MSI Forge GK600 TKL Wireless Review: Is It Worth It?
▼ Summary
– The MSI Forge GK600 TKL is a wireless, tenkeyless gaming keyboard offering hot-swappable switches and a compact layout for under $100, positioning it as a value-focused all-rounder.
– Its design saves desk space and includes dedicated navigation keys, but it is relatively thick and heavy, limiting its portability despite being wireless.
– Key drawbacks include opaque keycaps that are hard to read in the dark, a short battery life (around 24 hours with RGB), and an inconveniently located connection switch on the underside.
– The keyboard features a small LCD display for settings and connection status, which adds functionality but consumes battery, and it uses sound-dampening materials that increase its weight.
– Overall, it is a good value for stationary gamers who prioritize features like hot-swappability and wireless use in a lit environment, but not ideal for those needing portability, frequent connection changes, or visibility in the dark.
Finding a wireless mechanical keyboard that balances features, performance, and price can be a challenge. The MSI Forge GK600 TKL Wireless enters the market as a compelling contender, packing hot-swappable switches, a tenkeyless design, and wireless connectivity into a package priced under $100. It makes a strong case for itself as a versatile daily driver, though a few notable compromises mean it won’t be the perfect fit for every user.
Choosing a tenkeyless keyboard often comes down to reclaiming valuable desk space. By shedding the number pad, the Forge GK600 provides more room for your mouse movements or that essential coffee mug without forcing you into an ultra-compact layout. It retains a dedicated column for navigation keys like Delete and Page Up, avoiding the frustrating key-combination hunting required on smaller 60% boards. This layout strikes a practical balance, offering a smaller footprint while maintaining immediate access to keys important for both work and gaming.
A standout feature is its hot-swappable switch sockets. This allows you to easily replace the included linear mechanical switches with any compatible third-party option, a level of customization typically found on more expensive boards. The pre-installed switches offer a smooth, quiet typing experience with noticeable sound dampening, thanks to internal foam and silicone layers. However, the keycaps feature opaque legends, which significantly reduces visibility in low-light conditions despite the per-key RGB backlighting.
Another unique element is the small LCD screen in the top-right corner. Initially seeming like a gimmick for displaying connection status, it actually houses a menu for cycling through lighting profiles and checking battery life, eliminating the need for dedicated software. This convenience comes at a cost: battery endurance. With RGB enabled, expect roughly 24 hours of use. Turning the lights off extends this dramatically, but overall battery performance lags behind some competitors.
The keyboard supports multiple connection methods: a 2.4GHz wireless dongle, Bluetooth for up to three devices, and a USB-C wired connection. Unfortunately, the physical switch to change between these modes is poorly positioned on the keyboard’s underside, making it inconvenient for users who frequently swap between devices.
Weighing in at 943 grams and with a substantial 34mm profile, this isn’t a particularly portable wireless board. Its heft provides stability on a desk but makes it less ideal for regular travel. The build quality feels solid for the price, and the dye-sublimated PBT keycaps have a pleasant texture, though the overall package is clearly designed for a stationary setup.
For the price, the MSI Forge GK600 TKL Wireless delivers a lot of value. It’s an excellent choice for someone seeking a full-featured wireless keyboard with hot-swap versatility who primarily uses it in a well-lit, fixed location. If your priorities are marathon battery life, easy portability, or perfect visibility in the dark, you may need to look elsewhere. But for its core audience, this keyboard offers a feature set that is genuinely difficult to match at this price point.
(Source: PC Gamer)
