MSI Forge GK600 TKL Review | 64 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£70
  • Avg. price in US: ~$80
  • Layout size: TKL
  • Connection type: USB / 2.4GHz / Bluetooth
  • Switch type: mechanical
  • Polling rate: 1,000 Hz

MSI Forge GK600 TKL review. Compare 64 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among keyboards and if it is worth buying.

6.5

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the keyboard's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best keyboards on the market.

Score components:

80.0%

5.9

Technical Score

20.0%

8.9

User score

Good
5.9

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the keyboard's technical performance, covering key areas such as switch feel, typing and gaming performance, layout and features, connectivity, build quality, backlighting, software, and comfort.

When it matters: When you want to compare keyboards based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

34.0%

7.4

Connectivity & Power

28.0%

3.2

Switches

20.0%

6.5

Materials

12.0%

6.3

Features

6.0%

6.5

Design

Good
8.9

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the keyboard.

When it matters: When you want to understand how a keyboard performs in daily use or gaming and how reliable it is in terms of typing feel, noise level, comfort, and long-term durability.

Score components:

70.0%

8.7

User reviews

30.0%

9.3

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.4
(87)
amazon
4.4
(72)
amazon
4.4
(18)
amazon
3.8
(14)
amazon
1.0
(1)
United States
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4.4
(87)
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4.4
(72)
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4.4
(18)
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3.8
(14)
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1.0
(1)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

Excellent
  • 3.5
    Gaming

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Polling rate

    24.0%

    1.0

    Rapid trigger

    20.0%

    1.0

    Adjustable actuation

    16.0%

    10

    Hot-swappable switches

    12.0%

    10

    Onboard memory

  • 7.2
    Typing

    Score components:

    28.0%

    4.0

    Wrist rest included

    24.0%

    9.0

    Legend method

    20.0%

    10

    Adjustable feet

    15.0%

    9.0

    Typing angle

    13.0%

    4.0

    Pre-lubed stabilizers

  • 5.0
    Programming

    Score components:

    30.0%

    1.0

    QMK support

    26.0%

    1.0

    VIA support

    18.0%

    10

    Mac compatibility

    14.0%

    10

    Multi-device pairing

    12.0%

    10

    Connection type

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Best prices in UK

Best rankings

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Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The MSI Forge GK600 TKL is a versatile tenkeyless mechanical keyboard featuring tri-mode connectivity (2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth, and USB-C) and 5-pin hot-swappable linear mechanical switches. It is built with high-quality dye-sublimated PBT keycaps and a multi-layer sound-dampening gasket design, further highlighted by a unique 1.06-inch LCD display for battery and RGB status. Main pros include its premium acoustic profile, smooth pre-lubed switches, and competitive sub-$100 pricing that rivals custom-built boards. However, some users have noted minor cons such as noticeable plastic case flex, inconvenient placement of the connectivity toggle switch, and keycaps that lack shine-through for better visibility in the dark.

Technical Specifications of MSI Forge GK600 TKL

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the keyboard's technical performance, covering key areas such as switch feel, typing and gaming performance, layout and features, connectivity, build quality, backlighting, software, and comfort.

When it matters: When you want to compare keyboards based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

34.0%

7.4

Connectivity & Power

28.0%

3.2

Switches

20.0%

6.5

Materials

12.0%

6.3

Features

6.0%

6.5

Design

5.9
MSI Forge GK600 TKL has a technical score of 5.87 points, which is lower than that of 77% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the keyboard.

When it matters: When you want to understand how a keyboard performs in daily use or gaming and how reliable it is in terms of typing feel, noise level, comfort, and long-term durability.

