Keyboards are more than just tools for typing—they’re an extension of your personality, your workflow, and sometimes even your gaming dominance. And if you’ve been keeping up with the keyboard world lately, you’ve probably heard whispers about the Gamakay TK75HE V2. This isn’t just another keyboard; it’s a feature-packed powerhouse that somehow manages to stay under $100. Yeah, you read that right—under $100. For a 75% layout keyboard loaded with magnetic switches, customizable RGB, a built-in screen, and a knob, this thing feels like it’s breaking the laws of budget tech.
Gamakay has been making waves in the mechanical keyboard community for a while now, but the TK75HE V2 takes things to a whole new level. It’s not just about being affordable anymore—it’s about delivering premium features without skimping on quality. But does it actually live up to the hype? Spoiler alert: it mostly does.
What really sets the TK75HE V2 apart from other keyboards in its price range is the tech under the hood. Magnetic switches? Check. Adjustable actuation points? Double check. A polling rate of 8,000 Hz and a scanning rate of 10,000 Hz? Yep, it’s got those too. These aren’t just buzzwords—they make a noticeable difference in performance, especially if you value precision and speed. Plus, the fact that it’s hot-swappable means you’re not stuck with one type of switch forever. Want to try something quieter or snappier? Just pop them out and swap them in.
So, why should you care about the Gamakay TK75HE V2? Well, because it’s proof that you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a high-quality keyboard. Sure, there are a few quirks here and there, but nothing that overshadows the overall package.
Design and Build Quality
The Gamakay TK75HE V2 doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel regarding design, but it doesn’t need to. It sticks to a clean, understated aesthetic that feels professional without being boring. The all-white version (there’s also a black option) has a sleek, minimalist vibe that works just as well in an office as it does in a gaming setup. It’s not overly flashy or gamer-centric with aggressive angles or RGB overload, which is refreshing. Instead, it leans into functionality with subtle touches like the RGB strip on the side and the small LCD screen.
Build quality is where this keyboard starts to shine. Sure, it’s made out of plastic, but it doesn’t feel cheap at all. The materials have a solid, sturdy feel, and the overall construction gives off the impression that it can handle daily wear and tear without falling apart. There’s no flex in the frame when you type, which is something you don’t always get in keyboards under $100. Gamakay clearly put thought into making this thing durable while keeping costs down. The edges are smooth, and everything fits together snugly—no loose parts or creaks when you pick it up. For a budget-friendly keyboard, it punches way above its weight in terms of build quality.
One standout feature is the multi-level stand on the bottom. This might seem like a small detail, but it makes a big difference in usability. You can adjust the height to three different levels, which helps you find the most comfortable typing angle. The silicone feet underneath add grip and stability, so the keyboard doesn’t slide around your desk even during intense gaming sessions. And speaking of thoughtful touches, the 2.4GHz dongle hides neatly under the stand, tucked away until you need it. That’s clever design right there—it keeps things tidy and prevents you from losing the dongle.
The keycaps deserve their own shoutout too. They’re PBT Cherry profile, which means they’re durable and resistant to shine over time. The legends are clear and easy to read, and the translucency lets the RGB shine through beautifully. These keycaps feel premium under your fingers, with just the right amount of texture to keep them from feeling slippery. They’re also fairly thick, which adds to the overall premium feel of the keyboard. Gamakay didn’t skimp here—they could’ve gone with cheaper ABS keycaps, but they chose PBT instead, and it shows.
Then there’s the knob and the LCD screen, both of which add a layer of modern functionality. The knob is CNC aluminium alloy, so it feels solid and clicks with satisfying tactile feedback. By default, it controls volume—scroll left to turn it down, right to turn it up, and click to mute or unmute. You can’t swap it out for a different design, but honestly, it blends well with the overall aesthetic and works exactly as intended. It blends seamlessly with the rest of the keyboard and serves its purpose well.
The LCD screen is another nice addition. It’s small but sharp, and it provides useful info like the time, caps lock status, and even CPU temperature. While it’s not groundbreaking, it’s one of those features that makes the keyboard feel more advanced than its price tag suggests. Also, you can customize it through the software, uploading animations or GIFs to make it truly your own. It’s not the brightest screen, but it’s still a nice touch that adds a bit of personality to the keyboard.
RGB lighting is another area where the TK75HE V2 shines (literally). It’s fully customizable, with options for colors, effects, brightness, and speed. You can sync the lighting across all the keys or create unique patterns. The RGB strip on the side is a nice bonus—it’s subtle but adds a bit of flair without being overwhelming. And while the strip isn’t the brightest, it complements the backlighting nicely. One cool feature is the ability to assign specific colors or effects to individual keys. So if you want your WASD keys to glow red while the rest of the keyboard stays blue, you can do that. It’s all about personalizing the experience to match your style.
