The first thing that impressed me was the very light weight of this keyboard, compared to the Hyper X Alloy Elite that I had connected to my system. It is truly a feather keyboard as it is made entirely of plastic. Of course, with its price of 45 euros, it is perhaps the cheapest mechanical keyboard from a well-known brand, so I shouldn't be too picky, and the same goes for you if you are going to buy it. Don't expect the same build quality as keyboards that cost two or three times more.
The SKILLER SGK30 comes in two versions, with red and blue switches, copies of the corresponding Cherry MX switches. Unfortunately, once again I received the version with the red switches, which are ideal for gaming but not for heavy typing, which is my forte. The other significant features of this keyboard include n-key rollover, according to Sharkoon at least, and 64 KB memory for storing up to twenty profiles.
There are no extra multimedia keys, and of course, we are not talking about independent macro keys. It would also be good to have separate keys for controlling the keyboard's functions, such as adjusting the lighting. However, all is not lost. Next to the right ALT key, there is a button with the Sharkoon logo, through which, in combination with other keys, you can adjust almost everything on this keyboard. From adjusting the sound to locking the Windows key, to setting the RGB lighting.
What you will find inside the box
Apart from the keyboard, there is only a user manual and two cable ties. There is no keycap puller or spare keycaps. These are not present in much more expensive keyboards, so I did not expect to find them in this one.
Switches
The switches are manufactured by Huano, one of the cheaper manufacturers, which is why the price of this keyboard does not exceed fifty euros. They are a cheap copy of Cherry MX switches, with the LED located on top of the switch instead of the bottom. SMD LEDs are more expensive but fit directly under the switch, offering better and more uniform lighting. The stabilizers of the longer keys also use the cheap solution of springs, which does not impress me, although I can't say that it bothered me in terms of performance, and the noise of even the spacebar key is not terrible. This is also helped by the plastic coating of the metal plate that holds the switches. In other keyboards, the metal plate is not covered with plastic, so when you hit the keys, the noise is increased.
Keycaps
As for the 104 keycaps, they have the classic concave shape in the center to assist in fast typing, and of course, there is no mention of the more expensive PBT keycaps, but they are made of the cheaper ABS material. Due to the LED located above the switch, the keycaps that have characters on the bottom do not illuminate them enough (for example, the arrow keys), but this is not a big issue.
Connection cable
The connection cable is fully sleeved and not thick, as it ends in just a USB, as this keyboard does not have a USB 2.0 passthrough port. The length of the connection cable is sufficient, at 1.8 meters. It would be great if it were detachable.
Software
It is a great advantage to have software in such an affordable mechanical keyboard. Sharkoon's software allows you to create up to 20 profiles and upload them to the keyboard's memory, from where you can switch between them.
From the Lighting Effect option, you can choose one of the many lighting effects and adjust the intensity and speed of color changes, as well as change the colors.
From the Key Assignment menu, you select a key and can assign it a different role, from right-clicking the mouse to executing a complex macro.
Finally, with the Macro Manager, you can record the macros you are interested in and assign them to the corresponding keys.
In general, the software is easy to use and trouble-free. It doesn't have crazy capabilities, but it offers what the average user needs without overwhelming them to make the changes they want.
Conclusion
I would like independent multimedia keys and 2-3 keys to control various keyboard functions, even if I had to pay an extra 5 euros for them. The RGB lighting looks poor compared to the amazing HyperX Alloy Elite in this area, and the keyboard's lightweight and plastic construction do not bode well for its durability over time, so if you lose in a game, it would be better not to hit it!
In general, a very decent product and definitely better than similarly priced mechanical keyboards from Chinese brands, with inadequate support and software that requires learning Chinese to use.
Pros
• Very good price (45 euros)
• You can adjust everything through key combinations
• Easy-to-use software with many capabilities
• Customizable RGB lighting with multiple profiles
• Memory for storing 20 profiles
• Compact size for a full-size keyboard
• Comes with two types of switches, red and blue
Cons
• Plastic construction that does not bode well for durability or hardships
• ABS keys that will shine quickly
• Does not have a detachable cable
• I would like a greater tilt from the front feet
• Poor bundle
• No software version for Linux and MacOS
Full review here: https://youtu.be/9dEv01ww5k0