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MSI has been a go-to source forquality budget keyboards for quite some time now. Last year, we were lucky enough to test out theMSI GK50 Elite TKL, which is a prime example of their capabilities. One of our biggest gripes with it was that the customization options were pretty limited, and the PCB is not hot-swappable. However, MSI has rectified this with the Forge GK310; this keyboard isbuilt around customization.
Over the last two weeks, we have tested this keyboard to see if it is worth it for gamers and everyday use. From just typing up articles to fast-paced games, this keyboard has been through it all, and without giving too much away, it delivers powerful performance for just $50.
MSI Forge GK310 Keyboard
The MSI Forge GK310 blends gaming performance and pleasing aesthetics at a very friendly price point. With red linear switches by default, this keyboard is perfect for gamers out of the box, but thanks to the hot-swappable switches, you’re able to easily swap those out for whatever switch best suits your preference.
Box Contents and Setup Process
MSI doesn’t fuss around with complicated setups like some other keyboards; the Forge GK310 is the epitome of a plug-and-play keyboard. It was ready to go within seconds after getting the keyboard out of the box. You don’t need to download MSI’s software if you don’t want to; even customizing the RGB lighting can be done via physical keys on the keyboard. That is one of the advantages of the larger form factor that comes with a full-sized keyboard.
The top cover comes pre-attached, but thanks to its magnetic attachment, it can also be easily removed. We recommend testing out both options to see what is more comfortable and what fits your style better. Personally, the magnetic top cover did not stay on the keyboard for most of the testing period, but it does dampen the noise a bit.
Design and Features
MSI currently only offers the Forge GK310 with one switch option, but they are pretty satisfying red linear switches. Linear switches are not for everyone; they don’t offer that same tactile bump or satisfying noise that clicky switches provide, but they are great for gaming and typing alike if they are your style. Also, thanks to the hot-swappable PCB, you can easily swap these stock switches out for any 3-pin switches you prefer. There are not a lot of other keyboards that offer a hot-swappable PCB at this reasonable price point.
The other significant customization feature of this keyboard is the magnetic top cover. This matte plastic cover tones down the gamer aesthetic of the Forge GK310, making it have a more retro, thicker keyboard vibe, which is an excellent option. Because this cover is also straightforward to remove, you may also go with a more slimmed-down look or even customize the top cover with paint or sticker bombing it. However, be careful with paint; make sure it is dry before putting the cover back on.
As a full-sized keyboard, it has plenty of keys and extra room for buttons, media hotkeys, and even lighting control. As someone who regularly uses TKL and smaller keyboards, it was quite a shock having a full-sized keyboard on my desk again, but after a few days, the size wasn’t super noticeable. That being said, if you have a smaller desk or a lot of room for mouse movement, the Forge GK310 might get in your way a bit.
The only disappointment with the build quality is that the cable is permanently attached to the keyboard. While it’s not totally a dealbreaker, it is really nice to have a detachable cable so that in case the cable goes, the whole keyboard doesn’t have to be replaced. At this price point, a non-removable cable is not out of the ordinary, but that would have really put the build quality and longevity of this keyboard over the top.
Comfort
While not designed as an ergonomic keyboard, the Forge GK310 is very comfortable to use all day long, whether gaming or typing. The main factor in this comfort is the high-low keycap design, which puts the middle two rows lower than the bottom and top rows of keys in the QWERTY layout. While it doesn’t seem like this should make a big difference, it actually allows your hands to rest in a much more natural position and your fingers to move less.
While linear switches are not our favorite, the lighter actuation force makes them much easier on your fingers when gaming or typing for an extended period. While it is an option, if you like linear switches, there is no reason to swap them out for comfort reasons.
The adjustable typing angle only has one option: up all the way or down flat. With the kickstand down, the Forge GK310 sits in the most ergonomic position, but if you prefer to bend your wrist a bit, the kickstands offer a pleasant angle. They also do an excellent job of sticking to the desk so it doesn’t slide around too much.
While taking off the top cover doesn’t make the keyboard more ergonomic innately, it does make it feel much lower profile, so you don’t have to hover your wrists above your keyboard quite as much. But if you prefer to have your hands rest on the edges of your keyboard, the top cover gives you enough space to do that and feels pretty solid. Whether you use the top cover or not, adding a wristrest to this keyboard will make it much more comfortable for long-term use. But that is also the case with pretty much every non-ergonomic keyboard.
Performance
The Forge GK310 does not skimp on performance, whether you use it for gaming or everyday use. In fast-paced competitive games, the linear switches allow you to keep up with reactionary moves for a long session with very little finger fatigue. Every key press feels responsive, and with a 6-key rollover, even if you are flying through presses, every key press is accurately registered.
To take full advantage of the hot-swappable PCB, if this keyboard were for long-term use, the linear switches would be swapped out for a tactile option, just because the bump at the end of the travel is a bit more satisfying for typing, and reassuring when gaming. But plenty of gamers prefer linear switches for their speed, and after gaming with them for the last two weeks, I can see why. However, the Forge GK310 has yet to make a convert out of me.
Software
Because so much of this keyboard can be physically controlled on the keyboard, the MSI software is a bit redundant and unnecessary to have complete control over the Forge GK310. However, if you prefer visual customization options instead of just scrolling through lighting options until you find one you like, the software makes it an easy process. It is worth noting that the keys are not per-key RGB lighting, so the lighting effects might be slightly limited compared to other keyboards with per-key RGB.
Is The MSI Forge GK310 Right For You?
While the MSI Forge GK310 didn’t blow us out of the water, it is an incredible mechanical keyboard that offers a ton of customization options for a very reasonable price. With the world of mechanical keyboards getting more and more expensive and packed full of fancy features, it is odd to see a keyboard like the Forge GK310 in 2024, but it is also refreshing.
Not everyone needs a lubricated mechanical keyboard with sound-dampening foam, which sounds like you’re popping bubble wrap. Sometimes, a keyboard that performs well and is pretty nice to look at is all gamers need. Plus, it still has features like a hot-swappable PCB that make it stand out in its price range.
On the other hand, if you want a fancy keyboard with a lot of specialty features, you might be a bit disappointed by the Forge GK310. Something like theMSI GK50 Elite TKLor theMelGeek Made68might be more your speed, but you will have to spend more money on those features.
FAQ
Q: Is A MSI keyboard good for gaming?
Despite their budget-level pricing, MSI delivers incredibly solid gaming performance across their range of options, and the MSI Forge GK310 is just the newest option in their impressive catalog.
Q: Is there a difference between a gaming keyboard and a regular keyboard?
While there is nothing wrong with using a non-gaming keyboard for gaming, or vice versa, there are advantages to getting a gaming-focused keyboard if you plan to game. Features like low-latency inputs, programmable keys, and even RGB lighting, if that is your style, are much more readily available on gaming keyboards.
