Introduction
Thank you for choosing a SKYLOONG Optical Switches Keyboard. This manual provides essential information for setting up, operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting your new keyboard. Designed for high performance and durability, these keyboards feature an 8K polling rate, RGB backlighting, and hot-swappable optical switches. Please read this manual thoroughly to ensure optimal use and longevity of your product.
Image: SKYLOONG GK104 Optical Keyboard, a competition-grade optical keyboard with 8K Polling Rate and '0' Mechanical Jitter Optical Switch.
Product Features
- 8K Polling Rate Optical Switch Motherboard: Features an IP68 waterproof mainboard, multi-chip high performance, 32-bit high-speed MCU, 3-layer onboard design, independent RGB color chip, and USB wired connection for 0.125 millisecond low latency.
- Ultra-high Performance / Long Life Optical Switch: Utilizes SKYLOONG's self-developed Glacier series optical switches with short trigger stroke, extremely fast response speed, 0 mechanical jitter, and low latency. Boasts a 100 million click life, factory pre-lubricated for comfortable feel and crisp sound. Switches are hot-swappable for easy replacement.
- Customizable Knobs and Split Spaces: CNC knobs can be customized via driver software. The 2.0 split spacebar allows for setting key combinations and macros.
- TOP-Gasket Installation Design: Fixed with TOP-Gasket for moderate softness and hardness, incorporating high-quality multi-layer foam rubber for noise and shock absorption, providing a comfortable typing experience.
- Full RGB Lighting and PBT Keycaps: 16.8 million colors per key for unparalleled customization. Features two-color side-engraved PBT translucent keycaps with gradient colors for enhanced aesthetics.
- Dual System Support: Compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems.
- Onboard Storage: Button customization, combo macros, and knob functions can be saved onboard, allowing settings to persist even when the computer is changed, without needing to reopen the driver.
Image: Overview of key product features including digital screen display, 8K Polling Rate, 2nd generation split space, TOP-Gasket structure, and Glacier optical switches.
Image: Exploded view illustrating the internal components: CNC Aluminum Knob, Monitor, Keycap, Decorative piece, Switches, Upper Cover, Positioning Plate, Poron & PET Pad, PCBA, Sound Absorb Foam, Bottom case, Bottom sticker.
Image: Diagram of the multi-chip motherboard hardware architecture, highlighting the 32-bit high-speed main control MCU, 8M Flash onboard storage, and 3-channel 256-level RGB color management chip.
Setup Instructions
- Unpack the Keyboard: Carefully remove the keyboard and all accessories from the packaging. Verify that all components are present: keyboard, USB-C cable, keycap puller, switch puller, and dust cover.
- Connect to Computer: Plug the USB-C end of the provided cable into the keyboard's USB-C port and the USB-A end into an available USB port on your computer.
- Driver Installation (Optional but Recommended): For full customization and advanced features, download and install the official driver software from the SKYLOONG website: http://www.jikedingzhi.com/downloadlist?driverID=41. Follow the on-screen instructions for installation.
- System Compatibility: The keyboard supports both Windows and Mac operating systems. Ensure your system meets the basic requirements for USB peripheral devices.
- Initial Test: Once connected, the keyboard's RGB lighting should illuminate. Open a text editor or a keyboard test program to verify that all keys are functioning correctly.
Image: Included accessories: dust cover, USB-C cable, keycap puller, switch puller, and user manual.
Image: Illustration of the keyboard supporting both Windows and Mac operating systems, with dedicated driver/APP versions.
Operating Instructions
Basic Usage
- Plug and Play: The keyboard is plug-and-play compatible with most operating systems. Simply connect the USB-C cable to your computer.
- Standard Layout: The keyboard features a standard ANSI layout.
Knob Customization
The CNC aluminum knob provides versatile control:
- Rotate Left/Right: Adjust keyboard backlight brightness.
- Press Down: Turn the backlight on or off.
- Custom Functions: Through the driver software, the knob's functions can be further customized, for example, to adjust volume or mute/unmute audio.
Image: Knob customization options, showing adjustment of backlight brightness and volume control.
RGB Backlighting
- The keyboard features 16.8 million RGB colors with south-facing LEDs.
- Lighting effects can be controlled and customized via the driver software.
Image: The LED digital screen displaying current mode (e.g., "SKYLOONG Mac").
Hot-Swappable Switches
The optical switches are hot-swappable, allowing for easy replacement without soldering. Use the provided switch puller to carefully remove and insert switches.
Image: Demonstration of hot-swappable switches, showing how to remove and replace them.
Onboard Storage
Once settings for button customization, combo macros, and knob functions are completed in the driver software, they can be saved directly onto the keyboard's onboard storage. This means your personalized settings will be retained even if you connect the keyboard to a different computer without the driver installed.
Image: Screenshots of the driver software interface, illustrating the process of customizing and saving settings to the keyboard's onboard memory.
Maintenance
- Cleaning: Regularly clean your keyboard to prevent dust and debris buildup. Use a soft brush or compressed air to remove particles between keycaps. For deeper cleaning, you can carefully remove keycaps using the provided keycap puller.
