The MSI GK30 is a popular gaming keyboard designed to provide gamers with a competitive edge. With its sleek design, customizable backlighting, and advanced features, it’s no wonder why many gamers are considering this keyboard as their next upgrade. But is the MSI GK30 good enough to meet the demands of serious gamers? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the features, performance, and overall value of the MSI GK30 to help you decide.
Design and Build Quality
The MSI GK30 has a sleek and compact design that’s perfect for gamers who prefer a minimalist setup. The keyboard measures 17.5 inches in length, 5.5 inches in width, and 1.5 inches in height, making it easy to fit on most gaming desks. The keyboard is made of high-quality plastic that feels durable and sturdy, with a weight of 2.2 pounds that provides a solid feel.
One of the standout features of the MSI GK30 is its customizable backlighting. The keyboard features 16.8 million color options, allowing you to personalize your gaming experience with a wide range of colors and effects. The backlighting is also adjustable, with five different brightness levels to suit your preferences.
Ergonomics and Comfort
The MSI GK30 is designed with ergonomics and comfort in mind. The keyboard features a compact tenkeyless design that allows for a more natural hand position, reducing strain and fatigue during long gaming sessions. The keys are also spaced evenly, with a 1.5mm actuation distance that provides a smooth and responsive typing experience.
The keyboard also features a built-in wrist rest that provides additional support and comfort for your hands. The wrist rest is detachable, allowing you to customize your gaming experience to suit your preferences.
Performance and Features
The MSI GK30 is equipped with a range of advanced features that are designed to enhance your gaming performance. The keyboard features MSI’s proprietary gaming-grade switches, which are designed to provide a fast and responsive typing experience. The switches have a 50 million keystroke lifespan, ensuring that your keyboard will last for years to come.
The keyboard also features customizable macro keys, allowing you to assign complex commands and actions to a single key. The macro keys are fully customizable, with a range of options to suit your gaming needs.
N-Key Rollover and Anti-Ghosting
The MSI GK30 features N-key rollover (NKRO) technology, which allows you to press multiple keys simultaneously without any lag or ghosting. This feature is essential for gamers who need to perform complex actions quickly and accurately.
The keyboard also features anti-ghosting technology, which prevents keys from being registered incorrectly. This feature is especially useful for gamers who use complex keyboard combinations to perform actions.
Software and Customization
The MSI GK30 is compatible with MSI’s proprietary software, which allows you to customize your gaming experience to suit your preferences. The software features a range of options, including customizable backlighting, macro keys, and keyboard settings.
The software is easy to use, with a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to customize your keyboard. You can also save your custom settings to the cloud, allowing you to access them from any device.
Customizable Lighting Effects
The MSI GK30 features a range of customizable lighting effects, including wave, ripple, and breathing effects. You can also customize the color and pattern of the lighting effects to suit your preferences.
The lighting effects are fully customizable, with a range of options to suit your gaming needs. You can also save your custom lighting effects to the cloud, allowing you to access them from any device.
Value and Conclusion
The MSI GK30 is a high-quality gaming keyboard that’s designed to provide gamers with a competitive edge. With its sleek design, customizable backlighting, and advanced features, it’s no wonder why many gamers are considering this keyboard as their next upgrade.
In terms of value, the MSI GK30 is a great option for gamers who are looking for a high-quality keyboard without breaking the bank. The keyboard is priced competitively, with a range of options to suit different budgets and preferences.
Overall, the MSI GK30 is a great option for gamers who are looking for a high-quality keyboard that’s designed to enhance their gaming performance. With its advanced features, customizable backlighting, and comfortable design, it’s a great choice for anyone who’s serious about gaming.
Pros and Cons
Here are some pros and cons of the MSI GK30:
Pros:
- Sleek and compact design
- Customizable backlighting with 16.8 million color options
- Advanced features, including macro keys and N-key rollover
- Comfortable design with built-in wrist rest
- High-quality switches with 50 million keystroke lifespan
Cons:
- No USB passthrough or audio jacks
- No dedicated media controls
- Software can be buggy at times
Alternatives to the MSI GK30
If you’re considering the MSI GK30 but want to explore other options, here are some alternatives to consider:
- Razer BlackWidow Lite: A high-end gaming keyboard with customizable backlighting and advanced features.
- Logitech G512 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard: A high-quality gaming keyboard with customizable lighting and advanced features.
- Corsair K95 RGB Platinum: A high-end gaming keyboard with customizable backlighting and advanced features.
These keyboards offer similar features and performance to the MSI GK30, but with some key differences. Be sure to research and compare these options to find the best keyboard for your needs and budget.
