The Cidoo QK61 stands out in the world of 60% mechanical keyboards, bringing a satisfying blend of aesthetics, performance, and budget-friendliness. Straight out of the box, this keyboard impresses with its lively typing sounds and solid build, making it a joy for casual typing and gaming. With a unique gasket mount design, double-shot PBT keycaps, and customizable RGB lighting, the QK61 delivers an experience that feels premium despite its affordable price tag. Whether you’re into sleek, minimalistic designs or you’re after a keyboard that packs in flexibility with wired and wireless modes, this one checks all the boxes. Let’s dive deeper into what makes this keyboard a budget-friendly banger.
Unboxing Experience
Right from unboxing, the Cidoo QK61 makes a strong impression. You get everything inside the box: a USB Type-C cable, a keycap and switch puller, the 2.4GHz wireless dongle, and an instruction manual. Of course, the main star is the QK61 keyboard itself, neatly packed and ready to impress.
The keyboard comes in two color options: a clean white and a black with pink transparent keycaps. I opted for the white version, and I must say, the transparent keycaps look stunning.
Design and Build
The Cidoo QK61 has a sleek, minimalistic design that appeals to lovers of 60% mechanical keyboards. Made predominantly from plastic, it stands out in an era dominated by metal-bodied keyboards, offering a unique “plastic fantastic” vibe. This keyboard feels robust with a thick frame, which prevents it from feeling cheap despite its affordable price tag.
The keycaps are a highlight, featuring double-shot Cherry profile PBT material with extra transparent polycarbonate keycaps, offering a striking aesthetic, especially when paired with the out-facing RGB backlighting. There are two color options available: a classic white version and a bold black version with pink transparent keycaps, catering to different style preferences.
The plate-mounted stabilizers require slight tuning, as there is a minimal rattle during typing. However, the keyboard has a well-damped acoustic experience, aided by five layers of sound-improving materials, including sandwich foam, bottom foam, and a silicone dampener. This ensures that typing on the QK61 produces a poppy, satisfying sound—one that feels quite distinct from its metal-bodied counterparts.
Built with a gasket-mounted structure and a PC plate, the keyboard also offers a satisfying bounce and flex while typing, making it comfortable for long typing sessions. For its price, this compact 60% keyboard feels sturdy, and well-made, and offers a satisfying balance between aesthetics and performance.
Connectivity
The Cidoo QK61 is a versatile 60% mechanical keyboard that offers both wired and wireless connectivity options. It features a dry mode connection, allowing users to switch between wired USB-C and Bluetooth wireless modes seamlessly. This flexibility makes it an excellent choice for users who need a compact keyboard for various setups, whether at home, in the office, or on the go. The Bluetooth connectivity is particularly beneficial for those who use multiple devices, as the QK61 can easily connect to smartphones, tablets, and laptops.
Moreover, the QK61’s compatibility with VIA software allows for extensive customization options. Users can download the necessary JSON file from Cidoo’s website to fully configure key functions and macros, ensuring a personalized typing experience. This level of customization makes the QK61 not just a practical tool but also a delightful gadget for keyboard enthusiasts who enjoy tinkering with settings to enhance their workflow.
RGB lighting
The keyboard’s RGB lighting is another standout feature, enhancing both its aesthetic appeal and usability. Users can easily control the RGB effects with simple keyboard shortcuts, such as pressing the function plus the spacebar to toggle the lights on or off. The vibrant LED backlighting shines through the transparent keycaps, creating a stunning visual display that can be customized to suit individual preferences. With various ambient light modes accessible via function plus Z or X, users can tailor the keyboard’s lighting to match their mood or workspace.
Switches
The CIDOO Pearl White Linear Switches included with the QK61 keyboard are a major highlight, designed to enhance your typing and gaming experience. These switches are hot-swappable, which allows users to easily swap them with other 3-pin or 5-pin mechanical switches, including Cherry, Gateron, and Kailh, making the QK61 highly versatile.
What sets the Pearl White switches apart is their smoothness and satisfying feel right out of the box. Pre-lubed for a smoother keypress, they provide a balanced 40g actuation force, making them light and easy to press without compromising on tactile satisfaction. While they’re marketed as linear switches, the sound and feedback they produce have a lively, “poppy” effect, enhancing the overall typing experience with a touch of liveliness.
The Pearl White switches are known for their satisfying sound, but some users may find them a bit on the louder side. For those seeking a quieter experience, additional lubing or switching to quieter alternatives can help. However, the stock experience is perfectly tuned for both gaming and typing, striking a great balance between comfort and precision. Overall, these switches deliver an impressive combination of responsiveness and durability.
Battery
The Cidoo QK61 comes with a robust 3000mAh battery, making it an excellent choice for extended use in wireless mode. With this sizable capacity, you can expect days of uninterrupted typing or gaming before needing to recharge. Whether you’re connected via Bluetooth to a smartphone, tablet, or laptop, or using the 2.4GHz wireless mode, the battery life remains impressive. To check the battery status, you simply press Function + Right Shift, and you’ll see a red light on the left shift key when charging. Once fully charged, the light disappears, indicating the battery is ready to go. Given its compact size, the QK61’s battery performance stands out, supporting your wireless needs without frequent charging.
Charging is straightforward with the USB Type-C port, providing fast and efficient power-up when needed. For those who use their keyboard extensively, this battery capacity offers peace of mind, whether you’re working from a coffee shop or gaming at home. At its price point, the QK61’s battery life significantly contributes to its value, making it a competitive option among other 60% mechanical keyboards.
Verdict and Experience
The Cidoo QK61 delivers an outstanding balance of features, performance, and value, especially considering its price under $60. The compact and sleek design is not only eye-catching but also highly functional, offering a smooth and satisfying typing experience. The gasket mount, silicone dampening, and multi-layer sound improvement materials create delightful auditory and tactile feedback. While there is a minor rattle in the stabilizers, a bit of tuning can easily fix it. The RGB lighting, hot-swappable PCB, and wireless connectivity options further elevate this keyboard, making it perfect for both beginners and seasoned enthusiasts who love 60% mechanical keyboards.
Using the Cidoo QK61 has been nothing short of amazing. The compact, minimalistic design is both stylish and practical, making it ideal for work or casual use. The smooth and responsive Pearl White Linear switches offer a delightful typing experience, with the poppy sound adding a fun, talkative vibe. It’s the loudest and happiest keyboard I’ve ever used, and the bounce from the gasket mount enhances the feel. While the stabilizers need a bit of adjustment, the overall sound and performance right out of the box are incredibly satisfying. It’s become my go-to keyboard, especially for those times when I need a break from the more serious metal-case builds.
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