MSI VIGOR GK71 SONIC Gaming Keyboard

MSI has brought a new keyboard to the market, with plenty of features and an amazing look. This could make it one of your next purchases if you’re looking for something that won’t break the bank but still offers great performance.

Introduction

Today, we’re looking at MSI’s new mechanical gaming keyboard, the VIGOR GK71 SONIC, a full-size keyboard with light linear switches that retails for $129.99. “Light Touch, Instant Kill” is its slogan. The MSI VIGOR GK71 SONIC mechanical keyboard includes unique switches and keycaps on an aluminum top plate with media keys, volume dial, and per-key RGB lighting, and it joins a growing series of mechanical keyboards from MSI. The GK71 is MSI’s top-of-the-line wired keyboard, part of their gaming gear hardware, with an enthusiast and gaming emphasis, a slew of features, and MSI Center software support.

Sonic Red Switches from MSI

MSI has teamed up with switch maker Kailh to create the MSI Sonic Red, a linear MX-compatible mechanical switch that is exceptionally quick. These light switches contain springs that only need 35g of operating force and have a 1.9mm actuation point with 4.0mm of total travel, comparable to Cherry MX Speed switches in terms of specifications.

Kailh mechanical switches, produced by Kaihua Electronics Co., LTD., are used in a wide variety of mechanical keyboards – and are available in an extremely wide variety themselves. The Sonic Red Switches from MSI in the Vigor GK71 Sonic appear to be very similar to the Kailh Red switches above. This keyboard has a keystroke life of 70+ million.

ClearCaps by MSI

MSI outfitted the Viper GK71 Sonic with a set of of their new ClearCaps by MSI which have a standard black top with a white translucent typeface, while the bottom two thirds are completely transparent, leading to a gem-like presentation when lit. Because these are MX-pattern switches and keycaps, the keycaps are absolutely swappable, and MSI has included a keycap puller in the box for swift keycap removal.

Lighting

MSI has included per-key RGB illumination in the Viper GK71 Sonic. The num lock, caps lock, and scroll lock indicators located vertically above the left arrow key, as well as the three media buttons and volume scroll wheel that also serves as a mute button, are all illuminated. MSI’s Mystic Light module in MSI Center, which can be downloaded from the Microsoft Store, is used to adjust the lighting.

When the indicator lights are switched off, they turn red, although the keys are still visible in moderate illumination.

Rest for the wrists

Black imitation leather with a padded bottom and a plastic bottom. Cable run cutouts for headphones or headsets are included. Rubber feet are also amply proportioned. It is very light and simple to maneuver, however it lacks any way of grounding to the keyboard and is prone to slipping.

Channels for Cable Routing

MSI has cut channels in an ‘X’ pattern into the back of the Vigor GK71 Sonic as well as the included Rest for the wrists. These channels provide a convenient path for headset or other cables to run, keeping them in place while allowing the keyboard and Rest for the wrists to remain flat. There is also a generous cutout for the keyboard’s cable along with smaller channels to route the cable to the left or right.

Styling

MSI chose a brushed metal top plate for the Viper GK71 Sonic, which gives it a more sophisticated appearance. The Sonic Red keys are flush-mounted to the top plate, eliminating the possibility of debris falling into the keyboard. The three indicator lights have a slant to them, and the three media keys, as well as the combination volume knob and mute button above the numpad, have a slightly higher base.

Aside from the extremely visible red switches, MSI has kept the gamer bling to a minimum — the MSI logo is silk printed only a few shades darker than the top plate and practically vanishes in good lighting.

MSI went for an industrial style around the edges, cutting the top left, bottom left, and bottom right corners, while the top right corner houses the knurled portion of the volume dial. The dimensions of the keyboard are 442.5 x 138 x 41 mm. The USB cable is a USB 2.0 Type-A braided cable with a length of 1.8 meters. The keyboard weighs 854 grams.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is MSI gaming keyboard good?

A: MSI gaming keyboards are great, theyre comfortable and have plenty of features.

What is the best sounding keyboard for gaming?

A: The best sounding keyboard for gaming is the Razer BlackWidow.

Is MSI vigor GK30 mechanical?

A: The MSI Vigor GK30 is a fully mechanical keyboard.