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GK61 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard - 61 Keys Multi Color RGB Illuminated LED Backlit Wired Programmable for PC/Mac Gamer (Gateron Optical Silver, Black)
GK61

GK61 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard

Bottom line: The GK61 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard ($39.99 on Amazon as of 2026-10-06): Hot-swap sockets accept any optical switch, no soldering or desoldering; main trade-off: 61-key layout drops the arrow cluster, F-row and numpad to Fn layers.

$39.99

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Buy on Amazon — $39.99 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.

*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-06. Price and availability subject to change.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • ✓ Hot-swap sockets accept any optical switch, no soldering or desoldering
  • ✓ Gateron Optical Silver switches built for fast-actuation competitive play
  • ✓ 9 RGB modes plus 16.8M colors, driver-free plug and play
  • ✓ Doubleshot ABS keycaps resist legend wear; keypuller included in box
  • ✓ Full NKRO anti-ghosting registers every simultaneous keypress

Cons

  • ✗ 61-key layout drops the arrow cluster, F-row and numpad to Fn layers
  • ✗ Macro recording and advanced remapping require HK Gaming software
  • ✗ Hot-swap sockets take optical switches only, not standard MX mechanical
  • ✗ ABS keycaps develop shine faster than PBT under heavy daily use

Manufacturer description

The GK61 mechanical gaming keyboard strips the layout down to 61 keys, giving you back the desk space a full-size board eats up while keeping every function accessible through programmable layers. Gateron Optical Silver switches sit in hot-swap sockets, so you can pull a switch with the included keypuller and drop in a different optical switch without soldering or desoldering anything. Lighting runs to 16.8 million color combinations across nine backlit modes including Aurora, Ripple, Music, Rainbow, Waves, Gradient, Windmill and Spectrum, and it all runs driver-free the moment you plug in…

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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-swap sockets, so you lift a switch out and press a new one in by hand. Note the sockets accept optical switches only, not standard mechanical MX-style switches.

What switches does this model ship with?

This configuration ships with Gateron Optical Silver switches, a linear light-actuation switch aimed at fast repeated keypresses in gaming. The board comes in the black case finish.

Does the GK61 work on a Mac?

Yes. It is listed as compatible with macOS along with Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista and XP. It connects through the included 60-inch USB Type-C to Type-A cable.

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

No. All nine backlit modes, including Aurora, Ripple, Music, Rainbow, Waves, Gradient, Windmill and Spectrum, run without drivers. Software is only needed for macro recording and advanced key customization.

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

The 60 percent layout moves arrows, the F-row and the numpad onto Fn layers rather than dedicated keys. Layer assignments can be customized through the HK Gaming software.

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

BrandGK61
ColorBlack
StyleGaming
ThemeRainbow
MaterialAcrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, Plastic
Model NameGK61
Style NameGaming
Unit Count1.0 Count
Switch TypeLinear
ConnectivityUSB
Model NumberGK61
Power SourceDC
CompatibilityPC, Mac
Series Number61
Built-In MediaKeycap Puller, USB Cable
Number of Keys61
Button Quantity61
Connection TypeWired
Keyboard LayoutQWERTY
Mfr Part Numberk61_us_bk_silver
Full listing titleGK61 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard - 61 Keys Multi Color RGB Illuminated LED Backlit Wired Programmable for PC/Mac Gamer (Gateron Optical Silver, Black)

Ready to buy?

GK61 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard - 61 Keys Multi Color RGB Illuminated LED Backlit Wired Programmable for PC/Mac Gamer (Gateron Optical Silver, Black) 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.

Buy on Amazon — $39.99

*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-06. Price and availability subject to change.

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GK61 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard - 61 Keys Multi Color RGB Illuminated LED Backlit Wired Programmable for PC/Mac Gamer (Gateron Optical Silver, Black)
$39.99
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