Gibkey G68: A Compact Yet Functional Entry-Level Mechanical Keyboard

Watch the unboxing here

📋Summary

The Gibkey G68 is an affordable, feature-rich mechanical keyboard with tri-mode connectivity, RGB lighting, and a hot-swappable switch mechanism. While it may not offer premium build materials or extensive customization, it remains a strong choice for users seeking a versatile and reliable keyboard on a budget.

Pros

• Standard 3/5-Pin Hot-swap sockets instead of rivet sockets

• Tri-mode connectivity (Wired, Bluetooth, 2.4 Ghz)

• Compact 65-key layout

• RGB Backlighting

• Dedicated software for remapping keys and macros

Cons

• Sound dampening could be better with switchpads

• Limited software customizability

• Switches could be better

🌟Key Features

• Hot-Swappable Switches
  The GibKey G68 is equipped with hot-swappable sockets, allowing users to switch out switches without soldering. Whether you prefer tactile feedback or smooth linear actuation, you can easily swap out the stock switches for your preferred type, making customization simple and accessible.

• Wireless Connectivity
  With Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, and wired USB Type-C options, the G68 gives you seamless connectivity across all your devices. Switch between multiple modes effortlessly to ensure a smooth and uninterrupted typing experience, whether on your desktop, tablet, or smartphone.

• RGB Backlight
  Illuminate your desk with customizable RGB lighting! The G68 features vibrant backlighting that not only enhances visibility in low-light environments but also adds a dash of style to your setup. Tweak colors and effects to match your aesthetic or focus on single-color lighting to keep it subtle.

• Durable PBT Keycaps
  Constructed with high-quality PBT keycaps, this keyboard is built to last. Unlike ABS, PBT keycaps resist wear, providing a textured surface that won’t fade or develop a shine over time, even with heavy use.

• Compact 68-Key Layout
  The G68’s 68-key layout strikes a balance between size and functionality. By omitting the numpad, it saves desk space without sacrificing essential keys, making it ideal for gaming, typing, or working on smaller surfaces.

• 3000mAh Battery
  Enjoy extended wireless usage with the G68’s long-lasting 3000mAh battery, designed to keep you typing for hours. Recharge via USB-C when needed, and get back to work or gaming in no time.

• Macro Functionality
  For power users, the G68 supports macro customization, letting you remap keys and assign complex commands to enhance workflow or gaming efficiency.

• Red Switches (Linear)
  The version reviewed here includes Red linear switches, which offer a smooth, quiet keystroke with a low operating force, making it ideal for rapid typing and gaming. With a total travel distance of 4.00mm, these switches provide an excellent response for both beginner and advanced users.

⌨️Variants

The Gibkey G68 comes in 4 colorways and 4 different switches which gives you 16 different combinations.

Colors

• Green

• Purple & White

• Grey & Orange (The one I got)

• Pink

Switches

• Red
  Operating Force: 45 gf
  End Operating Force: 65 gf

  Pre Travel: 2.00mm
  Total Travel: 4.00mm

• Brown
  Operating Force: 50 gf
  End Operating Force: 65 gf

  Pre Travel: 2.00mm
  Total Travel: 4.00mm

• Black
  Operating Force: 60 gf
  End Operating Force: 80 gf

  Pre Travel: 2.00mm
  Total Travel: 4.00mm

• Blue

  Operating Force: 60 gf
  End Operating Force: 65 gf

  Pre Travel: 2.20mm
  Total Travel: 4.00mm

📦 What’s in the Box

The keyboard comes with a pretty standard box.

• GibKey G68 Mechanical Keyboard

• USB Cable (Type A to Type-C)

• Two Spare Switches

• 2-in-1 Keycap and Switch Puller

• User Manual

🏭Build Quality & Design

The keyboard is relatively lightweight, but in its class, it is on the heavier side at 505 grams.

The Gibkey G68 is constructed with a plastic case that, while not premium, feels durable and lightweight. This keyboard has north-facing RGB LEDs, creating vibrant lighting effects that aren’t diminished. The case includes basic foam dampening (case and plate foam) to reduce noise, though it lacks more advanced sound-dampening features.

The overall look is clean and functional, fitting well with minimalistic desk setups, though it's evident that it's aimed at budget users. For added stability, four rubber feet prevent slipping, and the keyboard is angled slightly to facilitate comfortable typing.

Typing on this board feels smooth - but it's apparent that the keyboard is nothing premium. The good thing is that it doesn't try to be one either. The red switches by Jixian aren't lubed but surprisingly, they don't give the scratchy feeling you usually find in budget boards. The case foam does a decent enough job as well, though I imagine if you replaced it with something denser, it would drastically improve the acoustics. The stabilizers are well tuned and greased offering a balanced key press and no pinging either.

The good thing is that the PCB uses standard 3/5-Pin Hot-Swap sockets instead of the standard Rivet ones you find in the competition. That means you can pretty much use any switch on the market with this, increasing the potential of the board.

⌨️Experience

Connectivity

The tri-mode connectivity—USB-C wired, Bluetooth, and 2.4 GHz wireless—is where this keyboard shines for flexibility. It allows seamless switching between devices, with the Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz modes performing well in typical office and home environments. I did not notice any lag while using the 2.4 Ghz wireless and it worked fine for gaming. However, on Bluetooth, the lag was noticeable during a couple of rounds of Black Ops 6, but for office work, users will likely have no issues.

Software

The Macro tab allows you to create multiple macros, export and import them as well. Unfortunately, you can only use the keyboard's inputs for the macros and not mouse clicks or media controls. You do have an option to add delays, though, which is nice.

The second to last tab is titled Music. It keeps the basic image of the keyboard and gives you four options under it - Visualizer Mode dropdown, Amplitude bar, Background mode dropdown and Background brightness bar.

This turns the RGB on the keyboard into a visualizer based on the audio output of the device it's connected to. This makes it the 16th RGB mode that is available.

Overall, the software performs well with no crashes and always detects the keyboard as long as it is connected with the cable.

The software is only available for Windows, and while it isn't polished when it comes to the interface, it is functional and gets the job done. It's important to note that the software only works over USB.

When you launch it, you land on the "Home" tab, which doesn't have any functionality as far as I could tell. The second tab is titled "Device" and provides the option to remap keys, adjust lighting and change profiles. By default there are only 3 profiles, but you can add more and even export/import profiles. If you remap the keys, it takes effect immediately.

For the RGB, there are 15 prebuilt modes and an option to set a custom effect as well. In the custom effect, you have to select individual keys and then set the color. Unfortunately, there's no option to select multiple keys or all of them together.

The last tab is the Setting. It allows you to disable Windows key, Alt + Tab and Alt + F4 - Essentially the keys and shortcuts that may cause a disruption during gameplay.

There's also an option to reset the keyboard back to factory settings.

👍 Verdict

For its price, the Gibkey G68 provides a balanced offering with solid typing performance, flexible connectivity, and basic customization options. It lacks high-end build quality and extensive software integration, but for budget users or beginners looking to explore mechanical keyboards, it’s an excellent starting point.