MSI Announces Two Mechanical Keyboards

[Cristian_25H]

Leading motherboard, graphics card and computer peripherals maker MSI has expanded its Gaming catalogue with its first Mechanical Gaming Keyboard. Built on the popular Cherry MX Red linear switches, the MSI GK-601 provides superb feedback and sensitive key responsiveness.

In order to deliver the highest quality standards in keyboards, each key on the MSI GK-601 is created with precision laser etching for extra resistance to wear and uses 18K gold plating to increase the stability while N-key rollover makes sure that every key-press registers. A rare yellow LED backlights the each individual key even after 50 Million key presses (per key) making them excellent for use at during day and night. With a massive 128 KB of memory, 50 different macros can be stored to help you out in any gaming situation and high speed USB ports and Audio and Microphone jacks making this THE keyboard every gamer needs. Otherwise, MSI also releases Classic series Keyboard with Cherry MX Red linear switches and ergonomic design which brings the best experience for office or general users.





Professional Software, Macro Configuration and Advanced Key Press Technology
A gamer's response time is faster than average and a pro-gamers hand-eye coordination exceeds that that of fighter pilots, but not everyone is blessed with concert pianists' key-press speed. That's why the MSI GK-601 comes with dedicated software that records 50 macros that allow you to perform in-game tasks at lightning speed, perform monotonous tasks with the press of a button or have pre-defined taunts ready to show your opponents why you've just beat them! The GK-601 comes with 128 KB of internal memory for macros and hot-keys. This is twice the amount of memory of other brand's high-end gaming keyboards and stored macros can easily be exchanged between different systems.

Smart Hotkeys and Premium Wiring
All keys and connectors are 18K gold plated and use military-grade close-woven wiring. This drastically increases the durability and lifetime of the keys and ensures there is no signal corruption thus improving latencies leading to faster controls. A very important detail, the Windows button can be disabled to prevent in-game interruptions due to accidental key presses. This prevents tons of frustration or difficult system hacks to disable this Windows function. The use of high-end USB N-key Rollover technology ensures immunity to key ghosting and blocking. Finally, a set of Multimedia hotkeys allow for quick volume adjustments and playback control.

Independent LED Backlighting and Laser Etched Key Caps
The MSI GK-601 uses a relatively rare backlight technique consisting of yellow LED with four levels of brightness. This helps gamers see every key in the dark and make their moves with ease. The breathing lights function adds a layer of mystery and tension. Precision laser etching and rigorous testing ensures that every key cap can withstand the relentless pounding of gamers without becoming worn or faded.

e-Sports Ergonomics
The MSI GK-601 is laid out with the world standard 104-key layout. The ergonomic and rugged key press structure prevents player discomfort even after extended use. The MSI GK-601 also features highlighted WASD keys, two high-speed USB ports, audio out and microphone jacks and anti-skid feet. The high quality, convenience and expandability is your final destination in the quest for the best possible gaming keyboard!

View at TechPowerUp Main Site

 

[RCoon]

128k for macro keys.
What macro keys?

 

[Aquinus]

128k for macro keys.
What macro keys?

You see that FN key?

 

[dj-electric]

Everytime MSI launch a new product i feel disgusted with myself becuase i know sometime i will have it.

 

[RCoon]

You see that FN key?

I still see no macros related to the Fn key, just stupid media buttons on the F keys etc.
In my eyes, they are not macro keys, nor in any other gamer's eyes.

 

[EzioAs]

If only they'd release different MX switches and individual media keys ...

 

[Aquinus]

I still see no macros related to the Fn key, just stupid media buttons on the F keys etc.
In my eyes, they are not macro keys, nor in any other gamer's eyes.

Just because the key doesn't have an extra symbol doesn't mean you can't bind fn + r to something. It doesn't mean that it won't let you do something like rebind super + z to something else. Just because there aren't dedicated macro keys doesn't mean you can't rebind used and unused key combinations.

I can't speak for it since I don't have the keyboard or the software but the last device I had that was like that let me remap just about everything. I know that my G500 lets me change what every button does, I suspect this is no different.