- Water Resistance: The keyboard mainboard features IP68 waterproof/splash-proof capabilities. While this offers protection against accidental spills, it does not mean the entire keyboard can be immersed in water. Avoid intentionally submerging the keyboard. If a spill occurs, disconnect the keyboard immediately, clean the liquid, and allow it to dry completely before reconnecting.
- Keycap and Switch Replacement: Use the provided tools for safe removal and installation of keycaps and switches. Be gentle to avoid damaging the components.
- Cable Care: Avoid sharp bends or excessive pulling on the USB-C cable to prevent damage.
Video: Product overview showcasing features and design of the SKYLOONG keyboard.
Video: Demonstration of the keyboard's mainboard IP68 waterproof capabilities, showing liquid being poured over the PCB.
Troubleshooting
- Keyboard Not Responding:
- Ensure the USB-C cable is securely connected to both the keyboard and the computer.
- Try connecting the keyboard to a different USB port on your computer.
- Test the keyboard on another computer to rule out system-specific issues.
- RGB Lighting Not Working/Incorrect:
- Check the knob settings; ensure the backlight is turned on and brightness is adjusted.
- Verify driver software settings for lighting effects.
- Ensure the keyboard is not in a low-power state.
- Keys Not Registering or Double-Typing:
- This keyboard uses optical switches, which are less prone to traditional mechanical switch issues. However, if a key is malfunctioning, try replacing the switch with a spare one using the switch puller.
- Ensure the switch is fully seated in its socket.
- Keyboard Layout Issues (e.g., missing 'Ñ' key):
- The keyboard features a standard ANSI (American National Standards Institute) layout, which typically does not include the 'Ñ' key found on ISO Spanish layouts.
- To type characters like 'Ñ' on an ANSI keyboard, you may need to configure your operating system's input language settings to use an international keyboard layout or utilize character maps/alt codes.
- Driver Software Not Detecting Keyboard:
- Ensure the driver software is the correct version for your operating system and keyboard model.
- Temporarily disable any antivirus or firewall software that might be blocking the driver.
- Reinstall the driver software.
Specifications
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Brand Name | skyloong |
| Model | GK75/GK87/GK980/GK104 |
| Type | Wired Mechanical Keyboard |
| Operation Style | Mechanical |
| Keyboard Standard | 104 Keys (varies by model: GK75, GK87, GK980, GK104) |
| Interface Type | USB-C |
| Backlight Type | MULTICOLOR (16.8 Million RGB Light, South Face) |
| Polling Rate | 8000Hz |
| Keyboard Delay | 0.125ms (approx) |
| Switches Hot Swap | Yes (Optical switches only) |
| Switches Manufacturer | skyloong |
| Keycup Material | PBT plastic |
| Keycup Printing | Doublshot (Side Printed) |
| Language | English (ANSI Layout) |
| Application | Desktop |
| Wrist Support | No |
| Package | Yes |
| Origin | Mainland China |
| Certification | CE, FCC |
| Dimensions (GK104) | Long 452mm * Width 146mm * High 35mm (Front Height 19.5mm) |
| Weight (GK104) | 1.55kg (with packaging) / 1.16kg (bare metal) |
Glacier Optical Switch Series Specifications
Image: Table detailing specifications for Glacier Optical Switch Series, including model, type, operating force, pre-travel, travel distance, and applicable scene.
- Glacier Silver V3 (Linear): Operating Force: 48~52gf, Pre-Travel: 1.2±0.2mm, Total Travel: 3.5±0.3mm, Keystrokes: 100 Million.
- Glacier Yellow V3 (Linear): Operating Force: 38~42gf, Pre-Travel: 1.2±0.2mm, Total Travel: 3.5±0.3mm, Keystrokes: 100 Million.
- Glacier Brown V3 (Tactile): Operating Force: 55±65gf, Pre-Travel: 1.8±0.2mm, Total Travel: 3.5±0.3mm, Keystrokes: 100 Million.
User Tips
- Customization Software: Take advantage of the dedicated driver software to unlock the full potential of your keyboard. Customize RGB lighting, remap keys, set macros, and configure knob functions to suit your workflow or gaming style.
- Hot-Swapping: Experiment with different optical switch types to find your preferred typing feel. The hot-swappable design makes it easy to change switches without needing specialized tools or soldering. Remember, only optical switches are compatible with this hot-swap feature.
- Onboard Profiles: Save your favorite configurations to the keyboard's onboard memory. This is especially useful if you use the keyboard with multiple computers or prefer not to install the driver on every machine.
- Spill Protection: While the mainboard is IP68 waterproof, it's always best practice to keep liquids away from your keyboard. In case of a spill, immediately disconnect and allow ample time to dry.
Warranty & Support
For technical support, driver downloads, and further information, please visit the official SKYLOONG website or contact their customer service. Keep your purchase receipt as proof of purchase for any warranty claims.
Driver Download Link: http://www.jikedingzhi.com/downloadlist?driverID=41
