Manufacturer Sharkoon wants to prove that a high-quality mechanical keyboard does not necessarily have to be expensive with its latest peripheral device. A compact 75 percent layout, replaceable keycaps and interchangeable mechanical switches at a price of around 80 euros? Our Sharkoon Skiller SGK50 S3 test explains what you can expect from this package.
Technical data
| The product | Sharkoon Skiller SGK50 S3 |
| Key switch type | Mechanical |
| Switch types offered | Gateron Yellow; Red; Brown
Gateron G Pro V3 Yellow (PBT model only) |
| Switch interchangeable | yes (hot swap) |
| Switch material | Plastic |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 310 x 120 x 40 mm |
| Weight | 724 grams |
| Cable connection | USB type C |
| Rollover technology | N-Key Rollover |
| Keycaps | ABS plastic |
| Operating modes | Typing; Gaming |
| Special features | Replaceable keycaps and switches; quiet dampening; keycaps and tools included |
| Key colors | Black; White |
| Price | € 79.90 * |
Sharkoon Skiller SGK50 S3 review: Scope of delivery, design and workmanship
- Compact design
- Quite robust despite plastic
- Convincing scope of delivery
The Sharkoon Skiller SGK50 S3 arrived for testing in a compact, black box, which contained a few surprises in addition to the keyboard itself. The manufacturer includes a whole range of accessories that are normally only found on much more expensive gaming keyboards.
On the one hand, there is a 159-centimeter-long, fabric-covered USB-A to USB-C coiled cable, and on the other, Sharkoon includes a keycap and switch puller to replace keycaps and switches. The scope of delivery is rounded off by two additional keycaps in a light blue color bearing the manufacturer’s logo.
The keyboard itself comes in a completely black color scheme and is based on a compact 75 percent layout in which, compared to TKL (80 percent), everything is a little closer together and, for example, the additional key block for Insert, Delete or End is placed as a line next to the Enter key.
This results in a width of only 310 millimeters and thus additional space savings. The Sharkoon Skiller SGK50 S3 is mainly made of plastic and weighs 724 grams without cable – however, the keyboard cannot be used wirelessly.
The USB-C port for the connection can be found on the top of the keyboard on the left edge so that you can lead the cable out directly. On the underside, the keyboard has rubberized feet and additional rubber feet on the upper edge that can be set at three angles, so that everyone can find their preferred ergonomic position.
Otherwise, the Sharkoon Skiller SGK50 S3 uses a German ISO layout and keycaps with thick, clearly legible lettering. The space bar on the front features the manufacturer’s logo and lettering, which is also perfectly highlighted thanks to RGB lighting.
Workmanship: points deducted in detail
- ABS keycaps wear out very quickly
- Mechanical switches too soft; pins bend
It is clear that Sharkoon had to make a few compromises to achieve the low price. This is particularly noticeable in terms of the workmanship – which is by no means poor.
On the one hand, the keyboard relies on inexpensive and not too high-quality ABS keycaps. Although the Sharkoon Skiller SGK50 S3 is also available with high-quality PBT keycaps for around 10 euros more. Alternatively, the keyboard is also available as a barebone to equip it with your own keycaps and switches.
A surcharge that is really worth it in my opinion, as the quality of the ABS caps unfortunately leaves a lot to be desired. Although they feel pleasant to the touch, they quickly show signs of wear and tear.
When I wanted to check why the ALT GR key refused to work during the test and used the keycap puller accordingly, an unsightly smudge remained on the keycap.
It is also not uncommon for the switches to be pulled off together with the keycap. Apparently, the MX-Stenzel is a little too tight, so that the mechanical switch is often pulled off at the same time. I have never experienced this with a mechanical keyboard before.
The problem with the ALT GR key was then quickly identified: the mechanical contacts were bent so that the keyboard could not register the key. In general, the contacts of the installed Gateron switches seem comparatively soft and tend to bend very quickly – I have never experienced this with a mechanical keyboard before.
This leaves a slightly bitter aftertaste, although in my opinion this is probably due to an “assembly model”. Otherwise, the workmanship of the Sharkoon Skiller SGK50 S3 is of a very high standard.
RGB lighting and software
- Impressive RGB lighting
- Can be adjusted directly via the keyboard
- Settings via VIA
The Sharkoon Skiller SGK50 S3 features stylish RGB lighting with all kinds of effects that can be quickly and easily adjusted directly on the keyboard using various FN key combinations.
For example, it is possible to set the lighting effects, adjust the frequency of the movements and increase or decrease the intensity. Up to three lighting profiles can also be created and saved directly on the keyboard.
It is a pity that the information on how this works can only be found in the operating instructions, which must be downloaded as a PDF file from the manufacturer’s website. There would certainly have been room for the instructions in the packaging.
As with the nerdytec CYKEY (our test), further settings for the SGK50 S3 can be made via VIA or QMK. VIA in particular is extremely practical, as the settings can be made via the browser and therefore no accompanying software needs to be installed.
Practical and writing test
- Excellent typing feel
- Pleasantly fast mechanical switches
However, all the criticism vanishes in the practical test, in which the Sharkoon Skiller SGK50 S3 does an impeccable job. The keyboard is available with three different, hot-swappable mechanical switches from Gateron.
In addition to the red linear version, there are also the brown tactile switches and – here in our test model – the Gateron Yellow switches, which rely on a slightly higher actuation force than the red model (50g compared to 45g).
This results in a pleasantly crisp trigger feel, which naturally appeals to gamers in particular. But the yellow switches also cut a very good figure when typing longer texts.
It is also possible to create and use macros and other functions directly on the keyboard. A total of two macro sets with a maximum of 16 individual actions are possible, while the other functions include media control, for example.
Other functions, such as creating a screenshot, can also be used with the FN key combination. There is no labeling on the keyboard for this – a look at the manual will also help here, although the commands can be freely reconfigured using software.
The keyboard’s acoustics are also pleasant. Thanks to a double layer of silicone damping and an additional polycarbonate positioning plate, the SGK50 S3 is comparatively quiet and offers a pleasant sound, which nevertheless does not lack the characteristics of a mechanical keyboard.
Sound test of the Sharkoon Skiller SGK50 S3:
Sharkoon Skiller SGK50 S3 test: Conclusion
The Sharkoon Skiller SGK50 S3 delivers a thoroughly coherent overall package in this test. In terms of the very pleasant typing feel and the harmonious background noise, it doesn’t have to hide behind significantly more expensive gaming keyboards.
The ability to change keycaps and switches quickly and easily is also often only found on much more expensive gaming keyboards. In addition, there is a coherent and highly customizable RGB lighting, as well as practical customization via VIA.
However, the SGK50 S3 falls short in terms of build quality, which is mainly due to the cheap-looking ABS keycaps and the (too) soft mechanical switches.
If you really want to have fun with the keyboard in the long term, you should definitely spend a few euros more on the version with PBT keycaps, which even comes with the more durable G PRO 3.0 switches.
Sharkoon Skiller SGK50 S3
Workmanship
Features
Ergonomics
Software
Value for money
86/100
The Sharkoon Skiller SGK50 S3 offers the functionality of significantly more expensive keyboards at an almost unbeatable price. However, the workmanship of the ABS model leaves something to be desired. It is better to invest 10 euros more in the higher quality PBT version.
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