Geeky GK61 SE Review — Best $25 True 60% Keyboard

Quick Specs

Source: Geeky GK61 SE product page

The Geeky GK61 SE is as cheap as 60% mechanical keyboards get without sacrificing the fundamentals. At $25, it is a true 61-key layout with optical switches, RGB lighting, and USB-C. No compromises on the core form factor, just lower-grade materials to hit the price.

The true 60% layout is the whole point of this board. No hidden arrow keys, no extra rows, no workarounds. You get a compact footprint that maximizes desk space and mouse room. That is what the 60% format is for, and the GK61 SE delivers it at the lowest possible entry price.

Optical switches are a genuine advantage at $25. Most budget mechanical keyboards use knockoff mechanical switches that feel scratchy. Optical switches register on a light beam, which makes them inherently smoother and faster than basic contact-based switches. The RGB lighting works well and covers enough modes to match most setups.

The USB-C connection is the right choice for a modern keyboard. The cable is detachable, which is not universal at this price. The board works plug-and-play on Windows, Mac, and Linux without drivers, which removes one common source of frustration with budget peripherals.

Where the GK61 SE shows its price: ABS keycaps that will shine with use, no hot-swap (switch swaps require soldering), and a plasticky case that flexes more than premium boards. The modding community around this keyboard is large, which helps if you want to improve it over time with lubed switches and aftermarket keycaps.

Verdict

The GK61 SE is the entry point for 60% keyboards. It covers the basics well, has a strong modding community behind it, and costs $25. A great first compact board.