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Compare Skyloong GK61 DRUM vs GK61 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers choosing between two Skyloong 60% keyboards that share a 61-key ANSI layout, hot-swappable sockets and the O-Ring Mount Gasket design. The GK61 DRUM is listed as an aluminum kit with Bluetooth and wired dual modes, while the GK61 is positioned as a pre-built with Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz and wired connectivity. The decision is hard because the DRUM leans toward modding with its aluminum case, while the GK61 adds a steel plate, 4000mAh battery and optional switch types at the cost of a plastic-first case. Buyers who prioritize build materials will weigh the DRUM differently than those who want a complete keyboard with wider connectivity.

65
SKYLOONG GK61 DRUM Aluminum Kits-Black
74
SKYLOONG GK61 CNC Aluminum Kits-Titannium Grey

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  • Has Linear switch options
  • Supports Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Made with a Aluminum case
  • Has Clicky, Tactile, Linear switch options
  • Compatible with both Mac and Windows
  • Connects via USB-C
  • Has built-in sound dampening
  • Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Equipped with a 4000 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 600 g
  • Sized at 30 x 104 x 292 mm
  • Made with a ABS, Plastic, Aluminum case
Scores
  • Performance: 55.6
  • Build Quality: 72.9
  • Productivity: 46
  • Customizability: 67.4
  • Portability: 77.4
Scores
  • Performance: 55.2
  • Build Quality: 74.1
  • Productivity: 69.3
  • Customizability: 72.2
  • Portability: 87.8
Name
Skyloong GK61 DRUM
Name
Skyloong GK61
Release year
2022
Release year
2022
Switch Options
Linear
Switch Options
Clicky, Tactile, 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
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, Wired, Wireless
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate
-
Polling Rate
-
Battery capacity
-
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
Gasket Mount
Mount Style
Gasket Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb
Backlight
 
Rgb
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Aluminum
Case Material
ABS, Plastic, Aluminum
Keycaps Material
PBT, ABS
Keycaps Material
PBT, ABS
Dimensions
-
Dimensions
30 x 104 x 292 mm
Weight
-
Weight
600g
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
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Pros and Trade-offs

Choose the GK61 if you want a complete keyboard with 2.4 GHz, a 4000mAh battery, Mac/Win support and a switch choice at checkout. Choose the GK61 DRUM only if an aluminum case and kit format matter more to you than wider connectivity and a listed battery capacity. The primary differentiator is kit versus pre-built with broader wireless options, so let that decide before comparing smaller details.

Skyloong GK61 DRUM

  • +Aluminum case material gives the DRUM a metal chassis option that the base GK61 does not list as standard.
  • +Sold as a kit with case, PCB, plate and stabilizers, plus a Type-C cable, keycap puller and switch puller in the box.
  • +Hot-swappable sockets accept both 3-pin and 5-pin MX switches, so switches can be changed without soldering.
  • +Uses the Skyloong O-Ring Mount Gasket design, which the vendor describes as avoiding hard screw contact with the positioning plate.

  • −Connectivity is listed as Bluetooth and wired only, while the GK61 adds a 2.4 GHz option.
  • −The DRUM listing does not state a battery capacity, weight or dimensions, making portable use harder to assess.
  • −Only linear switches are listed for the DRUM, with no clicky or tactile option shown.
  • −Availability is limited to one vendor, while the GK61 is listed across six vendors.

Skyloong GK61

  • +Connectivity covers Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz and wired modes, giving more wireless options than the DRUM listing.
  • +A 4000mAh battery is specified on the GK61, supporting wireless use without frequent charging.
  • +Available with clicky, tactile or linear switches, so buyers can choose a switch feel at purchase.
  • +Listed at 600g and 30 x 104 x 292 mm, giving concrete figures for desk and travel planning.
  • +Includes sound dampening and Mac/Win support according to the vendor page.

  • −Case options include ABS and plastic, which may not match the all-aluminum appeal of the DRUM.
  • −The listed steel plate adds weight and stiffness compared to a build with a plastic or fiberglass plate.
  • −Ships as a pre-built, so buyers who want to choose their own case and plate get less control.
  • −The vendor page shows both a pre-built keyboard and a kit package, so the exact contents should be confirmed before ordering.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The GK61 takes most categories because its listing adds 2.4 GHz connectivity, a 4000mAh battery and Mac/Win support on top of the shared 60% hot-swap platform. It is the more complete out-of-box choice for gaming, office work, programming, travel and content creation. The DRUM wins only in modding, where its aluminum kit format and aluminum case give builders a different starting point. Across the shared categories, the DRUM's narrower connectivity and kit-only packaging make it harder to recommend as a first keyboard.

GamingSkyloong GK61
  • •The GK61 is listed with 2.4 GHz connectivity alongside Bluetooth and wired modes, adding a low-latency wireless option the DRUM listing does not name.
  • •The GK61 offers a choice of clicky, tactile or linear switches, so gamers can pick a linear switch at purchase.
  • •The DRUM is listed with linear switches but only Bluetooth and wired connection options.
OfficeSkyloong GK61
  • •The GK61 vendor page lists sound dampening and Mac/Win support, both relevant for a shared office desk.
  • •The GK61 includes a 4000mAh battery, which suits all-day wireless use without a cable.
  • •Both keyboards use a 60% ANSI layout with the replaceable space key feature, but the GK61's pre-built status means less setup time.
ProgrammingSkyloong GK61
  • •The GK61's replaceable space key can map to three keys through the Skyloong driver, helping avoid thumb travel to CTRL or FN.
  • •Mac/Win support on the GK61 listing covers developers switching between operating systems.
  • •The GK61's 2.4 GHz option gives a cable-free connection alternative to Bluetooth for a desktop setup.
TravelSkyloong GK61
  • •The GK61 is listed at 600g with dimensions of 30 x 104 x 292 mm, giving a concrete size and weight reference for a bag.
  • •The 4000mAh battery on the GK61 supports wireless use away from a charger.
  • •The DRUM listing does not provide weight or battery capacity details.
ModdingSkyloong GK61 DRUM
  • •The DRUM is offered as an aluminum kit with case, PCB, plate and stabilizers, aimed at builders using their own switches and keycaps.
  • •The DRUM's aluminum case gives a different material starting point than the GK61, which is listed with ABS and plastic case options.
  • •Both boards are hot-swappable and support 3-pin and 5-pin MX switches, so switch experimentation is available on either.
Content CreationSkyloong GK61
  • •The GK61 vendor page lists macro setting and saving through the Skyloong driver, useful for editing shortcuts.
  • •The replaceable space key on both boards can be configured to three keys for faster shortcut access.
  • •The GK61's 2.4 GHz option provides a wireless alternative during recording setups where Bluetooth interference is a concern.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)


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