Score components:

70.0%

8.7

User reviews

30.0%

9.3

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.4
(87)
amazon
4.4
(72)
amazon
4.4
(18)
amazon
3.8
(14)
amazon
1.0
(1)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.4
(87)
Amazon_logo.png
4.4
(72)
Amazon_logo.png
4.4
(18)
Amazon_logo.png
3.8
(14)
Amazon_logo.png
1.0
(1)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

8.9
MSI Forge GK600 TKL has a user score of 8.85 points, which is higher than that of 69.2% of products in this category.
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the keyboard.
When it matters: When you prefer a keyboard that has already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
9.3
MSI Forge GK600 TKL has a popularity of 9.3 points, which is higher than 64.4% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the keyboard's overall rating with its cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for a keyboard that offers a strong balance of performance, features, and price.

Score components:

60.0%

6.5

Overall score

40.0%

10

Price

7.5
MSI Forge GK600 TKL has a quality-to-price ratio of 7.5 points, which is lower than 64.4% of products in this category.
Switch type
What it is: Identifies the switch technology used by the keyboard, such as mechanical, optical, or Hall effect.
When it matters: When you are choosing between different response technologies and their long-term behavior.

Importance: HIGH

mechanical
Switch feel
What it is: Describes the keypress character, such as linear, tactile, or clicky.
When it matters: When the sensation of each keypress changes comfort, control, and noise level for your use.

Importance: HIGH

linear
Switch name
What it is: States the specific switch model used by the keyboard.
When it matters: When the exact switch model matters because small tuning differences affect your preference.

Importance: MEDIUM

?
Actuation force
What it is: Measures how much force is needed to actuate a key.
When it matters: When finger fatigue, accidental presses, or key resistance matters to your typing style.

Importance: HIGH

45 g
Min actuation distance
What it is: Measures the shortest key travel needed to register an input.
When it matters: When faster key response matters and you want the shortest possible trigger point under your fingers.

Importance: MEDIUM

2 mm
MSI Forge GK600 TKL has a minimum actuation distance of 2 mm, which is longer than 66.3% of keyboards and equal to 33.4% of keyboards.
Show more
Keyboard type
What it is: Identifies the keyboard technology, such as mechanical, membrane, optical, or Hall effect.
When it matters: When you need a keyboard built around a specific switch technology or feel profile.

Importance: HIGH

mechanical
Layout size
What it is: States the keyboard form factor and how much of the standard keyset it includes.
When it matters: When desk space, portability, or access to a full key set affects how you work or play.

Importance: HIGH

TKL
Layout standard
What it is: Specifies the regional layout standard, such as ANSI, ISO, or JIS.
When it matters: When you need a regional key layout that matches your language habits or keycap set.

Importance: MEDIUM

ANSI
N. of keys
What it is: States how many keys are present on the keyboard.
When it matters: When you need a certain number of keys for shortcuts, navigation, or a numpad.

Importance: MEDIUM

83
MSI Forge GK600 TKL has 83 keys, which is fewer than 62.3% of keyboards and equal to 2.3% of keyboards.
Profile
What it is: Describes whether the keyboard uses a low-profile or standard-height design.
When it matters: When key height changes your typing comfort, travel distance, or the overall desk setup.

Importance: MEDIUM

standard
Show more
Connection type
What it is: Specifies how the keyboard connects, such as USB, 2.4 GHz wireless, or Bluetooth.
When it matters: When latency, cable management, or wireless flexibility is part of your buying decision.

Importance: HIGH

USB / 2.4GHz / Bluetooth
MSI Forge GK600 TKL offers USB / 2.4GHz / Bluetooth connectivity, which is more versatile than 57.9% of keyboards and equal to 42.1% of keyboards.
Multi-device pairing
What it is: Shows whether the keyboard can stay paired with multiple devices for quicker switching.
When it matters: When you switch regularly between a laptop, tablet, and other devices on one desk.

Importance: HIGH

yes
MSI Forge GK600 TKL supports multi-device pairing. 4.5% of keyboards support multi-device pairing.
up to 3 devices.
Bluetooth version
What it is: States the Bluetooth generation supported for wireless pairing.
When it matters: When wireless stability, compatibility, and energy efficiency are part of what you compare.

