In a very simple term, optical keyboard switches, unlike the more popular mechanical switches, come with photoelectric switches that use infrared light to detect a keypress. How Do Optical Switches Operate? The keyboard comes equipped with the optical Gateron red switches, with almost the same features as the Gaterod red except the design. With a 2.0 mm actuation distance, the switches only require about an actuation force of 45 g, and they bottom out at exactly 4.0 mm.

It is important to note that the optical Gateron red switches available on the GK61 mechanical keyboard are completely hot-swappable. With this feature, you can easily replace damaged switches without having to undergo any soldering or desoldering process. First off, there are times when the keycaps wobble annoyingly. Thankfully, it only comes up a few times and has no significant impact on the overall performance at all. Aside from that, the GK61 mechanical gaming keyboard can work well in a quiet environment, as its linear nature helps to keep the noise level at the barest minimum. – Hot-Swappable Optical Switches Aside from these few downsides, the keyboard delivers a decent performance in all other aspects, and it will continue to meet your specific typing and gaming demands for a very long time. What Makes the GK61 Keyboard so Special?

You can press the Fn+R buttons to switch to mode 3 and initiate the default functions of the PS, SL, PB, Ins, HM, PU, Del, End, PD buttons, respectively Also, the software can put off a newbie who is just after a budget-friendly 60% keyboard. However, we think the price of getting to understand how the software works is worth paying, as you can enjoy a wide range of customization options afterward.

The GK61 software is arguably the most important selling point of the GK61 mechanical keyboard, and that’s for obvious reasons. Furthermore, since the GK61 is only available as a wired-only keyboard, the N-key rollover works perfectly well every time, which means you are able to initiate special actions by pressing multiple keys simultaneously. – Software Overall, the GK61 mechanical keyboard is one of the best 60% keyboards we have ever worked with at its price range. However, it is not without its downsides. Aside from these few downsides, the keyboard delivers a decent performance in all other aspects, and it will continue to meet your specific typing and gaming demands for a very long time.

The biggest selling point personally is how the keyboard has its own onboard memory so you don't need to keep the software up just for the RGB to work properly. Anyone that has ever owned any PC peripheral(with RGB) from the likes of Logitech, Corsair, and even Razer would know this plight. Not only does this help drive down production costs, but it also prevents the disruption in the connection that occurs from a poorly soldered key switch. Why Optical Switches? To create your own color effect, create a new LE file by pressing “+” on the files list. I did not experiment much here but here is a useful list of parameters to start from: I just got my first custom mechanical keyboard named GK61 aka “Abysmal Software”. I was lurking around for budget hot-swap options, and the infamous software for this board was the only concern for me. I have not found any comprehensive guide on the configuration and software possibilities (except for the fact that its total trash). I have spent a couple of hours with it and while it is certainly not the best piece of software ever made, it can easily get the things done, so I decided to make this little guide with 1-minute video to show the configurations and steps. I hope it would be helpful to anyone who struggling with the configuration or considering buying one of the GKX series boards.

In conclusion, the GK61 tops the list of the most budget-friendly hot-swappable keyboard, and if you want to squeeze the most performance from this device, you are better off with the GK61 software. The software is a bit weird to understand, but if you're willing to overcome the language barrier it works pretty well and has a macro function which is a welcome bonus.The software has a somewhat complicated overview, which may put some people off, especially if you consider similar models within the same price range. However, you will find it very useful once you are able to wrap your head around the software.

Yes, the GK61 mechanical comes with a very helpful software. However, you should expect to spend some time getting to understand and use this software before you can make anything out of it.Made by Hong Kong Keyboards, the GK61 is a solid option if you are in the market for a standard-sized 60% mechanical gaming keyboard.