Ergonomics
Like any TKL model, the MSI Vigor GK50 takes up little space on a desk (35.4 x 14 x 3.3 cm) and leaves room for mouse movements. Add to that keys low profile much lower than regular keys and you won’t normally need a palm rest.
The keys are ultra thin. © The Digital
On the construction side, it will be necessary to be satisfied with a mostly black and not very shiny plastic, but the keyboard is still covered with a brushed aluminum plate which stiffens the whole. The design, on the other hand, is clearly oriented gamingwith raw lines and the trademark dragon affixed to the level of the arrow keys.
The design is very oriented gaming. © The Digital
The keys here are smooth and made of ABS plastic, the more resistant PBT being reserved for higher-end models. They also retain some fingerprints. There are multimedia shortcuts, customizable F function keys with the shortcuts of your choice and a “dragon” key that actually replaces the Fn key, which is not without causing problems in office reflexes during the first hours. of use.
The keys are in ABS. © The Digital
The layout is otherwise more particular on the right side (towards the Delete and End keys), with features dedicated to on-the-fly backlight changes (modifying the effect, its speed, scrolling direction, etc.).
The right-side hotkeys allow you to manage the backlight on the fly. © The Digital
All this is also adjustable in the Dragon Center anyway, which is however not the most pleasant of software gaming. You can change the lighting key by key, shortcuts, and macros or save up to three different profiles. The colors of the backlight are also very saturated, which will not please everyone.
In darkness. © The Digital
Its 1.8 m braided USB-C cable is detachable, which is convenient for replacing it, for changing keyboards quickly, or for transporting it. In addition, the keyboard is supplied with a carrying pouch in mesh, pliers to remove keys more easily, and convex Alt and Ctrl keys to locate them more easily on the fly. Additions not required, but welcome.
The accessories supplied with the keyboard. © The Digital
Under the keyboard, there are non-slip pads and adjustable feet on two levels (8 and 11°) to raise it if necessary; a good point here once more to adapt to a maximum of users.
The feet are adjustable on two levels. © The Digital
Struck
For its Vigor GK50 Low Profile TKL, MSI has chosen switches mechanical (switches) of the well-known brand Kailh, in this case Choc White low profile. If they are clicky, that is to say that they emit a noise when the key is pressed halfway – which we generally don’t really like on a personal level – the keystroke quality is frankly a good surprise. the clicky associated with switches low brings a pleasant feeling, especially since the rebound is fast. The activation force of 50g of the Choc White is similar to that of the brand’s red models. Their activation distance is 1.5 mm and their total stroke is 3 mm.
Les switches Kailh low profil are effective, but noisy. © The Digital
Obviously, the noise is very present with this type of switch and it will be necessary to add a slight resonance of the chassis, which is in any case almost entirely covered by the clicking of the keys. This model being dedicated to the game, it has of course the technologies ofanti-ghosting and of N-Key rollover to avoid misinterpretations by pressing many keys simultaneously.
Points forts
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Good hitting sensations.
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Adjustable feet on two levels.
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Customization of the backlight key by key.
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Detachable braided cable.
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Some accessories provided.
Weak points
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No really dedicated media keys.
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ABS keys.
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Only available with “clicky” switches (with audible clicks).
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Unintuitive Dragon Center software.
Conclusion
How does grading work?
Despite a design that will not be unanimous, the Vigor GK50 Low Profile TKL is a good keyboard gaming mechanics with a very interesting price/quality ratio. It is thin, compact, and provides good typing quality. Some welcome accessories are delivered and its backlighting is adjustable key by key, but it will be necessary to make a cross on the dedicated multimedia keys. Please note that this model is clicky and will therefore not be suitable for lovers of discretion.
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Ergonomics
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Struck
