GK-601 is MSI’s first venture into the world of mechanical gaming keyboards and to start with they are offering this keyboard with just Cherry MX Red Switches. Red switches ensure up to 50 Million Key presses in the lifespan and actuation force of 45g
GK-601 uses a standard QWERTY layout and has additional buttons for multimedia functionality. Designated keys double up to offer control over volume and other such media and the F buttons which run along the top can be assigned to specific profiles.
MSI has laser engraved each character on the keys to prolong the durability. Pressing the dragon (fn) key and F12/G/PC key allows you to disable the windows key for gaming sessions – accidently pressing the windows key can often be an issue, especially when playing at competitive level so it’s handy to be able to switch this on and off in a single-step.
NOTE: Our sample is US layout, the return key is condensed and as such can be tricky to get used to. The UK layout will use a full-sized return key.
An overview of GK-601
Usual QWERTY layout with added media functionality
A sleek and ergonomic keyboard
On the reverse of the keyboard, there is a specifications label detailing the serial number should you need to get in touch with MSI technical support and there are two rubber feet plus folding legs to change the height of GK-601.
Rubber feet and extension legs for adjusting height
Above the numpad area MSI has engineered a brushed steel plate which highlights whether numlock, capslock or gaming mode is enabled. Each of the icons will illuminate if they are enabled. On the other side of this panel there are two USB 2.0 ports and audio jacks for additional functionality, having these ports can deliver some extra efficiency – making it easier to access devices and use headphones.
Key mode indicator
USB ports and audio jacks are helpful
Lastly, MSI has given GK-601 a thick braided cable to ensure utmost durability. Furthermore, the cable branches off into three extra cables from the plastic hub. A standard USB connection is required to power the keyboard and if you want to take advantage of the audio jacks, these cables need to be connected to your PC too.
All of the connectors are gold plated for durability and to ensure latency isn’t affected.
