Gamakay TK101 review: impressive connectivity options and mechanical performance, but lacking features
Why You Can Trust Techradar
We spend hours testing every product or service we review so you can make sure you buy the best product. Learn more about how we test it.
Gamakay TK101: One Minute Comment
The Gamakay TK101 is a wireless mechanical keyboard that is affordable. It adopts a more retro aesthetic that reminiscent of an old-style mechanical keyboard. Colored keychains do help increase interest, and their rounded edges are attractive.
Since they are made of double rod PBT, they feel good too. Their texture is light and satisfying and is higher than you would expect at this price point. In fact, the entire structure of the TK101 is admirable.
Given its small layout, the chassis is very thick and quite heavy. However, it was a shame that I had to bend my wrist most of the time.
Although you can perform various shortcuts with FN and other keys, the key itself has no tags for these extra features, so you have to refer to the manual. More importantly, with many The best wireless keyboard, There is no custom software, which means there is a lack of more advanced tweaks. This makes tweaking to the game possible.
I have devices with haptic switches and although I find them satisfactorily using their suppression and lubrication, they are heavy and not as lively as I am with the game. For typing, I find the MDA profile of the keychain is too thick, as I usually prefer low-key laptop-style keys. Even though Gamakay claims, I didn’t find them quiet either.
Connecting to multiple devices is easy, and quick switching shortcuts work well. In addition to devices connected via the included 2.4GHz wireless dongle or USB cable, up to three Bluetooth devices can be switched between them.
Although I couldn’t completely drain the battery during the TK101 time, the usage dropped to about 50% in a few days, which wasn’t an impressive performance.
For the price, the TK101 exceeds its weight due to its advanced construction and hardware. However, I found that the tactile switching was too heavy and the lack of customization would hurt it. If you’re looking for a keyboard that’s even lower-priced but has a higher performance, KeyChron C3 Pro It’s a good choice for something more game-oriented, Logitech The G213 prodigy may be a better choice.
Gamakay TK101 Review: Price and Availability
- $89/£76/au $150
- There are now a variety of colors available
- Good price, but some cheap alternatives
Priced at $89/£76/au $150, the Gamakay TK101 is now available in three colors: White & Gray, Black & Red, and Cyan & Gray. You can configure it with Saturn (linear) or Pluto (tactile) switches, although these switches are popular, and Gamakay sells more on its website.
The TK101 is priced well for wireless mechanical keyboards with multiple connectivity options. Logitech G213 Prodigy, one of them Best mechanical keyboardeven cheaper than the TK101, but lacks wireless connectivity, and although we like to use it, it doesn’t impress us with the quality of its build. However, it can be customized, which may make gamers better.
And the KeyChron C3 Pro, this is The best keyboard With mechanical switches and eye-compact layout. It’s cheaper than the TK101 and it’s very impressive to us with its mechanical switches. But, again, it lacks wireless capabilities.
Value: 4 /5
Gamakay TK101 Review: Specifications
|
layout |
98% |
|
change |
Mechanical |
|
Programmable keys |
No |
|
aspect |
17.5 x 5.2 x 0.8 inches (445 x 132 x 20mm) |
|
RGB or backlight |
Yes (customizable) |
Gamakay TK101 Review: Design and Features
- Retro look
- Thick bottom chassis
- No software
The TK101 takes it a little back to a traditional mechanical keyboard thanks to its chunky appearance keys and basic design. While multi-toned does add elements of interest and vitality, it certainly isn’t as brave as other gaming keyboards.
While the TK101’s 98% form factor feels compact, the keys are still wide enough to place fingers comfortably. However, to achieve this, dedicated media keys and volume wheels are sacrificed.
It’s quite thick and heavy, though not as important as some other mechanical keyboards. The overall construction is solid, mirrored rear panel (with the USB-C port, power switch and compartment that stores a 2.4GHz USB dongle all make up – very nice.
Two-step footwork is useful, providing meaningful height adjustments to satisfy personal preferences. These feels great too, without any swaying when supporting the keyboard.
The round double elastic PBT keychains, despite the MDA profile, have comfortable dents and a premium texture feel, keeping them smooth while providing enough grip. However, if you don’t like them, you can swap them out with the switch, as the TK101 is hot disk-friendly.
