CIDOO QK61 – Review


CIDOO QK61
CIDOO QK61

CIDOO QK61

| Mechanical Keyboard | 60% | Hot-Swappable | Wireless/Wired | QMK/VIA |


CIDOO QK61, a new budget-friendly, compact gaming keyboard from CIDOO.





If you have been keeping track, you might have noticed that we have reviewed most of the current models from CIDOO and mostly the V series (CIDOO V75, CIDOO V68, CIDOO V65, CIDOO V21) but CIDOO does not only make CIDOO V models, they also have other budget-friendly lines such as the ABM (like the CIDOO ABM066 that we reviewed long time ago) and the QK series that include the CIDOO QK61 that we are reviewing in this article.

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CIDOO QK61 Review

Tests & Scores


Scores Scores

CIDOO QK61 Scores

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A

ACCESSORIES & PACKAGING
gramophone-256603.75/5

The CIDOO QK61 comes inside a simpler packaging than the CIDOO V series but it is still inline with most modern keyboards (like Epomaker Tide75, Epomaker EK98, Akko MU01 Mountain Seclusion) and even better than what we have seen on the Ajazz AK820 MAX HE, Ajazz AK870, Ajazz AK820 Pro and Ajazz AK820 Max (non-HE)

With the keyboard you will also get:

• 2 extra keycaps
• USB-C cable
• Keycap/switch puller


D

DESIGN
gramophone-256604.5/5

The CIDOO QK61 is a much smaller offering by the brand to empower its efficiency for smaller desk environments, gaming purposes and on-the-go use.

Specifically, the CIDOO QK61 has a 60% layout with no extra knobs, display screens, status lights nor added bells and whistles.

The case makes use of a frosted, semi translucent material that allows partial shine-through effects of the RGB lights of the board. As soon as you plug/turn on the keyboard you will also see a nice strip light accent on the left edge of the case that can be seen on the top and also side angles.



On the bottom, the keyboard includes a 2-step adjustable kickstand and 4 long, very rubberized feet.

The back edge of the keyboard carries a dedicated slot for the wireless dongle, the switch for selecting the connection mode and the USB-C port for wired use and charging.

Overall, the CIDOO QK61 has a minimalistic approach but with some personal design elements that make it look modern and fun.

The CIDOO QK61 is available in 2 different colors:
• CIDOO QK61 black
• CIDOO QK61 white


CB

CONSTRUCTION & BUILD
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The CIDOO QK61 might not be a metal keyboard but the plastics used for the frosted case feel similar or even better than premium plastic keyboards (Akko MOD007, AKKO Anniversary Edition)

In addition to this, the keyboard is constructed with premium components like a gasket mount structure, polycarbonate plate, five dampening layers (PET, IXPE, dual Foam, Silicone) and plate mounted stabilizers.

Moreover, the board of the CIDOO QK61 is hot-swappable with nearly any 3-pin and 5-pin mechanical switch on the market, without needing to be soldered.


KC

KEYCAPS
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The keyboards comes pre-assembled with a keycap set made of quality PBT with 2 extra transparent polycarbonate ones (ESC and Enter) – the keyboard includes also these 2 keycap in non-transparent PBT if you wish to switch them.

The PBT keycaps have an unexpectedly premium build and thickness and a characteristic sandy finish that empowers the anti-slippery properties while remaining pleasant to the touch.

The keycaps set of the black version of the CIDOO QK61 have a full-black keycaps body with white fonts, which make a popping contrast that becomes very efficiently readable in any lighting condition.


SW

SWITCHES
gramophone-25660
4/5

The CIDOO QK61 comes preassembled with CIDOO Pear White linear switches, these are different from the typical CIDOO Matte switches found on the V series and offers a clearly different experience.

In fact, the CIDOO Pearl White have a faster and lighter nature (40g); which makes absolutely sense with the gaming main purpose and design of the CIDOO QK61.

To date, the CIDOO QK61 does not offer any other pre-assembled switches options but you can easily replace them on your own whenever wanted, as it has a hot-swappable board.


CON

CONNECTIVITY
gramophone-256604.75/5

Despite being a small, 60% keyboard with super affordable price, the QK61 is a tri-mode keyboard that can be used wired and wirelessly.

Not only this, but the CIDOO also offers 2 wireless modes; through Bluetooth or using the more efficient 2.4G wireless tech with the included dongle.

 


P&E

PERFORMANCE & USE

TYPING
4.5/5

The nice keycaps, switches feel and sound profile in a compact keyboard, made the CIDOO QK61 a whole lot of fun to use for daily typing and everyday tasks.

GAMING
4.75/5

60% keyboards are the most sought after layout for gaming due to its compact but highly usable form factor that can adapt to any desk setup and maximize the free space for your mouse movement.

On top of that the CIDOO QK61 offers gaming specs like:

• Wired and 2,4G wireless
• Hot-swappable
• NKRO

PRODUCTIVITY
4/5

For general productivity tasks and normal typing work, the CIDOO can fulfill the needs, yet keeping its footprint as small as possible.

Users looking for an on-the-go keyboard to use while travelling can have a compact and portable companion with the CIDOO QK61, yet the lower amount of keys and lack of arrow keys and a knob can limit the uses of heavy business work.

TABLET/MOBILE
4.75/5

A 60% keyboard like the CIDOO QK61 that is able to offer Bluetooth connection and light but excellent build can be an wise choice for mobile setups.

CIDOO QK61
CIDOO QK61

L

LIGHTING
gramophone-256604.5/5

The frosted case, special transparent keys and strip light on the corner of the unit makes this keyboard significantly nicer to the eye.

At the same time, these design elements make better use of the RGB LED lights to embellish its looks.


S

SOUND
gramophone-256605/5

The CIDOO QK61 could be defined as a premium clacky-poppy sounding keyboard with a seasoning of thock.

Overall the sound quality is excellent and way more refined than other compact and gaming keyboards reviewed so far – the QK61 will always respond with zero resonance or echo noises.

Furthermore, the stabilizers have shown impeccable lubing from factory making keys like the spacebar and shift to perform rattle-free and with no mushiness.


SW

SOFTWARE
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The CIDOO QK61 can be programmed through VIA, either online on a Web browser or by download the VIA app.

It is quite unusual to see a keyboard with the asking price of the CIDOO QK61 to be VIA programmable, this allows the full potential and freedom of VIA environment to fully customized and reprogrammed while saving everything in the on-board memory and not needing any background software to be constantly running.


B

BATTERY
gramophone-256603.75/5

With a battery capacity of 3000mAh, the CIDOO QK61 offers a fairly standard battery size but a bit smaller than others.


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Specifications

CIDOO QK61 Technical Specifications

MODEL
CIDOO QK61
Layout
65% (67 Keys)
Connectivity
Wired, 2.4GHz Wireless, Bluetooth
Battery
3000mAh
Keycaps Profile
Cherry
Keycaps Material
Double Shot PBT with 2 Transparent PC Keycaps
Plate Material
Polycarbonate (PC)
Mounting Style
Gasket mount
Stabilizers
Pre-lubed Plate-mount stabilizers
Hotswappable
Yes, compatible with 3-pin and 5-pin switches
RGB
South-facing LEDs
Dimensions
Compact 60% design
Typing Angle
Comfortable for long sessions
Inside the Box
• CIDOO QK61 Keyboard
• USB Cable
• Keycap/Switch Puller
• Instruction Manual
2.4G Dongle


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CIDOO QK61

8.9

SCORE

8.9/10