaming GK61s packs a full 61-key 60% layout into a footprint that frees up real desk space for low-DPI mouse sweeps. Gateron mechanical switches sit in a hot-swappable 5-pin PCB, so you can pull and replace switches with the included keypuller and no soldering iron - Gateron, Kailh, and Cherry stems all drop in. Each switch is rated for 50 million keystrokes. Per-key RGB backlighting covers 16.8 million color combinations with adjustable brightness and multiple lighting effects, and it runs plug-and-play with no driver install required. For competitive play, full anti-ghosting with…

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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 a hot-swappable 5-pin PCB, so Gateron, Kailh, and Cherry switches drop in and out by hand. No soldering is required.

Does the GK61s work with a Mac?

Yes. HK Gaming lists compatibility with macOS as well as Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, Vista, and XP, and it connects over a detachable USB-C to Type-A cable.

How do I use arrow keys and function keys on a 61-key board?

The 60% layout has no dedicated function row, arrows, or numpad. Those inputs, plus multimedia controls, live on secondary layers accessed through Fn key combinations.

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

No. The board is plug and play with no drivers needed for basic lighting effects and brightness. The software is only for macro recording and advanced lighting customization.

Is this keyboard good for competitive gaming?

It supports full anti-ghosting with n-key rollover, so simultaneous keypresses all register in FPS, MOBA, and MMO play.

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
ColorBlue
StyleGaming
Themegaming
LanguageEnglish
Model NameGK61s
Style NameGaming
Unit Count1 Count
Switch TypeLinear
ConnectivityUSB-C
Model NumberGK61s
Power SourceCorded Electric
CompatibilityPC, Mac
Built-In MediaKeycap Puller, USB Cable
Number of Keys61
Button Quantity61
Connection TypeWired
Keyboard LayoutQWERTY
Mfr Part Numbergk61_bl_black
Special FeatureBacklit
Full listing titleHK GAMING GK61s Mechanical Gaming Keyboard - 61 Keys Multi Color RGB Illuminated LED Backlit Wired Programmable for PC/Mac Gamer (Gateron Mechanical Black, Blue)

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HK GAMING GK61s Mechanical Gaming Keyboard - 61 Keys Multi Color RGB Illuminated LED Backlit Wired Programmable for PC/Mac Gamer (Gateron Mechanical Black, Blue) 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.

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HK GAMING GK61s Mechanical Gaming Keyboard - 61 Keys Multi Color RGB Illuminated LED Backlit Wired Programmable for PC/Mac Gamer (Gateron Mechanical Black, Blue)
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