GK61
GK61 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
Bottom line: The GK61 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard ($19.99 on Amazon as of 2026-10-07): Hot-swappable optical sockets: change switches with no soldering; main trade-off: 61-key 60% layout drops the arrow keys, F-row, and numpad.
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-07. Price and availability subject to change.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Hot-swappable optical sockets: change switches with no soldering
- ✓ 16.8M-color RGB with 9 onboard modes, no drivers needed
- ✓ Doubleshot ABS keycaps plus a keypuller included in the box
- ✓ Full NKRO anti-ghosting registers every simultaneous keypress
Cons
- ✗ 61-key 60% layout drops the arrow keys, F-row, and numpad
- ✗ Hot-swap accepts optical switches only, not standard MX mechanical
- ✗ Macros and advanced remapping require HK Gaming software, Windows-side
- ✗ ABS keycaps develop shine with heavy use faster than PBT
Manufacturer description
Gateron optical switches sit in hot-swappable sockets, so you can pull the brown-stem switches and drop in any other optical switch without soldering or desoldering. A keypuller ships in the box alongside the doubleshot ABS keycaps, which means your first switch or keycap swap costs you nothing extra. RGB lighting runs onboard with no drivers required: 16.8 million colors across Aurora, Ripple, Music, Rainbow, Waves, Gradient, Windmill, Spectrum, and single-light modes, all cycled from the keyboard itself. Plug the 60-inch USB Type-C to Type-A cable into a Windows or Mac machine and the GK61…
SpecPicks Verdict
SpecPicks scored GK61 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the gaming peripherals category. GK61'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 GK61 uses hot-swappable sockets, so you pull a switch and press in a new one by hand. The sockets accept optical switches only, not standard mechanical switches.
What switches does this model come with?
This configuration ships with Gateron Optical Brown switches, a tactile switch with a noticeable bump and no click. The board is the blue colorway.
Does it work with a Mac?
Yes. The GK61 is compatible with Mac OS as well as Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, and XP, and connects with the included 60-inch USB Type-C to Type-A cable.
Do I need to install software for the RGB lighting?
No. The 16.8 million color backlighting and its modes, including Aurora, Ripple, Music, Rainbow, Waves, Gradient, Windmill, and Spectrum, run onboard with no drivers. Software is only needed for macro recording.
Does the GK61 have arrow keys?
Not as dedicated keys. With 61 keys in a 60% layout, arrows, the function row, and the numpad live on a secondary layer accessed with a modifier key.
Key Features
- ✅ RGB BACKLIT: 16.8 Million Color combinations , multiple backlit mode ( Aurora, Ripple, Music, Rainbow , Waves, Gradient, Windmill, Spectrum and single light), no drivers needed. Plug & Play small form factor keyboard
- ✅【Gateron Optical Switches 】Gateron optical switches can be hotswapped at wish and replaced by other switches. Hot swap keyboard do not recquire you to solder / desolder switches. (Hot Swappable with Optical switches only)
- ✅ 【ABS Doubleshot keycaps】The GK 61 doubleshot abs stock keycaps , change them at wishes thanks to the keypuller included to the package.
- ✅ 【Macro recording & Other features 】 Record macros through the software, customize advanced features , personnalize function keys... Full Anti Ghosting Mode (NKRO).
- ✅ 【Compatibility with Mac and Windows】: Compatible with Windows 10, Win 8, Win 7, Win Vista, Windows XP and Mac OS , the GK 61 comes with a 60 inches USB Type C to Type-A cable. The keyboard is adapted for all environnement, Home & Office use, a small form factor for tiny spaces.
- ✅ Compatible with HK GAMING software
Full Specifications
| Brand | GK61 |
|---|---|
| Color | Malibu |
| Style | Gaming |
| Theme | gaming |
| Material | Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, Plastic |
| Model Name | GK61 |
| Style Name | Gaming |
| Unit Count | 1.0 Count |
| Switch Type | Linear |
| Connectivity | USB |
| Model Number | GK61 |
| Power Source | DC |
| 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 | k61_us_bl_brown |
| Special Feature | Backlit, Hot-Swappable |
| Full listing title | GK61 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard - 61 Keys Multi Color RGB Illuminated LED Backlit Wired Programmable for PC/Mac Gamer (Gateron Optical Brown, Blue) |
Ready to buy?
GK61 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard - 61 Keys Multi Color RGB Illuminated LED Backlit Wired Programmable for PC/Mac Gamer (Gateron Optical Brown, 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.
*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-07. Price and availability subject to change.
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