Closer Examination

I'll give SKYLOONG credit for going with the split space bar configuration out of the box. It would have been safer to go with the standard space bar but I suppose this is more attention grabbing while also showing off the dedicated volume control knob in the bottom row between the two space bar keys. All versions of the GK61 Pro support this feature although the case composition and design, as well as the keycaps themselves, depend on what you go with. For example, this aluminium case version only has a single gunmetal gray color whereas the ABS plastic case comes in black or white color options. These three case types have their own specific keycaps chosen by SKYLOONG to better match the rest of the keyboard with this specific colorway called "TiGrey" wherein we see more gray along with off-white and orange accent keycaps. Another difference to note is the plastic cases are simpler and have narrower bezels compared to this CNC-machined aluminium case with chamfers all around that adds slightly to all three dimensions in addition to the obvious weight increase. There is no branding visible in use and the keyboard is quite nice to hold and use too. The keycaps are opaque and yet the stock legends are still smaller and placed towards the top as would generally be the case for backlit keyboards with north-facing LEDs. Secondary legends are placed alongside the primary ones to make them even smaller; I see room for improvement here although the font itself is quite clean.


Turning the keyboard around, we see a plain machined aluminium case here whereas the plastic cases get integrated feet for additional keyboard elevation options. I imagine there's also the usual certification sticker there along with longer rubber pads whereas here we get four round rubber pads at the corners instead to help lift up the keyboard. This adds some friction against the resting surface while also minimizing any scratches to that otherwise well-executed anodized aluminium chassis.


There is no dedicated on/off switch for the wireless connectivity options on the GK61 Pro with SKYLOONG still resorting to key combinations as before. The replacement Esc keycap can be used as seen above to place the 2.4 GHz dongle inside if you need it in a jiffy since there is no storage built into the case either. There is a cutout on the top left corner in the back side facing away from the user that has an inset Type-C connector for wired connectivity. The provided cable fits easily as should many aftermarket cables—within reason—should you desire to use, say, a coiled and/or split cable for aesthetics. The stock cable is in black, braided with a fabric sleeve, is the usual 6' in length, and goes to an available USB Type-A port on your PC where USB 2.0 will suffice for power and data alike.


A look from the side shows the built-in elevation of the keyboard, which I would classify as high profile—at least for this aluminium case version—and can benefit from a wrist rest if you are not used to touch typing with hands hovering over the keys at all times. The side view also confirms the use of an OEM keycap profile with the five rows sculpted and contoured accordingly, and they are non-floating in design courtesy the thicker case design. The provided keycap puller works well to help extract some of the keycaps for closer examination as well as for cleaning the keyboard itself, if not also completely replacing the stock keycaps. We get thick PBT plastic keycaps (average wall thickness 1.35 mm) with doubleshot-injected legends throughout, which is good for longevity and won't develop a shine from finger oils over time. But this does mean the keycaps are opaque as mentioned above and the LEDs used on the keyboard will be mostly for accent lighting only. The stock Esc keycap is also staggered and may not be to everyone's preference.


Regardless of which case or connectivity version you go with, the SKYLOONG GK61 Pro offers a choice of three switches in the form of the new Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red, Yellow, or Brown mechanical switches. This review sample uses the G Pro 3.0 Yellow switches which are installed in a north-facing configuration, meaning some lower profile aftermarket keycap sets may not work out as well as most others. Note also the FR4 plate used here rather than the usual steel; this ends up being somewhat flexible in use. The larger keycaps use plate mounted stabilizers which are lightly lubed to help mitigate the mushy feeling they could otherwise have.


The switch remover tool is handy to remove the hot-swappable switches off the PCB and to also provide a good look at the hot-swap socket complete with the SMD LED here, allowing for 3/5-pin Cherry MX-style switches to be used on the keyboard easily. SKYLOONG also uses a silicone switch pad to help dampen keystrokes further. The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow switch is a 3-pin linear switch characterized by its yellow cross-point stem. It also has a transparent top housing to aid with backlighting and an opaque white bottom housing.


Replacing the space bar module is quite simple since it is installed using three screws/O-rings in total. Remove the keycaps and the knob cover first and then you can pull off the stock module which gives you a closer look at the rotary switch used in the middle. Then simply screw in the other module if you want to get a single longer space bar and seen above is the GK61 Pro with the other replacement keycaps too if you prefer to go without any orange accent keycaps.