Climate Pledge Friendly
I am a very active PC user and do a mix of things including but not limited to gaming, photoshop, compression, media authoring and encoding, and game modding. My last very expensive but ancient Das Keyboard with Cherry MX Blue switches died and left me needing a cheap replacement to fill the gap. The Kailh switches, standard 104 key design, full RGB, and open chassis with aluminum plate is quite a potent combination of features. For the ~$60 I paid it is an awesome deal and in many ways matches or beats the Das Keyboard. This might actually be a legitimate replacement.
The frameless design with the aluminum plate behind the keys is a perfect combination. The keyboard takes up a little less desktop realestate while also looking great and being easier to keep clean. The construction is very rigid and the keyboard has no flex at all. It feels like a very premium product. The switches are rated to be very water and dust resistant and, heaven forbid, this keyboard should take spills just fine.
Kaihl Blue switches are the highlight of this keyboard for me. Some might disagree but I have found them to be better and more reliable than Cherry. Even just being a clone, they are a noticeable upgrade over Cherry MX. They feel stouter and are less loose and rattly. Typing in general is great with a super consistent response. I usually prefer heavier keys, and long term intend to build a custom keyboard with switches of my choice. These are excellent for a jack-of-all-trades keyboard though and will be enough for the majority of users.
The aluminum plate behind the keys is great and makes a bigger difference than one would think. A big part of how keyboard switches feel is the chassis they are mounted on and the feedback they provide when bottoming out. Because the plate is very rigid and made of metal, it provides a lot more solid feedback than bottoming out on a plastic keyboard that flexes. It provides a more definite and satisfying feel to every keystroke. I feel that this enhances the precise feel of the Kaihl switches and boosts the typing experience of this keyboard massively.
The RGB capabilities of this board are awesome, and it is capable of very vibrant color and individually lit keys. I usually leave it at kind of a bluish white at medium brightness for regular use. But sometimes it's fun to just have blinding rainbow puke lighting up the room, haha. The main advantage though is that it's a backlit keyboard which is great for everything from gaming to late night Amazon review writing. The metal surface underneath gives just enough light bleed to make the board very consistent and pleasing. Front facing LEDs was a smart choice for this frameless design and keeps it from bothering you at an angle.
The only major downsides for this keyboard, at least for me, are entirely subjective. I do not like capslock keys without notches. It's simply too easy to hit and I often find my pinky hitting the key when I don't intend to. This key is notched on many keyboards for a reason and I feel like it would be more satisfying to use with it included. Compounding this issue is the fact that I don't really like Blue switches and find them to be too light to the touch. I prefer heavier switches like Kaihl Box Jades or White V2s. I have large, heavy hands and have too many typos due to how light these switches are.
All that being said, MSI are offering awesome bang for buck in this keyboard. It is well built with good component choice and thoughtful design. There is some downright good product engineering here and the combined features allow it to punch above its weight. Time will tell how long it lasts but I intend to give it a shot.
Consider these alternative items
Consider a similar item
Amazon's Choice
4 stars and above
Page 1 of 1Start overPage 1 of 1
More from frequently bought brands
Page 1 of 1Start overPage 1 of 1
Top reviews from other countries
-
- Jaime DelgadoReviewed in Canada on November 27, 2023
The quality of the product is amazing
Very satisfiedThe quality of the product is amazingJaime Delgado
Reviewed in Canada on November 27, 2023
Images in this review
-
- Stephen KominekReviewed in Canada on May 11, 2024
High end gaming feel
Metal body finish. Braided cord. Fantastic RGB choices.High end gaming feelStephen Kominek
Reviewed in Canada on May 11, 2024
Images in this review
