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Compare Skyloong GK61 Pro vs GK61 DRUM Differences Side by Side

This comparison helps buyers decide between a fully equipped pre-built 60% keyboard and a barebones DIY kit from Skyloong. The decision is hard because both share the same Skyloong O-ring gasket mount and a 60% layout, but the GK61 Pro offers a ready-to-type experience with QMK/VIA firmware, a 4000mAh battery, and switch choices, while the GK61 DRUM is a metal kit that requires you to supply your own switches and keycaps. The GK61 Pro targets users who want a complete, programmable keyboard out of the box, whereas the GK61 DRUM is built for modders who want to customize every component from the ground up.

89
SKYLOONG GK61 Pro Aluminum Mechanical Keyboard With Split Spacebar
65
SKYLOONG GK61 DRUM Aluminum Kits-Black

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  • Released in 2023
  • Has Tactile, Linear switch options
  • Offers Split Spacebar ergonomics
  • Comes with a knob
  • Compatible with both Mac and Windows
  • Connects via USB-C
  • Supports QMK firmware
  • Supports VIA configuration
  • Features N-key rollover
  • Has built-in sound dampening
  • Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Equipped with a 4000 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 700 g
  • Sized at 50 x 320 x 140 mm
  • Made with a ABS, Aluminum case
  • Features PBT keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, North-face, Rgb North-face RGB lighting
  • Released in 2022
  • Has Linear switch options
  • Offers Normal ergonomics
  • Supports Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Made with a Aluminum case
  • Features PBT, ABS keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 77.9
  • Build Quality: 83.8
  • Productivity: 88.8
  • Customizability: 89.2
  • Portability: 88.1
Scores
  • Performance: 55.1
  • Build Quality: 72.8
  • Productivity: 46.2
  • Customizability: 68.5
  • Portability: 77.8
Name
Skyloong GK61 Pro
Name
Skyloong GK61 DRUM
Release year
2023
Release year
2022
Switch Options
Tactile, Linear
Switch Options
Linear
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
60%
Layout Size
60%
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Ergonomics
Split Spacebar
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Knob Support
 
Knob Support
 
Display Support
 
Display Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
USB-C
 
USB-C
 
USB passthrough
 
USB passthrough
 
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Connection
Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate
-
Polling Rate
-
Battery capacity
4000 mAh
Battery capacity
-
Hall Effect Support
 
Hall Effect Support
 
QMK Support
 
QMK Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIAL Support
 
VIAL Support
 
N-Key Rollover
 
N-Key Rollover
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Mount Style
Gasket Mount
Mount Style
Gasket Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb, North-face
Backlight
 
Rgb
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
ABS, Aluminum
Case Material
Aluminum
Keycaps Material
PBT
Keycaps Material
PBT, ABS
Dimensions
50 x 320 x 140 mm
Dimensions
-
Weight
700g
Weight
-
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Pros and Trade-offs

For anyone seeking a complete, programmable 60% keyboard with long battery life and out-of-box usability, the GK61 Pro is the easy recommendation. The GK61 DRUM is only worth considering if you enjoy the process of sourcing and assembling your own switches, keycaps, and plate, and value a barebones kit over pre-built convenience. Choose based on whether you want to type immediately or build your keyboard from scratch.

Skyloong GK61 Pro

  • +QMK and VIA support for full firmware customization of keymaps, macros, and RGB.
  • +Pre-built with Gateron G Pro 3.0 switches and PBT double-shot keycaps, ready to use immediately.
  • +4000mAh battery provides long wireless life up to 300 hours with backlight off.
  • +Skyloong O-ring gasket mount and sound dampening reduce keystroke noise and improve typing feel.
  • +Hot-swappable knob and split spacebar add versatile input options for productivity.
  • −The manual is noted as not perfect by a user review, potentially making setup harder for beginners.
  • −Split spacebar and knob may feel unfamiliar to users accustomed to traditional 60% layouts.
  • −North-facing RGB may cause interference with some thicker keycap profiles.

Skyloong GK61 DRUM

  • +DIY kit includes aluminum case, PCB, plate, and stabilizers, offering a clean slate for custom builds.
  • +Replaceable space key splits into three keys, enabling unique layout configurations.
  • +Hot-swappable PCB supports both 3-pin and 5-pin switches for broad switch compatibility.
  • +Skyloong O-ring mount gasket provides stable support and reduces unpleasant noise from hard contact.
  • −It is a barebones kit only, so you must purchase switches, keycaps, and potentially a battery separately.
  • −No QMK or VIA support, limiting firmware customization compared to the GK61 Pro.
  • −Only Bluetooth and wired connectivity, lacking the 2.4 GHz wireless option found on the GK61 Pro.
  • −Weight and battery details are not specified, making travel planning uncertain.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Skyloong GK61 Pro dominates in Gaming, Office, Programming, Travel, and Content Creation use cases due to its pre-built readiness, QMK/VIA software, larger battery, and wider connectivity options. The GK61 DRUM only wins in the Modding category, where its barebones kit design appeals to builders who want to select every part themselves. If you need a full-featured keyboard out of the box, the GK61 Pro is the obvious pick; if you enjoy assembling your own board from scratch, the GK61 DRUM gives you that freedom.

GamingSkyloong GK61 Pro
  • •The GK61 Pro supports wired, 2.4 GHz, and Bluetooth connectivity, offering more latency-reducing options for gaming than the GK61 DRUM's Bluetooth and wired modes.
  • •It comes pre-built with Gateron G Pro 3.0 switches, so you can game immediately without sourcing switches.
  • •The GK61 Pro has N-key rollover, ensuring every key press registers during rapid inputs.
OfficeSkyloong GK61 Pro
  • •The GK61 Pro ships with PBT double-shot keycaps that resist wear better than the GK61 DRUM's ABS/PBT keycaps.
  • •It includes sound dampening features and a Skyloong O-ring gasket for a quieter typing experience in shared spaces.
  • •The GK61 Pro offers both tactile and linear switch options, allowing you to choose quieter switches for office environments.
ProgrammingSkyloong GK61 Pro
  • •QMK and VIA support on the GK61 Pro allows full customization of keymaps and macros for coding workflows.
  • •The GK61 Pro's programmable knob can be mapped to shortcuts like zoom in/out, improving coding efficiency.
  • •It supports split spacebar, which can be configured to add extra modifier keys without leaving the home row.
TravelSkyloong GK61 Pro
  • •The GK61 Pro has a 4000mAh battery, offering wireless usage up to 300 hours with backlight off, far exceeding the GK61 DRUM's unspecified battery life.
  • •Being pre-built, it is ready for travel immediately, while the GK61 DRUM requires assembling switches and keycaps first.
  • •The GK61 Pro includes both ABS and aluminum case options, providing a lighter choice for portability.
ModdingSkyloong GK61 DRUM
  • •The GK61 DRUM is a DIY kit that includes only the case, PCB, plate, and stabilizers, giving full freedom to choose every other component.
  • •It comes with a switch puller and keycap puller, making it easy to start your custom build right away.
  • •The GK61 DRUM has a replaceable space key that splits into three keys, offering more layout experimentation for modders.
Content CreationSkyloong GK61 Pro
  • •The GK61 Pro's programmable knob can be configured for timeline scrubbing or volume control in editing software.
  • •QMK/VIA support enables complex macro sequences for repetitive tasks in creative applications.
  • •Its split spacebar and knob can be mapped to shortcuts like undo/redo or layer switching, speeding up workflow.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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