 

[RCoon]

Just because the key doesn't have an extra symbol doesn't mean you can't bind fn + r to something. It doesn't mean that it won't let you do something like rebind super + z to something else. Just because there aren't dedicated macro keys doesn't mean you can't rebind used and unused key combinations.

I can't speak for it since I don't have the keyboard or the software but the last device I had that was like that let me remap just about everything. I know that my G500 lets me change what every button does, I suspect this is no different.

I prefer dedicated macro keys, so when I'm in game i dont have to hold a button down and then press another button whilst going about my normal game functions.
There is a reason other keyboard vendors make dedicated macro keys.
Also bare in mind where that Fn key is, having it on the right side of the keyboard, where most people's mouse hand will be required, is not a smart move.
Whoever was in charge of macro implementation was clearly an absolute CRETIN.

 

[Vancha]

I hate gaming peripherals sometimes.

Oh yeah here's our red switch only keyboard...It has YELLOW LIGHTS and MACROS and ESPORTS and GOLD PLATING and MILITARY GRADE!!!

 

[Mindweaver]

I have been really impressed with MSI's quality lately. I just recently bought a MSI 970a-G46 motherboard to replace a failed ASUS M4A89GTD PRO/USB3 motherboard for my 1055t. I really like the new MSI board. That purchase lead me to buy a MSi R7770 (HD7770 Ghz edition) graphics card, and it's a really nice card as well. So, when it was time to replace my main gaming rig's graphics card.. I bought a MSi GTX 680 PE and it looks just like a lighting card! It can even be flashed with the lighting bios. I have to say that it is by far the best graphics card I've bought to date... and I buy a lot of hardware for crunching. So, I now have another company I look to for hardware. I may pick one of these up soon as well!

 

[Jorge]

IME, MSI has delivered some quality mobos over the years. As far as these keyboards are concerned, the jury is still out until consumers actually use them for awhile to see how they perform and what the reliability is. I can advise that Cherry Red keys are not ideal for office workers contrary to what the PR states. Brown Cherry keys seem to be the most popular and comfortable for office and general use.

 

[Caspase]

A rather dull blue box for such a hyperbolic description... Still wouldn't mind having one!

 

[FreedomEclipse]

I can advise that Cherry Red keys are not ideal for office workers contrary to what the PR states

Based on what evidence?

Picking the right keyboard switches is a matter of personal taste. but MX reds are generally seen to be a good balance for general typing and gaming.

some people prefer MX browns, others prefer MX Reds.

Since i own a keyboard with MX Black switches I'll be looking to switch to a MX Red as i do a fair bit of typing and this keyboard slows me down an awful lot. Unfortunately since this keyboard cost me a fair amount of cash, Ive got no choice but to roll with it until It either breaks or i get sick of it. (so all in all, im probably looking at, at least 3 years before I can switch to a different keyboard - All my previous keyboards had a life span of 3years before they wore out)

 

[m1dg3t]

Not bad for a first effort! There is room for improvement, we should see that soon

I love my Black switch Cherry! Wish it was a tad stiffer My typing has improved immensely since switching to a mech board/black switch...

A person really should try out a board first before buying, everyone has different prefferences

Edit: Freedom, You could always flip it in the BST

 

[Aquinus]

Since i own a keyboard with MX Black switches I'll be looking to switch to a MX Red as i do a fair bit of typing and this keyboard slows me down an awful lot. Unfortunately since this keyboard cost me a fair amount of cash, Ive got no choice but to roll with it until It either breaks or i get sick of it. (so all in all, im probably looking at, at least 3 years before I can switch to a different keyboard - All my previous keyboards had a life span of 3years before they wore out)

Well, it depends on what you primarily use your keyboard for. I mostly type on my computer. Way more than I play games, that's for sure, so I went with blue switches and despite the click that they make, I can type very quickly on them and most of the time I don't even bottom out the keys because they go down like butter and you know when the switch has been activated.

As you said though, it's a matter of preference and for what I use my computer for, I stayed far away from the red and black switches and really only considered the brown and blue.

