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Compare Skyloong GK61 Pro vs GK980 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers choosing between a compact 60% keyboard and a larger 98% board. The GK61 Pro stands out for QMK and VIA support, while the GK980 offers a gasket mount, multiple plate materials, and a more expansive layout. Both list wireless and wired connectivity, a 4000mAh battery, hot-swap support, a knob option, and Mac/Windows support. The decision comes down to compactness and firmware flexibility versus a larger layout and more documented structural choices.

82
SKYLOONG GK61 Pro
81
SKYLOONG GK980 Rainbow Mechanical Knob Keyboard

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0.0 (0)
4.2 (9)
  • Released in 2023
  • Has Linear switch options
  • Available in a 60% layout
  • Built with the ANSI layout standard
  • Supports QMK firmware
  • Supports VIA configuration
  • Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Made with a Aluminum, ABS case
  • Features PBT keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, North-face, Rgb North-face RGB lighting
  • Released in 2022
  • Has Tactile, Linear, Clicky switch options
  • Available in a 98% layout
  • Built with the ANSI, ISO layout standard
  • Connects via USB-C
  • Has built-in sound dampening
  • Uses a Gasket Mount mounting style
  • Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless, Wired only connectivity
  • Weighs about 1300 g
  • Sized at 36 x 323 x 141 mm
  • Made with a ABS, Aluminum case
  • Features PBT, ABS keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, White, North-face, Rgb North-face RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 77.9
  • Build Quality: 77.2
  • Productivity: 69.3
  • Customizability: 88
  • Portability: 83.7
Scores
  • Performance: 78.1
  • Build Quality: 75.9
  • Productivity: 82.4
  • Customizability: 77.6
  • Portability: 53.2
Name
Skyloong GK61 Pro
Name
Skyloong GK980
Release year
2023
Release year
2022
Switch Options
Linear
Switch Options
Tactile, Linear, Clicky
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
60%
Layout Size
98%
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Standard
ANSI, ISO
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
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, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless, Wired only
Polling Rate
-
Polling Rate
-
Battery capacity
4000 mAh
Battery capacity
4000 mAh
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
-
Mount Style
Gasket Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb, North-face
Backlight
 
Rgb, White, North-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Aluminum, ABS
Case Material
ABS, Aluminum
Keycaps Material
PBT
Keycaps Material
PBT, ABS
Dimensions
-
Dimensions
36 x 323 x 141 mm
Weight
-
Weight
1300g
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
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Pros and Trade-offs

Choose the GK61 Pro if you want a compact 60% board and value its explicitly listed QMK and VIA support, especially for remapping and macros. Choose the GK980 if you prefer a 98% layout, gasket mounting, and a wider set of listed plate materials. Before purchasing the GK980, confirm that its specific hot-swap implementation matches the switches you plan to use.

Skyloong GK61 Pro

  • +Compact 60% ANSI layout.
  • +Lists QMK and VIA support, with vendor-described keymap and macro customization.
  • +Hot-swappable switches and a hot-swappable knob are described by the vendor.
  • +PBT keycaps and an anodized aluminum case are named in the vendor description.
  • +The 4000mAh battery is paired with vendor-stated wireless use estimates of up to 300 hours with backlighting off or 100 hours with RGB at lowest brightness.

  • −The 60% layout has fewer dedicated keys than the GK980's 98% layout.
  • −The vendor says QMK and VIA support applies to the wired version.
  • −The product metadata lists linear switches, rather than the multiple switch types listed for the GK980.

Skyloong GK980

  • +98% layout, with ANSI and ISO standards listed in the product metadata.
  • +Gasket mount and hot-swap support are listed.
  • +The metadata lists steel, polycarbonate, FR4, and plastic plate options.
  • +The vendor lists a dustproof cover, Type-C cable, keycap and switch puller, supplemented keycaps, warranty card, and manual among the included items.
  • +PBT keycaps and a 4000mAh battery are listed in the product metadata.

  • −Its 98% layout and listed weight of 1300g make it less suited to buyers prioritizing a compact, lightweight keyboard.
  • −QMK and VIA support are not listed for the GK980.
  • −The vendor's described optical hot-swap support is for SKYLOONG optical switches and Gateron KS-15, so check switch compatibility before buying replacements.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The GK980 is the more natural fit when a larger layout is important for office tasks, while the GK61 Pro has the edge for compact travel and QMK/VIA-based customization. Gaming is a close call: both list multiple connection modes and N-Key Rollover, with different layout and switch-option trade-offs. For creative work, the GK61 Pro has more explicitly described knob and macro functions. The GK980 counters with multiple listed plate materials and a gasket mount.

GamingTie
  • •Both list Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, and wired connectivity, along with N-Key Rollover.
  • •The GK61 Pro has a 60% layout, while the GK980's 98% layout provides more keys on the board.
  • •The GK61 Pro lists linear switches; the GK980 lists linear, tactile, and clicky switch options.
OfficeSkyloong GK980
  • •The GK980's 98% layout keeps more keys available than the GK61 Pro's 60% layout.
  • •The GK980 lists split-spacebar ergonomics and a knob option.
  • •The GK61 Pro also has a programmable knob, but its compact layout may require more use of key combinations.
ProgrammingSkyloong GK61 Pro
  • •The GK61 Pro explicitly lists QMK and VIA support.
  • •Its vendor description says QMK and VIA can be used to customize keymaps and macros.
  • •The GK980 lists hot-swap support but does not list QMK or VIA.
TravelSkyloong GK61 Pro
  • •The GK61 Pro's 60% layout is more compact than the GK980's 98% layout.
  • •Both list Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, and wired connectivity and have a 4000mAh battery.
  • •The GK980 is listed at 1300g, making it a less appealing choice when minimizing carried weight.
ModdingSkyloong GK61 Pro
  • •The GK61 Pro lists both QMK and VIA support, unlike the GK980.
  • •Both keyboards list hot-swap support and knob support.
  • •The GK980 lists several plate materials, including steel, polycarbonate, FR4, and plastic, while the GK61 Pro vendor description details its O-ring gasket and switch pads.
Content CreationSkyloong GK61 Pro
  • •The GK61 Pro vendor describes configuring its knob for functions such as application shortcuts and zoom control.
  • •Its vendor description also identifies macros as a way to automate tasks.
  • •The GK980 lists knob support, but its product description does not detail specific knob functions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)


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