Although various keys can access alternative features via the FN key, these features are not marked, meaning you must be familiar with the manual. Features include media playback controls, opening Windows Explorer, and adjusting RGB lighting.
These shortcuts are welcome, but unfortunately, TK101 does not provide further customized software such as critical restarts and macro creation. Many other keyboards, especially those in the gaming field, provide such tweaks through software.
However, there is no limit to connectivity. The TK101 can be wirelessly connected to the device via a 2.4GHz USB dongle or Bluetooth. Up to three devices can be connected simultaneously through the latter, which can be switched between using FN and numeric keys. The USB port can also be used to establish wired connections and charge, which adds to the versatility of the TK101.
Design and function: 3/5
Gamakay TK101 Review: Performance
- Very well suppressed
- Heavy-duty haptic switch
- I can really rest with my wrist
The performance of TK101 is somewhat mixed. The gasket installation helps cushion the pressure, while the tactile Pluto switch I pre-installed in the device was lubricated. However, they feel a little heavy and more resistant than others, which can cause fatigue after a while. If you are pursuing something more lively, these switches may not be for you. However, the MDA profile of the keychain at least shortens the travel distance.
However, for typing, I still find this profile too thick, as I usually prefer low-key keys for productivity tasks. Although Gamakay claims about its sound design, I also find the TK101 noisy.
However, the most shocking thing is the lack of wrist support, as the thickness of the above-mentioned chassis forces your hands to tilt regardless of how the feet are adjusted. This makes the game just as uncomfortable when taking a standard WASD position and also causes your thumb to hit the edge of the space stick instead of the top. Both of these issues were fixed when I rested with my wrist. Combined with its lack of customization options, TK101 is not as capable as The best gaming keyboard.
I have no problem connecting via Bluetooth or 2.4GHz dongle, switching between three Bluetooth devices using keyboard shortcuts is very easy and responsive. However, manually pointing out that switching to a 2.4GHz connection can also be done with these shortcuts, but this doesn’t work for me. Only after switching is switched.
I can’t test the battery drain, but after a few days of use it dropped to about 50%, connecting multiple devices via Bluetooth and a 2.4GHz dongle. This is not great performance, and many wireless keyboards last longer.
Performance: 3.5 / 5
Should I buy the Gamakay TK101?
|
property |
notes |
grade |
|---|---|---|
|
value |
For wireless mechanical keyboards, the TK101 has good value. Although there are some cheaper options, it weakens many competitors. |
4/5 |
|
Design and Function |
The TK101 is well built, and the dual-lens PBT key cap is expected to be premium. However, given the thickness of the chassis and the lack of software limiting its potential, wrist pads are lacking. |
3/5 |
|
Performance |
The damping switch is indeed satisfying, but I do find the tactile switch a little heavy and can’t shake it. |
3.5 / 5 |
|
Overall rating |
The TK101’s price tag has some advanced features, but heavy-duty switches and lack of custom features drag it off a bit. |
3.5 / 5 |
if…
if…
Gamakay TK101 Comment: Please consider it too
| Header Unit – Column 0 |
Gamakay TK101 |
Logitech G213 Prodigy |
KeyChron C3 Pro |
|---|---|---|---|
|
layout |
98% |
Full size |
net |
|
change |
Mechanical |
membrane |
Mechanical |
|
Programmable keys |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
|
aspect |
17.5 x 5.2 x 0.8 inches (445 x 132 x 20mm) |
17.8 x 8.6 x 1.3 inches (452 ​​x 218 x 33mm) |
14.4 x 5.4 x 1.2 inches (365 x 138 x 30mm) |
|
RGB or backlight |
Yes (customizable) |
Yes (customizable) |
Yes (customizable) |
How do I test Gamakay TK101
- Tested for a few days
- For gaming and productivity
- Rich keyboard experience
I tested the TK101 for a few days, during which I used it for work, games and general browsing.
I’ve typed a lot with it, played Counterattack 2Given the game’s need for fast, accurate input, it’s good for any peripheral test.
I have been working in PC gaming for over 25 years and have experience in reviewing keyboards for gaming and productivity purposes.
