Review- If you are like me and have used a full-size keyboard that includes a 10-key numeric keypad for most of your life, the world of miniature keyboards can be shocking. Just last year, I started experimenting with different keyboard layouts (I don’t need to use the small keyboard as often as I used to do in my daily work), and it’s great that I can take back the amount of desktop space with a smaller form factor.I have been using Epomaker AKKO 3068 Small keyboard, because I checked it on my treadmill earlier this year, and full size Glorious Modular Mechanical Keyboard At my main game station. I had hoped to replace GMMK with the Epomaker SK61 keyboard and the Epomaker SK1 numeric keyboard (currently reviewed by me), but it turned out that I need some missing keys, which have been reduced to this 61-key shape. Instead, I have Using it on the treadmill desk, I spend several hours at work every day trying to burn off the large amount of sugar I inhaled that day. I think this product may be very suitable for some gamers who want a small keyboard, or typists who don’t need arrow keys or pgup/pgdn/del/end/ins/home key set.
What is it?
Epomaker SK61 keyboard is compact mechanical keyboard Can be used for various types of mechanical switches. It has per-key RGB backlighting, waterproof and dustproof, USB-C connection, highly customizable macros and “layers” (allowing each key to perform various functions), and other functions that I will cover in my review.
What’s in the box?
- Epomaker SK61 mechanical keyboard
- USB-A to USB-C data cable
- Keycap puller
- Switch puller
- 2 x additional replacement switch
- Manual and quick reference guide
Hardware specifications
- Layout: 61 keys
- Weight: 1,54 pounds (768 grams)
- Dimensions: 11.6 inches x 4.1 inches x 1.8 inches (295 x 105 x 45 mm)
- Switch: Provide Gateron mechanical blue/brown/black/yellow
- Backlight color: 16.8 million RGB single key backlight
- Weather resistance: IPX6 waterproof/dustproof (resistant to high pressure or heavy water splash)
- Key rollover: N-Key Rollover (unlimited key rollover)
Design and features
The Epomaker SK61 keyboard I was sent for evaluation is designed with red and black PBT keycaps. Many keys have default backup functions (which are urgently needed at such a small size), and I find it convenient to print these shortcut keys on the keycaps. Please pay attention to the “1, 2, 3” on the W, E, and R keys. These are “layers” and can be programmed as alternative functions or macros. For example, if you occasionally need 10-key numeric input, you can program the layer to use these keys as numeric and mathematical function keys. This means you don’t have to hold down the function key when entering these numbers, but use the function key and the layer key to switch to the layer once, and then you can use the number keys indefinitely, and then you can switch the layer back to the standard typing mode .
The keyboard is thicker than most keyboards I have used before, and its height or angle is not adjustable. Fortunately, this is a good height and angle for me, but there is one thing to note: if it doesn’t fit your hand and wrist, you have to find a way to support or lift it, because there is not even most The clamshell legs that keyboards usually have. As you can see from the picture above, standard size keys have curved keycaps, which are the first choice for most typists, including you.
The frame of the keyboard feels heavy and supports a single USB-C connection. The included USB-C cable is of high quality and detachable storage (this particular model requires a cable connection to provide power and connectivity, although there are Bluetooth wireless models available).
Here you can see the angle and height of the keyboard.
This picture shows the backlight is set to all white. Please note that the backup function on the buttons does not have a backlight-this can be annoying in a dark room. I had to squint or lean towards the keyboard multiple times to find the arrow keys or volume/media controls. I hope they make these alternative functions visible under backlight.
There are basically unlimited color options, each key has 16+ million colors, and you can adjust many pattern settings. Advanced users can spend several days in the software to customize and change the content (I will introduce later), but the default patterns and colors are very standard, and an example of scrolling rainbow colors is shown above.
Installation and setup
The Epomaker SK61 keyboard is a plug-and-play device, but you need to download software with additional functions (this is almost indispensable for using macros and program “layers” on limited keys). However, the first thing I want to do after unboxing is to pop out the key and see how difficult it is to replace the switch (I have some Kailh Purple switches that I like, although I used the accompanying Brown switch in this review ).
It is easy to pull off the keycaps using the provided keycap puller.
As usual, it is a bit difficult to remove the actual switch, but it is not. You just need to place the tool in the correct position, press the tab on the side, and then pull it out directly.
This keyboard is advertised as hot-swappable, which means you should be able to unplug and replace the key switch even if it is plugged in.
I want to talk about software. I think my computer skills are above average, although I can find the way I want through the software (such as adjusting the function/alternate key and changing the color setting to my favorite all-white setting), I find it a bit sluggish. This is probably a user error, but the color change especially after clicking “Apply” does not want to persist. The macro setting is very powerful, and the entire package feels that it includes everything except the kitchen sink, good or bad. I think advanced users will appreciate Epomaker’s approach here, but ADHD patients who are eager to quickly set up and move on to the next thing may be a little frustrated and give up snacking repeatedly, I’m not sure where I am doing it.
Although I really like the physical hardware and the small size of the keyboard, it turns out that in my regular workflow, I need too many arrow keys to lose them to the function key layer. I tried to use this keyboard for a few weeks, but it is troublesome to use Excel or other tools every day without dedicated arrow keys. When I combined it with the Epomaker SK1 Number Pad (a single 10-key numeric keypad), it worked well for me.However, at the end of the day, I prefer Epomaker AKKO 3068 keyboard. If you don’t need to delete any keys regularly, I think this will be a great little keyboard.
I don’t plan to conduct a strong waterproof test, but the fact that the device is advertised as weather resistant is a plus for me, and I accidentally spilled more than a small amount of water during the test (I haven’t done it) for many years ). I ditched the keyboard and continued to use it without any problems.
I did miss more keystrokes than average (for example, when typing my name Matt, it usually results in Mat, and I have to go back and fix the spelling mistake). There is no specific key to perform this operation, and this situation is very rare, but it does happen multiple times, always on repeated letters, and often enough to make me notice (perhaps once or twice a day, typing a lot).
what do I like
- Customizable macros and layers (essential for small keyboards)
- The keycap feels good
- Splash/dust proof
What will i change
- Alternate text on keycaps does not display backlight
- Keyboard height and angle are not adjustable
- More missed keystrokes than average
Final thoughts
The Epomaker SK61 keyboard is a high-quality 61-key keyboard. If you are looking for something small and powerful, this will be a good choice. However, I will double check the keyboard layout, if you use some missing keys as often as I do, the space saving may not be worth it.
Price: $78.00 (but currently on Amazon for $58.65)
Where to buy: Amazon
source: The sample for this review is made by Epomaker.
