Skyloong GK980+ metal version three-mode keyboard evaluation: class 98 also has new ways

Today's mechanical keyboard products not only meet the daily input needs of users, but also bring more gameplay and fun. From RGB backlight to today's three-mode hot-swappable, it also further meets the preferences and needs of different user groups. Skyloong, which has attracted much attention with its innovative structure of "LiteGasket", has also launched new gameplays such as "whirlwind axis" and "split space" this year, which have a high degree of DIY fun and have also attracted the attention of many users. Recently, Skyloong launched the GK980+ metal version of the three-mode keyboard based on the existing products. Let’s take a look with the author.

Packaging & Accessories:

The outer packaging is designed in a dark blue minimalist style. The product model and product gameplay display are provided on the packaging, and the keyboard-related information is provided on the back through stickers. In terms of accessories, it provides a transparent dust cover, supplementary keycaps, key puller, USB Type-C aviation plug-in cable, blank replacement panel, two replacement knobs, and screws for adjusting the feel, silicone cushions, manuals, promotional cards And other paper jams, the accessories are still very rich, which can better meet the user's adjustment needs for the different functions of the keyboard.

外观&细节：

The Skyloong GK980+ metal version of the three-mode keyboard adopts a 98-like arrangement scheme, and is different from the common 98 arrangement in terms of key position processing. The F area adopts a thinner interval treatment. In addition to the regular F1~F12 keys, an additional button is added; the regular four buttons on the right are replaced by four function knobs; the ESC button adopts a ladder scheme. , to reduce the problem of false touches caused by shortened key positions, the design concept and processing ideas are still very good. The metal version of GK980+ adopts a gray all-aluminum cover, and the surface is sandblasted. With the chamfering treatment on the corners, it has a good performance in terms of appearance and texture. With a body size of 392mm×144mm×44mm, it will not take up too much space on the desktop. The gray metal cover and the aviation plug-in cable made of braided wire can also improve the texture of the table and bring users a better look and feel. Performance.

There are four function knobs in the upper right corner. The knobs are hat-shaped and made of metal. The upper half has fine anti-slip textures and has a good tactile performance. The damping sense of the four knobs is moderate, the scale sense is relatively clear and fine, and the handle feedback processing is relatively good. The four knobs provide two operation functions of rotating and pressing, and support volume adjustment and mute, zoom in and out and ESC, light effect speed adjustment and light effect pause, light brightness adjustment and turn on/off light, and the functions are relatively complete. Yes, the user can also adjust the function of the knob through the drive to better meet personal needs. In addition to the default four knobs, users can also purchase knob kits to add two knobs to the ESC and DEL, or replace the existing knobs to the corresponding keys, which can better adapt to personal habits and have more advantages. High autonomy, the performance is still very good.

On the left side of the numeric keypad, there are also three status indicator lights, which correspond to the status of the numeric keypad, uppercase and lowercase status, and multi-status indicators. The brightness of the lights is moderate, and it is very convenient to identify them. At the same time, before the keyboard is about to enter sleep mode, the lights will automatically dim, and it is still very convenient to tell whether the keyboard is working normally in the wireless state.

The overall style of the bottom is consistent with the GK75 three-mode keyboard we reviewed before. There are long strips of non-slip foot pads at the four corners and under the space to ensure the stability of the placement, and the feedback on the touch of the space is also improved to a certain extent. The indented area on the right side provides the manufacturer's QR code, receiver storage slot and USB Type-C interface, and provides a three-way outlet solution, which is convenient for users to handle the direction of wires according to their personal desktop layout. The two-stage support feet on both sides can also allow most users to find a more suitable input angle, ensuring input comfort and reducing fatigue after long-term use. The middle position of the keyboard also provides a switch between connection mode and system mode, which is convenient for users to quickly switch according to personal habits and usage scenarios. At the same time, the bottom case is treated with a semi-transparent material, which can improve the connection stability and anti-interference performance in the wireless state, which is very thoughtful.

键帽&轴体：

The Skyloong GK980+ metal version of the three-mode keyboard is still equipped with the Glacier series of switches, and the selection of switch types is still very rich, which can meet the different preferences of users for different switches. The keyboard I got is equipped with Glacier Red Switches, and the large key position is Glacier Rose Switches, which are linear feel and advanced large paragraph feel schemes respectively. The total stroke of the Glacier Red Switch is 3.80mm, and the trigger stroke is 1.50-2.00mm. The trigger force is 48~52GF, the total stroke of the glacier rose axis is 3.80mm, the trigger stroke is 2.00mm, and the trigger force is 65GF. The former feels light and smooth, while the latter has a certain resistance at the beginning of pressing. It is a touch to the end, and the two shafts are good in handling feedback. The large key position adopts the satellite axis scheme, and the feel adjustment is simple and neat. With the advance large paragraph feel, some false touches can also be avoided. At the same time, the position of the space bar supports switching to the three-key mode. With the key change function of the driver software, it can provide users with more available keys, improve input comfort, and relieve fatigue caused by long-term use.

