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This looks like a non-hotswappable board with proprietary switches, and it's still tied to Logitech's wireless dongles (which are notoriously bad about both cau

This looks like a non-hotswappable board with proprietary switches, and it's still tied to Logitech's wireless dongles (which are notoriously bad about both causing and being super-sensitive to 2.4Ghz-spectrum interference). I mean, I _think_ the switches are proprietary -- the page has no real information about the switches at all, which is a bit like selling a computer by showing you a picture of the case and telling you it has "a CPU". Hotswappable switch sockets are basically a standard feature in the mechanical keyboard scene these days, with boards that sell for as low as $50-$60 having hotswappable sockets. I don't get who this product is for, other than maybe someone who has heard mechanical keyboards are cool but is daunted by doing any research into what mechanical keyboard options exist out there. Enthusiasts will see the non-standard switches and lack of hotswap, and the fact that it's Logitech, honestly, and will bounce off. Non-enthusiasts will see that this Logitech keyboard is $150, but doesn't offer all that much more than their cheaper wireless multi-device keyboards, and will just buy a cheaper non-mech option. At $150, it's priced above most budget boards (the sort you'd see on /r/budgetkeebs, which is more my wheelhouse anyways), but with none of the selling points of the boards in that range -- and it's getting into the low end of "standard"/"pricier" boards, but again, it can't compete with boards in the $60 range....so why bother? *EDIT*: I'm seeing a lot of folks responding to this and saying "look, this is exactly what I'm looking for", so...I stand corrected. The above are my own opinions (and as a little bit of a hyper-frugalist sometimes, I'd still recommend shopping around on prices), but they're just that: my opinions. Don't let me make you feel like you're stupid or wrong to like what you like just because it's not what _I_ like! If this is your jam, then I'm stoked for you, and congrats on possibly finding the exact thing you're looking for!

