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HK Gaming GK61 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard 60 Percent | 61 RGB Rainbow LED Backlit Programmable Keys | USB Wired | for Mac and Windows PC | Hotswap Gateron Mechanical Yellow Switches | Red
HK Gaming

HK Gaming GK61 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard 60 Percent

Bottom line: The HK Gaming GK61 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard 60 Percent: Hotswap 5-pin PCB takes Gateron, Kailh, and Cherry switches with no soldering; main trade-off: 60 percent layout drops the number pad, arrows, and function row.

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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

  • ✓ Hotswap 5-pin PCB takes Gateron, Kailh, and Cherry switches with no soldering
  • ✓ Gateron Yellow linears rated for 50 million keystrokes
  • ✓ All 61 keys individually RGB backlit, 16.8 million colors, adjustable brightness
  • ✓ Full NKRO anti-ghosting for FPS, MOBA, and MMO input
  • ✓ Detachable USB-C to Type-A cable plus included keypuller and doubleshot ABS keycaps

Cons

  • ✗ 60 percent layout drops the number pad, arrows, and function row
  • ✗ Multimedia and F-keys require learning layer shortcuts
  • ✗ Macros and advanced lighting need the software, not onboard-only
  • ✗ ABS keycaps develop shine faster than PBT over heavy use

Manufacturer description

The HK Gaming GK61 puts a full mechanical gaming layout into a 60 percent footprint, trading the number pad and function row for desk space you can give back to your mouse. It ships with hotswappable Gateron Yellow linear switches on a 5-pin PCB, so you can pull and replace switches with the included keypuller and drop in Gateron, Kailh, or Cherry stems without touching a soldering iron. The Gateron switches are rated for 50 million keystrokes. All 61 keys are individually backlit across 16.8 million color combinations with adjustable brightness and multiple lighting effects, and the board…

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SpecPicks Verdict

SpecPicks scored HK Gaming GK61 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard 60 Percent 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 GK61 uses a 5-pin hotswap PCB rated for Gateron, Kailh, and Cherry switches, so you can pull and swap stems by hand. It ships with Gateron Yellow linear switches installed.

Does the GK61 work on a Mac?

Yes. HK Gaming lists compatibility with macOS as well as Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, Vista, and XP, and it is plug and play with no drivers needed for basic use and lighting.

What happened to the arrow keys and function row?

This is a 61-key 60 percent layout, so arrows, F-keys, and the number pad live on secondary layers accessed with a modifier. There are no dedicated keys for them.

Do I need software to use the RGB lighting?

No. Lighting effects and brightness adjust on the keyboard itself with no drivers required. The software is only needed for macro recording and deeper lighting customization.

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
ThemeRainbow
LanguageEnglish
Model NameGK61 60% US Layout
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_rd_yellow
Special FeatureLighting
Full listing titleHK Gaming GK61 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard 60 Percent | 61 RGB Rainbow LED Backlit Programmable Keys | USB Wired | for Mac and Windows PC | Hotswap Gateron Mechanical Yellow Switches | Red

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HK Gaming GK61 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard 60 Percent | 61 RGB Rainbow LED Backlit Programmable Keys | USB Wired | for Mac and Windows PC | Hotswap Gateron Mechanical Yellow Switches | 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.

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HK Gaming GK61 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard 60 Percent | 61 RGB Rainbow LED Backlit Programmable Keys | USB Wired | for Mac and Windows PC | Hotswap Gateron Mechanical Yellow Switches | Red
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