MSI Forge GK600 TKL – A Dragon on Your Desk
Arrival of a Dragon
When the rather hefty package arrived, the Forge GK600 TKL landed on the desk – hidden inside its box like a dragon in slumber. Upon unboxing, the scent of something new filled the air: a blend of plastic, metal, and adventure. At first glance, the keyboard seemed more functional than extravagant, even modest in its white-gray appearance with darker accents. But this first impression would soon prove deceptive – in the best way possible.
The packaging, simple with a touch of techno-romanticism, deliberately avoids the often-seen „gaming spectacle.“ No aggressive RGB explosion, no loud marketing slogans – just the name, MSI’s dragon logo, and a subtle promise: something special is about to awaken. The keyboard’s weight alone conveyed solidity. No toy-like plastic feel here – this is a tool for everyday heroes, thinkers and doers alike.
Design & Build Quality
The Forge GK600 TKL stands out in a quiet, confident way. It’s not flashy, it’s solid. Like armor forged from cold steel, it wears its design with dignity. The compact TKL (tenkeyless) form factor omits the number pad, lending it a sportier, more agile character. Keycaps in varying shades of gray and soothing blue are easy to read, grippy, and mercifully matte.
One thing becomes clear immediately: nothing wobbles here. No keys, no switches, no gimmicky volume wheel (which is not present anyway). The keyboard feels as torsion-resistant as a katana. Even when forcibly twisted, it remains firm – as if carved from dragon bone. The chassis is a sturdy blend of plastic and metal, with rubber feet on the underside for excellent grip.
The keycaps are flawlessly manufactured: no sharp edges or uneven gaps. Each key sits securely in place. Every press feels deliberate and consistent. If you’ve used flimsy keyboards before, this one will feel like a revelation.
Key Feel – When a Dragon Purrs
Pressing a key is like triggering magic: a satisfying „click,“ accompanied by tactile feedback that resonates through your fingertips. It’s as if the springs beneath were tuned specifically for writers. MSI’s own switches (or MX-compatible alternatives) offer precision and confidence. Every letter feels intentional.
The sound? Audible but not obnoxious – more like a gentle growl from a contented dragon dreaming in its lair. No metallic rattles, no loose components. It feels cohesive and carefully tuned. Typing on the GK600 TKL isn’t just productive – it’s genuinely enjoyable.
The ergonomic incline and responsive action reduce fatigue during long writing sessions. Keystrokes are consistent and satisfying even at high speed. Ideal for writers, coders, or anyone working long hours at a keyboard.
RGB – The Fire in the Lair
A true highlight is the RGB lighting. Using the MSI function key and arrow keys, colors, intensity, and effects can be changed – with no software required. No registration, no cloud account, no bloated drivers. Just press a key, and the dragon awakens.
Whether you want subtle pulsing, vibrant rainbow waves, or solid tones – it’s all available. Colors are rich and evenly diffused. At night, the effect becomes almost mystical, transforming your workspace into something between a cyberpunk dream and a dragon’s treasure hoard.
Uniform backlighting and intuitive controls offer real value, especially for those who prefer a clean software-free experience. No cable chaos, no driver wars – just pure plug & play.
Everyday Usability – Your Digital Jungle Companion
Wireless usage is especially flexible: the included USB dongle enables quick and seamless pairing via 2.4GHz wireless. Even better, built-in Bluetooth lets you pair up to four devices at once – and switch between them effortlessly using key combos. Perfect for users juggling multiple platforms like laptops, tablets, smartphones, or media PCs.
Battery life is excellent, lasting at least 48 hours even with RGB lighting turned on. Turn the lights off, and you’ll stretch that runtime even further.
In everyday use, the Forge GK600 TKL proves surprisingly versatile. Great for gaming thanks to its fast response times, but equally suited for writing-intensive tasks. Key travel is satisfying, never sluggish. Feedback is crisp and accurate.
For those who prefer a wired experience, a USB-C port ensures reliable connectivity. And switching between wireless and wired modes is smooth and instantaneous – no interruptions, no lag.
The keyboard’s ergonomics also deserve praise. A comfortable angle supports extended typing sessions without strain. An optional wrist rest would be welcome, but even without it, typing remains a pleasant experience. The clearly defined key areas make it easy to navigate, even by touch.
Build Quality – Iron Skin, Dragon Heart
MSI has nailed the build quality. The Forge GK600 TKL feels like a piece of precision engineering. Nothing rattles, nothing yields. After several weeks of daily use, the keycaps still look pristine – no gloss, no wear.
Lettering appears laser-engraved or high-quality double-shot – in either case, it’s built to last. Even the MSI logo on the space bar is integrated with care, never feeling forced or overly branded.
Stability is equally impressive: keys show no wobble, even under diagonal pressure. This is a keyboard built to endure.
Multimedia & Extras – The Silent All-Rounder
Media controls are tucked into the F-row, accessible via the FN key. Play, pause, volume – all there. No macro overload, no hard-to-reach controls. The GK600 TKL stays focused on its core mission: typing, control, and reaction – no fluff.
A touch screen or volume dial would be nice extras, but the Forge doesn’t seek to show off. It’s here to work – and to work well.
MSI Power – No Software Required
One of the biggest advantages: full functionality with no additional software. In an era where even mice often require cloud logins, this is a breath of fresh air. MSI keeps control simple, fast, and reliable.
For IT professionals or privacy-conscious users, this is a huge plus. No background tasks, no silent updaters, no unnecessary network activity. Just a keyboard, a cable or wireless signal, and your computer.
Final Verdict – When the Dragon Lands
The MSI Forge GK600 TKL isn’t made for show-offs. It doesn’t scream for attention, but it carries the silent power of a dragon that knows its worth. It’s built for users who value quality, durability, wireless flexibility, and an outstanding typing experience – without the bloat, software chaos, or gimmicks.
The wireless functionality deserves special mention: if you prefer a tidy workspace or occasionally want to use the keyboard on your lap, on the couch, or while traveling, you’ll love the freedom it provides. With a stable connection, long battery life, and easy toggling between wireless and wired modes, the GK600 TKL adapts to any environment.
Whether you’re working from home, gaming late into the night, or writing your next thesis – this keyboard remains reliable, comfortable, and precise. And it looks damn good doing it.
„A dragon doesn’t need to roar to inspire fear – sometimes, a single quiet step is enough.“
– from an old keyboard legend
Disclosure in Accordance with EU Transparency Guidelines:
The MSI Forge GK600 TKL featured in this review was provided by MSI as a non-binding loan unit for testing purposes. This is not a paid advertisement.
MSI had no influence on the content, evaluation, or editorial independence of this article. All opinions expressed are based solely on our own real-world experience.
We sincerely thank MSI for providing the keyboard and for their trust in dataholic.de.