This keyboard supports the full-key hot-swappable solution, and the hole position is compatible with mainstream MX switches such as tripod switches and pentapod switches. Users can easily and quickly replace their favorite switches with excellent playability. The LiteGasket structure scheme is also not absent. Under the PC positioning plate, it provides an integrated silicone sandwich structure with an integrated shaft underlayment, which can improve the knocking feel of the shaft body and reduce knocking noise. It can also be filtered out with the sound-absorbing cotton of the bottom shell. Most of the cavity sound and other noises can improve the percussion feedback and sound performance, further optimizing the user experience. At the same time, this keyboard also supports the "whirlwind axis" gameplay. Users can purchase hot-swappable knob modules to add knob function keys to the keyboard, or replace and adjust the existing layout, so that the keyboard can achieve more operating functions The keyboard is both fun and practical.

The key cap part provides a set of PBT key caps with OEM height, which are made by two-color injection molding process, and do not support characters with light transmission and closed character technology. The overall workmanship and details of the keycaps are in place, the edges are smooth without burrs, and there are no problems such as bending of large keys such as the space bar. The keycap has a moderate curvature, which can bring a good wrapping feeling to the user's fingertips. With the dry and delicate touch of the PBT material, the tactile feedback and comfort can be improved to a certain extent. The PBT material also has good wear resistance and anti-greasing performance, which can further improve the overall service life of the keycap, and the overall performance is very good.

RGB backlight:

The keyboard has built-in a variety of lighting effect modes. Through the FN combination button, you can realize the functions of turning on/off the light and pausing the light effect. At the same time, it also provides the functions of adjusting the light brightness and light speed. The driver software can also realize more lighting games. This keyboard is equipped with a PC positioning board, and its overall light transmission performance is slightly better than the GK75 three-mode keyboard we reviewed before. Although it is equipped with a set of opaque keycaps, the overall lighting looks soft and even, and the colors are gorgeous , the keycap gap is completely filled with lights, and the look and feel is still very good. Rich lighting effects and good lighting brightness performance can also meet the needs of most RGB lighting lovers.

Driver settings:

Through the driver software, users can also realize more customized functions for keyboard key functions and lights. The driver page is simple and intuitive, divided into function settings, lighting library and macro management. In function settings, users can customize key functions and keys. You can change the settings for individual lights, and there are also rich options for selection in the pre-selection column below. The knob part also provides a variety of operation modes for users to choose, and the operation setting is relatively simple. About 163 lighting effect modes are preset in the lighting library, which further enriches the lighting options of the keyboard. Users can change the lighting effect mode according to personal preferences; The game button scheme is convenient for users to set and use. The driver also supports keyword search, which allows users to find the options they want to adjust quickly and conveniently, which is very user-friendly.

Use test:

The Skyloong GK980+ metal version of the three-mode keyboard is also equipped with the unique "whirlwind switch" function. The keyboard provides six keys to support the detachable knob switch module. Except for the existing four keys, ESC is the same as the DEL next to the knob. This module is supported. Users can purchase the corresponding knob switch module to replace the key functions, cooperate with the driver software to make the knob support the functions they want, and further enrich the operation functions and gameplay of the keyboard. At the same time, in addition to supporting conventional rotation adjustment, the knob switch module also provides a press function, which can increase the rotation adjustment function of the key position on the basis of retaining the original key position function, so that one key position can realize three functions. Provide more gameplay and functional experience. Users can also distinguish the function of the knob through the knob caps of different shapes, and the details are considered very thoughtful. However, the four knob modules in the upper right corner need to be disassembled to remove the keyboard, which still needs to be optimized.

In terms of basic functions, this keyboard provides mainstream wired, 2.4G wireless, and Bluetooth three-mode connection solutions. All three connection modes support full-key no-click, and it is more handy to deal with various usage scenarios. The fuselage adopts a built-in lithium battery solution. The 4000mAh lithium battery can provide up to 160 hours of battery life in the 2.4G mode without turning on the light, which is enough to meet the daily use of users. The convenient USB type-C interface and side charging While using technology, it is more at ease to use. This keyboard also provides a wealth of combined key functions and Win/Mac OS dual-system key adaptation. It is very friendly to users of multiple systems and devices, and can better adapt to different usage scenarios and satisfy users. Different usage requirements further enhance the user experience.

Summarize:

The Skyloong GK980+ metal version of the three-mode keyboard is built based on the 98-like arrangement, and is equipped with three patented solutions of Skyloong's LiteGasket structure, "whirlwind axis" and split space module, which further enriches the user's experience and fun of playing. It can also bring higher convenience performance, and with the feature-rich driver software, it can also allow users to easily create their own keyboard, and the overall performance is still very good. This keyboard currently has a variety of themed keycaps and a rich choice of shafts. Interested users may wish to pay attention.

The author declares that there is interest in this article, please respect the author and the content shared, communicate friendly, and make rational decisions~