A set including a full-fledged backlit keyboard and mouse for PLN 200 seems to be a great opportunity. Admittedly, the white MSI Vigor GK30 Combo, tested today, costs PLN 110 more, but if you do not care about a more non-standard color or simply prefer traditional black, it is good to approach this product as something for PLN 200. Then the savings made by the manufacturer are simply better to swallow. First things first…
Zestaw MSI Vigor GK30 Combo
In a large white cardboard box with a product render on the front, we won’t find much, because the keyboard and mouse are only accompanied by a user manual. It is worth mentioning that the Vigor GK30 Combo is simply a GK30 keyboard and a GM11 mouse combined in one box, i.e. equipment to be purchased separately. However, they are selected in terms of appearance, capabilities and overall quality, to make a harmonious duo, and with the USB connectors on the back of the computer, proudly show the manufacturer’s logo to the world.
Also read: Samsung Galaxy Buds2 test. We check the new ANC headphones and avoid comparisons to previous models
The set looks decent on the surface. In a white color version, it is quite unusual, and above all, like high-end equipment. The MSI GK30 gives the impression of a mechanical keyboard, and the GM11 mouse is something that you can’t even throw a sensor from a lower shelf into. However, when we take a closer look at these devices, we will immediately hear a proverb with an evaluation and a book in the lead role in the back of the head.
MSI GK30 keyboard
Let’s start with what we usually forgive a little more, i.e. the keyboard. The GK30, which is part of the Vigor GK30 Combo, looks like a high-end mechanical keyboard. All thanks to the top cover imitating a metal texture, as well as raised keys on something that resembles mechanical switches. MSI, however, decided to merge the two worlds, and this is also the case with mechanical-membrane switches. This includes Thanks to them, it maintains a waterproof structure, because water simply cannot reach the inside of the keys easily.
It means that these switches combine basing on the diaphragm, but add to the connection an appropriate stabilizing shaft and forcing the key to operate in a characteristic way. This makes the keys here take on the character of Brown switches, and although they are quieter, they also act (interestingly) more noticeably. This typical “lump” here is simply caused by the pressure of the diaphragm from below which requires a force of the order of 50 grams to be pressed in. It is worth knowing, however, that activation does not occur perfectly at the moment of overcoming this resistance and a sudden jump, and right after it.
On paper, it makes an interesting impression, and in practice it works just like the brown switches that are noticeably poorer in character. On the one hand, this improves the overall life of the keys from 6 to over 12 million compared to a normal membrane, but on the other hand, those twelve million activations before a significant deterioration in performance are poorly compared to the tens of millions offered by mechanical switches. However, in the form of a curiosity, this mechanical-membrane solution makes an interesting impression. Especially since it maintains a decent level of capabilities with 6-Key Rollover (although pressing 8, 9 and 0 prevents pressing “4” or “d”) and Anti-Ghosting up to 20 keys.
Also read: How to increase the range of the scooter? I checked the City Lion secondary battery
Some, however, may be disappointed with the lighting system that supports a set of traditional effects that are accessed through a key combination. This is because it is based on a milky base illuminated with LEDs in the form of the Mystic Light system, and not with each illuminated button separately. Although the evidently gaming font is easy to read and the base is well lit, it still lacks the most important character and a high level of brightness. Even in spite of the additional strip on the right side of the case, which actually shows its six RGB LED foci when viewed at an angle.
Visually, however, the MSI GK30 gives a positive impression both “without” and “with” illumination. The workmanship is a bit worse, because due to the lack of a metal structure, the keyboard weighing 1042 grams with dimensions of 438 x 157 x 38 mm is noticeably bent when you press harder, especially in the area of the middle and upper edge. The manufacturer, however, boasts that it does not bend after pressing the space bar, thanks to the addition of an excess rubber pad on the bottom.
