MSI Katana 15 HX B14W: A New Benchmark for Budget Gaming Laptops | Review

The MSI Katana may not turn heads with its design, but it stands out as a solid choice for gamers on a budget looking to avoid the high price tags of premium models. While I’ve had my hands on a rig priced around $1,500, you can find RTX 5050 configurations just over $1,000, which is a rarity in 2026. The RTX 5060 model I’ve been testing offers impressive performance that rivals more expensive options, making the MSI Katana a great value right now.

While it may not be the flashiest gaming laptop out there, the MSI Katana 15 HX B14W delivers excellent bang for your buck, positioning itself as one of the top contenders in the budget gaming laptop market.

The MSI Katana offers a range of configurations, starting at approximately $1,199.99 with an RTX 5050 and Intel Core i5-14450HX, and going up to over $2,000 for a high-end RTX 5070 and Intel Core i9-14900HX setup with ample RAM and storage.

This variety is appealing, although the build quality and display may not justify the higher price tags. Still, it caters to those with tighter budgets while allowing for some upgrades. However, finding the entry-level configurations can be tricky, as most retailers focus on the RTX 5070 models, and I struggled to locate the exact specs I was testing. The closest I found was an i7-14650HX / RTX 5060 / 16GB / 1TB version priced at $1,499.99.

Fortunately, the i7-14650HX processor performs well in this mid-range category, making it a solid choice for the current gaming laptop market. Just be cautious with the 512GB storage options; if you tend to use a lot of space, upgrading to 1TB is a wise investment.

Unboxing the MSI Katana, I wasn’t surprised by its design. It embodies the classic budget gaming laptop look—simple, angular, and robust. Unlike older models that were often plastered with gamer aesthetics, MSI has opted for a more understated approach, featuring a sleek black logo on the lid and a clean palm rest.

Despite its all-plastic build, the Katana feels sturdy and reliable. There’s a bit of flex in the lid and some give in the chassis under pressure, but it held up well during regular use. The wrist rest area remained stable during my tests, resulting in a comfortable typing experience.

This is often a telltale sign of a budget laptop, but MSI has done a commendable job with the construction. The full 180-degree hinge operates smoothly, and while it lacks the premium feel of aluminum models, it still performs well.

The Katana is bulkier than more portable gaming laptops, with a one-inch thickness that aligns with other budget-friendly options. It’s not the most convenient to carry around all day, but it fits comfortably in a bag for occasional transport.

I’m testing a QHD / 165Hz configuration of the MSI Katana, which is a solid setup for its price range. While it competes well with higher-end models, the display does have its drawbacks. Colors are vibrant, and impactful moments in games pop, but brightness and contrast levels fall short compared to pricier options. This IPS panel is standard for budget rigs, though it’s worth noting that some competitors offer OLED displays at similar prices.

The 15.6-inch screen size is comparable to many 16-inch gaming laptops, but the outdated 16:9 aspect ratio feels a bit behind the times. The display is functional, though darker scenes in games like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 can be hard to see. While I’m not disappointed, it does mean the Katana prioritizes component value over visual fidelity, so if you’re after stunning graphics, you might want to look at higher-end models.

All the physical ports are located on the left and right sides, which is typical for budget laptops. It would be nice to have some ports on the back to keep things tidy, especially since the right side can get crowded.

I generally prefer side-mounted ports on the left, as right-handed gamers often deal with cable clutter interfering with mouse movement. Thankfully, the two USB-A ports on the left help manage connections, but the single USB-C port on the right, along with another USB-A, RJ45 Ethernet, and 3.5mm audio jack, can feel cramped.

If port placement is a deal-breaker, other models like the Acer Nitro 16 offer better cable management with rear-mounted ports.

The main deck features RGB lighting, with four-zone control that’s a nice touch for this price range. While you might miss per-key lighting options from more premium models, the LEDs are bright and vibrant, enhanced by slightly pudding-like keycaps.

The keyboard itself is a joy to use. Unlike many budget gaming laptops that have mushy keys, the Katana’s keyboard is snappy and responsive, with a comfortable feel and smooth travel. While it may not outshine premium models, it’s one of the best keyboards I’ve encountered in a budget device. The number pad is included, though it’s a bit cramped due to the compact layout.

The trackpad is decent for casual use, offering a smooth glide and ample space for gestures, but it can feel stiff under heavier pressure.

I’ve been comparing the Katana against other RTX 5060 laptops, including a pricier model and a similarly priced competitor, as well as the previous generation of a popular budget option.

In synthetic 3D Mark tests, the Katana holds its own against more expensive competitors, performing well in benchmarks like Steel Nomad, Time Spy, and Fire Strike. It competes closely with the pricier models, showcasing impressive performance for its price.

In real-world gaming tests, the Katana shines, especially at QHD resolution. It performs admirably in titles like Shadow of the Tomb Raider and Total War: Three Kingdoms, maintaining solid frame rates even at high settings. However, pushing settings to the highest level in some games reveals its limits, as performance dips compared to more expensive models.

Still, it’s impressive for the most affordable option in the group, handling 1080p gaming effortlessly and delivering competitive performance at QHD with high settings.

With the RTX 50-Series, the Katana is designed to leverage Nvidia’s frame generation technology, achieving impressive frame rates in demanding titles.

Overall, the MSI Katana offers a compelling package with solid QHD performance, a sturdy design, and an attractive price point. While the display may not be the most immersive, it holds its own against competitors in this category. If screen quality is your top priority, the Lenovo Legion 5 Gen 10 might be a better choice, but for budget-conscious gamers, the Katana is the best option I’ve tested so far. Just be mindful of the configuration options available.

During my two weeks of testing, the MSI Katana served as my primary device for both work and gaming, used in a monitor setup and standalone. I played a variety of games, including The Sims 4, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Shadow of the Tomb Raider, Total War: Three Kingdoms, Cyberpunk 2077, and Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered, running benchmarks at maximum power output across different settings and resolutions.

Each test was conducted three times, and I averaged the results for accuracy.

For more details on how gaming laptops are tested, refer to the relevant guidelines.