| Logitech G710+ Mechanical Gaming Keyboard |  |
| Reviews - Featured Reviews: Input Devices | |
| Written by David Ramsey | |
| Monday, 22 October 2012 | |
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Logitech G710+ Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
Manufacturer: Logitech Full Disclosure: Logitech provided the product sample used in this article. I am not sure who the largest manufacturer of aftermarket keyboards is, but surely Swiss company Logitech must rank among the top tier. Founded in 1981, the company makes a dizzying array of computer accessories, including keyboards, mice, touch pads, speakers, web cams, and tablet accessories. It seems odd that after all these years, they're just now introducing their first mechanical keyboard, the Logitech G710+ Mechanical Gaming Keyboard. Equipped with Cherry MX mechanical switches, controllable backlighting, and supported by Logitech Gaming Software, this new product is aimed squarely at the gamer who wants more than a rubber-dome keyboard can supply.
The German company Cherry provides the bulk of mechanical keyboard switches to manufacturers, and offers a variety of switch models, distinguished by their "action" and the color of the key switch plunger. Logitech has made the somewhat unusual choice of Cherry MX Brown switches for this keyboard, and I'll discuss the ramifications of this choice later in the review. Logitech G710+ Features
Mechanical Keyboard Specifications
Model number: 920-003887
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Comments
1) Dedicated/separate media controls. I use my keyboard volume controls daily. Having to adjust or mute volume a combination keystroke of FN + another key by comparison is cumbersome and annoying. Neither the Razor Black Widow Ultimate (2013), nor Ducky Shine II, nor Max Keyboard Nighthawk (my original choice), nor Thermaltake mechanical keyboards offer designated media controls. Only the Corsair K90 matches the G710 here.
2) 100% Mechanical Full Size Keys. If I buy a mechanical keyboard, I want all the full size keys mechanical. While the Ducky, Nighthawk and Razor have this feature, the K90 does not. In the K90, some full size keys use rubber domes. Not sure about Thermaltake.
3) Game ("G") keys. A primary reason to buy a gaming keyboard is having a separate, designated set of macro or gaming keys. While, the K90 (in spades) and Razor BW have them, the Ducky, Nighthawk and Thermaltake (2 listed on NewEgg at least) do not. Even more so than media, combination FN + another key is bothersome and certainly less advantageous in fast paced gaming. Personally, I'd rather have a set of 5 or 6 G-keys with banks than a block of 18 or more keys. I've never needed more than six at once and the banks make it easy to organize.
4) O-ring dampeners. Not for everyone, but something I planned to do anyway. Logitech saves me $20+ (seriously, like $15 for the o-rings + ship :
The G710 is not perfect by any means. I hate the orange border. It should come with matching versions of the WASD/arrow keys along with a cheap key puller. The USB cable is too thick - only one USB connection should be required. The second one (a pass-thru for the hub) should be separate and removable not to mention USB 3.0.
$150 isn't cheap, but the other 100% full size key mechanical boards (Ducky, Nighthawk, Razor BW, etc.) all run about $140-$145 when not on sale. The K90 is cheaper, much cheaper, but it should be since it has less premium components. Rubber dome keys are very, very cheap to make. Still, I can understand why some claim it's a better value - just depends on whether you don't mind mechanical/rubber dome hybrid. On sale, I think the G710 is a pretty food value given all the features it offers. It's the first thing I've really liked from Logitech since the G9 mouse.
The K90 looks beautiful, but, I heard they had a lot of of driver/firmware issues.
This is definitely the most expensive in its class, and I could've went with the Razer BW-U Stealth, but I like Logitech stuff so far. I use the Optical Trackman, and I think it's hands down the best trackball and superior to mice in general. I wish it had more gaming features (like high polling rate), but nobody makes a gaming specific trackball, and I refuse to drive a brick across my desktop. I've been using trackballs for many years, and my wrists thank me for it.