MSI Gaming Peripherals Review: Affordable Excellence

MSI, a name synonymous with PC gaming, is venturing into budget and mid-range peripherals. We’ve tested five new releases, including an 8000Hz wireless mouse, a gasket-mounted keyboard, and an ANC-equipped headset to evaluate their performance and value.

Overview of Products

Timestamps

• 00:00 Introduction
• 00:22 Maestro 500 Wireless Headset
• 02:15 Forge GK320 Mechanical Keyboard
• 03:52 Forge GK600 TKL Wireless Keyboard
• 05:30 Versa 300 Wireless 8K Mouse
• 07:32 Forge GM340 Wireless Mouse
• 09:27 Closing Thoughts

Product Specifications

MSI Maestro 500 Wireless Headset

• Drivers: 40mm Neodymium
• Microphone: 6-mic array with Environmental Noise Cancellation
• Connectivity: 2.4GHz, Bluetooth 5.4, Wired 3.5mm
• Battery Life: Up to 90 hrs (Bluetooth) / 60 hrs (2.4GHz)
• Weight: 280g
• Price: £69.99

MSI Forge GK320 Mechanical Keyboard

• Layout: Full-Size (104/105 Keys)
• Switches: Hot-swappable 5-pin Mechanical Linear (Red)
• Connectivity: Wired USB
• Price: £34.99

MSI Forge GK600 TKL Wireless Keyboard

• Layout: Tenkeyless (TKL – 83 keys)
• Switches: Hot-swappable Mechanical Linear
• Features: Customizable OLED display
• Connectivity: 2.4GHz Wireless, Bluetooth, Wired USB-C
• Battery Life: Up to 20 days with RGB off
• Price: £74.99

MSI Versa 300 Wireless 8K Mouse

• Sensor: PixArt PAW3395 (Up to 26,000 DPI)
• Polling Rate: Up to 8000Hz
• Weight: 66g
• Battery Life: Up to 196 hours at 1000Hz
• Price: £59.99

MSI Forge GM340 Wireless Mouse

• Sensor: PixArt PAW3311 (Up to 12,000 DPI)
• Weight: 57g
• Battery Life: Up to 82 hours
• Price: £19.99

Hands-On Impressions

Audio

The Maestro 500 impresses with its aesthetic and build quality. The ANC and microphone integration work effectively, making it suitable for both gaming and commuting.

Typing

The Forge GK320 offers a great entry-level experience, while the Forge GK600 excels with its gasket-mounted keycaps and OLED display, providing a more premium typing experience.

Tracking

The Versa 300 boasts high-end specifications at a budget-friendly price. Its performance is reliable whether at high or lower polling rates. Meanwhile, the Forge GM340 stands out as a lightweight, affordable gaming mouse.

Final Thoughts

MSI provides excellent value across its new peripherals lineup, proving that quality doesn’t always come at a premium price.

Pros

• Strong value proposition
• Tri-mode connectivity
• Effective ANC in the headset
• Premium features in budget mice

Cons

• 8000Hz polling drains mouse battery quickly
• Entry-level keyboard lacks advanced dampening features

Conclusion

MSI has raised the bar for affordable gaming peripherals, ensuring that gamers can enjoy high performance without breaking the bank.

For full product details, you can find the MSI Peripheral Lineup below:

• Maestro 500 Wireless Headset
• Forge GK320 Mechanical Keyboard
• Forge GK600 TKL Wireless Keyboard
• Versa 300 Wireless 8K Mouse
• Forge GM340 Wireless Mouse

KitGuru says: MSI has delivered a masterclass in budget peripherals, showcasing impressive features without compromising on quality.