Importance: MEDIUM

5.1
MSI Forge GK600 TKL uses Bluetooth 5.1, which is newer than 64.7% of keyboards and equal to 24.1% of keyboards.
Mac compatibility
What it is: Shows whether the keyboard is intended to work properly with macOS layouts, shortcuts, or legends.
When it matters: When you need the keyboard to work properly with macOS shortcuts and key mapping.

Importance: HIGH

yes
MSI Forge GK600 TKL is Mac compatible. 44.4% of keyboards are Mac compatible.
Battery life
What it is: Estimates how long the keyboard can run on a full charge.
When it matters: When the keyboard needs to last through workweeks, travel, or long gaming stretches without constant charging.

Importance: HIGH

26 h
MSI Forge GK600 TKL lasts 26 h on a charge, which is shorter than 94.3% of keyboards.
Show more
RGB lighting
What it is: Shows whether the keyboard includes customizable RGB lighting effects.
When it matters: When visual customization and desk aesthetics matter to your setup.

Importance: HIGH

yes
MSI Forge GK600 TKL has RGB lighting. 12.3% of keyboards have RGB lighting.
Per-key RGB
What it is: Shows whether each key can be lit and controlled independently instead of sharing one uniform lighting zone.
When it matters: When customizing each key individually matters for visuals, games, or shortcut visibility.

Importance: HIGH

yes
MSI Forge GK600 TKL has per-key RGB lighting. 23% of keyboards have per-key RGB lighting.
RGB zones
What it is: States how many RGB lighting zones can be controlled separately.
When it matters: When you want more lighting control than a simple all-at-once backlight can provide.

Importance: LOW

1
MSI Forge GK600 TKL has 1 RGB zones, which is fewer than 84.2% of keyboards and equal to 2% of keyboards.
Underglow / side lighting
What it is: Shows whether the case includes lighting around the underside or outer edges in addition to the keys themselves.
When it matters: When edge lighting is part of the visual style you want from the keyboard.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
MSI Forge GK600 TKL does not include underglow lighting. 31.7% of keyboards include underglow lighting.
Backlight direction
What it is: Specifies whether the switches use north-facing or south-facing backlighting.
When it matters: When you care about switch compatibility, keycap interference, or lighting placement.

Importance: LOW

north-facing
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Case material
What it is: Describes the main material used for the keyboard case.
When it matters: When build feel, rigidity, and overall finish influence your sense of quality.

Importance: HIGH

plastic
Plate material
What it is: Describes the material used for the mounting plate beneath the switches.
When it matters: When keyboard stiffness, sound profile, and bottom-out feel matter more than the switch spec sheet alone.

Importance: HIGH

?
Keycap material
What it is: Describes the material used to make the keycaps.
When it matters: When surface texture, wear resistance, and sound of the keycaps affect your choice.

Importance: HIGH

PBT
Keycap profile
What it is: Describes the shape and height profile of the keycaps.
When it matters: When key shape and sculpting affect comfort, wrist angle, and the sound of each press.

Importance: MEDIUM

OEM
Legend method
What it is: Describes how the legends are applied to the keycaps, which affects durability and visibility.
When it matters: When you care about how long key legends stay readable after heavy use.

Importance: MEDIUM

dye-sub
MSI Forge GK600 TKL uses dye-sub legends, which are less durable than 74.4% of keyboards and equal to 11% of keyboards.
Show more

