MSI VIGOR GK50 low profile TKL
Is taking a low profile best for compact gaming?
KEYBOARDS ON MSI’s laptops have tended to be somewhat hit and miss over recent years, but it’s difficult to get everything right when creating a budget laptop. Inevitably, compromises have to be made and those looking for for value may consider that their money is better spent on the performance of the device.
However, with the latest addition to MSI's range of peripherals, this VIGOR GK50 low profile TKL keyboard, all the attention is focused on performance. This keyboard is a fresh take on the VIGOR GK50 low profile board that has been around for a couple of years. The idea behind a low-profile keyboard is that it is both sleeker and more minimalist than a traditional keyboard, so it would appear to make perfect sense to merge the low-profile aspect with a compact TKL (TenKeyLess) format, which cuts out the 10-key numeric keypad on the right of the board.
The TKL format is a favorite amongst competitive gamers as it allows the user to free up more desk real estate for their mouse, but the low-profile keyboard format has some pretty good properties for gamers too. The lower height, shorter keys, and less key travel should, in theory, make it better for gaming. Of course, some gamers may appreciate those extra keys, but this format at least offers a genuine alternative.
That shallower angle for your wrists to rest upon should mean you can use this keyboard for longer gaming sessions. The ergonomics here are pretty good with the low profile format—the main construction of the board is an aluminum upper and plastic lower chassis.
It’s a slim keyboard too, measuring just 1.29 inches at its thickest point, so sits nice and flush to your desk. If you prefer a steeper angle, there are two different levels of height adjustments available from the built-in rubber kickstands. The keyboard also has five rubber feet that grip your desk—without them, the lightweight design would otherwise slip all over the place.
In terms of features, the board has a strong and evenly spread sprinkle of RGB, courtesy of MSI Mystic Light. Even better, you don’t need to use software to control lighting, as you can cycle through presets and play around with a few settings from the board. Also in the box, there's a keycap tool, a spare ALT key, a spare CTRL key, and also a drawstring mesh carry sleeve, which is handy if you take the keyboard on the go with you. A braided detachable USB-C to A cable is also included and, at 1.8m, should be long enough for most setups.
This TKL keyboard features clicky Kailh low-profile White switches. For those who are used to linear switches with a more standard profile, this might be quite some departure from the norm. With a low actuation point and a total key travel depth of 3mm, which is accompanied by a satisfying clicking noise, you get a speedy performance with that audible clarification many PC enthusiasts love.
It’s fair to say that MSI has aimed the VIGOR GK50 low profile TKL keyboard at the competitive gamer, rather than the professional writer. It's still a comfortable keyboard and would suit long periods of typing, but those clicks may get on your nerves. Even for a budget keyboard, the caps feel a little cheap and will be more frustrating to replace than typical deeper keycaps.
However, the low profile aspect and the slim design work in its favor to create a snappy keyboard that is ideally suited for high-octane gaming. It's also a comfortable and ergonomic board that's easy to use for hours on end, although the inclusion of some kind of wrist-rest or support would have rounded off a nice little package.
VERDICT
7
MSI VIGOR GK50 low profile TKL
SLEEK Compact low profile design; snappy switches; detachable braided cable.
EEEK Subjective font; slightly cheap feeling; no USB pass-through; no wrist-rest.
$ 89.99, www.msi.com