PC & Console Peripherals

Sharkoon Skiller SGK30 in review: Huano instead of Kailh switch

Mechanical keyboards with RGB lighting are now just as common as keyboards with rubber domes. The Sharkoon Skiller SGK30 costs around 50 Euros. For that you get RGB lighting, linear Red switches and hopefully good workmanship. If you prefer it tactile, you can also get the SGK30 with blue switches.

Specifications

Dimensions 440 x 144 x 35 mm
Weight 867 g
Case Aluminum plastic case
Connection Cable tied
Switches Red (linear), Blue (tactile)
Key Rollover N-Key Rollover
Multimedia keys No dedicated multimedia keys
Lighting One RGB LED per button
Extras WASD and arrow keys swappable
Lifetime 50 million keystrokes
Price € 90.73 *

Packaging and contents

Sharkoon tends to be on the lower end of the price spectrum anyway, so it’s not surprising that we find the keyboard’s info in many different languages – so Sharkoon only has to produce one package for different markets. Otherwise, we see the Skiller SGK30 on the front, as well as a brief summary of its most important features. Furthermore, the front shows what kind of switches Sharkoon uses.

In the box we find the usual information material in various languages as well as the well-packed keyboard. Foam as well as a plastic cover protect it from damage.

Design and workmanship

The case of the Sharkoon Skiller SGK30 is made of plastic and is completely black. Otherwise, the keyboard is also further inconspicuous, the top right is the lettering of the sub-brand and on the space bar that of the manufacturer. The design is basically aimed at all gamers, and very few want to have a fancy keyboard on their desk. The main thing is that the quality is right and the switches are sensible. The RGB lighting then provides the necessary flair, each key has its own LED.

In terms of workmanship, however, Sharkoon gets a good grade with the Skiller SGK30. Despite the plastic, the keyboard feels high-quality and has a good workmanship. The weight could be a bit higher, then the impression would be even better.

On the bottom, we find two feet to adjust the keyboard’s height. To prevent the keyboard from slipping too easily, a total of 7 rubber pads are also placed there.

The Sharkoon SGK30 doesn’t have a palm rest, but it doesn’t necessarily need one. Typing on it, or even gaming, is still possible without problems even after several hours.

The Switches: Huano Red

The Sharkoon Skiller SGK3, i.e. the imaginary predecessor, still relied on Kailh switches. The SGK30 now uses switches from Huano. You can choose between blue and red switches, either tactile or linear. Our test model has the red switches installed.

The Huano switches are definitely comparable to the Kailh switches. Both red switches have almost the same typing feel. Both are supposed to have the same trigger point, but in direct comparison the Kailh switches do much better, because the trigger points are definitely not the same.

This is not to say that the Huano switches perform poorly. With the Sharkoon Skiller SGK30, you get great switches that are great to type on. The keys can be pressed without much effort and give a pleasant feedback. Thus, the Skiller SGK30 is also perfect for gaming, because after a short acclimation, if the switches are new to someone, the clear trigger point offers you a better response time.

For connoisseurs who need a noticeable trigger point, or lovers of clicky switches, the Sharkoon Skiller SGK30 with red switches is nothing, for this there are then the blue ones, which are tactile. However, the red Huano switches can really convince.

Software and On-The-Fly Operation

Right up front, it should be mentioned that the Skiller SGK30 does have software, but due to the on-the-fly operation, it is not necessary. Everything can be controlled via the function key and the arrow key, for example. Thus, the direction of the color gradients or the brightness can be adjusted. The keypad above the arrow keys can be used to set the 15 pre-programmed lighting effects.

There is also a software for the Sharkoon Skiller SGK30. It can be used to further customize the lighting, for example. However, since this can be adjusted well without the software, it isn’t really necessary in this respect. However, you can also change the key assignment or simply create macros via it. The up to 20 possible profiles can also be managed.

Conclusion

Mechanical keyboards are now available for very little money, unthinkable at a time when rubberdome was still the dominant type on the market. Now there are switches of all kinds and functions from different manufacturers and the prices are not really high anymore. The Sharkoon Skiller SGK30 is just such a keyboard, but it is still a really good product.

Huano switches with a pleasant typing feel were installed in a simple plastic case. We don’t get any dedicated multimedia or macro keys with the SGK30, but we can control everything via the function key.

For around 50 euros, the Sharkoon Skiller SGK30 is definitely recommendable!

Sharkoon Skiller SGK30

Workmanship
Features
Ergonomics
Software
Value for money

86/100

The Sharkoon Skiller SGK30 is a solid keyboard for everyone. For starters, this mechanical keyboard is great.

Simon Lüthje

I am co-founder of this blog and am very interested in everything that has to do with technology, but I also like to play games. I was born in Hamburg, but now I live in Bad Segeberg.

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