Finding the right keyboard can feel like a never-ending quest, especially if you’re drawn to the clean, minimalist look of a 60% form factor. You want something that feels solid, responds quickly for gaming, and doesn’t require a small loan to purchase. Stepping into this space is the Skyloong GK61 Pro, a keyboard that promises a premium typing experience without the premium price tag. It’s a model that has garnered a lot of attention for packing in features typically found on more expensive boards.
If you’re a gamer or a typist looking to maximize your desk space, the GK61 Pro makes a compelling case for itself. It sits in a sweet spot, offering hot-swappable sockets, robust software, and multiple connectivity options. But how does it actually perform when you’re in the middle of an intense gaming session or trying to meet a deadline? Let’s take a closer look at what makes this compact keyboard a contender for your next purchase.
First Impressions and Build Quality
Unboxing the Skyloong GK61 Pro, the first thing you notice is its weight. Despite its small size, it has a satisfying heft to it, thanks to a solid plastic case and an integrated metal plate. This immediately gives a feeling of durability that some budget keyboards lack. The keycaps are typically double-shot ABS or PBT, which means the legends won’t fade over time, a nice touch at this price point.
The 60% layout means it forgoes the function row, arrow keys, and numpad, focusing only on the alphanumeric cluster. This takes some getting used to, but it frees up a massive amount of desk real estate for wider mouse movements, a huge plus for gamers who play at low sensitivities. The board often comes with a magnetic acrylic or plastic dust cover, which is a simple yet highly appreciated accessory for keeping it clean.
The Heart of the Matter: Switches and Hot-Swap Capability
This is where the GK61 Pro truly shines. It comes with Skyloong’s own Skyloon switches, which are optical. You’ll commonly find linear reds, tactile browns, or clicky blues. Optical switches work by using a beam of light to register a keypress, which can result in a faster response time compared to traditional mechanical switches. For competitive gaming, every millisecond counts, and this can be a legitimate advantage.
More importantly, the keyboard features hot-swappable sockets. This is a game-changer. It means you can pull out the existing switches and plug in new ones without any soldering required. If you decide you want a different feel—maybe heavier springs or a more pronounced bump—you can customize your board in minutes. It’s worth noting that the hot-swap sockets are designed for optical switches, not the more common 3-pin or 5-pin mechanical switches. This limits your aftermarket options somewhat, but there is still a healthy selection of optical switches available from Gateron and other manufacturers.
Performance for Gaming and Typing
In the heat of a gaming session, the GK61 Pro holds its own. The low latency and fast actuation of the optical switches are noticeable, providing a responsive and direct feel. The lack of a dedicated arrow key cluster is mitigated by a function layer, where keys like FN + I/J/K/L become your arrow keys. It becomes second nature after a short adjustment period.
For typing, the experience is equally pleasant. The stabilizers on the larger keys (like the spacebar and shift keys) are typically well-lubricated from the factory, resulting in a consistent feel without much rattle. The solid construction means there’s very little flex, providing a stable platform for long typing sessions. Whether you’re writing an essay or chatting with your team on Discord, the GK61 Pro offers a comfortable and accurate experience.
Lights, Software, and Connectivity
The RGB lighting on this board is vibrant and customizable. With the Skyloong software, you can create custom lighting profiles, assign macros to any key, and remap the entire layout to your liking. The software isn’t the most intuitive on the market, but it is powerful once you spend some time learning its interface.
A standout feature is its triple-mode connectivity. You can connect via a USB-C cable for a reliable, lag-free connection. It also supports 2.4GHz wireless with a dedicated dongle, which is fantastic for a clean desk setup and offers performance nearly identical to wired. Finally, there’s Bluetooth, allowing you to pair with up to three devices, such as a laptop, tablet, or phone, and switch between them easily. The battery life is respectable, lasting for days with the RGB off, making it a versatile tool for both desktop and mobile setups.
Is the 60% Layout Right for You?
This is the most important question to ask before purchasing. The 60% layout is a trade-off. You gain desk space and a more ergonomic posture by having your mouse hand closer to your body. However, you lose immediate access to function keys, arrow keys, and the navigation cluster. For many gamers, this is a worthwhile sacrifice, as most in-game commands are on the main alphanumeric keys anyway.
If you are a programmer, spreadsheet user, or someone who relies heavily on arrow keys for video editing, the learning curve will be steeper. You’ll need to commit the function layer to muscle memory. It’s a transition that many find rewarding, but it’s not for everyone.
Final Thoughts on the Skyloong GK61 Pro
The Skyloong GK61 Pro successfully carves out a niche as an affordable, feature-rich entry into the world of custom mechanical keyboards. Its strong build quality, versatile hot-swap capability, and excellent wireless performance make it a compelling option. The inclusion of fast, optical switches is a clear win for gamers looking for every possible edge.
While the optical-only hot-swap sockets and the inherent challenges of a 60% layout are considerations to keep in mind, the overall package is hard to beat. It offers a path into customization without the high cost or complexity, all while delivering solid performance right out of the box. If you’re looking to declutter your desk without compromising on features or feel, the Skyloong GK61 Pro is a quality keyboard that deserves your attention.