Ajazz AK680 vs Gamakay MK61: 65% vs 60% Budget Keyboard Showdown

Compare Ajazz AK680 vs Gamakay MK61 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for budget-conscious buyers deciding between two popular compact mechanical keyboards. The Ajazz AK680 offers a 65% layout with arrow keys, while the Gamakay MK61 is a more minimal 60% board. Both are wired, hot-swappable, and feature RGB lighting, making the choice hinge on layout preference, included features, and material quality versus size.

Model
Rating	0.0 stars (0 reviews)	0.0 stars (0 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Released in 2023 Has Tactile, Linear switch options Available in a 65% layout Built with the ISO layout standard Has built-in sound dampening Uses a Tray Mount mounting style Weighs about 460 g Sized at 19 x 100 x 310 mm Made with a ABS case	Released in 2021 Has Clicky, Tactile, Linear switch options Available in a 60% layout Built with the ANSI layout standard Features PBT keycaps
Score	Scores Performance: 70.4 Build Quality: 63.7 Productivity: 78 Customizability: 67.7 Portability: 74.6	Scores Performance: 72.3 Build Quality: 53.7 Productivity: 70 Customizability: 70.2 Portability: 76.3
Name	Name Ajazz AK680	Name Gamakay MK61
Release year	Release year 2023	Release year 2021
Switch Options	Switch Options Tactile, Linear	Switch Options Clicky, Tactile, Linear
Profile	Profile Normal Profile	Profile Normal Profile
Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable
Layout Size	Layout Size 65%	Layout Size 60%
Layout Standard	Layout Standard ISO	Layout Standard ANSI
Layout Ergonomics	Layout Ergonomics Normal	Layout Ergonomics Normal
Knob Support	Knob Support	Knob Support
Display Support	Display Support	Display Support
Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support
Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys
USB-C	USB-C	USB-C
USB passthrough	USB passthrough	USB passthrough
Connection	Connection Wired, Wired only	Connection Wired, Wired only
Polling Rate	Polling Rate -	Polling Rate -
Battery capacity	Battery capacity -	Battery capacity -
Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support
QMK Support	QMK Support	QMK Support
VIA Support	VIA Support	VIA Support
VIAL Support	VIAL Support	VIAL Support
N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover
Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger
Mount Style	Mount Style Tray Mount	Mount Style -
Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers
Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening
Backlight	Backlight Rgb	Backlight Rgb
Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors
Case Material	Case Material ABS	Case Material -
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material -	Keycaps Material PBT
Dimensions	Dimensions 19 x 100 x 310 mm	Dimensions -
Weight	Weight 460g	Weight -

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0.0 stars (0 reviews)

Released in 2023
Has Tactile, Linear switch options
Available in a 65% layout
Built with the ISO layout standard
Has built-in sound dampening
Uses a Tray Mount mounting style
Weighs about 460 g
Sized at 19 x 100 x 310 mm
Made with a ABS case

Released in 2021
Has Clicky, Tactile, Linear switch options
Available in a 60% layout
Built with the ANSI layout standard
Features PBT keycaps

Scores

Performance: 70.4
Build Quality: 63.7
Productivity: 78
Customizability: 67.7
Portability: 74.6

Scores

Performance: 72.3
Build Quality: 53.7
Productivity: 70
Customizability: 70.2
Portability: 76.3

