Dierya DK61E Review

The Dierya DK61E is a very solid budget board, and I’m really liking these PBT keycaps at $50

Get the Dierya DK61E on Amazon

The DK61E is a budget mech that goes for $50. This board comes with Gateron Optical switches, and in addition to the Red, Brown and Blue switch versions, you can now also get it with Yellows and Silvers. These versions are more expensive though. The DK61E has some impressive features for a budget mech, including hot swap, full RGB and PBT keycaps.

In my previous video there were a lot of questions about the software, so that’s the first thing I want to touch on. This updated version doesn’t have the three layer design of the older unit, and uses more basic software. You can download the software from Kemove’s website. If you’re unable to get it up and running, you might just need to do a firmware update. The software is very barebones, offering some basic key remapping, RGB controls and macro recording functionality. You can pretty much do everything with the keyboard, and the only reason you’d need the software is if you wanted to do key remapping and macro recording.

So again, this is an updated version that uses different software. If you have the older version, I don’t think the software is available for that anymore. This version obviously isn’t compatible with the older software as it doesn’t have the layered design; there is only a standard layer. On the older unit it was possible to switch between a standard Layer and Layer 1 to 3. For example Layer 1 gave you access to dedicated arrow keys. No way to do that here. The only way to get dedicated arrow keys would be via remapping. With the Fn in the bottom right corner, it is fairly easy to make use of the Fn layer arrow keys. But if you’re going to be doing something like coding where you’re constantly using arrows, it might be an impediment.

So the DK61E features Gateron Optical switches, and as mentioned this board is now also available with Yellows and Silvers. This is a hot swap board, but just remember it’s only compatible with Gateron Opticals. For example you cannot put normal Gaterons in here. Two spare switches are included in the packaging. I chose the linear Reds for this board, and these are excellent budget switches. Gateron’s linear switches are really smooth, and the Optical Reds are no exception. They have an actuation force of 45g. The stabilisers have been greatly improved, and these are the same stabs you find on the Kemove Shadow or SnowFox. They also come pre-lubed, and as you can see they put on plenty. The bigger keys feel a lot better and most of the rattle is gone. The typing and gaming experience was superb. The Optical Reds are extremely smooth and the bigger keys feel very good. There are no fold out feet underneath, but the case has an ergonomic angle. My only nitpick would be that this keyboard is quite loud. There is actually some foam in the case, but still there are some air cavities underneath, which causes it to be quite loud and bassy. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, just personally I prefer something softer.

The LEDs are very bright, and the white mounting plate gives the keyboard a strong underglow. I found that on some of the keys the RGB doesn’t shine through evenly, as some keycaps have a little black line on the inside which obstructs the light. Apart from that, the backlighting is bright and very vibrant. There are 12 backlighting modes, including two reactive modes and a single colour mode where you can choose from seven colours. You can also set the brightness and speed via the Fn layer RGB controls. I’d love to see a white version of this keyboard in the future. The DK61E has a very comprehensive Fn layer. We have the F-row, Nav cluster, complete RGB controls, and a full set of media controls. I really like the bottom right positioning of the Fn key as it is very easy to find.

This keyboard features a plastic case, and the build quality is very good. The circuit board is IPX4 Certified, so it can handle some coffee spillage. There are four rubber feet on the bottom. No fold outs, but the case has an ergonomic angle and I never experienced any discomfort. As I touched on earlier, the case is quite hollow due to the way it angles up, and that’s why it’s quite loud and bassy. A big plus of this board is that it comes with PBT keycaps, and I cannot think of any 60% board at this price point that has PBT, so this is a very desirable feature. Also quite thick at 1.3mm.

Overall the Dierya DK61E is a very solid budget board, and I’m really liking these PBT keycaps at $50. This board offers a great typing and gaming experience albeit a bit loud, and the RGB looks pretty good. If you can increase your budget slightly, the Kemove Shadow or SnowFox is also a good option, and it’s basically a DK61E on steroids. In my opinion it sounds better, looks better, and has normal Gaterons which opens up your options as far as replacement switches. But all in all I think this is good value at $50.