MSI Forge GK600 TKL VS Razer BlackWidow V4 TKL HyperSpeed (Razer Yellow Switch)

The MSI Forge GK600 TKL and the Razer BlackWidow V4 TKL HyperSpeed (Razer Yellow Switch) are both gaming mechanical keyboards with a tenkeyless (80%) layout, offering a similar standard profile. Both keyboards support wireless and wired connectivity, with Bluetooth, 2.4GHz wireless, and USB connection options. Their polling rate is the same, set at 1000 Hz, ensuring quick response times in gameplay. Neither keyboard is designed specifically for Mac, and both feature detachable cables for added flexibility.

In terms of size, the MSI Forge GK600 TKL is slightly more compact, measuring 140 mm in height, 348 mm in width, and 45 mm in thickness, while the Razer BlackWidow V4 TKL HyperSpeed is slightly larger at 153.6 mm in height, 363 mm in width, and 43.5 mm in thickness. The Razer keyboard is also slightly heavier, weighing 975 g compared to the MSI’s 943 g.

The MSI Forge GK600 TKL comes with a 1-year warranty, whereas the Razer BlackWidow V4 TKL HyperSpeed offers a longer 2-year warranty period, providing extra peace of mind for users looking for additional coverage.

Both the MSI Forge GK600 TKL and the Razer BlackWidow V4 TKL HyperSpeed (Razer Yellow Switch) feature RGB lighting and backlit keys, providing a visually striking setup for gamers. The MSI keyboard has a white case, while the Razer keyboard opts for a black case. The MSI Forge GK600 TKL is made entirely of plastic, whereas the Razer BlackWidow V4 TKL HyperSpeed combines plastic and aluminum materials for its construction, offering a slightly more premium feel.

Both keyboards include adjustable feet to customize the typing angle, though the Razer model goes a step further by also including a wrist rest for added comfort during long gaming sessions. The MSI Forge GK600 TKL does not come with a wrist rest, which might be a consideration for users seeking extra support.

Both the MSI Forge GK600 TKL and the Razer BlackWidow V4 TKL HyperSpeed (Razer Yellow Switch) use mechanical switches with a linear feel, which is preferred for smooth, uninterrupted key presses. The MSI keyboard features MSI Mechanical Linear switches, while the Razer keyboard uses Razer Yellow Gen 3 switches. While both products have similar switch types and feel, the Razer switches have a slightly faster actuation distance of 1.2 mm, compared to the MSI’s 2 mm actuation distance. This makes the Razer keyboard feel more responsive in fast typing or gaming scenarios.

Regarding actuation force, the MSI Forge GK600 TKL requires 43 g of force, slightly lighter than the Razer BlackWidow V4 TKL HyperSpeed, which uses 45 g of force. This difference may affect the tactile feedback and overall feel when pressing the keys, with the Razer model requiring a little more force per key press.

The total travel distance of the MSI switches is 4 mm, while the Razer Yellow Gen 3 switches have a total travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Razer switches, therefore, have a slightly shorter total travel distance, which can result in faster keypress registration.

The MSI Forge GK600 TKL offers more specialized features compared to the Razer BlackWidow V4 TKL HyperSpeed (Razer Yellow Switch). Notably, it supports analog input, adjustable actuation, and has a display, which the Razer model lacks. The MSI keyboard also has N-Key Rollover (NKRO), just like the Razer model, ensuring that all keypresses are registered, even when multiple keys are pressed simultaneously. However, the Razer keyboard does not include analog input or adjustable actuation, nor does it have a display.

Neither keyboard features a USB passthrough, rapid trigger, dual actuation, nor support for QMK, ZMK, or VIA. These features are absent in both models according to the provided data.

While both keyboards lack advanced software support features like QMK or VIA, the MSI Forge GK600 TKL stands out with its analog input and display, adding extra customization options for users who need those features. The Razer BlackWidow V4 TKL HyperSpeed, on the other hand, is a bit simpler in this regard, focusing more on core performance features.

Both the MSI Forge GK600 TKL and the Razer BlackWidow V4 TKL HyperSpeed (Razer Yellow Switch) use an ANSI (United States) layout and feature a standard key layout, making them familiar to most users. However, the keycap materials and profiles differ. The MSI keyboard has Dye-sub, PBT keycaps with a Cherry profile, while the Razer keyboard uses ABS, Double-shot keycaps with an OEM profile. The PBT material of the MSI’s keycaps is typically more durable than the ABS keycaps of the Razer keyboard, but the Razer's Double-shot construction offers durability in terms of key legends.

In terms of media controls, the MSI Forge GK600 TKL allows media control via the Fn key, while the Razer BlackWidow V4 TKL HyperSpeed has dedicated media keys for easier access. The MSI model does not feature a rotary dial, whereas the Razer keyboard includes one, providing additional customization and control.