During the last MSI event, the manufacturer presented new peripherals to the gaming community. We have already mentioned all the details in a news on our site. In today’s review, we want to pounce on one of the new products – The Vigor GK50 in the TKL version. A new low profile gaming keyboard with mechanical tactile switches from Kailh, find out how well it performs in the review below!
Specifications
| Switches | Kailh Low Profile White Clicky |
| Size (LxWxH) |
354 x 140 x 33 mm
|
| Weight | 560 g |
| Case | Brushed black aluminum |
| Connection |
USB 2.0, with separate USB-C to USB-A cable
|
| Software | MSI Center |
| Lighting | Pro Switch RGB Mystic Light |
| Lifetime per Switch | 50+ million |
| Accessories | 1x Key Puller 2x Convex Keycaps (CTRL & ALT) 1x Travel Bag |
| Price | € 61.84* |
Packaging & Scope of delivery
Packaged in a plain white box with black accents, the VIGOR GK50 gaming keyboard is visually highlighted with its black color and RGB lighting. Let’s take a quick look at the packed back – there we see a mass of information about the VIGOR GK50, which we will break down in the following review.
Opening the package, you are greeted by the keyboard located in the travel bag. No additional plastic has been used here, which is a step in the right direction. The only thing wrapped in plastic are the two additional more rounded keycaps for ALT and CTRL. In addition, there is also a USB-A to USB-C cable in the packaging, as well as a key puller and the user manual.
Design & workmanship
As always, we’ll start first with a look at the design and workmanship of the VIGOR GK50. Even after unpacking it from the included carrying bag, you notice that this is a high-quality gaming keyboard. The dark gray brushed aluminum on the top of the case is striking – a classic and high-quality feature of new gaming keyboards. The rest of the case is then rounded off with sturdy black plastic. A nice, fairly unobtrusive detail is also the slightly brighter MSI dragon above the arrow keys.
The most important thing about the VIGOR GK50 is not the case, but the switches and the keycaps. The switches are Kailh White Clicky switches, which are characterized by their low height. They have a pre-travel of only 1.5 mm and a total length of 3.0 mm. This is significantly shorter than conventional switches. On top of that are the matte black, flat keycaps made by MSI from ABS. We like these visually very much and round off the overall package solidly. Unfortunately, the VIGOR GK50 is only available in a tactile version. Fans of linear switches will unfortunately have to pass.
Overall, however, the design is very well thought out – you can see this especially on the side edge of the VIGOR GK50. The case, the switches and the keycaps are particularly flat and thus don’t take up much space. This makes it easy to put the keyboard in your own backpack without taking up much space. Also, the USB cable is not permanently attached to the keyboard, which again makes it easier to transport. Even if you leave the USB-C cable attached to the keyboard, there should be no issues with kinks in the cable. The USB-C port on the VIGOR GK50 is lowered inwards and thus protected from external influences.
Lastly, let’s take a look at the back. Everything here is quite simple and sturdily finished. The design is rounded off here again with an MSI lettering, this time in glossy black. The feet can be folded out to the side, unlike usual. In use, you can then of course fold out the stand feet and provide for more suitable ergonomics, unfortunately only with a fixed height. In the end, it all comes down to the big picture and this is where the VIGOR GK50 does well. The design is classy and the workmanship of the gaming keyboard is on a high level.
Ergonomics & Practice
Now we have also reached the point where everything is unpacked and ready to go for our practical test. Here we test everyday use, as well as gaming performance in heated gaming battles. At first, we found the VIGOR GK50 a bit strangely uncomfortable. If you’re used to the normal, high and slightly curved keycaps, it takes a moment to get used to the keyboard. It took us about 2-3 hours. After that, however, we could only ascertain positive things.
Once you have overcome the first hurdle, you experience a real flight of fancy, which is especially noticeable when typing with the keyboard. It feels quite easy and fast, only sometimes you don’t hit the right key you actually wanted – it’s all a matter of getting used to it. Performance is also important when gaming, and the VIGOR GK50 does a reliable job here as well. The flatter keycaps and switches do their job insofar as you have the impression of being significantly faster and having more influence on the controls. In reality, however, we are moving in such a small millisecond range that it won’t make a difference in practice for most casual gamers. However, the values are good in two ways: firstly for mentality and secondly simply because they can make a small difference. Overall, we can only report positively about the practical experience.
Software & RGB lighting
To be able to adjust the RGB lighting of the VIGOR GK50, MSI offers two possible ways. The first is the more handy one via the macro buttons. Whether it’s selecting one of the pre-made presets, or simply changing the direction, brightness, tempo – everything is easily accessible. The concept behind it is enough to easily and quickly find your desired configuration.
MSI optionally offers an individual illumination by installing the MSI Dragon Center beforehand. Here you can either go completely for something of your own or simply choose between ready-made presets again.
Once you’ve found your desired preset, you get to marvel at the RGB lighting – well worth it here! For a mid-range gaming keyboard, the LEDs are convincing. They are powerful and bright, and together with the software, they create a coherent overall picture. Here the VIGOR GK50 collects plus points again.
Conclusion
Our expectations for the MSI VIGOR GK50 have been met. For its price of € 61.84 *, it places itself in the mid-range while meeting the requirements for this price-performance segment. The design is simple and effective, creates a high-end impression and is rounded off with decent quality. The flat keycaps are not everyone’s cup of tea, but they can be fun after a few minutes – if you get involved. Before that, you should go to an electronics store and try out a gaming keyboard with flat keycaps.
As a final conclusion, we can give it a solid buy recommendation. The VIGOR GK50 is fun to play with!
MSI VIGOR GK50 TKL
Workmanship
Features
Ergonomics
Software
Value for money
86/100
Little money brings a lot of new experience with pleasure. The VIGOR GK50 makes you want more!
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