bayindirh 4y ago
> I don't get who this product is for, other than maybe someone who has heard mechanical keyboards are cool but is daunted by doing any research into what mechanical keyboard options exist out there. Me, or anybody who needs a no-fuss, one-shot, buy-and-use-it-till-it-dies type of consumer. I don't care about changing switches. I don't care about DIY. While I'm perfectly capable, I don't want to spend time on that. I want something works well, and equipped with a well known 2.4GHz receiver which can work with any OS, incl. firmware updates. I need to do my daily work with it. Not fiddle with keys, caps, boards, firmware and soldering iron. I'll be seriously considering this. If it's adequately close to MX Browns, I'll get one.
- Kerrick 4y ago
  This is also exactly the kind of thing I was looking for and the reason I bought a CODE Keyboard years ago when they came out. I don’t know whether my keys are swappable and I don’t care. I just wanted something to replace my Model M that has super and media keys and a backlight.
- elorant 4y ago
  Then go and buy a DAS keyboard. Reliable, simple, traditional key mappings, nothing fancy, and a usable volume knob.
- 0des 4y ago
  how dare you have simple yet unrefined tastes! how DARE YOU
  - bayindirh 4y ago
    I'd rather tend my fountain pen collection in that time instead. Sorry for being so crude and tasteless. :)
    - dotancohen 4y ago
      I'm also a mechanical keyboard aficionado and I always write with a fountain pen. It's probably not an uncommon correlation of interest, all things considered.
      - bronikowski 4y ago
        It's a common joke on r/fountainpens. I think there's a subreddit covering fountain pens, mechanical keyboards and, if my memory serves me, headphones.
        bayindirh 4y ago
        That's something I like, a lot: https://preview.redd.it/occvkly0cd471.png?auto=webp&s=1427cf8a3a3c4b6de0a5356250cc325a431a7b6b https://preview.redd.it/occvkly0cd471.png?auto=webp&s=1427cf...
Gigachad 4y ago
Eh, I really like the Logitech wireless dongle. So much more reliable than Bluetooth and it works on the bios screen as well. Never really cared about swapping switches much and I want my keyboard to be wireless. I’d consider buying this if I didn’t already own the regular mx keys.
- bbarn 4y ago
  The fact that it IS a dongle is the major disadvantage. Most laptops have only one or two USB-B slots and many are moving towards USB-C for everything. Most also have very functional bluetooth built in. It's just not worth a minor improvement in connection quality (which is debatable, reading these comments) to lose the only slot I have in a laptop. I have to unplug my external keyboard in order to use my headset if I'm not using a dock. This was enough to make me spend my own money to replace the logitech mouse I was issued at work.
  - pantulis 4y ago
    I have a MX Keys and it works with the dongle and bluetooth, your choice. I have both the mouse and the MX Keys using the dongle connected to my display's USB hub so the mouse & keyboards are always there for the cmputer that gets connected to the USB-C cable. It's uncredibly convenient.
    - conk 4y ago
      This is my exact reason for going Logitech keyboard and mouse. I have a work Mac and personal PC. With a thunderbolt dock I can use either one at my desk. I don’t have to fiddle with pairing anything, just plug in the computer and the keyboard and mouse show up. If I travel then I just pack my mouse and pair it with my laptop via Bluetooth while away.
  - unwind 4y ago
    *USB-A, the B ones are for devices, i.e. what you typically saw (in the micro variety) on cell phones before UBS-C started happning. The big "original" USB-B ports are still common on printers.
MivLives 4y ago
Switches are probably either cherry's low profile switch, or Kailh's version 2 of it's choc low profile switch. I honestly have no idea why this was posted on HN, there's a ton of other keyboards that have the same specs and features. Sure it's got Logitech's priority dongle, but as you point out, what's here that's not on a 70 dollar gk65.
- xd1936 4y ago
  I think it was posted more as an interesting industry trend. It's acknowledgement of a former niche turning into a real industry from the big name in the space.
  - MivLives 4y ago
    Which trend? I'm not sure I'd consider low profile a trend, and logitech has been making mechanical keyboards for years. They've even made other low profile mechanical keyboards.
    - tmottabr 4y ago
      They made mechanical keyboards in their G brand that target gamers.. This is the first time they make an wireless mechanical keyboard in their "regular" brand..
xd1936 4y ago
I don't mind the Logitech Unifying Receiver dongle, but I wish they'd make a USB-C one already.
- utopcell 4y ago
  So true. It's weird that they're stuck to usb-a for so long.
terramex 4y ago
According to Verge it uses Kailh Choc V2 Low Profile Switches: https://kono.store/products/kailh-choc-mx-switches https://kono.store/products/kailh-choc-mx-switches Also Logitech's propertiary dongle is not necessary, it can use Bluetooth. https://www.theverge.com/2022/5/24/23137797/logitech-mx-master-3s-mechanical-mini-mouse-keyboard-price-release-date-features https://www.theverge.com/2022/5/24/23137797/logitech-mx-mast...
- deleted 4y ago
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- falcolas 4y ago
  They’re listing proprietary switches on the linked page: “Graphite MX Mechanical” Perhaps they’re rebranded generics, can’t say.
  - bayindirh 4y ago
    Logitech is building their own switches for at least a couple generations now. I don't think they would be "rebranded generics". I'll be waiting for the reviews, though.
    - moondev 4y ago
      https://www.reviewgeek.com/118706/logitech-mx-mechanical-mini-keyboard-review-compact-and-premium/ https://www.reviewgeek.com/118706/logitech-mx-mechanical-min... they look like https://kono.store/products/kailh-choc-mx-switches https://kono.store/products/kailh-choc-mx-switches with standard cherry stems so you can use any keycaps https://www.reviewgeek.com/p/uploads/2022/05/90799f4d.jpg https://www.reviewgeek.com/p/uploads/2022/05/90799f4d.jpg
