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Head to head · Prices checked Nov 12, 2026

Zerodate K61 vs Redragon M61PBT or QMK/VIA Support

Get the Zerodate K61 for QMK/VIA support and hot-swap flexibility, or the Redragon M61 for PBT keycaps, adjustable magnetic switch actuation, and an 8000 Hz polling rate.

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Quick verdict

Which one should you get?

Get the

Zerodate K61

Hot-swappable

Build quality in the top 20% of 60% boards under $50.

If you want

  • QMK and VIA support for firmware customization.
  • Hot-swappable switches, with compatibility limited to magnetic switches.
  • A listed weight of 480 g.

Rules this board out

  • Magnetic switches only. Standard MX switches will not fit.

Get the

Redragon M61

Build quality in the bottom 5% of 60% boards under $100.

If you want

  • Magnetic switch actuation adjustable from 0.1 mm to 4.0 mm.
  • PBT keycaps with a rounded ball-cap profile.
  • 8000 Hz polling rate.

Rules this board out

  • Magnetic switches only. Standard MX switches will not fit.

Bottom line

Choose the Zerodate K61 for QMK/VIA support, hot-swappable magnetic switches, and its listed 480 g weight. Choose the Redragon M61 for adjustable magnetic actuation, PBT ball-cap keycaps, and its listed 8000 Hz polling rate. Both are wired 60% keyboards, and neither accepts standard MX switches.

What actually differs

The differences that matter

Skip the 40-row spec sheet. These are the specs that change how each board feels, sounds, and fits your desk.

Zerodate K61

Redragon M61

  • Hot-swappable

    Yes

    No

    Switch changes without soldering

  • Case material

    ABS

    Metal, Plastic

  • QMK

    Yes

    No

    The deep option when you want to remap every key

  • VIA

    Yes

    No

    GUI remapping without compiling firmware

  • Keycaps

    ABS

    PBT

KeebFinder scores

How we score
  • Zerodate K61
  • Redragon M61
Performance
84
72
Build quality
74
38
Productivity
66
43
Customizability
86
46
Portability
66
60

What they share

  • Layout size: 60%
  • Hall effect (magnetic)
  • Connection: Wired
  • Switch options: Linear, Magnetic
See every spec side by side

Best for

What will you mostly use it for?

The M61 has the edge for gaming and content creation when adjustable magnetic actuation is the deciding feature, and its PBT keycaps also suit some office setups. The K61 is the more direct choice for programming and modding if QMK/VIA support or hot-swap capability matters. For travel, the K61 has a documented weight of 480 g, but both are wired 60% boards. Both models restrict switch replacements to magnetic switches.

For gaming

Pick the Redragon M61

  • The M61's product description says its magnetic switch actuation can be adjusted from 0.1 mm to 4.0 mm.
  • Its listed polling rate is 8000 Hz.

Full specs

Zerodate K61 vs Redragon M61 specs

Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.

8 of 18 specs differ

Zerodate K61

Redragon M61

Typing & switches

Switch options

Linear, Magnetic
Linear, Magnetic

Hall effect (magnetic)

Yes
Yes

Hot-swappable

Yes
No

Layout

Layout size

60%
60%

Layout standard

ANSI
ANSI

Ergonomics

Standard
Standard

Display

None
None

Connectivity & battery

Connection

Wired
Wired

Max polling rate

—
8,000 Hz

Build & materials

Case material

ABS
Metal, Plastic

Keycaps

ABS
PBT

Weight

480 g
—

Dimensions

40 x 290 x 101 mm
33 x 104 x 291 mm

Backlight

RGB
RGB

Firmware & software

QMK

Yes
No

VIA

Yes
No

N-key rollover

Yes
No

Extras

Released

2025
2023

Where to buy

Compare prices

Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.

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Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.

Zerodate K612 stores
Redragon M612 stores

FAQ

Zerodate K61 vs Redragon M61: your questions

The K61 lists QMK and VIA support and hot-swappable switches. The M61 instead specifies adjustable magnetic actuation, PBT keycaps, and an 8000 Hz polling rate.

No. Both keyboards are limited to magnetic switches, and standard MX switches will not fit.

Yes, QMK support and VIA support are listed for the K61. The M61's listed features do not include QMK or VIA support.

The M61 product description says its magnetic switches have an adjustable trigger point from 0.1 mm to 4.0 mm. The K61's listed features do not specify an actuation adjustment range.

The Redragon M61 has PBT keycaps. Its vendor description identifies them as rounded ball-cap keycaps.

Yes, hot-swap is listed as a K61 feature. Switch replacements must be magnetic, since standard MX switches will not fit.

The M61 has a listed polling rate of 8000 Hz. No polling-rate figure is listed for the K61.

The K61 has a listed weight of 480 g. A weight is not listed for the M61, so the available specifications do not establish which is lighter.

No, both are listed as wired-only keyboards. Neither product description identifies a wireless connection mode.

Yes, both are listed with a 60% layout and ANSI standard. The M61 vendor description also identifies its arrangement as 61 keys.

The K61 is the clearer fit if you want listed QMK/VIA support and hot-swap capability. Its switch sockets are for magnetic switches only, so standard MX switch changes are not an option.

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