Cosmic Byte Themis 61-Key Mechanical Keyboard (CB-GK-35)

Cosmic Byte Themis 61-Key Mechanical Keyboard (CB-GK-35)

Compact Design, Uncompromised Performance: If you play competitive first-person shooters or simply prefer a clean, minimalist desk setup, full-sized keyboards take up far too much valuable real estate. The Cosmic Byte Themis solves this with a highly efficient 60% layout (61 keys). By removing the numpad and standard arrow clusters, it leaves a massive amount of desk space open for sweeping mouse movements, while still retaining all essential gaming functionality through secondary Fn-key layers.

Hot-Swappable Outemu Red Switches: The core of any mechanical keyboard is its switches. This version of the Themis comes equipped with Outemu Red linear switches. Unlike blue switches that have a loud, tactile “bump,” red switches press smoothly straight down. This linear action is highly favored by gamers because it allows for rapid, consecutive key presses without the loud, distracting clicking noise. Better yet, the PCB is hot-swappable. This means if a switch ever fails, or if you simply want to try a different typing feel in the future, you can pull the switch out and click a new one into place without using a soldering iron.

Vibrant RGB and Custom Software: Despite its budget-friendly price, the Themis does not compromise on aesthetics. It features fully customizable per-key RGB backlighting. You aren’t stuck with a single static color; you can choose from over 10 different dynamic lighting effects directly from the keyboard. For advanced users, Cosmic Byte provides dedicated software that allows you to finely tune the RGB lighting, remap keys, and program complex macros, ensuring the keyboard is perfectly tailored to your specific gaming style.

Key Features

• 60% Compact Layout: 61-key design frees up maximum desk space for aggressive mouse movements and clean aesthetics.
• Outemu Red Switches: Smooth, linear mechanical switches perfect for fast-paced gaming and quiet typing.
• Hot-Swappable PCB: Easily remove and replace mechanical switches without any soldering required.
• Per-Key RGB Lighting: Features vibrant, customizable RGB backlighting with over 10 built-in dynamic effects.
• 1000Hz Polling Rate: Ensures ultra-fast, 1ms response times so every keystroke registers instantly during competitive play.
• Dedicated Software: Downloadable software allows for advanced macro programming and detailed RGB customization.

Specifications of Cosmic Byte Themis 61-Key Mechanical Keyboard (CB-GK-35)

Who It’s For

• Competitive FPS Gamers: Players who play games like Valorant or CS:GO on a low mouse sensitivity and need maximum desk space for large mouse swipes.
• First-Time Mechanical Keyboard Buyers: An incredibly affordable entry point into the mechanical keyboard hobby, offering premium features like hot-swappability.
• Late-Night Typists and Streamers: The linear Outemu Red switches are significantly quieter than “clicky” switches, preventing your typing from keeping the house awake or bleeding into your microphone.

Comparison: Cosmic Byte Themis (Outemu Red) vs. Themis (Outemu Blue)

When buying the Cosmic Byte Themis, you will notice it is sold in two variants: one with Outemu Red switches and one with Outemu Blue switches. The keyboard chassis, RGB lighting, and 60% layout are identical between the two. The critical difference is how the keys feel and sound. The Outemu Blue variant features a “tactile bump” and a loud, satisfying click with every press, making it great for heavy typists but potentially annoying to roommates. This Outemu Red variant is completely linear and smooth, lacking the bump and the loud click. If you prioritize rapid-fire key presses for gaming and want a quieter setup, the Red switch version is definitely the one you want.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I use the arrow keys if they are missing? Because this is a 60% keyboard, the dedicated arrow keys are removed to save space. However, the arrow keys are still accessible! You simply hold down the “Fn” (Function) key and press the corresponding secondary keys (usually located on the bottom right of the letter cluster) to use the arrows.
2. Is this keyboard wireless? No. The Cosmic Byte Themis CB-GK-35 is a wired mechanical keyboard. It connects directly to your PC or laptop via a USB cable.
3. Can I put Cherry MX switches in this keyboard later? The Themis features Outemu hot-swap sockets. Because Outemu pins are slightly thinner than standard Cherry or Gateron pins, you generally cannot fit Cherry MX switches into this board without modifying the pins. If you want to swap switches in the future, it is highly recommended to stick with other Outemu-branded switches (like Outemu Brown or Outemu Black) or Akko CS switches, which are known to fit Outemu sockets.
4. Do I have to install the software to change the RGB lights? No. While the software allows for deep customization, you can easily cycle through the 10+ preset RGB lighting effects, change the colors, and adjust the brightness directly on the keyboard using a combination of the “Fn” key and specific shortcut keys.