How Much Does it Cost?
The MSI STRIKE PRO Wireless mechanical keyboard is currently available from major retailers for around £104.99, while the MSI VERSA PRO Wireless gaming mouse comes in at a very competitive £79.99. considering the premium feature set on each, the prices are certainly competitive. I wouldn’t say they’re cheap either, but all-in I think you get a heck of a lot for your money. I’ve seen peripherals costing double from any of the major brands such as Razer, Logitech and Corsair, to name but a few, that offer little to nothing extra, so getting both for under £200 is certainly welcome.
Overview
MSI has proven to be a strong contender in the peripherals market, and that’s not easy, as competition is plentiful. While they’re not sold as a set, the combination of the STRIKE PRO and VERSA PRO is a heck of a combo, and shows that MSI has kept up with what enthusiast PC users want and delivered it. This isn’t just a “good enough” pairing; it’s a genuinely cohesive ecosystem that feels fantastic to use, and the Tri-Mode connectivity helps take the usability to the next level.
The STRIKE PRO Wireless offers one of the best out-of-the-box silent typing experiences I’ve encountered, making it a welcome addition for late-night gaming sessions or lots of typing in a shared workspace. Paired with the VERSA PRO, which offers the precision and responsiveness of a top-tier esports mouse, but rather than going for a stripped down ultra-light featureless design, it’s brimming with extra buttons and features that make it extremely versatile to use for work and gaming.
Build Quality
MSI hasn’t cut corners on materials, and the STRIKE PRO Wireless feels durable and planted, thanks to that thick chassis and the internal sound-dampening layers. The PBT keycaps are a nice touch, offering a textured and long-lasting design, ensuring the board looks pristine even after many months of use. The Kailh Midnight Pro Silent switches are a nice touch too, and since they’re hot-swappable and MX-compatible, you really can’t fault them.
The VERSA PRO Wireless is equally impressive. Despite coming in at 97g, which is medium-weight by modern standards, it feels sturdy and durable, yet thanks to the large feet, it still glides with ease! The OMRON optical switches are rated for 70 million clicks and feel crisp and snappy, with plenty of additional buttons, durable rubber grips and even a removable battery that all take the mouse to the next level.
Design
Both peripherals share a distinct MSI DNA in their design, a blend of sharp angles and smooth curves that provide comfortable ergonomics with a modern and stylish design. The keyboard’s dedicated media controls and smart scroll wheel are a nice touch too. The RGB lighting is tasteful; because the PBT keycaps don’t have translucent legends, the lighting creates a vibrant yet more subdued under-glow bed of colour rather than a distracting disco show.
The mouse is clearly inspired by the best ergonomic shapes on the market, with a deep thumb groove and a supportive wing that makes it incredibly comfortable for palm and claw grip use. The ability to remove the battery puck to shed a little weight is a nice touch, as is the compatibility with a magnetic charging dock or Type-C charging.
Tri-Mode Connectivity
Both devices support 2.4 GHz wireless, Bluetooth 5.3, and Wired USB. In my testing, the 2.4 GHz mode was indistinguishable from a wired connection, but wireless tech has been pretty fantastic for a couple of years now, but still, it’s great to see that trend continue. The ability to quickly toggle to Bluetooth means you can switch from your gaming PC to a work laptop or tablet instantly., and you get insanely long battery life in this mode (with the RGB turned off). Battery life is stellar on both regardless, but the keyboard’s 1500-hour maximum is absurdly good, meaning you’ll likely only charge it once every few months if you’re conservative with lighting. The mouse’s 80-hour life is solid too, but most importantly, both charge back to full pretty quickly anyway.
Performance
The PixArt PAW-3395 sensor in the VERSA PRO is excellent, tracking is pixel-perfect all the way up to the insanely fast 26,000 DPI, even if I rarely go above a few thousand for my own needs, it’s nice to have that extra resolution. The Kailh Midnight Pro Silent switches on the keyboard are my favorite of the pair though; they are responsive for gaming but quiet enough to avoid distraction while I’m working.
Should I Buy One?
If you are looking for a peripheral upgrade that balances high-end gaming performance with the creature comforts needed for daily work, then the STRIKE PRO Wireless is perfect for those who value silence and typing feel, while the VERSA PRO Wireless offers a premium feature rich gaming mouse that focuses on long-term comfort. While some may prefer a more stripped down eSports focused design, MSI has done a great job of cramming in all the premium features, while still making them adept a both daily work and serious gaming.