MSI Forge GK600 TKL vs the average keyboard

  • Built-in display
    MSI Forge GK600 TKL has a built-in display, the average keyboard does not. 9.5% of keyboards have a built-in display.
    What it is: Shows whether the keyboard includes a built-in screen for status information, controls, or custom widgets.
    When it matters: When onboard information or direct controls on the keyboard are useful in daily use.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    MSI Forge GK600 TKL has a built-in display, the average keyboard does not. 9.5% of keyboards have a built-in display.
  • 85.7% cheaper
    MSI Forge GK600 TKL is cheaper than the average keyboard (£70 vs £130).
    MSI Forge GK600 TKL is cheaper than the average keyboard (£70 vs £130).£70 vs £130
  • 2 newer release date
    MSI Forge GK600 TKL is newer than the average keyboard (2025 vs 2023). The average keyboard was released in 2023.
    September 2025.
    What it is: States when the keyboard was officially launched or became available.
    When it matters: When you prefer a newer board for more recent wireless standards, firmware support, or hardware revisions.

    Importance: LOW

    MSI Forge GK600 TKL is newer than the average keyboard (2025 vs 2023). The average keyboard was released in 2023.2025 vs 2023
  • 2 newer release date
    MSI Forge GK600 TKL is newer than the average keyboard (2025 vs 2023). The average keyboard was released in 2023.
  • Built-in display
    MSI Forge GK600 TKL has a built-in display, the average keyboard does not. 9.5% of keyboards have a built-in display.
  • 4 fewer keys
    MSI Forge GK600 TKL has fewer keys than the average keyboard (83 vs 87). The average keyboard has 87 keys.
  • 6.5 mm higher keyboard height
    MSI Forge GK600 TKL is taller than the average keyboard (45 mm vs 38.5 mm). The average keyboard height is 38.5 mm.
  • 7 mm thicker design
    MSI Forge GK600 TKL is thicker than the average keyboard (45 mm vs 38 mm). The average keyboard thickness is 38 mm.
  • 140 h shorter battery life
    MSI Forge GK600 TKL lasts less long on a charge than the average keyboard (26 h vs 166 h). The average keyboard lasts 166 h on a charge.
  • 2 h longer charging time
    MSI Forge GK600 TKL charges more slowly than the average keyboard (6 h vs 4 h). The average keyboard takes 4 h to charge.
  • Older Bluetooth version
    MSI Forge GK600 TKL uses an older Bluetooth version than the average keyboard (5.1 vs 5.2). The average keyboard uses Bluetooth 5.2.
  • 0.3 mm longer minimum actuation distance
    MSI Forge GK600 TKL has a longer minimum actuation distance than the average keyboard (2 mm vs 1.7 mm). The average keyboard has a minimum actuation distance of 1.7 mm.
  • Less durable legends
    MSI Forge GK600 TKL uses dye-sub legends, while the average keyboard uses double-shot.
  • 82 fewer RGB zones
    MSI Forge GK600 TKL has fewer RGB zones than the average keyboard (1 vs 83). The average keyboard has 83 RGB zones.
  • 140 h shorter battery life
    MSI Forge GK600 TKL lasts less long on a charge than the average keyboard (26 h vs 166 h). The average keyboard lasts 166 h on a charge.
    What it is: Estimates how long the keyboard can run on a full charge.
    When it matters: When the keyboard needs to last through workweeks, travel, or long gaming stretches without constant charging.

