Logitech Announces G610 Orion Brown And G610 Orion Red Mechanical Keyboards
by Brett Howse on March 17, 2016 3:01 AM EST
Today Logitech unveiled two new mechanical keyboards under their G branding, with the G610 Orion Brown and G610 Orion Red. As I’m sure many of you have already guessed, the different naming doesn’t refer to the color of the keyboards, but the Cherry MX switches inside. Logitech, being one of the world’s largest maker of computer peripherals, already makes mechanical keyboards with their own Romer G switches, as Ian saw at his Logitech Tech Day in Switzerland, but it must be hard to compete against the weight of the Cherry MX name, so the G610 Orion features either Red or Brown versions of the Cherry MX lineup.
Logitech calls the Cherry MX the “industry standard in mechanical switches” and that would be hard to argue at this point. The switches are rated for over 50 million keystrokes, and the wide array of switch models make them a favorite of a large range of people. Logitech has chosen the Brown, which have “a tactile bump for feedback” as well as the Red, which have “a linear keypress” and since everyone seems to have their own preference when it comes to the Cherry MX switches, it’s nice to see them offering two options. Key travel is 4 mm and actuation is 2 mm, and the switches are rated for a 45 gram actuation force.
The keyboards also feature customizable backlighting, and while the light is a monochrome white, brightness levels can be adjusted on a per-key basis. The key lighting is controlled by the Logitech Gaming Software, and allows synchronization of the lighting with other Logitech G products.
Other features of the keyboards are a fingerprint-masking matte texture, which is something I’d love to see on more laptops, and Logitech has gone with a 6-foot braided USB cable which not only looks better than plastic, they generally are a bit easier to work with as well.
The keyboard features dedicated media keys, as well as full customization of the keyboard using the Logitech Gaming Software, including macro support for the F1-F12 keys. This and lighting can be controlled when you enable Game Mode. The keyboard itself is 153 mm x 443.5 mm x 34.3 mm and weighs 1.2 Kg.
The Logitech G Orion Brown and Red keyboards will be available this month in the US and Europe, with a MSRP of $119 or €139, which is a bit less than the Logitech G910 Orion Spark.
Source: Logitech
Facebook
Twitter
RSS
21 Comments
View All Comments
jerem43 - Thursday, March 17, 2016 - link
I like my IBM model M keyboard, 26 years in and it still is going strong. I did replace the PS/2 and AT cables with a USB cable and it is missing the "-" key on the numeric part though...SeleniumGlow - Thursday, March 17, 2016 - link
The IBM model M was one of the best keyboards. Too bad these are no longer manufactured.Cherry MX blue based keyboards are what I've used the most though...
calculagator - Thursday, March 17, 2016 - link
The Model M is actually still being manufactured in Lexington, KY by Unicomp. I think they purchased the IP from Lexmark/IBM and manufacture them to the same spec.bug77 - Thursday, March 17, 2016 - link
I have an el-cheapo $10-15 keyboard that comes with an USB port and a headset jack. Both incredibly useful and both missing from all $100+ keyboards.The_Assimilator - Thursday, March 17, 2016 - link
That's because all of the costs of these mechanical keyboards are in the switches. I dunno, I like functionality myself, which is why I'll probably buy another G19 when my current one gives up the ghost.If Logitech would bring back the LCD screens built into keyboards, instead of forcing you to use your own smartphone and run their app on it aka "Arx Control", I'd be interested in something like the G910. Oh, and the fact that they don't support Windows Phone is just dumb.
bug77 - Thursday, March 17, 2016 - link
Well, no one supports Windows Phone, tbh. I only know a couple of guys using WP and both of them are looking at Android because many apps simply don't have a WP version.Displacing Android and iOS today is like trying to displace http: no matter how many critiques you may have and no matter how much better the alternative is, they are just too entrenched.
Moirraine - Friday, March 18, 2016 - link
My expensive Logitech keyboard is in pieces, wholly not usable because the plastic caps they use to hold onto those "expensive" switches shred over time - a very short time.BurntMyBacon - Thursday, March 17, 2016 - link
@bug77: "I have an el-cheapo $10-15 keyboard that comes with an USB port and a headset jack. Both incredibly useful and both missing from all $100+ keyboards."I submit for your consideration:
Razor Black Widow Ultimate
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N8...
Razor Black Widow Chroma
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N8...
These have two usb ports and could be used with a USB headset.
Logitech G710
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N8...
Logitech G19
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9S...
$100+ - Check
USB - Check
Headset Jack - Check
Took about 15 seconds on Newegg to find. I'm sure you could find more. If I recall correctly, the Corsair K90 had USB pass through. Granted, you'd have to put up with the razor software registration requirements, use third party software, or do without macro keys, but it still meets your criteria. The two USB option is quite viable as there is enough noise introduced on the analog pass through lines to make a USB headset from Corsair, Creative, Logitech, etc. sound just as good as an expensive analog set.
bug77 - Thursday, March 17, 2016 - link
You're assuming I have access to newegg. And I will not touch Razer on principle.But yes, you're right, you can find those features at least on some models.
Chaitanya - Thursday, March 17, 2016 - link
You are forgetting Roccat Ryos MK series of keyboards. they all also have USB passthrough and headset ports.