If you’ve ever wanted to get into mechanical keyboards, but haven’t taken the plunge yet it’s likely because it’s a rather complex hobby from the outset with terms like “lubed switches”, “O-rings”, “custom keycaps” being thrown around, making it a bit daunting.
But the other part of mechanical keyboards’ reputation that has probably kept your interest is a promise of a better experience both for typing and for gaming.
Thankfully Logitech takes some of the guesswork out of the process offering several mechanical keyboards in its Logitech G lineup of gaming peripherals which offer different switches to match you, your preferences, and your budget.
It’s also a big selling point that these boards are easily accessible in South Africa with some mechanical brands simply not being available here leaving some gamers out of luck or needing to pay dearly for private imports.
Take Logitech’s G513 boards which offer two different types of switches. Those with a mind of numbers can find a breakdown of actuation force graphs and keystroke audio here, but we’ve had our hands on them and we can report on the experience.
Different types of mechanical keys are, thankfully, colour coded. Above you can see the GX Brown and GX Blue variants.
GX Brown keys are tactile, meaning they have a distinctive bump you can feel each time you press down on a key. This gives the typing and gaming experience a satisfying, non-visual edge. Those who love typing without ever looking at the keys will particularly enjoy GX Browns as they provide that feedback without the key bottoming out (completely hitting the bottom of the stroke) and without needing to see the result on screen either.
In games the GX Browns are similarly fun to use as the smooth presses and subtle feel go a long way towards comfort. Whether typing or gaming the GX Browns also have the benefit of being rather silent and low profile, so you can take it into the office or the lounge without disturbing anyone.
GX Blue keys are hard to miss with a definitive and audible click with every key pressed. This clicky nature makes GX Blues arguably the most fun to use, but also a mite loud. These are the keys you want when you’re endlessly hammering away at an endless typing project at night, or playing for hours on end in your room or office.
Clicky keys like the GX Blues are the closest in form and function to the age of keyboards where each unit was still stuck between a typewriter of old and a computer of new. If you find yourself missing the audible clicky clacky noise of years past – and the unforgettable tactile experience that endures – then GX Blues are for you.
And, for the real kicker, this is just some of the mechanical keys Logitech offers. The GL series offers a similar experience when compared to the GX, albeit with a lower profile. Then there’s the Romer-G switches which offer a unique Logitech experience.
No matter your choice of switch, if you want to get your hands on a new keyboard and your fingers on a better typing and gaming experience, pick up a Logitech G board.