The short legs were treated similarly. They not only provide a too small angle of inclination, which will certainly bother people used to higher keyboards, but also significantly reduce the stability of the MSI GK30 on the table. Then even the casing on the right side starts to make contact with its surface, which clearly indicates a bad design.
MSI Clutch GM11
Available for just PLN 63 (although in larger stores for PLN 90), the MSI Clutch GM11 mouse is also pleasing to the eye and fits the keyboard from the set. At the same time, it gives the impression of a model intended for a less demanding player who also likes “when it shines”. This is ensured by an extensive RGB backlight subsystem, corresponding to the advancement of the keyboard. It includes both the base around the mouse and the logo itself on the spine.
The standard-sized housing (118 x 62 x 37 mm) is made of matte plastic, mainly white, but also in shades of gray. They are broken only by glossy side buttons and one function button to change DPI. All three of them work decently (although without a special revelation) and do not jam, so it does not cause any problem during everyday work or playing. In turn, these main buttons, based on the noticeably better Omron switches with a durability of over 10 million clicks, work very well. They offer a loud, hard and at the same time responsive, but not too heavy way of clicking practically on the entire surface of the wings separated from the housing.
This character is also matched by a rubber-lined roller with a fairly relaxed way of operation, but strewn with many protrusions, between which, however, the jumps are felt only when slowly scrolling. They are difficult to control during fast, but the lack of a noisy bearing can definitely be considered a plus.
As a symmetrical model designed for right-handers, the MSI Clutch GM11 weighs only 89 grams without the cable. This, in combination with three glides with slightly rounded edges, allows the mouse to slide freely on material pads and does not tire the hands in most configurations and finger configurations.
As the only one from the set, it supports the MSI Dragon Center application, which detects the GK30 keyboard, but only in the Mystic Light tab, which allows you to adjust its backlight. This software clearly requires a lot of work on the part of the manufacturer, which is emphasized at times by the elementary interface, as well as translation errors, or the worst – the level of advancement.
Aside from the quirky keyboard detection issue, the Dragon Center-backed GM11 mouse can only be set to the DPI level (5 steps from 100 to 5000 DPI in increments of 100 units), select the refresh level (125, 250, 500, and 1000 Hz) and simple swaps key functions. So simple that they mainly come down to mouse functions and simple multimedia. You will not find macro options or assigning other keys here, which is a pity.
Moving on to the GM11 sensor, fortunately something known comes into play, because the Pixart PMW3325 optical sensor, which is simply good quality for the less demanding and average for those who have the pleasure to play, for example, on the PMW3360. It is characterized by a huge LOD, at the level of ~ 2.5 mm (over 2 CDs), but at the same time no perceptible prediction or forms of acceleration (both positive and negative), thanks to the high maximum speed.
Also read: Teufel Radio One test. The inconspicuous Bluetooth radio has a surprising sound
The overall level of precision up to 2400 DPI is almost perfect, but it starts to deteriorate beyond this limit and at 3200 DPI (through interpolation and high-frequency jittering) it becomes unpalatable. So it’s good, which is emphasized by keeping the refresh rate at the highest, i.e. 1000-hertz. In other words, it’s hard to complain about the GM11 at this price.
MSI Vigor GK30 Combo test – summary
As I mentioned at the beginning, it is up to you whether you will reach for the MSI Vigor GK30 Combo in the black version and pay about PLN 200, or if you want white, which will take over a hundred more from your pocket. In both cases, we are talking about the amounts for which we will buy either a mechanical keyboard from a lower shelf, or a more impressive mouse with a better sensor, goodies and at least an extensive application. However, if you are not particularly demanding, you do not need mechanical switches at all, and you are interested in a membrane-mechanical solution, then the Vigor GK30 Combo is definitely worth reaching for.
Both the mouse and the keyboard included in this set are a piece of well-made equipment that, if treated properly, will serve you for several years. In turn, it will certainly appeal to younger players who are fascinated by the extensive backlight that is present in both of these products.