- Someone1234 4y ago
  If that's actually the case then Logitech made a mistake by not advertising that front and center. Those are solid switches from a well known brand, that's what people want for $150.
Shalomboy 4y ago
Glad to hear the r/mk opinion on this. I've been a diehard for Logitech multi-device peripherals since I picked up a Triathlon mouse on sale in 2018 and I just got myself an MX Mini keyboard. For folks who frequently switch between devices it's a godsend. I was glad to see it in mechanical form, but I can't understand why they wouldn't do their due diligence on mechanical keyboard users and their needs.
Tsiklon 4y ago
From the looks of the side profile, this is using low profile mechanical switches, which seem uncommon or at the very least not popular in the mech keyboard community. I don’t think that they’re targeting the same sort of user as the enthusiast board manufacturers do. I mean the MX Keys is a popular product outside of mech keyboard circles, this may be positioned as an alternative for those users
- tekknik 4y ago
  > From the looks of the side profile, this is using low profile mechanical switches, which seem uncommon or at the very least not popular in the mech keyboard community. Where are you getting this from? I can count at least 3 people I know using low profiles. Without doing a poll. Some people want that laptop feel in a desktop board.
  - wasyl 4y ago
    Have those people built the keyboard themselves, though? I've been periodically checking the more popular/accessible low-profile keyboards and other than Keychron and Logitech it was difficult to find something available in Europe. Low-profile switches definitely exist, but keyboards are pretty rare. If you add requirements like USB-C and bluetooth, there's really not much choice left (or is there? I'd love to be proven wrong)
    - tekknik 4y ago
      Choice does not equal demand. Low profile switches are relatively new. And no, there are a few brands that build them. I would not build a board myself.
- mas-ev 4y ago
  I think there isn't adoption to low profile keys because of compatibility and snobs. I have been using the gaming version of this keyboard (G915) for years and would prefer not going back to high rise keys. Better ergonomics, looks better, easier to clean, less wobbly keys, smaller chance of breaking a keycap.
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user3939382 4y ago
Logitech Unifying Receiver is basically rebranded, slightly-tweaked bluetooth from what I can tell. I've had a lot of them running in the same room together and not had a problem. I have a ridiculously priced Topre Realforce, but when friends and family ask for a recommendation or I'm helping them setup a machine I would definitely recommend something like this if they're up for spending a little more. Historically I've been recommending the Logitech K840 in those scenarios. This looks like a wireless upgrade to that.
- sillystuff 4y ago
  The Logitech Unifying Receiver uses an nRF24LU1+. They use a Nordic Semiconductor proprietary protocol, "ShockBurst". https://www.sparkfun.com/datasheets/Wireless/Nordic/nRF24LU1P_1_0.pdf https://www.sparkfun.com/datasheets/Wireless/Nordic/nRF24LU1... https://www.nordicsemi.com/Products/nRF24-series https://www.nordicsemi.com/Products/nRF24-series This chip was pretty popular for non-bluetooth keyboard/mouse dongles, not just Logitech.
  - deleted 4y ago
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  - user3939382 4y ago
    I found this comparison between that protocol and BLE https://d.lij.uno/misc-nrf24-ble.html https://d.lij.uno/misc-nrf24-ble.html it looks like the radios are very similar and can with some limitations be used for both, but the protocols differ
- tmottabr 4y ago
  this does not use the old unifying received.. it use their new bolt receiver.. the two are not compatible with each other.. i don't know about the Unifying but the bolt is certainly based on Bluetooth, BT 5.0 Low Power to be exact..
tstrimple 4y ago
> tied to Logitech's wireless dongles (which are notoriously bad about both causing and being super-sensitive to 2.4Ghz-spectrum interference). I have the opposite experience across probably half a dozen Logitech devices over the last decade or so. The dongle is so much more reliable and far lower latency than bluetooth. I'd take Logitech unified receiver over bluetooth all day long. I haven't had nearly as much luck with other 2.4Ghz receivers. I'm also using a RK Royal Kludge wireless keyboard and it's very particular about where the receiver is plugged in and distance from the keyboard.
renw0rp 4y ago
Can you point me to multi device, Bluetooth enabled (and reliable) keyboards in $60 range? I would see myself buying one of those if it was a bit cheaper (they will drop in price for sure) and if I didn't have enough keyboards.
- dvtrn 4y ago
  Dierya makes an assortment of multi-device (switch devices via a key combo) BT keyboards that are pretty close to your price range. The DK63 was my first mechanical when I fell ass backwards into the hobby.
lwhi 4y ago
> I don't get who this product is for, other than maybe someone who has heard mechanical keyboards are cool but is daunted by doing any research into what mechanical keyboard options exist out there. I agree. For this price you could buy a great keyboard from Vortex with swap able keys .. which click the way you like it.
zemo 4y ago