From what I've gathered though, with the switches being in this order:
Black, Red, Brown, Blue

The left most seems to be the most favored for gaming and as you move right the favorability for typing as opposed to gaming seems to shift. So honestly if I did half and half (gaming vs typing) I might have considered the reds and browns more but the blues are definitely a pleasure to type on, at least for me. I like being able to lightly touch the keys and not even need to bottom them out to know that I hit the key, it's not like I'm slamming on the keyboard full force.

 

[m1dg3t]

I don't like the tactile switches, they feel grainy or chunky to me... Thats why i went linear, the Reds were too soft for me...

 

[Aquinus]

I don't like the tactile switches, they feel grainy or chunky to me...

Huh, that's why I like the blues, but I'm confused by what you mean by grainy and chunky though. The shifts on my keyboard have O-rings on them and they make a lot of difference with the sound and a feel a little bit. I felt that the blues were the easiest to press. Since I type a lot I would rather have keys that are lighter that don't fatigue my fingers are quickly.

To each their own though.

 

[ALMOSTunseen]

Now I have something to match my Z77 Mpower

 

[SaltyFish]

Red switches are cool and yellow LEDs seem interesting. But where are the prices and availability dates?

 

[Peter1986C]

Funny how they wrote about needing to find keys in the dark. MSI, gamers rarely use a projector and typists neither. No need for lighting in the keyboard since the lights are on.

Plus, that "better eye-hand coordination than pilots" is more than one bridge to far. Pilots need to apply eye-hand coordination to something that is having 3 dimensions while gamers only need to deal with a flat image.

Lastly, that "military grade" is just bovine excrement. MSI should stop ridiculing itself.

 

[Bjorn_Of_Iceland]

Lastly, that "military grade" is just bovine excrement. MSI should stop ridiculing itself.

Haha yeah I agree. It feels good on the insides though

 

[Aquinus]

Funny how they wrote about needing to find keys in the dark. MSI, gamers rarely use a projector and typists neither. No need for lighting in the keyboard since the lights are on.

Plus, that "better eye-hand coordination than pilots" is more than one bridge to far. Pilots need to apply eye-hand coordination to something that is having 3 dimensions while gamers only need to deal with a flat image.

Lastly, that "military grade" is just bovine excrement. MSI should stop ridiculing itself.

I agree. Even though I've had great luck with all the MSI products that I've owned, they go a little overboard on their marketing. I guess the real question is over marketing better than under marketing?

 

[m1dg3t]

Huh, that's why I like the blues, but I'm confused by what you mean by grainy and chunky though. The shifts on my keyboard have O-rings on them and they make a lot of difference with the sound and a feel a little bit. I felt that the blues were the easiest to press. Since I type a lot I would rather have keys that are lighter that don't fatigue my fingers are quickly.

To each their own though.

Why do you ask me the same question? LoL

Whats confusing? Thats how they feel, to ME. If you don't like it, you have other options. Subjective opinion; IS SUBJECTIVE!

If i found a board with stiffer linears i'd prolly be on that! Must be from all those years working with my hands?

I would like to add some Oring dampers to this board eventually, maybe even some WASD keys

 

[Aquinus]

Why do you ask me the same question? LoL

Whats confusing? Thats how they feel, to ME. If you don't like it, you have other options. Subjective opinion; IS SUBJECTIVE!

If i found a board with stiffer linears i'd prolly be on that! Must be from all those years working with my hands?

I would like to add some Oring dampers to this board eventually, maybe even some WASD keys

Because I have blues and have absolutely no idea what you're talking about when you say grainy, I'm just looking for clarification. I'm just trying to understand what about the switch it is that you don't like and I'm just confused by your answer. All I can picture in my head is the switch crunching every time you press a key down when you say grainy, you know, like bringing it to the beach with you on a hot summer day.

 

[m1dg3t]

Because I have blues and have absolutely no idea what you're talking about when you say grainy, I'm just looking for clarification. I'm just trying to understand what about the switch it is that you don't like and I'm just confused by your answer. All I can picture in my head is the switch crunching every time you press a key down when you say grainy, you know, like bringing it to the beach with you on a hot summer day.

I've spelled it out, literally. If you can't understand, well then...