Even the cable deserves mention. It’s braided, which means it’s less likely to tangle or fray over time. Speaking of cable, the connectivity options are also worth mentioning. This keyboard gives you three ways to connect: USB-C for wired use, a 2.4GHz dongle for wireless, and Bluetooth for pairing with up to three devices.
Software and Customization
The software for the Gamakay TK75HE V2 is where things get interesting, though it’s not without its quirks. It’s functional and gets the job done, but it’s clear that Gamakay prioritized practicality over polish. That said, it still offers a ton of customization options that make this keyboard feel like it’s truly yours. You can download the software straight from their website, and once you’ve got it installed, you’re greeted with an interface that’s straightforward but not exactly sleek. It’s the kind of software that doesn’t wow you with flashy visuals, but it’s easy enough to navigate.
One of the first things you’ll notice is how much control you have over the keys. You can remap pretty much every key on the board, which is great if you’ve got specific preferences or need certain shortcuts at your fingertips. For example, if you want the Caps Lock key to act as a second Escape key, you can do that. Or maybe you want the spacebar to trigger a macro—no problem. The ability to create layers adds another layer of flexibility. You can set up different profiles for gaming, typing, or work, and switch between them with ease. This means you can have one setup optimized for productivity and another tailored for gaming, all stored in the same keyboard.
Stroke settings are another area where the software shines. You can adjust the actuation point for each key, going as low as 0.01mm if you want hair-trigger sensitivity. This is especially useful for gamers who need precision and speed. There’s also an option for rapid trigger functionality, which allows keys to reset immediately after being pressed. This is perfect for fast-paced games where every millisecond counts. Dead zones and stabilization settings are included too, giving you even more control over how the keys behave. During testing, there was a small issue with the Caps Lock key accidentally activating, but turning on the rapid trigger stability setting at 100% seemed to fix it. It’s a minor hiccup, but hopefully, they’ll patch it soon.
The screen is another feature you can customize through the software. Out of the box, it shows basic info like the time, Caps Lock status, and CPU temperature, but you can upload custom animations or images to make it your own. Want your favorite GIF playing on the screen? Go for it. Just keep in mind that the brightness isn’t adjustable beyond a certain point, so don’t expect it to light up the room. Still, it’s a fun way to add personality to the keyboard. You can also toggle between languages, synchronize the time, or display system information. It’s not groundbreaking, but it’s a nice touch that sets this keyboard apart from others in its price range.
Lighting customization is where the software really lets you go wild. The RGB backlighting is fully programmable, with options for colors, effects, brightness, and speed. You can sync the lighting across the entire keyboard or assign specific colors to individual keys. Reactive effects, like waves or ripples, look especially cool and add a dynamic element to the typing experience. The RGB strip on the side is a bit dimmer compared to the backlighting, but it still complements the overall aesthetic. One neat trick is that the strip gets brighter when Caps Lock is enabled, which is a subtle yet helpful visual cue.
Advanced settings give you even more tools to tweak the keyboard to your liking. You can configure dual-function keys, mod-tap keys, and toggle keys, which is great for streamlining workflows. Macros are supported too, and setting them up is fairly straightforward. You record a sequence of actions, assign it to a key, and you’re good to go. Sharing these settings with others is possible as well, so you can swap profiles with friends or grab pre-made ones from the community. Firmware updates are handled through the software too, ensuring your keyboard stays up-to-date with the latest features and fixes.
Performance Testing
Testing the Gamakay TK75HE V2 in real-world scenarios reveals just how capable this keyboard is, and honestly, it’s hard not to be impressed. From gaming to typing and everyday use, this keyboard holds its own against much pricier options.
The Gamakay TK75HE V2 has features that make it feel like a keyboard way above its price tag. First up, the switches. This keyboard comes with magnetic Mercury switches by default, but you can also opt for magnetic Phoenix switches if you’re into something quieter. Magnetic switches are still relatively new in the budget keyboard space, so having them here is a big deal. They’re smooth, responsive, and have adjustable actuation points, so you can tweak the keys’ sensitivity to your presses. Want a hair-trigger response for gaming? You can set the actuation point super low. Prefer something deeper for typing? No problem—you’ve got full control.
