MSI Vigor GK50 Low Profile TKL Mechanical Keyboard Review

MSI is one of the biggest and best names in the business, creating everything from stunning PC cases to the latest and greatest graphics cards. We're kicking things off with something smaller today though, as they've just released their new VIGOR GK50 Low Profile TKL keyboard. This keyboard has actually been on the market for a couple of years, but the TKL version is what's new. For those who want a more compact design, this is perfect for the job. If you game at home or travel to play eSports, you can now reap the benefits of the more compact design. Because it's smaller, it frees up desktop space, allowing you more room to wiggle your mouse. Of course, being smaller, it's also easier to store and travel with. MSI Vigor GK50 Low Profile TKL The MSI Vigor GK50 Low Profile TKL Mechanical Keyboard is well equipped and should be perfect for anyone who takes their keyboards seriously. It comes with the latest Kailh low-profile white mechanical switches. These feature dynamic per-key RGB backlighting, allowing you total customisation over the colours. The top of the keyboard is built from a slice of aluminium, which looks great but also improves the overall rigidity of the keyboard too. Beyond that, you get USB-C connectivity, full N-Key rollover and anti-ghosting, on-board profiles, and three angle adjustments. So, let's grab the box and take a closer look! Features Kailh low-profile white switchesPer-key RGB lighting with mystic lightFloating & octagonal keycaps.1000Hz polling rate3 onboard profilesUSB-C connector1.8m USB cable includedThree adjustable angles (5, 8 and 11 degrees) For in-depth features and specifications, please visit the official MSI Vigor GK50 Low Profile TKL product page here. What MSI Had to Say "Gamers will revel in the amazing clicky feedback provided with each keystroke with 50gf operating force in its space-saving compact form-factor. The VIGOR GK50 LOW PROFILE TKL provides a wider and larger space for your mouse swipes for the ideal gaming setup. Designed to meet the demands for portability, the VIGOR GK50 LOW PROFILE TKL provides a detachable Type-C to Type-A cable and a scratch-resistant, breathable drawstring bag, allowing for seamless travel and storage. Additionally, the high-low keycap design allows your hands and wrists to remain in a naturally comfortable position while gaming, reducing strain." - MSI Kailh Low Profile Packaging & Accessories The box is nice enough, with a large and clear photo of the keyboard on the front showcasing the glorious RGB. Around the back, a comprehensive rundown of all the major features, with more clear photos telling you what everything does. There's also a specifications list on the right. Overall, this is a very well laid out box and tells you everything you need to know with ease. Open the box up, and you'll find everything neatly packaged, with some thick card and air gapping protecting the keyboard. In the box, you'll find a 1.8m braided USB C cable, keycap puller, and alternative Alt and CTRL caps. The keyboard comes with a breathable but padded foam mesh bag to keep the keyboard free from scratches while you travel. So, let's get this show and the road and look at the keyboard! A Closer Look If you're a fan of MSI or you keep a close eye on eTeknix, you may actually remember the original version of this keyboard. It likely won't surprise you to find out there is a KG50 Elite that had standard depth switches, then a GK50 Low-Profile that uses the shorter throw Kailh switches, and now there's the GK50 TKL which we have today. I actually reviewed the full-size one two years ago! Obviously, the key difference here is that the number pad has been chopped off and the bezel slimmed up a bit to make this a more compact and portable design. The design is broadly the same though, with those funky keycaps really being something quite different to what we usually see. They're slimmer caps for a start, sitting much lower and they're on short actuating switches too, keeping things lower still. However, what really looks cool is the more angular design on their edges, which really catch the light and shadows rather well. Personally, I can't stand having desktop software for all my peripherals. MSI provide one, and it's suitably a bit crap as most are, but once you configure any profiles and lighting you desire, you can ditch it pretty quickly. This is especially true thanks to the extensive range of onboard features that you can use with the simple Fn-Shift function. There's a set of multimedia controls here. And more here for the volume, and they're always welcome on a keyboard I use! The RGB gets a lot of control too, with six buttons here controlling the profile/preset, reaction speed, and even the effect direction. There are a LOT of profiles too, and I doubt you'll need to make a custom one as there should be something here for you. There are more controls here, allowing you to adjust the colour and brightness of each profile and key also. Overall, getting it set up is never more than a few key presses away, which I really appreciate more than using the desktop software. The Fn-Shift key is here, with a nice MSI dragon logo on it. There are some additional caps included in the box too. The CTRL and ALT keys are flat profiled by default, but there are some convex topped ones should you wish to swap them. Honestly, they both feel alright to me, but perhaps you'll have a more defined opinion on which is better and why. A lovely MSI dragon tucked above the arrow keys. I quite like the LED indicator