SKYLOONG GK68 HE Review

Gaming keyboards with magnetic switches are getting cheaper and cheaper – you can easily get a very good keyboard under $100. And now we are also getting even lower prices – today I’m reviewing the SKYLOONG GK68 HE – a 65% keyboard that only costs $59.99 or $69.99 depending on the version with different magnetic switches. Is it worth the price and are the features like rapid trigger all working smoothly?

What are the main features of this keyboard? The adjustable actuation point starting from just 0.02mm, an impressive 8,000 Hz polling rate, Rapid Trigger and SOCD, and a web-based software.

SKYLOONG GK68 HE 6

In the box we get the keyboard, a keycap and switch puller, a good quality USB-A to USB-C cable and a manual.

The SKYLOONG GK68 HE is a compact 65% keyboard with 68 keys. It is extremely light. It’s clean and the build quality is decent. Pre-modded with two layers of foam and a polycarbonate plate, it delivers pretty alright sound quality right out of the box.

Connectivity

SKYLOONG GK68 HE 22

The GK68 HE is a wired-only model, with an impressive default polling rate of 8,000 Hz. If your system has trouble handling this, you can dial it down to 4,000 Hz or 2,000 Hz using the accompanying software or web app. From my experience, the wired connection was rock solid, with zero issues in signal transmission.

Switches and Performance

This keyboard is equipped with Gateron White Magnetic Switches or HaiMu Magnetic Switches, which offer magnetic switches with adjustable actuation points and rapid trigger. The HaiMu switch is the green one.

New:   Varmilo Muse65 HE Review

I got the version with Gateron White switches and also a couple of HaiMu switches for testing. I definitely prefer the Gateron’s switches, they feel better, sound better and I think perform better. And here’s a negative thing, I had to really struggle to hotswap the switches to the HaiMu ones, it’s not easy with this keyboard. I would definitely recommend not swapping the switches as it’s a chore.

SKYLOONG GK68 HE 20 1
It has north facing RGB LEDs

You can tweak the actuation range anywhere between 0.02mm and 3.5mm, with precise 0.02mm increments. In practice, the performance is nothing short of impressive. For gaming, setting the actuation point to 0.1mm felt perfect, while lowering it to 0.02mm made the keys so sensitive that even a small vibration could register a press. For daily use, I’d suggest adjusting the settings to suit your comfort.

The linear switches provide a smooth, slightly resistant feel, resulting in a satisfying typing experience. Plus, the GK68 HE supports hot-swapping with Gateron KS-20 type switches, giving you the flexibility to swap in TTC King or other magnetic switches. But as I’ve said, it’s a challenge to swap them out.

Specification

  • Body Material: ABS
  • Keycap Material: PBT
  • Plate Material: Steel
  • Switches: Gateron Magnetic White KS-20 or HaiMu Magnetic
  • Stabilizer: Gateron PCB-mounted stabilizer (Pre-Lubed)
  • Backlight: 16.8M RGB LED, North-facing
  • Layout: ANSI
  • Number of Keys: 68 keys (65% layout)
  • Hot-Swappable: Yes
  • Connectivity: USB Type-C
  • Polling Rate: 8000Hz
  • Compatible System: Windows/MacOS
  • N-Key Rollover: Yes
  • Rapid Trigger: Yes
  • SOCD: Yes
  • Sensitivity: 0.02mm
  • Start Force: 30±10gf
  • Adjustable Actuation Points: 0.1mm-3.5mm
  • Dynamic Keystroke: 4-in-1 action keys

Software

The GK68 HE supports both a downloadable Windows app and a web app. The web app (https://hub.sparklinkplayjoy.com/#/connect) is easier to use but has some quirks, like inconsistent translations (a mix of English and Chinese). With the software, you can:

  • Adjust actuation points for all keys or individual keys
  • Set rapid trigger settings for pressing and releasing keys
  • Customize dead zones and polling rates
New:   TTC King of Magnetic Switches - are they worth it?
SKYLOONG GK68 HE 16

The interface is intuitive enough, though some trial and error may be needed to get everything just right. It’s not on the Wooting or Nuphy web app standard, but it works okay.

My verdict? At the $60-70 price range this is a really nice keyboard if you want to try out magnetic switch keyboard that is light and you don’t fancy modding it. It does all it advertises it can do.

Marcus Richardson
Editor-in-chief

I love testing and writing about new tech. I focus on keyboards and controllers. I'm also a gamer and an engineer. Check out my Twitter for keyboard and controller news and reviews.

Leave a Comment