MSI FORGE GK310 - RED SWITCHES vs NEWMEN GM611 60% Mechanical Gaming Keyboard

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 NEWMEN GM611 60% Mechanical Gaming Keyboard at 5.2/10.

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

They score the same on typing feel and connectivity.

The biggest difference is customisation, where the MSI FORGE GK310 - RED SWITCHES scores 7/10 to the NEWMEN GM611 60% Mechanical Gaming Keyboard's 4/10.

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

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NEWMEN GM611 60% Mechanical Gaming Keyboard

5.2/10verdict: good, not the best

The Newmen GM611 is a 61-key, wired 60% mechanical keyboard with quiet red linear switches. It suits buyers who want a compact, light board on a tight budget and don't need wireless or deep remapping. Anyone who wants QMK or VIA, PBT keycaps or a metal case should look at other boards.

Typically about £24.99 in the UK when we researched itCheck price at Amazon UK

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

Scores, criterion by criterion

Criterion	Weight	MSI FORGE GK310 - RED SWITCHES	NEWMEN GM611 60% Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
Typing feel	25%	6/10	6/10
Build quality	20%	6/10	5/10
Customisation	20%	7/10	4/10
Connectivity	15%	5/10	5/10
Layout and ergonomics	10%	6/10	5/10
Battery and software	10%	7/10	6/10
Overall		6.2/10	5.2/10

Specifications

Spec	MSI FORGE GK310 - RED SWITCHES	NEWMEN GM611 60% Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
Layout	104 / 105 / 108 keys (different by language); UK ISO shape not confirmed by MSI	60% layout, 61 keys
Switches	Mechanical red, linear, rated 60 million keystrokes	Red, linear
Hot-swappable	Yes, 3-pin switches swappable without soldering	Conflicting: manufacturer and Amazon UK say hot-swappable copper socket switches (only specific switches allowed); VividRepairs says no hot-swap
Connectivity	Wired USB 2.0, 1.8 m cable; no wireless or Bluetooth	Wired USB-C with detachable cable; TechKitInsider claims triple-mode (wired, Bluetooth, 2.4GHz) but VividRepairs says wired-only
Firmware (QMK / VIA)	not listed	No QMK or VIA support found; optional proprietary manufacturer software for macros, key rebinding and lighting
Keycaps	not listed	Black keycaps; plastic keycaps per Amazon UK listing; not PBT according to VividRepairs

Strengths and weaknesses

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 ›

NEWMEN GM611 60% Mechanical Gaming Keyboard

+ Quiet, smooth red linear switches
+ Compact 60% layout with a light footprint
+ Budget-friendly, with praise for value from owners
− Plastic build and non-PBT keycaps
− No QMK or VIA support found

Skip it if:

Buyers who want QMK or VIA remapping without proprietary software
Anyone who needs confirmed Bluetooth or 2.4GHz wireless
Typists who want PBT keycaps, a metal case or a tactile switch feel

Read the full NEWMEN GM611 60% Mechanical Gaming Keyboard review ›

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