We had the opportunity to test the small GK50 TKL Low Profile keyboard from the manufacturer MSI. This is what we can say after our various tests.
Definitely, it’s fashionable now and here we are again to offer you the test of a keyboard in TKL format. TKL for the abbreviation of Tenkeyless i.e. without the numeric keypad. Here, it is the latest from MSI, the GK50 in Low Profile version. Low profile, in other words, keys half as high as on a classic keyboard. For space saving but also a slightly quieter keystroke despite being entirely mechanical.
Small but brave
Clearly MSI has chosen portability, since this keyboard measures only 354 mm in length, 140 mm in depth and 33 mm in height, for a weight that does not exceed 560 grams. It’s very simple, it slips into any backpack and allows for example to accompany your laptop (if you are a keyboard aesthete and you refuse to use a basic chiclet keyboard). The GK50 has a total of 88 keys, nothing superfluous, and a detachable USB cable as well as two adjustable “feet”. We find the said keyboard in a classic white packaging (which we did not have the opportunity to see because we received a press version without it). This model in particular is made in sobriety and elegance, and its small size helps it in this way. It is black and gray in color and the keys rest on a beautiful brushed metal plate, generally a sign of a certain standing. We really feel that we have in our hands a fairly high-end product. MSI wants to mark the spirit.
All it takes to please?
Obviously the MSI GK50 Low Profile is fully RGB compatible. Because what would a gaming keyboard be without beautiful illumination at night, right? The in-house MSI Center software takes care of everything for customization. Through it, you can customize colors and effects, record macros, configure your keyboard on the fly. In return we have no multimedia keys, we had to make a choice between portability and functionality. Difficult to combine the two. Note that MSI has thought of adding a small carrying case. Practice !
Good performance
MSI opted for Kailh White switches with an actuation distance of 1.5mm over a total travel of 3mm. Thus the activation is well marked, the click is audible but this has nothing to do in terms of “noise nuisance” with a mechanical keyboard in the more classic format. Don’t expect a very discreet keyboard either because that’s not the case either. It’s a bit in between. MSI guarantees 50 million activations, with like most gaming keyboards, full anti-ghosting and N-Key Rollover. It’s a real pleasure to use and it’s clearly the kind of product that can interest a player who travels a lot (eSports, vacations, others). He has a lot of arguments for him. But if you are not particularly nomadic, we still recommend a Full Size format. We tested this small MSI GK50 on FPS and strategy games. It’s flawless and there’s really nothing to complain about except maybe the lack of a button (even a very small one) to adjust the sound.
Product sheet
- Price : approximately 89 euros
- Dimensions : 354mm x 140mm x 33
- Weight : 560 grams
- Keys : 88
- RGB : Yes
- anti-ghosting : Yes
- Or buy : FNAC