You know that other MSI GK50 Low Profile keyboard I've been referencing from time to time? It's a full-size keyboard that is effectively the same as this TKL version, but with the dedicated numpad. From what I can tell, it does not come with a detachable cable or carry case, but I can find it for as low as $40 new for the newer TKL version as this is written. Sure, it's over a year old and not as good a deal in other countries, where it, as an example, costs ~£77 in the UK discounted from an MSRP of £90, which is going to result in many questions when the TKL version releases since it costs more than the supposedly more expensive full-size version. Or at least it would if this TKL version sold worldwide. As it turns out, this more limited release means it competes a lot more favorably against the full-size version that still costs more in many of the places both are going to be available for.

This is really the only direct comparison to make, with other mainstream brands, outside of the likes of Cooler Master's SK63x series, which is a whole other story when it comes to regional pricing, and availability is poor—as of today, its replacement also hasn't yet launched! CORSAIR's K70 RGB MK.2 Low Profile is long in the tooth, way more expensive, only comes in the full-size form factor, and is not really all that low in profile. I understand Logitech's G915 TKL Low Profile is a contender, but it costs far more too, and I have no experience with it. The other mainstream brands seem to have never gotten on the low-profile mechanical keyboard train to begin with!

I could then make plenty a comparison with other smaller brands, but MSI enjoys the larger retail channels the likes of Epomaker or HAVIT, under others, just do not. I know I complained about the software experience here, but it is a big advantage MSI has over most of the smaller brands, too. There are no bugs or simpler issues, such as poor translations or DPI scaling; it's just a lot of bloat with MSI Center being way too universal a software program than keyboard owners would expect or want. Of course, there remain some other issues, but in general, the GK50 Low Profile TKL is a superior offering compared to other such low-profile keyboards I have used, especially for the money.

Ultimately, there are a few cons that make giving it a general recommendation hard. The stock keycaps are such that it makes me think all low-profile keyboard manufacturers got together over dinner and decided to use this particular design despite other viable options. Even discounting the thin ABS construction with laser-etched legends, simply cutting the walls of the keycaps adds to keycap wobble and makes it seem unnecessarily cheap in my opinion. The added side-effect of enhanced light transmission is a hit or miss depending on where you stand—RGB lighting is certainly not a weak point here. I do wish MSI would offer the MSI GK50 Low Profile in other switch options, with the clicky switch paired with the keyboard design and feature set advertising gaming just not jiving well with me. It's a good keyboard for a very niche use case, and if you happen to find yourself in it, you could definitely do much worse. Given the limited release in countries where it does find itself doing relatively well all things considered, MSI sneaks out with a recommendation after all, just one that has an asterisk next to it.