MSI VIGOR GK30, an economical keyboard for those starting out in the world of PC gaming.

A gaming keyboard is one of the most important peripherals to consider if you’re looking for comfort and performance when playing. However, some high-end gaming keyboards can be very expensive, and if you’re someone who wants to buy their first gaming keyboard, this option is for you.

If you’re just starting to play on a PC, the MSI Vigor GK30 can be a good option. It offers decent performance and features at an affordable price, making it a good choice for beginners who don’t want to spend too much money.

In addition, the membrane switches of the GK30 can be a good introduction to mechanical keyboards. They offer a similar feel to mechanical switches and can help you get used to the tactile response and enhanced responsiveness that mechanical keyboards offer.

That being said, if you plan on playing games that require a lot of precision (such as competitive first-person shooters), you may be interested in a keyboard with higher-quality and durable switches. These features can help you perform better and last longer, which can be important if you play for long periods of time.

Membrane keyboard

The MSI Vigor GK30 uses membrane switches that are designed to feel similar to mechanical switches. They have an actuation force of 55 grams, which means they require a moderate amount of pressure to register a keystroke. Additionally, the switches have a key travel distance of 3.8mm, which is greater than that of other membrane switches. This can provide a more tactile and responsive feel to the keys.

It’s worth mentioning that the GK30’s membrane switches feature anti-ghosting technology, which allows you to press multiple keys simultaneously without losing any inputs. MSI claims that the GK30 switches can withstand up to 12 million key presses. Although this durability is lower than that of some mechanical switches, it should be sufficient for most users.

Overall, the membrane switches of the GK30 are designed to provide a tactile and responsive feel similar to that of mechanical switches, while offering the affordability and durability of membrane technology. They may not offer the same level of precision or durability as some mechanical switches, but they can still be a good option for those looking for a keyboard with decent performance at an affordable price.

Comfort

The GK30 is slightly tilted, which is meant to make typing more comfortable. It can also be adjusted in height and has rubber feet that don’t slip, so you can find a comfortable position for typing or gaming.

However, if you prefer to use a wrist rest, you will need to purchase it separately. There are many third-party wrist rests available that can be used with the GK30 or any other keyboard, so you should be able to find one that meets your needs if you decide to use one. The keycaps of the GK30 are slightly concave, which can help guide your fingers to the center of each key and provide a more natural and comfortable typing experience.

Lighting

The MSI Vigor GK30 keyboard has customizable RGB lighting, which is not at all disappointing. The lighting can be adjusted using MSI’s Dragon Center software.

• Lighting zones: The GK30 has two separate lighting zones: one for the keys and another for the edges of the keyboard. This allows for more complex lighting effects and patterns to be created.
• Customization options: With the Dragon Center software, you can customize the lighting to your liking, choosing from a wide variety of colors and effects. You can also save multiple profiles and switch between them on the fly.
• Brightness levels: The keyboard lighting can be adjusted to three different brightness levels, allowing you to find the right level of illumination for your needs.
• Lighting synchronization: The GK30 can be synchronized with other MSI products that have RGB lighting, allowing you to create a cohesive lighting scheme across all your MSI devices.

The RGB lighting of the MSI Vigor GK30 can provide a fun and customizable way to add some personality to your gaming setup. The ability to customize the lighting and synchronize it with other MSI products can also be a nice added advantage.

One of the features I liked the most was the ability to configure the lighting directly from the keyboard without the need to download the software, which many people dislike. The keyboard has a dedicated lighting button located in the upper right corner of the keyboard that allows you to cycle through a series of preset lighting modes and effects. You can also adjust the brightness of the lighting using this button, a well-thought-out feature by MSI for those who want to avoid installing software to customize it.

However, if you want to create more personalized lighting effects, you will have to use MSI’s Dragon Center software, which allows for more advanced customization options. With the software, you can choose from a wider range of colors and effects, as well as create your own custom lighting profiles and synchronize the lighting with other MSI products that have RGB lighting, such as mice and headsets.

Specifications

• Keypad switches: The GK30 uses mechanical-like membrane key switches that are designed to provide a tactile feel and greater durability compared to traditional membrane keyboards.
• Key rollover: The keyboard supports up to six key rollovers, meaning that up to six keys can be pressed simultaneously and registered by the computer.
• Polling rate: The keyboard has a polling rate of up to 1,000 Hz, which means it sends information to the computer up to 1,000 times per second. This can result in faster and more responsive performance in games.
• Cable length: The GK30’s cable has an approximate length of 1.8 meters, offering great flexibility when positioning the keyboard.
• Dimensions: The keyboard measures 438mm by 157mm by 39mm and weighs approximately 1042g.
• RGB lighting: The keyboard features customizable RGB lighting that can be adjusted using MSI’s Dragon Center software.
• Compatibility: The GK30 is compatible with Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, and Windows 7 operating systems.

Overall, the MSI Vigor GK30 is a keyboard with good specifications that offers membrane-type mechanical key switches, a high polling rate, and customizable RGB lighting, all of which can be beneficial for gamers or anyone looking for a high-performance keyboard.