MSI Forge GK600 TKL Wireless delivers strong features, trades battery life
A recent hands on review found the MSI Forge GK600 TKL Wireless offers a compelling mix of connectivity, hot swap flexibility, and a small integrated status display, making it a high value option for compact mechanical keyboard seekers. The catch is battery life under heavy RGB use and opaque legends that limit backlighting, factors that matter for anyone planning long wireless sessions or low light typing.
A hands on evaluation of the MSI Forge GK600 TKL Wireless highlighted a rare combination of features in a compact tenkeyless form. The board pairs triple connectivity through a 2.4 gigahertz dongle, Bluetooth, and USB Type C with hot swappable mechanical switches, dye sublimated PBT keycaps, and an integrated 1.06 inch LCD status display. Reviewers praised the comfortable typing profile and effective sound dampening, noting those traits give the GK600 a mature feel for its price point.
Practical trade offs came into focus during extended use. Battery life fell notably when RGB lighting was enabled, with heavy RGB use draining the battery in roughly a day. The keyboard also uses opaque legends on the keycaps, which reduced the usefulness of backlighting in dark environments. Those two limitations change the experience for users who expect long untethered sessions or bright under key illumination.
The verdict emphasized value and real world usefulness for a defined audience. The GK600 is a strong choice if you want compact wireless convenience, the ability to hot swap switches without soldering, and the tactile benefits of dye sublimated PBT keycaps. Consider disabling or scaling back RGB to extend battery life, and use USB Type C when you need guaranteed uptime for long gaming or typing sessions. Expect muted backlight performance due to the opaque legends, and plan lighting choices accordingly.
For the community this model expands options for affordable wireless tenkeyless keyboards that do not force a compromise on customizability. The integrated status display is a welcome addition for those who appreciate on device feedback. Verify battery expectations before committing, and weigh the convenience of hot swap support and multiple connection modes against the realities of RGB power draw and softened backlight visibility.
