Logitech G710+ Mechanical Keyboard and G600 MMO Mouse Review
by Dustin Sklavos on October 9, 2012 12:01 AM ESTIn Practice: The Software
Logitech has condensed their software into a single suite, the Logitech Gaming Software. As with any peripheral, this is the weakest link in the experience. I think this is cleaner than SetPoint or the software used for my G500 mouse, and it's easy to switch between the supported peripherals, but it still suffers from classic Logitech bloat. Being pestered for registration is aggravating, and while the keyboard side of the software seems to work smoothly, the mouse side is still buggy with the G600. I did speak to a rep on the phone and explained the issues I saw (button lighting not consistently working correctly in the software, DPI adjustments getting reversed), so hopefully those will be covered.
Thankfully both the G710+ and G600 can be programmed and have profiles stored in their on-board memory so you really only have to bother with the software once. Unfortunately, in the case of both pieces of hardware, that does mean losing features. You lose context switching (where the hardware switches modes and configurations depending on the software running), which is expected, but the G600 actually operates at irritatingly reduced functionality in on-board mode. My ancient-by-technology-standards G500 can have its buttons assigned to media playback keys and that configuration is stored on board; with the G600 that feature is conspicuously absent and I received conflicting reports as to why.
The Logitech Gaming Software suite ultimately isn't quite as frustrating or bloated as it used to be, but it still needs to be pared down and I feel like aesthetically it could be more functional and direct and less ostentatious. The dirty secret is that enthusiast/gamer class hardware is oftentimes worth looking at for productivity purposes; replacement keypads are routinely used by graphic artists for Photoshop shortcuts, and the increased precision and feedback of both quality gaming mice and keyboards is undoubtedly going to be useful to power users from any stripe.
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Impulses - Tuesday, October 9, 2012 - link
Yeah, a review of MP's boards along with the newer backlit Rosewills would be nice, they're some of the best values around... Though the deal I caught for my K90 at $85 was also pretty sweet, and Newegg seems to run it every 3-4 months so it's worth keeping an eye out for, if you can forgive it's one flaw anyway (the subset of keys with rubber dome switches).Azethoth - Thursday, October 11, 2012 - link
That's not the flaw. The one true flaw is the sticky keys. Once a day or so a key just goes bananas. It would be amusing, but what if it undoes all your code changes in a file, or kills your hardcore character. No bueno.antef - Tuesday, October 9, 2012 - link
Compare this to say the MS Natural 4000 or Comfort Curve 3000. They're both "softer" typing keyboards but of course there is still plenty of "feedback." I'm not sure what extra "feedback" above and beyond that you could want, or why you'd want it. It's only going to make things louder and less pleasant. And what about speed? Less key-travel (shallower) and less resistance should lead to faster typing. What is good about tall, clackety keys?Impulses - Tuesday, October 9, 2012 - link
It's a personal preference thing, mechanical keys actuate halfway thru their travel tho, unlike rubber domes which require you to bottom out (more stress) every single time in order for the key press to register. Neither's technically a deeper travel key tho, unlike you're comparing it to slimmer rubber dome boards or scissor boards with laptop style keys.If you're not bottoming out on a mechanical keyboard you actually produce very little noise, particularly with browns or reds... It's actually quieter than a membrane keyboard. I used various iterations of MS Natural keyboards for about fifteen years before going with a mechanical and tbh I haven't looked back. Took me maybe a week to adjust and as a side benefit I also don't experience as much of an abrupt switch when I type on my laptop more.
It's not for everyone, but I wouldn't dismiss it without trying one.
antef - Wednesday, October 10, 2012 - link
Thanks, maybe I should try one sometime, but I'm not sure where to find one. How are they on wrist fatigue? "Ergo" options are dwindling so it would be nice to know of good straight keyboards that still provide comfort. It seems impossible to use straight keyboards at a good wrist angle, but as others have said, maybe other factors end up mattering more.Impulses - Tuesday, October 9, 2012 - link
Why is everyone making such a big deal about the G600's size btw? Dustin seems to indicate it's too big for him but his own G500 looks bigger... At least from what I can gather while trying the G600 out thru the awful box cutout Logitech made for it, the thing is cut almost like they don't want people to know about the third button (mouse is tilted in/back on the right side)...I went to the store explicitly because I liked that third button design, I'm not sure I like the general/smaller shape tho. Gonna have to try it out elsewhere once it's out for display, or buy it to try out at some point (Best Buy here has it at $88 tho, ouch).
shin0bi272 - Wednesday, October 10, 2012 - link
not every one uses the default WASD controls there logitech. Plus the winning answer is cherry mx blacks not brown.Inteli - Thursday, November 29, 2012 - link
Ignorant Much? I personally use a Cherry MX Brown keyboard for gaming and i find it just fine. I've heard Cherry MX Blacks vary in quality a lot as well. And, if you knew anything about mechanical keyboards, you would know that the keys are replaceable. Just petition Logitech to release keycaps more oriented to ESDF. However, WASD is the industry standard, and it make more sense that if you're gonna cater to a certain way of moving your character to use the industry standard. If you like Cherry MX Blacks, that's cool, nobody minds, but there are already plenty of MX Black keyboards out there, most suited to gaming, and honestly, I've heard that most people really like Reds or Browns for gaming rather than Blacks. I know I certainly prefer them. Don't say something just based on what you like/what caters to you. Likely (unless you like Cherry MX Greens or Clears) there are keyboards that cater to you, so get someone else's keyboard. Logitech's not gonna be weeping because not everyone buys a Logitech Mechanical Keyboard.Peanutsrevenge - Wednesday, October 10, 2012 - link
Please tell me the keyboard comes with replaceable black WSAD / Arrow keys and that the god awful orange strip is removable/replaceable!Might work with an OC Gigabyte based system I guess :D
Hrel - Thursday, October 11, 2012 - link
I know you can't review everything; but I really wish you had a review for the G700. Wired/wireless mouse. I really like that it can be either, but I'm hesitant about the type of plastic they used on it, soft touch or gtfo. I don't like that hard plastic either.On another note I've been seeing a lot of NAS boxes using ARM processors now, can we get some reviews on those? I mean, how can it be fully functional running on ARM?