However, it’s a wired-only keyboard, which may not be suitable for those who prefer a clutter-free look.
CyberPowerPC CK60 Gaming Keyboard
The CK60 is a sleek, minimal, and impressive mechanical gaming keyboard for those who want a fully customizable experience on an elegant, single-piece aluminum base.
The CyberPowerPC CK60 is a highly responsive keyboard, making it great for gaming and typing. It boasts a 1000Hz polling rate (what is polling rate and why does it matter?) and can handle even the most demanding tasks.
Beyond the impressive hardware, the CK60 has several neat software-driven abilities. you may modify the extensive RGB features using the free companion app for Windows, as well as change macros, set up quick commands, and dial in detailed settings.
Design and Specs: Heavy TKL
The CyberPowerPC CK60 is a heavy piece of gear weighing nearly 3 pounds (1.27kg). Whether you have a deskpad or not (why you should have a deskpad), this keyboard will sit where you want it on your desk without moving unless you intentionally move it. This stability is helpful for those intense gaming sessions where you mash the keyboard. Compared to one of my favorite keyboards (the Logitech MX Mechanical Mini), the CK60 is significantly heavier and focused on gaming. As a 60% TKL ANSI keyboard, it’s a perfect size for those who don’t need a full number pad or specialty keys. This mechanical keyboard is ideal for those who prefer a discreet look as it doesn’t give off the typical gamer appearance.
Instead of dressing the keyboard with a thousand flashy colors, the CyberPowerPC CK60 brings sleek minimalism.
The CK60 has a gold aluminum baseplate that can be laser-etched with unique graphics, phrases, or designs to customize your masterpiece further. The base is made of a single piece of aluminum, weighing around three pounds. This weight and the rubber feet keep the keyboard stable on any surface, preventing sliding and ensuring accuracy. The solid aluminum base also makes it more durable, with fewer areas where the keyboard can fail.
Compared to the Logitech G Pro X or theSteelSeries Apex Pro (our review), the CK60 is as easy to customize. However, the CK60 does not have the adjustable actuation that some keyboards do.
One thing to note is that this is a Windows layout keyboard only, not a Mac. However, that does not mean this keyboard is limiting—you can modify the keyboard’s custom settings by utilizing the CK60 app. You can set the keyboard RGB lighting to react to your typing in several patterns or a random color effect. You can also change specific keys to map to whatever button you wish and even import custom macros.
Customization: Swappable Keycaps and Switches
The unboxing experience was pretty simple. You’ll find the keyboard, a USB-A to USB-C cable, a tool to help remove the keycaps and switches, and proper documentation in the box. The setup was just as easy. I only needed to download the companion application for customized settings.
CyberPowerPC sends it pre-assembled, and there are two primary ordering options: you can either customize it from the factory or purchase a pre-built setup. Regardless of your choice, both setups are fantastic and customizable once you receive them.
The CyberPowerPC CK60 keyboard offers a simple design with various customization options. This keyboard is fully hot-swappable, allowing you to remove and replace each keycap. So, if you want to change the colors of specific keys, like WASD or other vital keys for individual games, you’re able to quickly identify them by changing keycaps.Hot-swappable keyboards are great for gaming.
you’re able to also replace each switch below the keycap using the included tool. Changing the switches can dramatically change the feel of the keyboard. Some switches are spongy and quiet, some are clacky and loud, some are the reasonable middle ground, and others are great for sound-dampening the keys.
The model I’m testing came with Gateron Red Linear Switches. These switches are designed to increase typing speed and fluidity overall. Whilethere are many different switch types, Red linear switches are a comfortable experience for most. CyberPowerPC claims that the CK60 produces a satisfying “thocky” sound due to the high-density foam integrated into the keyboard’s design.
If you use your keyboard for typing, you may want all letters to feel the same. Meanwhile, gamers may wish for specialty gaming keys to feel and look differently for quick visual reference. CyberPowerPC uses a hot-swappable RGB PCB that is so user-friendly that even my 4-year-old son could swap the switches and keycaps for me, like Lego bricks.
The CK60 quite impressive overall. If you are not accustomed to mechanical keyboards, getting used to the mechanical typing experience may take a bit. However, once you adjust, you will likely notice an improvement in your typing accuracy and speed. This particular keyboard is no exception. It boasts a 1000Hz polling rate, which means it’s incredibly responsive to user input. I have thoroughly enjoyed typing on this keyboard while writing this review and working on emails and other daily tasks. Yet, where this keyboard truly shines is, of course, in gaming.
Gaming on the CK60: 1000Hz Feels Like an Instant Upgrade
When it comes to gaming on this keyboard, I’ve become highly accurate and responsive, as though my frame rate and overall processing power have increased, but all that has changed has been the keyboard. This quick response time may not be noticed in basic games, but in fast-paced FPS shooters, immersive RPGs, or chaotic battle royale games, it has been fantastic.
I love the clicking sound, and it does not bother me. But, if your gaming setup is in a shared space or you’re a late-night gamer and others are around trying to sleep, the louder, clackier keyboards may not fit you. In this use case, I suggest getting some switches with a bit of a dampening on sound. Some great options would be brown orspecialty switches marked “silent”, while still having the feel of other standard switches.
If you are a hardcore, casual, or beginner gamer looking for a quality keyboard for your gaming setup, this is one you want to check out and try for yourself. If you aren’t a gamer, be warned that this keyboard is quite hefty and will want to stay sat in the same place on your desk. If you move the keyboard around a lot, it will take more effort than a standard keyboard. However, depending on how much you value a quality mechanical typing experience, it may be worth it.
The CyberPowerPC CK60 is an excellent mechanical gaming keyboard, especially for those who want high performance and quality build without spending too much. At $149, it’s in a fantastic position of being affordable while still having all the previously mentioned features. The level of customization, balanced with the performance of a high-end keyboard, makes the CK60 a worthy contender in the lineup of great mechanical gaming keyboards.