> someone who has heard mechanical keyboards are cool but is daunted by doing any research into what mechanical keyboard options exist out there. honestly I was into mechanical keyboards for a while, I put together a few kits, I bought into group buys on individual hand-crafted keys, group buys on keysets, and bought a HHKB to try topre switches. After a while I just stopped, because the scene is incredibly disorganized and constantly shifting (e.g., I was into mechanical keyboards for a year or two and /r/budgetkeebs didn't even exist, but lots of my friends still know me as the keyboard enthusiast guy so they always ask me where to get a keyboard). The barrier to entry is very substantial. There are a lot of people who would like a nicer keyboard who don't want to have to deal with that nonsense. Take that whole concept, and now think about webcams. People have money to burn and spent a lot of time on video chat because of Covid. How many people sat around and did hours and hours of research to buy the perfect webcam? How many people heard the Logitech 1080p webcam (the C920x I think?) was pretty good, bought it, plugged it in, had a good product and literally never thought about it again? I'm willing to bet that second group is easily ten times as large as the first group. And alllllllll those people see "Logitech" and all they think is "it's a peripheral that will probably work well that I don't have to think about". That's an enormous market. anyway I can't figure out if the MX means the switches have Cherry MX stems or not, which is annoying. Not something I would buy, but definitely a frustratingly underserved market segment.
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chadash 4y ago
The MX Master 3 mouse is far and away the best mouse I've ever used. It switches easily between computers, feels great, has great functionality and most importantly, doesn't leave my wrist hurting at the end of the day (which I what brought me to try it out in the first place). Yes, I can look into other options, but this is targeting people like me, who are already in the logitech ecosystem and are happy there. I can try my luck with another brand that I may or may not like more, or I can go with this and hope that it's of similar quality to other devices in the MX sub-brand.
- itstomkent 4y ago
  Man if you like the MX Master 3 you would have loved the original Performance MX. They've made this mouse worse with every iteration. The first one was frickin awesome but when it eventually wore out I've slowly iterated through the MX Master series (1, 2 and 3 now). Honestly if I could get the hyperscroll on someone elses wired mouse (Mionix Noas Pro w/ hyperscroll wheel would be a dream) I would jump in a heartbeat but I just can't quit that damned scroll wheel.
- falsenapkin 4y ago
  Unlike their fantastic pointing devices, the keyboards are always lacking some killer feature. MX Ergo, MX Master, MX Anywhere, MX Vertical all have something that basically no other brand offers. What have the MX keyboards offered? This is a generic mech, another one had a scroll wheel... where's the no fuss tenting split with thumb features beating function and price point of the an Ergodox or Keyboardio?
  - Izikiel43 4y ago
    I don't know about mx keyboards, but I love their ergo keyboard: https://www.logitech.com/en-us/products/keyboards/k860-split-ergonomic.html https://www.logitech.com/en-us/products/keyboards/k860-split... Between that and the MX ergo, bye bye wrist pain.
    - falsenapkin 4y ago
darzu 4y ago
Last I checked, there were no mechanical keyboard using dongles. Way better than bluetooth.
- ascagnel_ 4y ago
  I have a Nuphy keyboard on order that supports a 2.4GHz USB dongle in addition to Bluetooth. It was one of the main reasons I went with that brand.
- 45ure 4y ago
  I have a CIY Tester68 which comes with a 2.4GHz receiver, and also features Bluetooth 5.0. The hot-swappable board (no switches and keycaps) cost under $15 and powered by 2 x AAA.
- Macha 4y ago
  This keyboard already exists for the gamer market, it's called the G915, it uses a dongle.
- ubertaco 4y ago
  My cheap Epomaker TH80 was $80 when I bought it, and supports USB-C, up to 3 bluetooth devices, _and_ a 2.4Ghz dongle connection. There are other reasons it might not be for everyone, but it's got a 2.4Ghz dongle, and those are actually pretty common in even the lower end of the mechanical keyboard market these days.
jabroni_salad 4y ago
It looks like they are just using low-profile mx switches. These are not proprietary, just uncommon. It is annoying that seemingly nobody in the entirety of Logitech could be bothered to spend 3 minutes scrolling /r/mechanicalkeyboards to see how mkb customers describe their own keyboard and realize that they should put the proper switch name directly in the product description... but that is more or less what I have come to expect from a BigCorp.
keybored 4y ago
This submission is about a keyboard but I’m learning a lot more about keyboard enthusiasts.
falsenapkin 4y ago
> notoriously bad about both causing and being super-sensitive to 2.4Ghz-spectrum interference Can someone speak to this? I'm asking because I have a Nintendo Switch and I play games with split Joy Cons in docked mode, my right cons have been absurdly unreliable and I'm trying to understand the reason. I've had 4 pairs but they all suffer and the left never does. The console is to my left and my laptop with the Logitech dongle is to my right so I wonder if that has something to do with it. Turning off my mouse seems to help but maybe I should be removing the dongle too...
LoLFactor 4y ago
I've used Logitech peripherals all my life and I stand by them. Specific to the keyboard, here's my experience of switching over to mechanical. I asked around, and people did recommend building my own, which I was cool with, but my needs were pretty specific and informed by my old keyboard (that I had used for 10+ years and had gotten accustomed to). I wanted a very specific layout: US International, the ISO variant (with the square(ish) Enter), but the 104-key, without the extra key next to the left Shift. It's not very common, but it's the one I use, and not many manufacturers use it (especially custom mechanical boards). I also wanted media keys and some programmable keys for macros. After looking around for a while, I mostly found 10-key-less custom boards, very few full keyboards and none were the exact layout I wanted (they were either ANSI with the small Enter, which I hate, or 105-key ISO, which I would have also hated). Not to mention lacking media keys and/or programmable keys. Then I found my current keyboard. The Logitech G915 Lightspeed. It is EXACTLY what I wanted. Has the correct layout, has media keys, has programmable keys, it's dual wireless (Bluetooth and their Lightspeed connector, which is definitely more reliable than Bluetooth, I have