MSI Releasing first Mechanical Keyboards for Gaming

When I think of MSI my minds goes towards motherboards and graphics cards. I know they make a bunch of other stuff but to me those are the main two things. MSI is now dipping their foot into another segment of computer gaming with the release of their gaming series mechanical keyboards. MSI recently released their new series of gaming motherboards and now trying to offer something to go along with it. The first keyboard they release will be the GK-601 mechanical keyboard. This keyboard will offer Cherry MX red switches, 104 key layout, yellow back light  USB and audio ports, 128kb on board memory, and claims up to 50 different macros that can stored.

 

 

Features of the new MSI Mechanical Gaming Keyboards:

 

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 128KB 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!

Thoughts:

From what MSI has released about their new mechanical keyboards and specifically the MSI GK-601, these could be very nice. Some more information on macros will work and some durability test will show if these are truly good gaming keyboards. Also MSI is saying it will come with cherry MX red switches, so I am wondering if at a later date they will offer this in different switch styles or if red is the only one they want to concern themselves with. Overall looks like a solid keyboard and will be interesting to get our hands on one and take it though its paces.

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