Starting with gaming, this is where the TK75HE V2 truly shines. The 8,000 Hz polling rate and 10,000 Hz scanning rate aren’t just numbers on paper—they make a noticeable difference when you’re in the middle of an intense session. Movements feel buttery smooth, and inputs register almost instantly. There’s no perceptible delay between pressing a key and seeing the action happen on screen, which is exactly what you want in fast-paced games like shooters or MOBAs. The rapid trigger functionality is another standout feature. It lets you reset keys almost immediately after pressing them, which is a game-changer for skills or abilities that require quick successive presses. During testing, spamming keys felt effortless, and there was no ghosting or missed inputs, even in chaotic moments. That said, the Caps Lock issue mentioned earlier did pop up a few times during early testing, but turning on the rapid trigger stability setting at 100% seemed to fix it. Once that was sorted, the keyboard performed flawlessly.
Typing on the TK75HE V2 is equally satisfying. The magnetic Mercury switches strike a great balance between being tactile enough for precision and smooth enough for comfort. They’re not overly clicky or loud, which makes them ideal for shared spaces like offices or dorms. The adjustable actuation points are a nice touch too. Setting the actuation point lower makes typing feel snappier, while a higher setting gives you more control over accidental presses. During extended typing sessions, the stabilizers held up well—there wasn’t much rattle, and the keys felt consistent across the board. Even the spacebar, which can sometimes be problematic on budget keyboards, performed admirably. No double activations or weird wobbles, even when typing quickly or hitting the edges. It’s clear Gamakay paid attention to detail here.
Battery life
The Gamakay TK75HE V2 doesn’t just impress with its features and performance—it also holds its own when it comes to battery life. Using the keyboard in wireless mode, either via the 2.4GHz dongle or Bluetooth, gives you plenty of juice before you need to plug it in again. During testing, the battery easily lasted through a full workday of typing, browsing, and switching between apps without showing signs of draining too quickly. Even with the RGB lighting on—admittedly not the brightest but still vibrant enough—the battery held up well. Turning the RGB off or dimming it extends the battery life even further, which is great if you’re trying to stretch it for longer use.
Battery life can take a bit of a hit in gaming sessions, especially if you’re using the 2.4GHz dongle and have the RGB cranked up. But even then, the keyboard didn’t die out mid-game during extended playtests. It powered through hours of intense gaming without needing a recharge, which is exactly what you want when you’re in the middle of an important match or campaign.
Recharging the keyboard is straightforward thanks to the USB-C port. It charges quickly, so even if you do run out of battery mid-use, you won’t be stuck waiting forever to get back to work or play. The braided USB-C cable feels durable.
Final Thoughts
The Gamakay TK75HE V2 is one of those keyboards that makes you rethink what’s possible in the budget keyboard space. It’s not just a solid option for its price—it’s a standout product that punches way above its weight. After spending time with it, testing it across gaming, typing, and daily use. Sure, it has a few quirks, but none of them are deal-breakers, and most can be overlooked when you consider the sheer value this keyboard offers.
One of the biggest takeaways is how well-rounded it feels. For gamers, the 8,000 Hz polling rate, 10,000 Hz scanning rate, and rapid trigger functionality make it an absolute beast. Inputs feel instantaneous, and the adjustable actuation points let you fine-tune the keyboard to match your playstyle. Typists will appreciate the smooth, quiet switches and the thoughtful design of the stabilizers, which keep rattling to a minimum. Even the 75% layout feels efficient without being cramped.
The screen and knob are two features that add a modern twist to the overall package. While the screen isn’t the brightest, it’s still a fun and functional addition, especially with the ability to customize it through the software. Uploading animations or GIFs gives it a personal touch, and the practical info it displays—like the time, Caps Lock status, and CPU temperature—is genuinely useful. The knob, while not programmable, works flawlessly for volume control and adds a tactile element that’s satisfying to use. These aren’t groundbreaking innovations, but they elevate the keyboard beyond being just another tool.
Now, there are a few downsides worth mentioning. The software, while functional, isn’t the most polished. It gets the job done, but navigating it can feel a bit clunky at times. The Caps Lock bug is another hiccup, though turning on the rapid trigger stability setting seems to mitigate it. And while the RGB strip on the side is a nice touch, it’s not as bright as the backlighting. None of these issues are major, but they’re worth noting if you prioritise perfection in every aspect.
So, would I recommend the Gamakay TK75HE V2? Absolutely. For under $100—it’s hard to find a keyboard that offers this much value. Magnetic switches, customizable RGB, a screen, a knob, and three connectivity options are features you’d expect to see on keyboards twice the price. In short, the TK75HE V2 is a winner. It’s not perfect, but it’s close enough to make you forget about its flaws once you start using it. If you’re looking for a keyboard that does it all without costing an arm and a leg, this is the one to get.