to tell you; also it works before booting into Windows, which Bluetooth does not, so I don't have to use a different keyboard for BIOS), the battery lasts FOREVER (3-4 weeks, including me turning on the lighting at night) and is replaceable. It uses Kailh Low-profile switches, which although uncommon, can be found online, and, while not hotswappable, can be replaced in the event of failure. The MRSP is 250 EUR, I got it for 150 new, which is a steal. With that money I basically bought myself a keyboard which I can conceivably use for the next 20 years, no problem (factoring in inevitable key repairs and battery replacement(s), of course). Don't know about you, but I'm happy with my choice and purchase and would wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone. In fact, after using it for a while, I also purchased the G502 Wireless mouse, which I also love. So, yeah, for some people, Logitech peripherals are exactly what they need.
- saiya-jin 4y ago
  Holy effin' moly I am not alone... square Enter, no stupid shift slashes placement. It took me forever to find something (actually didn't - Roccat I have have this idiotic tiny Enter, but good volume control knob which is super useful too), and I don't even want bluetooth since I never move it around. Logitech G915 looks great if it just used the cable, it seems to have volume knob/roller too. Too bad there isn't wired cheaper equivalent, at least I don't see any.
GrabbinD33ze69 4y ago
I'm 99% sure this is just they're G915 wireless keyboard, just without a volume wheel and the aesthetics appealing to the gamer crowd. Also have you have a poor experience withe the 2.4ghz tech they label as "lightspeed"? I use it right next to a wifi router and I haven't noticed any issues.
- tmottabr 4y ago
  this use the bolt receiver not the lightspeed receiver.. lightspeed received is one devide per dongle because it is supposed to be lower latency.. the bolt is the replacement for their old unifying receiver, it support multiple devices with the same dongle and it is based on bt low power..
cactus2093 4y ago
> and the fact that it's Logitech, honestly, and will bounce off What's wrong with Logitech? I see a lot of praise for the MX Master mouse and keyboard, I use the mouse myself and it's been great.
Fuhrer01 4y ago
We are not the target audience for this product. They are trying to target Apple kind of market.
bmitc 4y ago
> I don't get who this product is for, other than maybe someone who has heard mechanical keyboards are cool but is daunted by doing any research into what mechanical keyboard options exist out there. Why is the mechanical keyboard community so elitist? I don't have time to research a keyboard made by some mom and pop keyboard operation when I already know it won't work (easily if at all) with my setup. With Logitech's unifying receiver, I can have a completely wireless setup with a single keyboard and two mice (two different kinds that I switch between for wrist health and comfort) that I can seamlessly use with my work computer and home computer and the same monitor. So no wires, one monitor, one keyboard and mice setup, and two computers (of different OSs) that I switch between with a simple keyboard shortcut. I'm not into the mechanical keyboard world because I value ergonomics and silence over nerding out over an overly clacky keyboard, but since this keyboard uses Logitech's unifying receiver, it has value. (Edit: well, it looks like this doesn't use the existing unifying receiver, which is definitely a valid complaint.) The issues with the unifying receiver and interference are not specific to the receiver. As far as I understand, it's interference from USB 3.x ports that affects any 2.5 GHz wireless receiver.
- audiometry 4y ago
  > Why is the mechanical keyboard community so elitist? I think this is a fundamental element of modern 'advertising on social media'. This and 'scarcity' of product 'drops'. My teenage son was sucked into this nonsense about two+ years ago. The PCBs for the keyboards (purchased from multiple vendors) are terribly-supported Chinese garbage. Official tech support is junk, and if you ask a keyboard community, it's taken as an insult to the community. And before anyone says, "bad assembly" -- my son is certified from a three-day long Haako micro-soldering course, so he knows how to solder.
  - bmitc 4y ago
    Yea, I'm seeing the mechanical keyboards pop up a lot on social media and YouTube channels. It's a rage right now for sure. Yes, they can look cool, but I don't see how that justifies the price, behavior of the community, and lack of features. I guess it's a fad as much as anything else. I personally feel my ergonomic Logitech setup looks quite sleek. But I guess it's too boring. And I'll be honest, part of my negative opinion surrounding mechanical keyboards is from this remote work era, where it seems like all the mechanical keyboard developers are in a competition to have the loudest keyboard. Some of the mechanical keyboards make me feel I'm being assaulted over Zoom (or whatever video conferencing tool) by the loudness of their clacks. It can be extremely distracting. I can't imagine what it's like to work in an office with people with those keyboards.
filoleg 4y ago
> the page has no real information about the switches at all It does, though. They are all MX switches, and they have 3 different ones: tactile silent, clicky, and linear. Each one of them has a short basic description. Reading the engadget review[0] of it, it seems like the naming was fairly accurate. The author points out that "linear" is an equivalent of MX Red, and "clicky" is an equivalent of MX Blue. The "tactile silent" switches weren't explicitly called out in the review, but it sounds like they would be the closest to MX Brown. 0. https://www.engadget.com/logitech-mx-mechanical-hands-on-gamer-switches-meet-premium-productivity-070109417.html https://www.engadget.com/logitech-mx-mechanical-hands-on-gam...
krnlpnc 4y ago
> Logitech's wireless dongles (which are notoriously bad about both causing and being super-sensitive to 2.4Ghz-spectrum interference). Really? Been using Logitech devices for years and never had any issue with interference.
