INTRODUCTION

   After having used and or tested/reviewed well over 300 keyboards since i begun my trip with PC's back in the early 90's i have become somewhat "picky" as to what models get to make their way to the lab. For good or bad the market is filled with low quality keyboards regardless of switch type (yes, plenty of low quality mechanical models out there as well) and since yes, the time i can dedicate to my reviews is not endless (not like I’m not getting any younger) I’ve chosen not to go down that path. Instead, I’ve decided to focus my reviews on keyboard models that actually look worthy of a permanent place on your desks (at least at first glance) and one such model is without doubt the GK650K Omnis Mechanical Gaming Keyboard by SPC Gear (SilentiumPC).

   Since 2007 SilentiumPC brings well-made CPU coolers, cases and power supplies with main focus on exceptional value for money achieved through effective design and smart cost-cutting. No fancy trademark names, just well-thought-out products designed to work, chosen and praised by value-minded enthusiasts and system integrators.

   Just like countless other models in the market the GK650K Omnis makes use of Kailh RGB switches (available with brown, blue and red) which are certified for no less than up to 60 million keystrokes (meaning they "should" easily outlive most of your other peripherals). The GK650K Omnis however also features a top aluminum plate (for increased durability), dedicated volume control wheel, detachable magnetic wrist rest, two-step feet, detachable USB-C cable, 100% anti-ghosting with full N-Key rollover, 1000Hz polling rate, per key RGB lighting (18 available modes) and even side RGB LEDs. Of course, as expected from a current mechanical keyboard model you can control all of its functions both via software and keys. Granted the GK650K Omnis doesn't have the longest list of features but it does seem interesting to say the least so let's see if this is the keyboard to get for Christmas.

SPECIFICATIONS AND FEATURES

PACKAGING AND CONTENTS

The GK650K Omnis is packed inside a black box that has a product picture at the top right under the company logo and over its main features.

Both the specifications and the contents of the bundle are printed at the front in 8 languages.

At the rear we find a product drawing next to the main product features.

The keyboard is wrapped inside a synthetic cover and placed between two foam spacers.

Along with the GK650K Omnis and its detachable cable and wrist rest inside the box SPC Gear has only placed the user manual (a keycap puller is also located underneath the keyboard).

THE GK650K OMNIS

Measuring 453mm in width, 140mm in length and 43mm in height the 1154g heavy GK650K Omnis is a medium sized keyboard.

Once again, we have a keyboard based on the floating keys design which not only makes it easier for you to clean the keys but also increases illumination levels.

F1 through F4 can be used to launch my computer, internet browser, calculator and the media player.

F5 through F11 also act as the media playback buttons (previous/next/play-pause/stop/mute audio/volume down/volume up) whereas F12 can be used to turn on/off the side LEDs (also from the -/+ keys you can change the direction of the effects and switch between regular and RGB mode).

Cycling through the 18 available modes can be done via the L1 through L6 keys.

Both the speed (left/right) and brightness (up/down) levels of all modes can be adjusted from the arrow keys.

The volume control wheel may not be something we haven't seen numerous times in the past but still it's a nice touch.

Here you can see the Kailh Red RGB switches.

At the base of the GK650K Omnis we find the two-step height adjusters, keycap puller and the USB-C port.

The short feet keep the keyboard roughly 5mm from your desk whereas the tall feet keep it roughly 11mm.

With the wrist rest attached the GK650K Omnis now measures 210mm in length.

The removable USB-C cable is braided and features gold plated plugs on both ends.

SPC GEAR SOFTWARE

In order to get the most out of your GK650K Omnis Mechanical Gaming Keyboard you should download the SPC Gear control software from their support page.

The first tab is called illumination so from here you can pick one of the 18 available effects, make your very own and adjust the brightness and speeds levels.

You can change the function of any of the keyboard's keys from the buttons tab as seen above.

Of course, you can also create macro commands and assign them to keys via the macros tab.

From the other tab you can enter the windows keyboard properties and change the USB report rate.

You can also check the software and firmware versions from the settings tab.

Here you can see the minimum and maximum brightness levels.

AUDIBLE FEEDBACK

Many people ask my opinion on what keyboard they should get for their needs. Some want a “silent” model for use in their living room or even in their bedroom while others ask for a model with good audible feedback for use in the office or for gaming. Because of this I decided to test keyboards by placing our ExTech HD600 vertically over each keyboard (5cm distance) and typing NikKTech a total of 6 times with each (after that the max recorded number - max hold - is placed in the graph). I have to admit that this methodology may not be 100% accurate but it does give a good idea on what you can expect from each model since aside the type of switches used keycaps and keyboard material also matter.

CONCLUSION

   SPC Gear (SilentiumPC) is clearly not the first brand I’d think to check out if I wanted a new keyboard and I’m certain the same applies for most of you reading these lines. Still, I have to admit that they’ve move up the ladder of popularity these past 2 years or so and now have a somewhat complete line of PC cases and peripherals. When it comes to quality and features the GK650K Omnis is an actually a good example of what you can expect from their products. RGB illumination is very good (both in terms of brightness and available modes), the Kailh Red RGB switches work well (I imagine the same stands true about the brown and blue models) and the detachable magnetic wrist rest with the volume wheel are both fine additions. The same applies for the SPC Gear control software since it’s very easy to navigate and use.

   One of the cons some EU based manufacturers have is product availability and so even though you can get your hands on the GK650K Omnis inside the EU for around 85Euros it’s not available anywhere else (even in the EU availability doesn’t seem to be that great). With that out of the way I really have nothing bad to say about the GK650K Omnis. Yes, it may not be the most complete keyboard in the market today and its somewhat limited availability is by no means ideal but it does deliver where it matters and for that it gets the Golden Award.

PROS

- Overall Build Quality
- Full RGB Per Key Illumination (Side RGB LEDs)
- 18 Available RGB Effects
- NKey Rollover With 100% Anti Ghosting
- Detachable Wrist Rest & USB Cable
- Easy To Use Software
- Price (For Some)

CONS

- No USB Passthrough
- Current Availability (Overall)