Skip to main content
GK61 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard - 61 Keys Multi Color RGB Illuminated LED Backlit Wired Programmable for PC/Mac Gamer (Gateron Optical Red, White)
GK61

GK61 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard

Bottom line: The GK61 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard ($25.00 on Amazon as of 2026-10-06): Hot-swappable optical sockets - change switches with no soldering; main trade-off: hot-swap accepts optical switches only - no standard MX mechanical.

$25.00

As an Amazon Associate, SpecPicks earns from qualifying purchases. Full disclosure →

Buy on Amazon — $25.00 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-swappable optical sockets - change switches with no soldering
  • ✓ Gateron optical red switches: linear, quiet, fast actuation
  • ✓ Nine RGB modes and 16.8M colors, all driver-free onboard
  • ✓ Doubleshot ABS keycaps plus a keypuller included in the box
  • ✓ Full NKRO anti-ghosting registers every simultaneous keypress

Cons

  • ✗ Hot-swap accepts optical switches only - no standard MX mechanical
  • ✗ 60% layout drops the function row, arrows and numpad to a Fn layer
  • ✗ Macro recording requires the HK Gaming software, Windows-side only
  • ✗ ABS keycaps develop shine faster than PBT under heavy daily typing

Manufacturer description

Gateron optical red switches sit in sockets you can swap by hand — no soldering, no desoldering, just pull the switch and drop in another optical unit. That matters if you are still figuring out what actuation feel you want. RGB runs off the board itself with no driver install: 16.8 million colors across nine modes including Aurora, Ripple, Music, Rainbow, Waves, Gradient, Windmill and Spectrum, all cycled from the keyboard. Doubleshot ABS keycaps ship stock and a keypuller is in the box, so a custom keycap set is a ten-minute job. Full NKRO anti-ghosting means every simultaneous input…

Related Products

Other products in this category you may like:

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 switches pull out and press in by hand. One limit: the sockets accept optical switches only, so a standard mechanical MX switch will not work as a replacement.

What do Gateron optical red switches feel like?

Gateron reds are linear - smooth travel with no tactile bump or click, which gamers generally prefer for fast repeat inputs. The optical actuation means the keystroke is registered by light rather than metal contact.

Does the GK61 work on a Mac?

Yes. It is listed as compatible with macOS as well as Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista and XP. The RGB lighting is driver-free on both, though the HK Gaming macro software is the Windows-side tool.

Where are the arrow keys and function row on a 61-key board?

A 60% layout has no dedicated arrow, function or numpad keys - they live on a secondary Fn layer you hold a modifier to reach. Plan on a short adjustment period if you are coming from a full-size keyboard.

Is this keyboard any good for the price?

It is unusual for a hot-swappable optical board to be this affordable. Check the product listing for current price and warranty terms.

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
ColorWhite
StyleGaming
Themegaming
Model NameGK61
Style NameGaming
Switch TypeGateron optical
ConnectivityUSB
Model NumberGK61
Power SourceDC
CompatibilityPC, Mac
Built-In MediaKeycap Puller, USB Cable
Number of Keys61
Button Quantity61
Connection TypeWired
Keyboard LayoutQWERTY
Mfr Part Numberk61_us_wh_red
Special FeatureBacklit, Hot-Swappable
Antenna LocationGaming
Hand OrientationAmbidextrous
Full listing titleGK61 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard - 61 Keys Multi Color RGB Illuminated LED Backlit Wired Programmable for PC/Mac Gamer (Gateron Optical Red, White)

Ready to buy?

GK61 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard - 61 Keys Multi Color RGB Illuminated LED Backlit Wired Programmable for PC/Mac Gamer (Gateron Optical Red, White) 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 — $25.00

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

Related Gaming Peripherals

Keep exploring SpecPicks

Other buying guides

Browse the catalog

Editorial

More guides & deep dives from the SpecPicks archive

Browse all articles & guides →

More reviews from the SpecPicks archive

Browse all reviews →

Earliest SpecPicks reviews

Browse full archive →
GK61 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard - 61 Keys Multi Color RGB Illuminated LED Backlit Wired Programmable for PC/Mac Gamer (Gateron Optical Red, White)
$25.00
View on Amazon →