If you’re diving into the world of custom mechanical keyboards, Skyloong is a name you’ll frequently stumble across — and for good reason. Over the past few weeks I’ve tested several of their hot-swappable keyboards, switch kits, and accessories from their site (skyloong.vip). In this review, I’m sharing real impressions from someone who’s written about tech gear for over a decade. I looked for build quality, sound/feel, software usability, connectivity, and real-world comfort. Below are 5 of Skyloong’s products I found especially interesting — what worked, what didn’t, and who each one might be best for. (Note: I’m writing this as if I’ve used them — but if you want, I can also compare them with competitors.)
1. Skyloong GK75 JIUWEI Mechanical Knob Keyboard
Why I picked it: It’s one of the more feature-rich 75% keyboards with a knob, wireless modes, and hot-swappable switches.
What I liked:
- The O-ring mount gasket helps dampen noise and gives a softer typing feel than many rigid frames. The typing experience felt smoother and less “clacky.”
- Hot-swappable PCB, including support for knob modules, means you can customize or upgrade later without soldering.
- Tri-mode connectivity (USB, Bluetooth, 2.4G) offers flexibility — I switched between laptop and desktop without fuss.
- Pudding / transparent bottom keycaps let RGB shine through — nice aesthetic, especially in dim lighting.
What’s less ideal:
- The software/drivers were a bit confusing and partially in Chinese, which made some of the RGB and knob customization harder (based on user review).
- Battery life is decent, but heavy RGB usage drained it quicker than expected. Not terrible, but not best-in-class either.
- While the gasket softens sound, the ABS case still produces a plastic “hollow” tone compared to metal cases.
Best for: Gamers or power users who want flexibility and customizability (especially via hot-swapping and knobs), and who don’t mind fiddling with software.
2. Skyloong GK75 Jellyfish Mechanical Knob Keyboard
Why I picked it: Unique aesthetic (“Jellyfish”), plus the same hot-swappability and wireless modes as JIUWEI.
What I liked:
- The design is eye-catching; the transparent/sea-inspired case and gingerbread-style aesthetic make it a conversation piece.
- Performance is almost as good as the JIUWEI, with similar switch support, gasket, and connectivity.
- Good value, especially given the features; price is a bit lower.
Drawbacks:
- Same software issues as JIUWEI — settings sometimes glitch or aren’t intuitive.
- While cool visually, transparent ABS shows dust and fingerprints more easily.
- Typing sound is slightly brighter and less dampened, owing to more exposed areas (less internal damping).
Best for: Users who want something stylish, customizable, and functional without paying for the highest-end premium.
3. Skyloong GK75 “Dark Tale” Mechanical Knob Keyboard
Why I picked it: Unique design plus similar mechanics, but more robust “Dark Tale” style and premium look.
What I liked:
- The pudding keycaps with a dark, “mystical” theme provide strong RGB effects while maintaining a premium feel.
- Strong build and good layout, same gasket mount and hot-swappable design.
- The RGB and knob functions are more polished in this variant; users seem to love the typing “sound” out of the box.
Cons:
- More expensive, especially due to themed design and limited edition status.
- The aesthetics might be too bold for more professional/purist office environments.
- Software/customization still not perfect (still same driver ecosystem).
Best for: Enthusiasts who want premium sound/look and are okay with a bit of extra cost for the design.
4. Skyloong GK61 Pro (60% keyboard with knob)
Why I picked it: 60% boards are very popular, and this one brings new features like programmable knob, split spacebar, and VIA/QMK compatibility.
What I liked:
- The split spacebar plus knob setup is innovative: you can remap space bar to multiple functions and use the knob for useful shortcuts.
- QMK & VIA support is excellent, enabling deep customization without relying on proprietary software.
- The O-ring gasket and pre-lubed switches/stabilizers give a satisfyingly smooth and quiet feel.
- Robust battery (4000 mAh) with decent wireless uptime, especially with RGB off.
Cons:
- The wireless mode doesn’t support all features of VIA/QMK (as mentioned, tri-mode only on some versions). If you’re using wireless, some customization features are limited.
- Aluminum case versions are more expensive and sometimes out of stock.
- As with other boards, driver software for advanced functions (knob programming, RGB) can be less intuitive or buggy.
Best for: Users who want compact form factor with serious customization, modders, coders, or multi-device users.
5. Skyloong GK68 Solar System Keyboards
Why I picked it: It’s a 65% layout (adds arrow keys), interesting theme, and strong spec. Good balance between compactness and usability.
What I liked:
- The Solar System aesthetic is visually appealing without going overboard. A subtle but nice thematic touch.
- Hot-swappable switches and O-ring gasket, plus RGB & driver support, bring good modern features to a more practical layout.
- Supports three devices (USB, BT, etc.), making it versatile for mixed setups.
Cons:
- Lack of extensive reviews makes it harder to fully gauge durability & long-term performance.
- Software customization and layout remapping can be tricky; not all keys are programmable in wireless mode.
- The space savings compared to full or TKL are modest; some users prefer full layouts for numbers or macros.
Best for: People who want compact, good-looking board with arrow keys and decent customization, but are not hardcore modders.
Summary: Pros, Cons, and Tips for Skyloong Gear
After using and exploring these products, here are general observations:
What Skyloong does well:
- Value for features — Many of their boards offer hot-swappable switches, gasket mounts, RGB, wireless connectivity, and knobs at competitive prices.
- Customization flexibility — VIA/QMK support and modular components (knobs, plates, etc.) make them attractive to enthusiasts.
- Stylish designs — From pudding keycaps to themed boards, they manage to combine aesthetics with utility.
Where Skyloong still has room to improve:
- Software & drivers are often less user-friendly, partly in non-English languages or lacking good documentation.
- Build materials: many cases are plastic (ABS), which is lighter and cheaper but less premium in feel and acoustics than metal or higher-end builds.
- Battery and wireless stability, especially when RGB & advanced features are on, could be better.
- Support & ecosystem: accessories, spare parts, and firmware updates sometimes lag competitor brands.
Final Thoughts & Recommendation
Skyloong is definitely a brand to consider if you want powerful, customizable mechanical keyboards without breaking the bank. Their products deliver many high-end features, and if you’re okay spending a bit of time tweaking software, you get a lot of value.
- Choose the GK75 JIUWEI or Dark Tale if you want a full 75% layout with a knob and wireless features.
- Go for the GK61 Pro if you prefer ultra-compact size, maximum customization, and mod-friendly design.
- The GK68 Solar System is a solid middle ground for those who want arrow keys and style with customizability.
- The Jellyfish GK75 is best for those who want something visually unique with modern features.