Final Verdict
The MSI GK30 is a great option for gamers who are looking for a high-quality keyboard that’s designed to enhance their gaming performance. With its advanced features, customizable backlighting, and comfortable design, it’s a great choice for anyone who’s serious about gaming. While it may not have all the features of some other gaming keyboards, it’s a great value for the price and is definitely worth considering.
Is the MSI GK30 a good gaming keyboard for beginners?
The MSI GK30 is an excellent choice for beginners, offering a range of features that make it easy to get started with gaming. The keyboard has a simple and intuitive design, with a compact tenkeyless layout that allows for easy navigation and customization. Additionally, the GK30 comes with a range of pre-programmed lighting effects and macro keys, making it easy for new gamers to customize their gaming experience.
One of the standout features of the MSI GK30 is its affordability. Priced lower than many other gaming keyboards on the market, the GK30 offers excellent value for beginners who want to try out gaming without breaking the bank. With its durable construction and long-lasting switches, the GK30 is a great investment for anyone looking to get started with gaming.
What type of switches does the MSI GK30 use?
The MSI GK30 uses Kailh Blue switches, which are known for their tactile bump and audible click. These switches are designed to provide a responsive and precise typing experience, making them ideal for gamers who need to react quickly to in-game situations. The Kailh Blue switches are also durable and long-lasting, with a lifespan of up to 50 million keystrokes.
One of the benefits of the Kailh Blue switches is their ability to provide a consistent typing experience. Unlike some other switch types, the Kailh Blues have a consistent actuation force and travel distance, making it easy to type accurately and quickly. This consistency is especially important for gamers, who need to be able to rely on their keyboard to perform at its best.
Does the MSI GK30 have customizable backlighting?
Yes, the MSI GK30 has customizable backlighting, with a range of pre-programmed lighting effects and colors to choose from. The keyboard uses a single-color backlighting system, with a range of brightness levels and effects that can be customized using the MSI Dragon Center software. This software allows users to create custom lighting profiles and sync them with their games and other MSI devices.
One of the standout features of the MSI GK30’s backlighting system is its ability to be customized on a per-key basis. This means that users can create complex lighting effects and patterns, with different colors and brightness levels for each key. This level of customization is rare in keyboards at this price point, making the GK30 a great choice for gamers who want to personalize their gaming experience.
Is the MSI GK30 compatible with Mac devices?
Yes, the MSI GK30 is compatible with Mac devices, although some features may not work as intended. The keyboard uses a standard USB connection, which is compatible with Macs, and the MSI Dragon Center software is available for Mac. However, some features, such as the customizable backlighting and macro keys, may not work as intended on Mac devices.
It’s worth noting that the MSI GK30 is primarily designed for use with Windows devices, and some features may not be optimized for Mac. However, the keyboard’s basic functions, such as typing and navigation, will work as intended on Mac devices. If you’re a Mac user looking for a gaming keyboard, the MSI GK30 is still a great choice, although you may need to adjust your expectations slightly.
How durable is the MSI GK30?
The MSI GK30 is a highly durable keyboard, with a range of features designed to withstand heavy use. The keyboard’s frame is made from a durable plastic material, and the switches are rated for up to 50 million keystrokes. The keyboard also has a spill-resistant design, with drainage holes and a waterproof coating to protect against accidental spills.
In addition to its durable construction, the MSI GK30 also has a range of features designed to extend its lifespan. The keyboard’s switches are designed to be easy to clean and maintain, and the MSI Dragon Center software allows users to monitor the keyboard’s performance and adjust settings to optimize its lifespan. With proper care and maintenance, the MSI GK30 can last for many years, making it a great investment for gamers.
Does the MSI GK30 have a built-in wrist rest?
No, the MSI GK30 does not have a built-in wrist rest. However, the keyboard is designed to be compact and ergonomic, with a sloping design that allows users to type comfortably without straining their wrists. The keyboard also has a range of adjustable features, including the height and angle of the keyboard, which can be adjusted to fit individual users’ preferences.
While the lack of a built-in wrist rest may be a drawback for some users, the MSI GK30’s compact design and adjustable features make it easy to use comfortably for extended periods. Additionally, the keyboard’s affordable price point means that users can invest in a separate wrist rest if needed, without breaking the bank.
Is the MSI GK30 worth the investment for serious gamers?
Yes, the MSI GK30 is worth the investment for serious gamers, offering a range of features and performance that rival more expensive keyboards. The keyboard’s Kailh Blue switches provide a responsive and precise typing experience, and the customizable backlighting and macro keys allow users to personalize their gaming experience.
One of the standout features of the MSI GK30 is its value for money. Priced lower than many other gaming keyboards on the market, the GK30 offers excellent performance and features at an affordable price point. This makes it an excellent choice for serious gamers who want to upgrade their gaming setup without breaking the bank. With its durable construction and long-lasting switches, the MSI GK30 is a great investment for anyone looking to take their gaming to the next level.