MSI’s Vigor GK50 Elite TKL keyboard is a compact, dependable, and RGB pleasant mechanical keyboard

Taiwanese gaming firm MSI is a family title for any avid PC gamer. In case you’ve ever seemed into the interior elements for constructing your individual PC or deep-dived into the best peripherals for kitting out your construct, you then’re probably accustomed to MSI. Central to any good PC setup, whether or not for gaming or productiveness, is a superb keyboard. The Vigor GK50 Elite TKL represents a flagship product for MSI and the newest in a rising line of TKL (Ten Keyless) keyboards, which have eschewed their quantity pad for a smaller desk footprint.

Beneficial

MSI Vigor GK50 Elite TKL

The MSI Vigor GK50 Elite TKL is a gaming-ready mechanical keyboard that provides efficiency and construct high quality on a finances.

Professionals

• Easy mechanical operation
• Customizable RGB

Cons

• MSI software program is a weak level

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Value, availability, and specs

The Vigor GK50 Elite TKL keyboard from MSI is broadly accessible on Amazon and instantly from MSI. The keyboard retails for $64, although it is typically on sale for $55.

The GK50 Elite TKL from MSI is a wired keyboard related through a removable USB-C cable for simple storage when taking the keyboard on the go. The keys are powered by Kailh switches, which function a pre-travel distance of 1.9mm and a full-travel distance of 4.00mm. The mannequin examined for this evaluation featured Kailh Crimson switches, that are a “linear” mechanical key change.

The keyboard can be provided with Kailh Blue switches, that are “clicky” and provides louder suggestions, and “Field White,” providing a decrease complete journey distance and operational power. The GK50 Elite TKL sports activities per-key RGB lighting, permitting for detailed customization of RGB profiles. The keyboard has adjustable toes, permitting customers to decide on between three completely different levels of incline.

What I favored in regards to the GK50 Elite TKL

Easy operator

An excellent mechanical keyboard is an absolute pleasure to make use of, and the GK50 Elite TKL with its Kailh switches, really feel extremely responsive and clean. With 4mm of journey, keys journey simply far sufficient to present good tactile suggestions with out touring as far as to make typing really feel like a chore. The space between the keys makes for simple operation when gaming, serving to to keep away from misguided inputs because of incorrect key presses.

Like most avid gamers I am a sucker for excellent RGB, and the sunshine on the GK50 Elite TKL is spectacular for a keyboard at this worth level. Many gaming keyboards on the $50 mark provide lighting zones as a substitute of the person per-key lighting featured on the GK50. With this, customers can choose from a number of attractive lighting presets or totally customise their keyboards, illuminating particular keys to assist bear in mind shortcuts or controls in sure video games and even video and photograph enhancing purposes.

The keyboard’s construct high quality is one other facet of its design that I respect. The GK50 Elite TKL is hefty, which suggests it stays in place throughout intense play. It additionally feels extremely well-built, with nearly zero body flexing, even after I tried bending it with two arms. Total, I beloved that it feels strong, works effectively, and is enjoyable to kind on.

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What I did not like in regards to the GK50 Elite TKL

I might pay extra for a wi-fi model

I want this keyboard was wi-fi. I do know, it is foolish to choose on, as the truth that the GK50 Elite TKL is wired is mirrored in its worth. However I might like to see a wi-fi model of the identical keyboard provided sooner or later. The removable USB-C cable appears to be MSI’s means of constructing it as cellular as attainable whereas nonetheless being wired.

The GK50 is tremendous compact, and due to its included carrying case, it is nearly begging to be true wi-fi, so hopefully, that may occur finally.

MSI software program was a dub

This keyboard has tons of potential from a {hardware} perspective, however its most notable problem is definitely MSI’s software program. MSI Heart and Mystic Mild go away rather a lot to be desired, particularly in comparison with software program like Razer’s Synapse. I’ve talked about the per-key lighting, however Mystic Mild is a weak instrument for customizing the lighting of every particular person key.

It feels rudimentary and simplistic, and it could possibly undoubtedly be improved with extra engineering time. MSI Heart, which can be utilized to file macros, feels equally boring. A fuller, extra feature-rich software program expertise would enhance the consumer expertise with the GK50 and every other MSI keyboards.

Verdict: Must you purchase the GK50 Elite TKL

The Vigor GK50 Elite TKL from MSI is a reliable and dependable mechanical keyboard. Whereas this keyboard is not profitable any innovation awards, it is not breaking the financial institution both, and it serves as an ideal entry-level mechanical keyboard. With high-quality Kailh switches, per-key RGB, and a well-constructed physique, the GK50 provides nice worth for avid gamers, whereas additionally serving admirably for productiveness use instances.

In case you’re available in the market for a brand new gaming keyboard, and are purchasing on a finances, try the Vigor GK50 Elite TKL.

Beneficial

MSI Vigor GK50 Elite TKL

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