Product: MSI Vigor GK71 Sonic
Type: Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
Price: $229.00 RRP
Availability: Out Now
Link: msi.com/Gaming-Gear/VIGOR-GK71-SONIC

As with any peripheral, no two mechanical keyboards are exactly alike. Outside of the look and feel of the physical design, the keycaps and materials used, the software integration and on-board customisation, there’s what’s happening under the hood. Which comes down to the mechanical switches used and how they differ from alternative options. In the switch game a linear mechanical switch is one that offers up a smooth response without the sort of tactile feel you’d find in a more clicky or snappy switch.

This sort of immediate response is one of the reasons why competitive gamers opt for linear switches over the alternative, that and there’s less force required for actuation. That is, make the key do its key thing. This is all a roundabout way of saying that the new MSI Vigor GK71 Sonic is a mechanical keyboard with linear switches perfect for the sort of fast-paced action, say, we recently discovered in Shadow Warrior 3. Or something like Apex Legends.

In fact MSI is touting “the world's lightest linear mechanical key switch”, meaning the operating force of 35g is basically one step away from pressing keys by simply changing the air pressure by looking at them. A light touch indeed, and something that’s probably not for everyone. But after using this for some time, for productivity in addition to gaming, there’s a lot to love about the MSI Vigor GK71 Sonic. Stuff that goes beyond the impressive linear switches. From build quality to its macro features to the stylish look, MSI has created something deserving of its premium price-tag.

Look and Feel

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Which makes this a step above the MSI Vigor GK50 Elite we reviewed last year – a mechanical keyboard that punched well-above its weight. Here the positive story continues, with the MSI Vigor GK71 Sonic featuring a lightweight aluminium build to compliment the lighter touch of its switches. And in terms of looks the sleek finish and shape is uniformly excellent with a great floating key design, robust keycaps (dubbed MSI ClearCaps they sport a two-layer design where one of those is transparent), dedicated audio controls, and a comfy cushioned wrist rest.

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In fact MSI is touting “the world's lightest linear mechanical key switch”, meaning the operating force of 35g is basically one step away from pressing keys by simply changing the air pressure by looking at them.

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A comfy wrist rest might feel like “just an add-on” but it’s one of those things where once you get used to it, it’s virtually impossible to go back. Case in point I’ll review a wrist-rest-free keyboard with a wrist rest every single time, they’re that good. And the one packed in here is up there with the best.

Elsewhere the look here is very much in-line with MSI’s Dragon aesthetic, right down to a specific font used on the keys and the effect that transparent keycaps have on amplifying the per-key RGB lighting. Which you can control directly via functions mapped to the arrow keys.

Specs

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Called MSI Sonic Red switches, this collaboration between MSI and MSI and Kailh definitely offers up a different sort of linear switch than we’ve become accustomed to. As per the introduction this is a very light touch, meaning there’s some adjustment needed - especially if you’re more of a, well, heavy-handed gamer.

Switch Type: MSI SONIC RED

LED Color: Per-key RGB (Mystic Light)

Cable: Wired (USB)

Dimensions: 442.5 x 138 x 41 mm

Product Weight: 854g

We’re talking only 4mm of overall switch travel in addition to 35 grams of force to actuate, so for productivity it helps if you’re a touch typer. Outside of the switches and the great build quality, and the on-board controls for lighting and other functions, the MSI Vigor GK71 Sonic requires the Windows 10-based MSI Center to access its deeper Macro and Profile settings. As we tested this on a system with a number of MSI components this was a smooth process, and the app itself is getting better all the time. The only issue is that it’s tied to the Windows 10 Store, which is never the ideal option.

Type Cast

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Linear switches are designed for games where rapid key-presses are the order of the day and on that front it didn’t take very long at all to settle into a groove with the MSI Vigor GK71 Sonic. From the aforementioned Shadow Warrior 3 (which has a speed and feel akin to DOOM Eternal) to Dying Light 2 and more competitive games, you can see the reasoning behind MSI designing a new switch for this keyboard. Not simply as something to separate it from other brands, but to provide a distinct feel all its own.

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The RGB lighting is vibrant thanks to the two-layer keycap design, the wrist-rest is a wonderful addition, and the dedicated audio controls sit nicely alongside the functions and ability to change-up profiles.

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Add it all up and it’s not hard to be impressed with MSI’s premium mechanical keyboard. The RGB lighting is vibrant thanks to the two-layer keycap design, the wrist-rest is a wonderful addition, and the dedicated audio controls sit nicely alongside the functions and ability to change-up profiles. Outside of the software being limited to a native Windows 10 app and little things like the braided USB cable not being detachable, if linear switches and competitive games are your jam then this is a great choice.