Introduction

SKYLOONG is a Chinese peripherals brand that has been around for over ten years with a specialization in mechanical keyboards. Indeed, this is the brand that has put out most of the small form factor layout keyboards and cases that were then re-branded by others, especially for the western markets, until the company decided to market itself finally. Indeed, if you look through our review database, a good amount of Epomaker-branded keyboards were all made by SKYLOONG including the original GK61 as well as the GK61XS. I am pointing out these two on purpose given the subject of today's review happens to be a follow-up to both in the form of the new SKYLOONG GK61 Pro.


As the name suggests, the GK61 Pro is a 60% form-factor keyboard which is about as small as most people would realistically go. You still miss out on the dedicated arrow keys, but many find the single bank of keys in an otherwise standard key spacing to work out well for typing with layers in mind. SKYLOONG decided to throw a curve ball here by implementing a split space bar and throwing in a knob in the middle. However, this can be easily changed to a single, longer space bar key and this is just one of many ways to customize the GK61 Pro via hardware and software alike. It also comes in a few different case, keycap, switch, and even connectivity options with SKYLOONG having kindly sent over an aluminium case wireless version to TechPowerUp. This review will otherwise be representative of the other versions too—the image above shows a plastic version version for reference—with any differences mentioned over the course of the article, which begins with a look at the product specifications in the table below.

Specifications

Packaging and Accessories

SKYLOONG is aiming to establish itself internationally so I feel it was a missed opportunity to go with the same plain packaging from when they were an OEM, even if there is no other brand mentioned on the box this time. On the front is just the brand name given an iridescent finish and the local factory mentioned on the back at a corner. This extremely generic packaging has a sticker on the side to inform you of the exact unit inside but good luck reading it if you can't speak the language. This area is where SKYLOONG needs to improve upon sooner than later. The saving grace is that ideally the purchasing customer is already aware of what they have bought! A double flap on the side keeps the contents in place during transit and opening the box reveals a fabric carry case which is a nice surprise.


The rest of the accessories are seen underneath or in a separate cardboard compartment. These include a multi-language quick-start guide going over the various pre-programmed functions which is handy to know. We also get some spare PBT plastic keycaps, a replacement space bar module, as well as a special keycap that has a place inside for the USB dongle used for the 2.4 GHz connectivity on this unit.


Speaking of which, we get the dongle too as well as a useful USB Type-C to Type-A if you wish to extend the dongle from the PC closer to the keyboard using the provided stock cable that in turn helps charge the internal battery as well as allow the keyboard to be used in a wired configuration. I expect the wired-only version of the GK61 Pro to only come with the cable thus. There's also a useful metal wire-style keycap puller and switch remover combo tool in the box as well as a spare set of screws and silicone O-rings to use with the space bar modules in case you lose the pre-installed set.


Admittedly I have seen a larger version of this case used for another SKYLOONG product before but it's still cool that the newer "Pro" version differentiates itself from the previous offerings this way. It makes more sense on a smaller form factor keyboard too that you are more likely to take around with you. The keyboard comes inside a wax paper wrap for added protection and there is enough space here to throw in the cable and/or USB dongle too.