placement too, it's using the available space and reduces the need for more trim at the back of the keyboard. The whole top panel is a single piece of aluminium, which looks awesome, and it feels good to the touch too. It's folded at the front and back, giving the whole thing added strength and style. The underside is plastic, but it feels nice and durable and even looks pretty stylish too with that huge MSI logo stamped into it. The feet are nice and robust too. Flat, the keyboard sits at 5 degrees, and there are stiff rubber grips here too to prevent it sliding around. The first inner foot raises the angle a little. Or you can go full tilt and use the larger feet. Finally, the cable recesses neatly into a port hidden under the keyboard, so only the cable hangs out the back not the bulk of the connector. Performance One of the really defining features of this keyboard has to be the keycap design. They're wider and flatter than most keyboards. Plus, from front to back, the keyboard has only the slightest curve. This can feel a bit strange at first, and some people who rely on the feel of the space between the caps to index their fingers may find it takes a little adjustment, as there's not much shape to the layout. Personally, I like that, it's a nice fast layout for touch typing and gaming, but I have been typing on a low-profile and low actuation keyboard for a few years now. Also MSI has made the strange decision to only release this keyboard with one type of switch. While I like the Kailh White Low Profile they're not going to be to everyone. They're a clicky switch, which has both a pleasant audible click and a nice tactile feel. However, it's unlike what you may be used to from something like a Cherry MX Blue. It's a lighter "click" and almost feels like a fancy on/off switch you'd find on the dashboard of a fancy car where a lot of thought has gone into the sound and feel of that switch. It most importantly doesn't quite feel like any other keyboard switch to me. That feel, combined with the low actuation force and short travel of the switches feels very strange to me. I do like it though, but it takes a day or two to adjust to. Compared to my usual linear low profile switches, I do have to type just a little harder on the GK50 TKL. However, if you're coming from full-size mechanical switches, you'll likely find you're moving your fingers more and harder than this keyboard requires, until you get used to it at least. Of course, the noise isn't going to appeal to everyone either. Doing a Vet Trial in Elder Scrolls Online sounded like a (relatively quiet) tap-dancing centipede to everyone in the room other than myself. But from my perspective, the feedback makes for confident keypresses while working and gaming. You've likely noticed by now, but the RGB is bright and vibrant. It doesn't matter what colour I put on it, it's plenty bright and really pops. It's almost neon, and nope, my camera isn't exaggerating this one, it really does look this good. My kids love the reaction modes. However, I prefer a more custom gaming profile like this one, very funky! How Much Does it Cost? Frustratingly, I can't see stock of this keyboard anywhere. That being said, launches are often a little less precise these days what with the modern world being a bit crap. The keyboard did launch today, and as such, I suspect the stock will start hitting various retails any time now. You can check for up to date stock and prices on Amazon UK here. However, I suggest you check at your favourite retailers too. Overview I must admit, I do like this keyboard, but at the same time, it's not really the keyboard for me. It's a little too flashy and clicky for my needs. I need a quiet keyboard in my house, and it's a little "gamer" looking, while I prefer a more sleek look. That being said, style is subjective, as are switch preferences. If you like how it looks and you love clicky switches, then fill your boots, because it's honestly a pretty great keyboard. It's nice to see something a little more unique and different, both in terms of how a keyboard looks and how it performs. It's not like there aren't thousands of keyboards that are the same. One thing that really sells me on this, however, is the low profile design. I find I don't need a wrist rest with slimmer keyboards. Furthermore, the wide flat keycaps and the almost flat profile of the layout helps me type light and fast comfortably for longer. TKL certainly isn't for everyone. If you tend to use your number pad a lot, then you're going to miss not having one anymore. However, if you have a limited amount of desktop space, you want a keyboard that fits in your backpack, or most of all, want more space for your mouse, this will fit the bill. That being said, MSI does make a full-size version too, so you have that choice. The RGB is pretty dope, and it's so packed with profiles on onboard customisation options, you likely won't need the desktop software to customise the keyboard to suit your tastes. Plus, with three onboard profiles, you can have your work and gaming setups just a few button presses away. Should I Buy One? MSI's latest keyboard certainly isn't for everyone. It's clicky, it's very "gamer" looking, it's riddled with RGB tech, and with a slim profile and TKL design, it feels pretty different to most desktop keyboards. However, they're not really bad features, so much as they are fairly specific. With its multi-angle adjustment, extensive built-in customisation options brushed aluminium top panel, and unique looks, it's a fun gaming keyboard that stands out from the crowd.