I bumped into the Logitech G Pro series by accident: I was in Japan when I (urgently) needed an external mechanical keyboard. Upon looking and testing at the local selection in a Yodobashi store, the Logitech G Pro series was the best I could find at the time. I got one and was quite impressed with the quality.
Later on, Logitech came out with what seemed to be unimaginable, for a large keyboard manufacturer: A G Pro series with replaceable switches to fully customize YOUR typing experience, the Logitech G Pro X (official page).
The Pro X keyboard with replaceable switches feels very much like the Logitech 810, except that it takes customizations and keys repairability to the next level (this won’t solve PCD-related keyboard failures of course). Its predecessor worked really well, and there was no reason to modify a successful product more than required.
The keys customization is top-notch: obviously, you can select many types of switches and have a heterogeneous mix of Blue, Brown, and Red switches. I like the brown switches, but I have a bunch of keyboards of all kinds. At some point, I obsessed so much about Keyboards that I bought for ~$500/year worth of keyboards to improve my workflow ever-slightly.
Here are some key metrics about the Logitech G Pro X keyboard:
- Key-travel: 3.7mm (Blue+Brown), 4mm (Red)
- Actuation force: 50g (Blue+Brown+Red)
- Removable USB cable (5.9 feet)
- User-replaceable individual switches
- 1ms report rate
Replacing the keys is done using a provided tool. Although some people claim it is difficult, I don’t’ see any basis for that complaint, especially that it is a one-time operation as I don’t expect people to change their keys frequently.
The only change that I question is the reduced contrast of the Key’s painted characters, but it is a matter of personal preferences. Come companies like Das Keyboard have products with no visible key characters at all.
Anyone who broke a key on a non-swappable+switches keyboard knows about repairability. I’m not saying that you should bang on the keys while gaming, but if you do -and break a key- you can at least replace it. In fact, that’s precisely how my G810 keyboard met its demise after years of good service and (brutal) travel in suitcases.
You can also swap strategic keys to different types of switches. I like having different key switches for typing vs. function keys. Some gamers might want strategic keys to be extra-firm or extra-sensitive. Now you can customize all you want.
Besides the swappable switches, the other reason to like the keyboard is the “feel” of the various Logitech proprietary G switches. I find them to have the right mix of feedback and excellent build quality, up there with the best products on the market. The detachable keyboard cable makes it slightly more convenient for travel/transport since you can neatly pack the cable away.
At $149.99, the Logitech Pro X is not cheap by any means, and you’ll have to add $49.99 for each set of keyboard switches. However, if you want a heterogenous key layout, or if you want to repair a couple of keys in the future, the price isn’t excessive for a high-end keyboard.
The RGB keys customization (macros, key binding, etc) is done through the Logitech G Hub software, which many people also install for their Logitech mouse or webcam. The app is intuitive enough and has much progressed in the past couple of years. I wish there were a way to import/export and share various customizations with the community.
"A VERY SOLID FOUNDATION, WITH IMPECCABLE PRECISION AND FEEDBACK"In the end, the Logitech Pro X gaming keyboard is built on a very solid foundation, with impeccable precision and feedback. The customization software is a good second layer, and the replaceable key switches are the final piece that transforms an excellent product into something exceptional.
Perhaps this product could be your stepping stone to a fully-customizable DIY mechanical keyboard, but at the moment I’m not quite there yet, unlike other people in our team. As an intermediate step, I highly recommend this product.
Frequently asked questions
No, this keyboard is not wireless and connects via a micro-USB cable to the computer.
If you would like to have customizable switches but aren’t yet willing to spend an even higher price for a complete DIY custom keyboard, I think that the Logitech G Pro X is worth it, yes.
Yes, you can swap any key switch using a tool provided in the upgrade kit.
The G Pro X keyboards have how-swappable keys switches, which means that you can change any switch with a tool without accessing the PCB card and doing any soldering. There are several types of switches available for the G Pro X keyboards.
Logitech uses its own “pro-grade” switches called Advanced GX mechanical switches. There are different tactile profiles, called GX Blue Clicky, GX Red Linear, and GX Brown Tactile. Each set can be purchased separately and mixed & matched.
It depends on your tastes, but I found the GX Blue to have a very crisp tactile profile with a very audible click. I think they are perfect for gaming, where you need to know if the key action happened.
In my opinion, the GX Brown switches are great for typing, especially in an environment where you don’t want to create too much noise. They are less “clicky” and noisy than the GX Blue.
Yes, you can replace the keycaps because the keyboard is designed to have removable keycaps and switches. The LED lights are actually inside the keyboard, and the light shines through the center of the switch.
Highs
- Customizable switches, less expensive than a fully DIY custom option
- Great build quality and feel
- Very decent software support
Lows
- Lower key paint contrast as the previous generation
- No volume control built-in
Rating + Price
- Rating: 9.2/10
- Price: ~$129.99
Filed in . Read more about Keyboards, Logitech and Peripherals.