MSI GK-601 Cherry Red mechanical keyboard review

Rating: 8.0.

It seems ironic really that despite all the modern technological developments surrounding the 21st century desktop gaming PC, it's the mechanical switch, a design that has been around far longer than most, that is hailed as the pinnacle of keyboard input mediums. Still, there is at least some debate on which is the best for what. Red and Black Cherry switches are the two most commonly compared when gaming is involved, but which to choose? 

MSI in the case of the new GK-601 keyboard has gone with Cherry Red, the lighter of the two types. Theoretically it should be quicker to type on and quicker to issue commands to your troops or grizzled space marine, but will it suffer from being too light to the touch?

Specifications

• Keyboard Interface: USB 2.0
• Normal keys: 104
• Keyboard Color: Black and yellow
• K/B Dimension: 460(L)x162(W)x30(H)mm / 18.1(L)x6.4(W)x1.2(H)inch
• BOX Dimension: 525(L)x195(W)x80(H)mm / 20.7(L)x7.7(W)x3.1(H)inch
• K/B Weight: 1300g (2.87lbs)
• Weight (include BOX): 1370g (3.03lbs)
• Type: Wired
• OS Supported: Windows XP/Vista/7/8
• System Requirement: PC with PS/2 or USB port

Package Contents:

• Mechanical Keyboard
• Quick Guide
• Additional Keycap x 4
• Keycap Puller x 1
• Software CD

Features

• Advanced Cherry Mechanical Red Switch technology
• 5 profile with 50 macro keys with 128Kb onboard memory
• USB full N-key rollover
• Gaming grade lifetime: 50 million keystrokes
• 4 levels backlit lighting adjustment with breathing mode
• Gaming mode/PC mode switch button for disable the Windows key
• Media keys for volume control, play/pause, and skip tracks
• Gold-plated connectors
• Comes with built in USB port on end for addition peripheral
• Headphone-out and microphone-in jacks
• Bundle with 4 additional keycaps and keycap puller
• Gaming cluster with anti-ghosting capability
• Exclusive software for advanced setting

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