- sdflhasjd 4y ago
  I have had issues with the unifying receiver when I've plugged it into the back of a PC in the midst of a tangle of wires, but generally it's more reliable and lower latency than bluetooth
fooker 4y ago
>which is a bit like selling a computer by showing you a picture of the case and telling you it has "a CPU". This seems to be the standard Apple strategy, which has worked wonders.
solatic 4y ago
> I don't get who this product is for Mechanical keyboards are filtering down into corporate IT purchasing after they've entered the consumer mainstream (gaming keyboards and the like), particularly in smaller / "hip" companies that decide to buy smaller amounts of premium hardware instead of trying to shave pennies off unit costs in volume (Fortune 500 etc.). Logitech's retail reach makes this a much simpler decision for those purchasing agents, who will likely be able to purchase these through pre-existing channels, compared to smaller outlets offering specialized keyboards.
kodah 4y ago
> Enthusiasts will see the non-standard switches and lack of hotswap, and the fact that it's Logitech, honestly, and will bounce off. > Non-enthusiasts will see that this Logitech keyboard is $150, but doesn't offer all that much more than their cheaper wireless multi-device keyboards, and will just buy a cheaper non-mech option. If you find yourself in this bucket, check out Keychron. They make mechanical and optical hot swappable keyboards that are amazingly durable, multi-device, multi-platform, and cheap. The only bother you (sometimes) have to put up with is batch ordering.
zumu 4y ago
> with proprietary switches MX is a type of switch, so from the name, I'm guessing it uses MX style switches (the most popular style of switch). Specifically MX describes the shape of the connectors on the switch. This means the keyboard will be compatible with aftermarket key caps, which are very popular. EDIT: While the switches do look like MX switches to me, Logitech is also using MX as branding to describe mice, non-mech keyboards etc. This is confusing for someone who knows mechanical keyboards.
- johnwheeler 4y ago
  Except that their entire pro line is called MX and has been before this. Their mouse is MX master.
shuntress 4y ago
I have maybe too many keyboards. I've scratch-built keyboards from disparate parts. I've put kits together. I've flashed keyboard firmware. I know how to solder and de-solder. I'm not super plugged-in to the community but I do consider myself an enthusiast. I don't care about hot swappable keys; soldering is easy enough. I don't really care who makes the switches as long as they feel good enough. I would prefer standard stems but I know I'm not really likely to swap any keycaps. I'll probably buy one of these when I get sick of my current work keyboard's lack of a numpad.
zamalek 4y ago
> the page has no real information about the switches at all It looks like it's their short travel switches, which are found on the G915. I own, but do not use (on account of my newer custom keeb), a G915. The switches are a noticeable step above stock Cherrys, with significantly less scratchiness (that probably has to do with the short travel), but obviously pale in comparison to "the rest." The G915 also has really solid build quality, although I'm not sure if that translates to this model. Despite my positive comments about the keyboard family, I strongly recommend looking into a custom keyboard because you'll find a much closer match, for what you're looking for, than what OEM keyboards will ever yield. You can get a GMMK 2, with lubed switches, for $149 [1] (then spend another $20 on cheap keycaps on Amazon). The switches are hot-swappable, so you will get many years of use from it. GMMK 2 is extremely entry-level, but will blow almost any OEM keyboard clear out of the water (including this one). You can also get keyboard switch samplers to help you choose which switch works best for you. [1]: https://www.pcgamingrace.com/pages/gmmk-2-configurator?color=black&size=compact65&layout=ansi https://www.pcgamingrace.com/pages/gmmk-2-configurator?color...
leokennis 4y ago
This is a known business idea right? Offer a watered down version of something that is cool but also uncertain, with the reassurance of a brand name so you know you’ll at least not regret it. Like Starbucks. “No one ever got fired for buying IBM/Microsoft/<insert here>” Loss avoidance at its finest.
2OEH8eoCRo0 4y ago
Why are hot-swappable switches so important? > I don't get who this product is for, other than maybe someone who has heard mechanical keyboards are cool but is daunted by doing any research into what mechanical keyboard options exist out there. I like mechanical keyboards but I just don't care. What research do I possibly need to do?
- heretogetout 4y ago
  I'm not sure if you know this -- I certainly didn't until recently -- but the mechanical keyboard community uses the term "hot-swappable" to mean "user-swappable". They may well also be hot-swappable, as in changeable while powered on, but that's not the intention of the term.
jonnycomputer 4y ago
>This looks like a non-hotswappable board with proprietary switches, and it's still tied to Logitech's wireless dongles (which are notoriously bad about both causing and being super-sensitive to 2.4Ghz-spectrum interference). I like my logitech mouse, but for the desktop I built, I had to buy and extension USB cable to keep the dongle far enough away from the machine to get the mouse to work without glitching.
dirtyid 4y ago
Matches my other Logitech peripherals. Sadly that's major reason. And dongle + bluetooth = easy switching between multiple systems.
canes123456 4y ago
I want a mechanical keyboard with a unifying dongle. I have three laptops I switch between. I can plug the dongle into my monitor or dock and I never have to worry about switching inputs.
attentive 4y ago
These are low profile mechanical keys. Looks like the same or similar to G815/G915. Which can be wired btw.
nailer 4y ago
> it's still tied to Logitech's wireless dongles "Easily pair via Bluetooth® Low Energy or the included Logi Bolt USB Receiver..."

