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Geeky GK61 Gaming Keyboard vs MSI FORGE GK310 - RED SWITCHES

Researched, not hands-on tested.How we review ›

all judged against mechanical keyboards at a similar price

The MSI FORGE GK310 - RED SWITCHES scores 6.2/10 overall, ahead of the Geeky GK61 Gaming Keyboard at 4.6/10.

The MSI FORGE GK310 - RED SWITCHES leads on typing feel, build quality, customisation, layout and ergonomics and battery and software.

They score the same on connectivity.

The biggest difference is battery and software, where the MSI FORGE GK310 - RED SWITCHES scores 7/10 to the Geeky GK61 Gaming Keyboard's 4/10.

GK61 Gaming Keyboard - US Layout

Geeky GK61 Gaming Keyboard

4.6/10verdict: skip

The GK61 is a wired 60% mechanical keyboard for buyers who want a small, hot-swappable board with RGB lighting on a tight budget. It suits people who are happy with an ANSI US layout and a choice of six switch types. It is less suited to anyone who wants QMK or VIA, wireless connections or a full-size layout.

Typically about £32.30 in the UK when we researched itCheck price at Amazon UK (opens in a new tab, affiliate link)

Affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Details

MSI FORGE GK310 - RED SWITCHES

MSI FORGE GK310 - RED SWITCHES

6.2/10verdict: good, not the best

The MSI FORGE GK310 with red switches is a wired, full-size mechanical keyboard that MSI lists for gaming. It suits buyers who want a numpad, RGB backlighting and hot-swap sockets without wireless features. People who need Bluetooth, a compact layout or open firmware should look at other boards.

Typically about £25.99 in the UK when we researched itCheck price at Amazon UK (opens in a new tab, affiliate link)

Affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Details

Scores, criterion by criterion

CriterionWeightGeeky GK61 Gaming KeyboardMSI FORGE GK310 - RED SWITCHES
Typing feel25%5/106/10
Build quality20%4/106/10
Customisation20%5/107/10
Connectivity15%5/105/10
Layout and ergonomics10%4/106/10
Battery and software10%4/107/10
Overall4.6/106.2/10

Specifications

SpecGeeky GK61 Gaming KeyboardMSI FORGE GK310 - RED SWITCHES
LayoutANSI US (QWERTY), 60% form factor, 61 keys104 / 105 / 108 keys (different by language); UK ISO shape not confirmed by MSI
SwitchesBlack, Blue, Brown, Red, Speed Yellow, Speed Silver (Amazon UK variant: Mechanical Red)Mechanical red, linear, rated 60 million keystrokes
Hot-swappableYes (Mechanical and Optical models; GK61 SE has no hot-swap)Yes, 3-pin switches swappable without soldering
ConnectivityUSB-C wired, 1.5 m detachable cableWired USB 2.0, 1.8 m cable; no wireless or Bluetooth
Firmware (QMK / VIA)Windows software; no QMK or VIA support documentednot listed
KeycapsABS, doubleshot, OEM profilenot listed

Strengths and weaknesses

Geeky GK61 Gaming Keyboard

  • + Hot-swap sockets on most models
  • + Six switch types to choose from
  • + Owners praise value and RGB lighting
  • − Windows software only, no QMK or VIA
  • − Stabiliser and key rattle reports
  • − ABS case and keycaps; build reports mixed

Skip it if:

  • Buyers who want QMK or VIA remapping without Windows-only software
  • Anyone who needs a UK ISO layout or a full-size keyboard
  • People who want Bluetooth or 2.4GHz wireless connections
Read the full Geeky GK61 Gaming Keyboard review ›

MSI FORGE GK310 - RED SWITCHES

  • + Hot-swap sockets take 3-pin switches without soldering
  • + Owners report a solid, sturdy feel
  • + Plug-and-play USB setup with no battery
  • − Wired only, with no Bluetooth or 2.4GHz
  • − Full-size body is 442 mm wide
  • − Linear red switches only in this version

Skip it if:

  • Buyers who want Bluetooth or 2.4GHz wireless
  • Anyone who needs QMK or VIA firmware remapping
  • People with limited desk space who want a compact layout
Read the full MSI FORGE GK310 - RED SWITCHES review ›

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