Usage & Final Thoughts
I have been using the SK621 for the past few weeks and I can tell you it is definitely different than most keyboards I’ve used. The first thing is that you are going to need to get used to the 60% layout. It is very compact and you are losing quite a lot of keys. On this keyboard I kept accidentally hitting the right Del button and it was weird thinking that each of the keys in the top row actually have three functions. But after a few days I was typing away.
The next thing you are going to have to get used to is the design of this keyboard. Besides using the Cooler Master SK630, I’ve primarily used gaming keyboards, which are very different from the low-profile design of Cooler Master SK Series. Even though the keyboard has a slight angle to it the keys are pretty much flat, which is a big change from a gaming keyboard. Even though Cooler Master has redesigned the key caps to be more contoured they still are pretty flat in my opinion. So I still ended up accidentally hitting different keys when typing.
That aside typing on the SK621 is a very enjoyable experience. The Cherry MX low-profile switches feel great and the keyboard has no flex in it at all. Many people have asked after our review of the SK630 if these keyboards feel like a laptop keyboard and the answer is no. They are not designed to feel like a laptop keyboard at all. If you are looking for something like that check out the Logitech Craft. Most laptop keyboard use a scissor switch, which feels nothing like a mechanical key switch and these switches have a much longer travel distance as well. For those thinking this might be a good gaming keyboard I really cannot recommend a keyboard this size for a gaming keyboard, also the flat design of the keys really does not lend itself to gaming well at all.
Besides the 60% layout the big change with the SK621 is that it is a hybrid keyboard, so you can use it in wired or Bluetooth mode. Testing the keyboard on Bluetooth it is very responsive and we did not notice any input lag. As this keyboard is not a gaming keyboard you do not get an included dongle to offer 2.4 GHz connectivity (like Corsair’s SlipStream technology). I think for most people using this keyboard in wireless mode they shouldn’t encounter any issues. It was a bummer we could not customize the keyboard using software in wireless mode though. Just like the SK630 they are using a detachable USB-C cable for wired mode, which makes connecting things very easy. I also like the Cooler Master does include a small bag to put the SK621 when you are traveling with it.
Right now you can pick this keyboard up at our favorite online retailer for $119.99, which is in the price-range of other 60% mechanical keyboards out there from major brands. I think that the SK621 is definitely for a certain type of user, but if the layout will work for you this keyboard is going to look beautiful on your desk! Overall ThinkComputers gives the Cooler Master SK621 Low Profile Keyboard a 9 out of 10 score.
Pros:
– Unique 60% layout
– Low-profile design with Cherry MX low-profile switches
– Full RGB backlighting
– Beautiful design
– Hybrid keyboard, can be used in wired or wireless mode
Cons:
– Cannot use software in wireless mode
– Should be able to remap keys to launch programs and perform Windows commands
