MSI GK600 TKL Gaming Keyboard: Hot-Swap Switches, LCD Display, and Three Wireless Modes
MSI FORGE GK600
The MSI FORGE GK600 is a tenkeyless mechanical keyboard with triple connectivity, including wireless, hot-swap linear switches, and a built-in 1.06-inch LCD display. It enters the Italian market priced at €79.99, aiming to cover both the gaming segment and multi-device productivity. Spoiler: it excels in one area, but underperforms in another.
Build Quality and Materials
The TKL layout reduces footprint compared to a full-sized keyboard, but the GK600 is far from light: 943 grams on a surface of 348 x 140 x 45 mm makes it one of the heaviest keyboards in its category. The thickness is notable: while it enhances aesthetic appeal, it’s not ideal for portability. This isn’t a problem if you use it regularly on a stationary desk, but it matters for those considering frequent transport.
The PBT dye-sublimated keys are solid, with a defined profile that resists wear better than ABS and leaves no significant fingerprints. The plastic finish of the case is clean and functional, avoiding excessive aesthetics. It aligns with MSI's "Forge" aesthetic, favoring simple lines over aggressive angles.
The construction's strong point is the five layers of sound-dampening: IXPE foam, PU foam, sound dampening foam, switch foam, and silicone pads, plus mounting with silicone gaskets. MSI has clearly invested in the internal structure to differentiate itself from competitors in the same price range, and you can see and feel it.
Linear Switches and Typing Feel
The GK600 features linear mechanical switches with a claimed lifespan of 50 million keystrokes and 5-pin hot-swap support without soldering. The keystroke is smooth, without progressive resistance, with precise actuation fast enough to handle intense gaming sessions. The keyboard performs well in games: we tested it with Battlefield 6, and the feedback and responsiveness match the industry's best solutions. That said, it lacks advanced functions like Rapid Trigger or Hall-effect switches, which are starting to appear in competing products at this price point. The polling rate stops at 1000 Hz, standard for the segment, without the 4000 or 8000 Hz modes that some competitors already offer.
Noise: A Separate Chapter
During intense gaming sessions, when fingers repeatedly hammer the WASD keys and each press reaches bottom-out, the keyboard makes noise. The sound of bottoming out the linear switches does not disappear with mere suppression of structural vibrations; a dry impact sound remains, which definitely stands out in a quiet room or a shared office. The foams reduce the case's resonance, but those expecting a "library keyboard" will be disappointed. It’s not a silent keyboard; it’s one that sounds more controlled. The difference matters, but not enough to use it next to someone who isn’t gaming.
Connectivity and Display
The triple connectivity is interesting with wireless connection on the 2.4 GHz network via USB dongle, along with Bluetooth that remembers three distinct devices and wired USB Type-C. Switching between Bluetooth and 2.4G happens via the physical switch on the back, while the three Bluetooth slots are managed with the combinations FN + W/E/R. The Function key allows you to change virtually all keyboard settings through key combinations, including the type of lighting and related effects. This allows interaction with media controls (volume, previous/next track, play/pause via F7–F12), screen brightness (F1–F2), and system functions like screenshot (F6) and search (F5). Among the most useful combinations is FN + ESC for resetting to factory settings.
The 1.06-inch LCD display in the upper right corner shows battery status, active RGB profile, and brightness, a practical addition that avoids opening the software for every minor adjustment, though it consumes battery life noticeably. The 4000 mAh battery promises up to 20 days with RGB off, which drops to about 26 hours with backlighting active. The display and RGB effects together significantly drain the battery: gamers using bright colors and the display will find themselves recharging every day or two, not weekly. A full charge takes 6 hours via USB-C.
Software and Customization
The GK600 TKL WIRELESS cannot be managed at all via software and is also incompatible with MSI Center. All settings must be executed through button combinations. The hot-swap design is very interesting, opening customization to any compatible 5-pin switch, which is a real benefit for those wanting to change the feel over time without buying a new keyboard. The keyboard is designed so that neither keycaps nor switches can be removed manually. However, using the appropriate tool included in the package, removal and replacement become very easy.
The physical Win/Mac switch makes changing operating systems immediate, with FN keys automatically remapped for macOS (including support for Siri with a long press of F5). This setting, like others, is indicated on the small display and is located on the surface of the keyboard in contact with the desk, along with the switch for establishing the type of connection and the small compartment for the wireless dongle.
In gaming, the GK600 TKL WIRELESS performs admirably: N-key rollover, full anti-ghosting, responsive linear switches, and stable 2.4 GHz connection make it a solid choice for extended sessions. The hand adapts well to the layout, the travel of the switches does not tire, and the gasket structure cushions the physical feedback pleasantly. The TKL format eliminates the numeric keypad, which is an obvious choice for reducing bulk, but for those working with spreadsheets or entering data, it becomes a daily hindrance. The weight of 943 grams essentially excludes mobility: bringing it in a backpack every day isn’t a great idea.
Ultimately, the GK600 is a gaming keyboard for your home desk, not a work tool. Those purchasing it with that awareness will find a well-built product at a competitive price, with an attractive aesthetic impact, both in shape and color, appealing to the female gamer audience. We tested it in the VIOLET color, just launched on the Italian market and already available in various online and offline stores.