    Importance: HIGH

    MSI Forge GK600 TKL lasts less long on a charge than the average keyboard (26 h vs 166 h). The average keyboard lasts 166 h on a charge.26 h vs 166 h
  • Less durable legends
    MSI Forge GK600 TKL uses dye-sub legends, while the average keyboard uses double-shot.
    What it is: Describes how the legends are applied to the keycaps, which affects durability and visibility.
    When it matters: When you care about how long key legends stay readable after heavy use.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    MSI Forge GK600 TKL uses dye-sub legends, while the average keyboard uses double-shot.dye-sub vs double-shot
  • 0.3 mm longer minimum actuation distance
    MSI Forge GK600 TKL has a longer minimum actuation distance than the average keyboard (2 mm vs 1.7 mm). The average keyboard has a minimum actuation distance of 1.7 mm.
    What it is: Measures the shortest key travel needed to register an input.
    When it matters: When faster key response matters and you want the shortest possible trigger point under your fingers.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    MSI Forge GK600 TKL has a longer minimum actuation distance than the average keyboard (2 mm vs 1.7 mm). The average keyboard has a minimum actuation distance of 1.7 mm.2 mm vs 1.7 mm
  • 2 h longer charging time
    MSI Forge GK600 TKL charges more slowly than the average keyboard (6 h vs 4 h). The average keyboard takes 4 h to charge.
    What it is: Measures how long the battery needs for a full recharge.
    When it matters: When short charging windows matter and you do not want the keyboard tied to a cable for too long.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    MSI Forge GK600 TKL charges more slowly than the average keyboard (6 h vs 4 h). The average keyboard takes 4 h to charge.6 h vs 4 h
  • 82 fewer RGB zones
    MSI Forge GK600 TKL has fewer RGB zones than the average keyboard (1 vs 83). The average keyboard has 83 RGB zones.
    What it is: States how many RGB lighting zones can be controlled separately.
    When it matters: When you want more lighting control than a simple all-at-once backlight can provide.

    Importance: LOW

    MSI Forge GK600 TKL has fewer RGB zones than the average keyboard (1 vs 83). The average keyboard has 83 RGB zones.1 vs 83
  • 4 fewer keys
    MSI Forge GK600 TKL has fewer keys than the average keyboard (83 vs 87). The average keyboard has 87 keys.
    What it is: States how many keys are present on the keyboard.
    When it matters: When you need a certain number of keys for shortcuts, navigation, or a numpad.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    MSI Forge GK600 TKL has fewer keys than the average keyboard (83 vs 87). The average keyboard has 87 keys.83 vs 87
  • Older Bluetooth version
    MSI Forge GK600 TKL uses an older Bluetooth version than the average keyboard (5.1 vs 5.2). The average keyboard uses Bluetooth 5.2.
    What it is: States the Bluetooth generation supported for wireless pairing.
    When it matters: When wireless stability, compatibility, and energy efficiency are part of what you compare.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    MSI Forge GK600 TKL uses an older Bluetooth version than the average keyboard (5.1 vs 5.2). The average keyboard uses Bluetooth 5.2.5.1 vs 5.2
  • 6.5 mm higher keyboard height
    MSI Forge GK600 TKL is taller than the average keyboard (45 mm vs 38.5 mm). The average keyboard height is 38.5 mm.
    What it is: Measures the keyboard's vertical dimension from its base to its highest point.
    When it matters: When the keyboard has to fit under shelves, trays, or other tight desk constraints.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    MSI Forge GK600 TKL is taller than the average keyboard (45 mm vs 38.5 mm). The average keyboard height is 38.5 mm.45 mm vs 38.5 mm

Graphic comparison of MSI Forge GK600 TKL and

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Third-party reviews

What customers like about MSI Forge GK600 TKL?

  • Excellent acoustics with a 'thocky', satisfying typing sound due to multiple dampening layers
  • Great value for money, offering premium features like hot-swappable switches for under $100
  • Versatile tri-mode connectivity (2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth, and USB-C)
  • High-quality dye-sublimated PBT keycaps that feel premium and resist fading
  • Useful 1.06-inch built-in LCD screen for checking battery life and settings without software
  • Smooth typing experience thanks to pre-lubed linear switches and a gasket mount design

What customers dislike about MSI Forge GK600 TKL?

  • Noticeable plastic body flex when pressure is applied in the center
  • Battery life drains significantly faster when RGB lighting and the display are active
  • Awkward placement of connectivity and OS (Windows/Mac) toggle switches on the underside
  • Lack of 'shine-through' legends on keycaps, making it difficult to see letters in dark rooms
  • Heavier than expected for a TKL layout, which may impact portability for some users
  • No official software support for advanced remapping or deep RGB customization

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