bayindirh 4y ago

> I don't get who this product is for, other than maybe someone who has heard mechanical keyboards are cool but is daunted by doing any research into what mechanical keyboard options exist out there. Me, or anybody who needs a no-fuss, one-shot, buy-and-use-it-till-it-dies type of consumer. I don't care about changing switches. I don't care about DIY. While I'm perfectly capable, I don't want to spend time on that. I want something works well, and equipped with a well known 2.4GHz receiver which can work with any OS, incl. firmware updates. I need to do my daily work with it. Not fiddle with keys, caps, boards, firmware and soldering iron. I'll be seriously considering this. If it's adequately close to MX Browns, I'll get one.

Kerrick 4y ago
This is also exactly the kind of thing I was looking for and the reason I bought a CODE Keyboard years ago when they came out. I don’t know whether my keys are swappable and I don’t care. I just wanted something to replace my Model M that has super and media keys and a backlight.
elorant 4y ago
Then go and buy a DAS keyboard. Reliable, simple, traditional key mappings, nothing fancy, and a usable volume knob.
0des 4y ago
how dare you have simple yet unrefined tastes! how DARE YOU
- bayindirh 4y ago
  I'd rather tend my fountain pen collection in that time instead. Sorry for being so crude and tasteless. :)
  - dotancohen 4y ago
    I'm also a mechanical keyboard aficionado and I always write with a fountain pen. It's probably not an uncommon correlation of interest, all things considered.
    - bronikowski 4y ago
      It's a common joke on r/fountainpens. I think there's a subreddit covering fountain pens, mechanical keyboards and, if my memory serves me, headphones.
      - bayindirh 4y ago
        That's something I like, a lot: https://preview.redd.it/occvkly0cd471.png?auto=webp&s=1427cf8a3a3c4b6de0a5356250cc325a431a7b6b https://preview.redd.it/occvkly0cd471.png?auto=webp&s=1427cf...

Gigachad 4y ago

Eh, I really like the Logitech wireless dongle. So much more reliable than Bluetooth and it works on the bios screen as well. Never really cared about swapping switches much and I want my keyboard to be wireless. I’d consider buying this if I didn’t already own the regular mx keys.

bbarn 4y ago
The fact that it IS a dongle is the major disadvantage. Most laptops have only one or two USB-B slots and many are moving towards USB-C for everything. Most also have very functional bluetooth built in. It's just not worth a minor improvement in connection quality (which is debatable, reading these comments) to lose the only slot I have in a laptop. I have to unplug my external keyboard in order to use my headset if I'm not using a dock. This was enough to make me spend my own money to replace the logitech mouse I was issued at work.
- pantulis 4y ago
  I have a MX Keys and it works with the dongle and bluetooth, your choice. I have both the mouse and the MX Keys using the dongle connected to my display's USB hub so the mouse & keyboards are always there for the cmputer that gets connected to the USB-C cable. It's uncredibly convenient.
  - conk 4y ago
    This is my exact reason for going Logitech keyboard and mouse. I have a work Mac and personal PC. With a thunderbolt dock I can use either one at my desk. I don’t have to fiddle with pairing anything, just plug in the computer and the keyboard and mouse show up. If I travel then I just pack my mouse and pair it with my laptop via Bluetooth while away.
- unwind 4y ago
  *USB-A, the B ones are for devices, i.e. what you typically saw (in the micro variety) on cell phones before UBS-C started happning. The big "original" USB-B ports are still common on printers.

MivLives 4y ago

Switches are probably either cherry's low profile switch, or Kailh's version 2 of it's choc low profile switch. I honestly have no idea why this was posted on HN, there's a ton of other keyboards that have the same specs and features. Sure it's got Logitech's priority dongle, but as you point out, what's here that's not on a 70 dollar gk65.

xd1936 4y ago
I think it was posted more as an interesting industry trend. It's acknowledgement of a former niche turning into a real industry from the big name in the space.
- MivLives 4y ago
  Which trend? I'm not sure I'd consider low profile a trend, and logitech has been making mechanical keyboards for years. They've even made other low profile mechanical keyboards.
  - tmottabr 4y ago
    They made mechanical keyboards in their G brand that target gamers.. This is the first time they make an wireless mechanical keyboard in their "regular" brand..

xd1936 4y ago

I don't mind the Logitech Unifying Receiver dongle, but I wish they'd make a USB-C one already.

utopcell 4y ago
So true. It's weird that they're stuck to usb-a for so long.

terramex 4y ago

According to Verge it uses Kailh Choc V2 Low Profile Switches: https://kono.store/products/kailh-choc-mx-switches https://kono.store/products/kailh-choc-mx-switches Also Logitech's propertiary dongle is not necessary, it can use Bluetooth. https://www.theverge.com/2022/5/24/23137797/logitech-mx-master-3s-mechanical-mini-mouse-keyboard-price-release-date-features https://www.theverge.com/2022/5/24/23137797/logitech-mx-mast...

