MSI Forge GK600 TKL WIRELESS Test: Premium Wireless Performance Under $100

While MSI is best known for its motherboards, its product catalog is far broader and richer. Over the years, the manufacturer has expanded into many areas — including peripherals, and more specifically, keyboards.

In this review, Tech2Geek takes a closer look at the Forge GK600 TKL WIRELESS. Priced under $100, this compact keyboard skips the numeric keypad but compensates with a color display and three different connection modes, making it compatible with a wide range of setups, both PC and Mac.

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Buy MSI Forge GK600 TKL Wireless Sky on Amazon ($79)

With RGB lighting, mechanical keys, and a distinctive design — thanks to its unique chassis shape and multi-colored keycaps — the GK600 TKL WIRELESS stands out from the competition. We tested it for several days in various contexts, from gaming to office work.

Overview

The Forge GK600 TKL Wireless is a compact mechanical keyboard designed for versatility and durability. It features triple connectivity: 2.4 GHz wireless, Bluetooth, and USB 2.0. It uses hot-swappable linear switches and includes a 4,000 mAh battery, which MSI claims can deliver up to 20 days of use without backlighting.

As its name suggests, “TKL” stands for TenKeyLess, meaning it lacks a numeric keypad — a choice that saves desk space and improves portability.

MSI uses PBT keycaps and a multi-layer internal structure designed to reduce typing noise, supported by foam damping to isolate each keystroke.

Customization is also a highlight: the hot-swappable mechanical switches are compatible with 5-pin models available on the market. A keycap/switch puller is included in the box for convenience.

At the top right sits a 1.06-inch color display showing key information such as battery level, active RGB profile, brightness, and more.

Each key features per-key RGB lighting with 20 adjustable effects. MSI smartly positioned the screen at an upward angle, making it easily visible even when the keyboard lies flat.

Targeting gamers, MSI provides full N-Key Rollover, ensuring every keystroke is registered. Shortcuts allow quick control of lighting, volume, music playback, and widget switching.

The keyboard rests on four rubber feet, and two adjustable risers offer two typing angles for user comfort.

Unboxing

Right out of the box, the Forge GK600 TKL Wireless makes a solid first impression with its simple and functional design. The packaging is minimalist yet informative, listing features such as anti-ghosting for 26 keys and full N-Key Rollover — essential for gaming keyboards.

The bundle includes a braided USB-C to USB-A cable, a keycap puller, and a spare switch. One odd detail: the box shows a QWERTY layout, while the unit inside is AZERTY — a small oversight.

Visually, this keyboard stands apart from most mechanical models with uniform color schemes. MSI takes a risk by opting for a three-tone keycap design.

Some may see this as a retro nod to early “beige-and-brown” computer keyboards, while others will appreciate how it highlights key clusters such as the popular ZQSD.

When used in wired mode, the detachable cable can be routed to the left or right, helping maintain a tidy workspace. Connectivity is managed underneath the keyboard, where the USB dongle for 2.4 GHz wireless operation is stored in a magnetic compartment — a practical design, though heavy travelers might want to secure it with a bit of Velcro.

Build and Lighting

Each key uses MSI Sonic Blue switches, designed for smooth, linear keystrokes. MSI also promises dust resistance.

RGB lighting looks vivid and well-balanced across the board. Colors like red and green are deep and bright, while others appear a bit washed out — nothing dramatic, but enthusiasts may notice slight variations in accuracy. Still, the per-key lighting effects are fun to customize.

The keyboard measures 348 × 140 × 45 mm, weighs 1,160 g, and each key is rated for 50 million presses. The included USB cable is 1.8 m long.

Daily Use

MSI designed the keyboard to be fully autonomous, meaning no additional software is required. The MSI Center utility is optional — all adjustments can be made directly using key combinations and the built-in display (MSI key + arrows + Enter).

You can control RGB effects (style, color, speed), RGB brightness, and even audio levels. There’s some redundancy, as shortcuts are also available via F1–F2 and F10–F12.

This approach makes the keyboard convenient but comes with trade-offs: no macro programming and no per-key RGB customization. The small display, while useful, can feel cramped.

Navigating the menu is simple once you memorize the key combinations. There’s not a lot of depth to the customization, but it covers all essentials and works anywhere — a plus for portability.

Typing takes a little adjustment if you’re used to full-size keyboards, but the layout is well-spaced. The linear KTT Purple Star switches deliver smooth, consistent feedback with minimal force.

• Actuation point: 1.8 mm
• Total travel: 3.5 mm
• Actuation force: 43 g

The smooth keycaps make finger placement natural, though the lack of texture can make it harder to distinguish important keys during gameplay.

The keyboard’s rubber feet and dual risers keep it stable and non-slip, even during intense FPS sessions. However, it’s not quiet — the keystrokes are clearly audible despite internal foam dampening, so it’s not ideal for shared or office environments.

The PBT keycaps also block RGB light from shining through characters, making it harder to use in dark rooms.

Connectivity and Battery

The Forge GK600 TKL Wireless supports three connection modes: wired (USB), Bluetooth, and 2.4 GHz wireless (via dongle). A switch lets you toggle between them and select Windows or Mac modes.

In 2.4 GHz mode, response time is excellent — nearly indistinguishable from wired use — with a 1,000 Hz polling rate.

The 4,000 mAh battery promises up to 20 days of use without lighting. In real-world use (RGB on, 2.4 GHz mode, daily gaming), it lasted less than a week before needing a recharge.

Conclusion

With the Forge GK600 TKL Wireless, MSI delivers a clean, efficient, and versatile compact keyboard. It impresses with its triple connectivity, solid build quality, and responsive wireless performance. The PBT keycaps, hot-swappable linear switches, and integrated screen give it real character, while its hardware-level customization is rare in this price range (around $80).

Typing feels precise and smooth, making it a great choice for gaming.

However, it’s not perfect:

• The lack of software limits macro creation and fine-tuned RGB control.
• The screen, though handy, is too small for comfortable navigation.
• Typing noise remains noticeable despite internal dampening.
• Battery life drops significantly with RGB enabled.
• The opaque keycaps make it less practical in dark environments.

Overall, the MSI Forge GK600 TKL Wireless is an appealing and durable keyboard that emphasizes simplicity, versatility, and mobility, at the expense of silence and deep customization. A smart buy considering its sub-€100 price tag.

Affiliate Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Buy MSI Forge GK600 TKL Wireless Sky on Amazon ($79)