Name

Ajazz AK680

Name

Gamakay MK61

Release year

2023

Release year

2021

Switch Options

Tactile, Linear

Switch Options

Clicky, Tactile, Linear

Profile

Normal Profile

Profile

Normal Profile

Hot Swappable

Layout Size

65%

Layout Size

60%

Layout Standard

ISO

Layout Standard

ANSI

Layout Ergonomics

Normal

Layout Ergonomics

Normal

Knob Support

Display Support

Mac/Win Support

Multi-Media Keys

USB-C

USB passthrough

Connection

Wired, Wired only

Connection

Wired, Wired only

Polling Rate

Battery capacity

Hall Effect Support

QMK Support

VIA Support

VIAL Support

N-Key Rollover

Rapid Trigger

Mount Style

Tray Mount

Mount Style

Screw in Stabilizers

Sound Dampening

Backlight

Rgb

Backlight

Rgb

Case Colors

Case Material

ABS

Case Material

Keycaps Material

PBT

Dimensions

19 x 100 x 310 mm

Dimensions

Weight

460g

Weight

Pros and Trade-offs

Your primary layout need dictates the choice here. If you require dedicated arrow keys and some navigation functions in a compact form, the Ajazz AK680 is the clear and more affordable option, especially with its included sound-dampening foam. Opt for the Gamakay MK61 if you prioritize a minimal 60% footprint, prefer the feel and durability of PBT keycaps, and want the characteristics of optical switches, accepting the trade-off of using layers for arrows.

Ajazz AK680

+65% layout includes dedicated arrow keys and navigation cluster.
+Includes EVA sandwich foam for sound dampening, according to the vendor.
+Offers an ISO layout option for specific regional preferences.
+Generally more affordable based on listed price ranges.
+Comes with a keycap and switch puller in the box.

−Case and keycaps are made of ABS plastic, which can develop shine over time.
−Larger 65% footprint is less compact than a true 60% keyboard.
−Switch options are limited to linear and tactile; no clicky option is listed.

Gamakay MK61

+More compact 60% layout saves desk space.
+Comes with PBT double-shot pudding keycaps, which are more durable than ABS.
+Uses Gateron optical switches with a listed 50-million-keystroke lifespan.
+Vendor lists an IPX4 waterproof rating for spill resistance.
+Features large on-board memory for saving lighting and key settings.

−60% layout lacks dedicated arrow keys, requiring a function layer.
−No mention of any included sound-dampening foam or padding.
−Currently listed as out of stock at the primary vendor.
−Uses an ANSI layout only, with no ISO option mentioned.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Ajazz AK680 wins in most productivity-focused categories like office work, programming, and content creation due to its more functional 65% layout with arrow keys. The Gamakay MK61 takes the lead for travel thanks to its slightly more compact 60% form factor. For gaming and modding, the choice is closer, with the AK680 having a slight edge for gaming due to its layout and the MK61 offering durable PBT keycaps out of the box.

GamingAjazz AK680

•The 65% layout retains dedicated arrow keys, which can be useful for certain games or menu navigation.
•The vendor description for the Ajazz AK680 specifically mentions its responsiveness for gaming.
•Both keyboards feature N-Key Rollover for precise input.

OfficeAjazz AK680

•The Ajazz AK680's 65% layout includes arrow keys and a few navigation keys, reducing reliance on function layers for common tasks.
•Its vendor description highlights it is suitable for office users with limited space.
•The included sound-dampening EVA foam may help reduce typing noise in shared environments.

ProgrammingAjazz AK680

•The Ajazz AK680's 65% layout provides dedicated arrow keys, which are frequently used in code editing.
•The ISO layout option on the AK680 may be preferred by some programmers in regions that use it.
•Both keyboards are hot-swappable, allowing for switch customization based on typing preference.

TravelGamakay MK61

•The Gamakay MK61 has a 60% layout, making it slightly more compact than the 65% AK680.
•The MK61's listed keycap material is PBT, which is generally more durable and resistant to shine from frequent handling.
•Both are lightweight, wired keyboards without batteries to manage.

ModdingTie

•Both keyboards are confirmed to be hot-swappable, enabling easy switch changes.
•The Ajazz AK680 includes EVA sandwich foam for sound dampening out of the box.
•The Gamakay MK61 comes with PBT double-shot pudding keycaps, which are a popular aftermarket upgrade for other boards.

Content CreationAjazz AK680

•The Ajazz AK680's 65% layout offers dedicated arrow keys, beneficial for timeline scrubbing and precise edits.
•The inclusion of sound-dampening foam may provide a more pleasant auditory experience during long sessions.
•Both feature RGB backlighting for visual customization.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)