The CIDOO QK61 from manufacturer CIDOO is a wonderful gaming keyboard that brings a bevy of connection options, some minor customization, and some solid keys that are both durable and audibly satisfying. The only hitch in its giddy-up is how the customization software works with it, as it’s an uphill battle to get the hardware and software to connect properly.
There is nothing in this world more satisfying than a good keyboard. When done right, a keyboard is a word piano that allows you mental verbal musical flow, as you put together a Magnus opus of a paper, review, or academic journal (because you’re dying to do one of those).
In addition to flow, when the keys are going hard, there is nothing like hearing the clicky-clack of a good keyboard sound. It brings back good memories of my crisp IBM typewriter days when I learned how to type properly with all fingers, while also subtle at the same time as my Apple IIe days. In short, keyboards, when built well, are the best feeling in the world.
Now, that opening statement aside, much like a good pair of pants, different styles of keyboards have to be the right fit to enjoy. About a month ago, we were privy to a new keyboard test run with the CIDOO QK61. The CIDOO QK61 is a smaller, number pad-less gaming keyboard that clicks fast and loud, features a comfortable typing flow, and some easy-to-use key combinations for quick customization. While the software connection for complete customization is a bit wonky, the hardware is more than fine.
Check out the CIDOO QK61 at MechLands!
So, sit back, get those finger stretches going, and let’s talk key points about this keyboard.
Design and Doubleshot PBT
The CIDOO QK61 is a double-shot PBT-designed keyboard that feels as heavy as it does eloquent. Nothing about this keyboard looks or feels cheap. The keys are crisp with easy movement to them, meaning that you feel like you’re punching down nicely on the keyboard and getting a good response in return. There is nothing more satisfying than fast-moving keys that feel rock solid in response. Nothing in this world.
The CIDOO QK61 comes in white and black colors, two clear keys to start (ESC/Enter), and easy-to-remove PBT keys that can be physically customized (and easily) to your liking. Or you can just leave it as-is, which makes it visually exciting as well. Apple made a killing off its subtle, minimalistic style, and CIDOO certainly brings that same simple and subtle style to the table with the CIDOO QK61.
The only outlier to its minimalistic simplicity is the LED lights underneath the keys. While they are subtle with their shine, and thankfully the keys aren’t raised or separated enough like the Vulcan II to distract, they add a bit of flair to the visual canvas of the keyboard. The ability to customize the flow of the LEDs, the colors, and movement through the function button gives it easier access to create your keyboard personality. While the options are minimal at best, the fact that you have options is nice. While the function button does a lot, the hope for complete customization is driven by its connection to the VIA software.
That customization is a bit more difficult to work with and complicates the process of creating your style. Let’s talk software.
Software side
The software side of the CIDOO QK61 is not as straightforward as the ROCCAT keyboards I have reviewed in the past. The CIDOO QK61 has firmware that is easy to install but the actual software to configure the lights on the keyboard and to give you that custom feeling every keyboard owner requires, well, it’s tricky.
While I was searching for some dedicated software for the CIDOO QK61, which I couldn’t find at first, I downloaded the manual to make sure I wasn’t crazy. Going through the manual, it pointed me toward GitHub, where I found the VIA software 3.0 waiting for me. It isn’t too complicated as long as you know what platform you own (Windows/Mac/Linux).
Once installed, the VIA software looked like it was everything you wanted with a customization program. Sure, it’s not as fancy as the ROCCAT Swarm software, which installs and instantly identifies all ROCCAT-related hardware (and Turtle Beach), but the VIA software should have been enough. Sadly, I could not get it to work with the CIDOO QK61.
After installing the firmware for the keyboard, I followed the instructions to retrieve the VIA software from GitHub. While I would have preferred it on the actual device’s webpage, an extra step wasn’t going to kill me. Once I installed the VIA software, I launched it, and saw the little happy mascot bouncing around searching for the device, and…it kept searching…and searching…and searching for the keyboard.
Having worked in IT for about 13 years, I turn inward to problems rather than blame a manufacturer. So, I ran through the steps again. The search still came back with nothing. Then I saw that I had to download the JSON file for the keyboard and load it into the VIA software, which I did. Still nothing. BUT! I could see the keyboard icon react to my typing, which got me all excited and nearly victorious. I even restarted my computer to celebrate the breadcrumb accomplishment of figuring this puzzle out. And sadly, I still couldn’t access any other features other than be amused by my amazing typing skills.
As I am the very definition of crazy, I toggled through the instructions again before concluding that I had to contact the manufacturer. The software should be a one-stop-shop deal where it took care of everything I needed. The joy of ROCCAT’s Swarm software is that, as I previously mentioned, it connects with all hardware made by the company takes care of firmware/drivers, and takes as much responsibility out of the consumer’s hands as possible. I know for keyboard purists out there, that’s probably akin to being treated like a young child learning something for the first time, but it should be that easy. Ultimately, I’m disappointed by the software and how it connects to the keyboard, as customization of a gaming hardware device, such as a mouse, is a big piece of the purchase puzzle.
All this said, and at the bare minimum, what you do get with this keyboard is a very active function key, that can turn off the lights on the CIDOO QK61, configure preset color flow across the keyboard, and individualize color scheme through its ESC and ENTER buttons. Not complete customization options by any stretch of the imagination, but options nonetheless.
Wired, Bluetooth, or dongle
I must confess that I have never had a trio of computer connection options with my keyboards before. I have either had wired, dongle-driven, or Bluetooth, but not all three. Slipping between the versions is nice, though I’m a huge wired fan just for the fact that it is a direct 1:1 communication. Maybe that makes a difference, maybe it doesn’t, but my brain is satisfied.
Anyway, on the back spine of the keyboard, you will find a toggle switch between the three options, and you will also find a dongle that is firmly waiting for you to snag it. How you choose to hook up the keyboard is solely up to you. The fact that you have choices is a big deal and something I hope catches on to other keyboard designs in the future.
All these options are very well designed and give the user easy access to the connection of their choice. For you wired fanatics, the keyboard does come with its own USB-C cable. I’m sure that those cables are normal in your household as wind is with air, but it’s nice to see a manufacturer throw one into the overall purchase. I know I know…it’s the little things.
Slight sounds
This keyboard is built to emulate the keyboards from yesteryear. It has a crisp, subtle sound with each press of the key that makes it feel like you’re on a Commodore 64 keyboard again and doing some good work on the screen. It’s nice, it’s pleasant, and it’s not meant for office environments. The keys are crisp, they are subtle, but they are consistent and loud to the uninitiated with this keyboard type. For gamers out there, this is going to be business as usual and will make you happier than a kid on Halloween. For those folks not used to hearing the tippy tap of a crisp key sensation, it may annoy some. I know that I had someone close my door when I was using the keyboard but I understood. They just don’t know a good keyboard sound when they hear it.
Anyway, this is a small concern, though for my money I love how this keyboard sounds. It’s built for those who adore loud keys and for those gamers out there who need reassurance that their key has been pressed. It works very well, and those annoyed by the sound will get over it quickly. But honestly, who cares about them? I don’t.
On that sweet note, let’s wrap this review up.
Conclusion
The CIDOO QK61 from manufacturer CIDOO is a wonderful gaming keyboard that brings a bevy of connection options, some minor customization, and some solid keys that are both durable and audibly satisfying. The only hitch in its giddy-up is how the customization software works with it, as it’s an uphill battle to get the hardware and software to connect properly.