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falcolas 4y ago
They’re listing proprietary switches on the linked page: “Graphite MX Mechanical” Perhaps they’re rebranded generics, can’t say.
- bayindirh 4y ago
  Logitech is building their own switches for at least a couple generations now. I don't think they would be "rebranded generics". I'll be waiting for the reviews, though.
  - moondev 4y ago
    https://www.reviewgeek.com/118706/logitech-mx-mechanical-mini-keyboard-review-compact-and-premium/ https://www.reviewgeek.com/118706/logitech-mx-mechanical-min... they look like https://kono.store/products/kailh-choc-mx-switches https://kono.store/products/kailh-choc-mx-switches with standard cherry stems so you can use any keycaps https://www.reviewgeek.com/p/uploads/2022/05/90799f4d.jpg https://www.reviewgeek.com/p/uploads/2022/05/90799f4d.jpg
Someone1234 4y ago
If that's actually the case then Logitech made a mistake by not advertising that front and center. Those are solid switches from a well known brand, that's what people want for $150.

Shalomboy 4y ago

Glad to hear the r/mk opinion on this. I've been a diehard for Logitech multi-device peripherals since I picked up a Triathlon mouse on sale in 2018 and I just got myself an MX Mini keyboard. For folks who frequently switch between devices it's a godsend. I was glad to see it in mechanical form, but I can't understand why they wouldn't do their due diligence on mechanical keyboard users and their needs.

Tsiklon 4y ago

From the looks of the side profile, this is using low profile mechanical switches, which seem uncommon or at the very least not popular in the mech keyboard community. I don’t think that they’re targeting the same sort of user as the enthusiast board manufacturers do. I mean the MX Keys is a popular product outside of mech keyboard circles, this may be positioned as an alternative for those users

tekknik 4y ago
> From the looks of the side profile, this is using low profile mechanical switches, which seem uncommon or at the very least not popular in the mech keyboard community. Where are you getting this from? I can count at least 3 people I know using low profiles. Without doing a poll. Some people want that laptop feel in a desktop board.
- wasyl 4y ago
  Have those people built the keyboard themselves, though? I've been periodically checking the more popular/accessible low-profile keyboards and other than Keychron and Logitech it was difficult to find something available in Europe. Low-profile switches definitely exist, but keyboards are pretty rare. If you add requirements like USB-C and bluetooth, there's really not much choice left (or is there? I'd love to be proven wrong)
  - tekknik 4y ago
    Choice does not equal demand. Low profile switches are relatively new. And no, there are a few brands that build them. I would not build a board myself.
mas-ev 4y ago
I think there isn't adoption to low profile keys because of compatibility and snobs. I have been using the gaming version of this keyboard (G915) for years and would prefer not going back to high rise keys. Better ergonomics, looks better, easier to clean, less wobbly keys, smaller chance of breaking a keycap.

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user3939382 4y ago

Logitech Unifying Receiver is basically rebranded, slightly-tweaked bluetooth from what I can tell. I've had a lot of them running in the same room together and not had a problem. I have a ridiculously priced Topre Realforce, but when friends and family ask for a recommendation or I'm helping them setup a machine I would definitely recommend something like this if they're up for spending a little more. Historically I've been recommending the Logitech K840 in those scenarios. This looks like a wireless upgrade to that.

sillystuff 4y ago
The Logitech Unifying Receiver uses an nRF24LU1+. They use a Nordic Semiconductor proprietary protocol, "ShockBurst". https://www.sparkfun.com/datasheets/Wireless/Nordic/nRF24LU1P_1_0.pdf https://www.sparkfun.com/datasheets/Wireless/Nordic/nRF24LU1... https://www.nordicsemi.com/Products/nRF24-series https://www.nordicsemi.com/Products/nRF24-series This chip was pretty popular for non-bluetooth keyboard/mouse dongles, not just Logitech.
- deleted 4y ago
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- user3939382 4y ago
  I found this comparison between that protocol and BLE https://d.lij.uno/misc-nrf24-ble.html https://d.lij.uno/misc-nrf24-ble.html it looks like the radios are very similar and can with some limitations be used for both, but the protocols differ
tmottabr 4y ago
this does not use the old unifying received.. it use their new bolt receiver.. the two are not compatible with each other.. i don't know about the Unifying but the bolt is certainly based on Bluetooth, BT 5.0 Low Power to be exact..

tstrimple 4y ago

> tied to Logitech's wireless dongles (which are notoriously bad about both causing and being super-sensitive to 2.4Ghz-spectrum interference). I have the opposite experience across probably half a dozen Logitech devices over the last decade or so. The dongle is so much more reliable and far lower latency than bluetooth. I'd take Logitech unified receiver over bluetooth all day long. I haven't had nearly as much luck with other 2.4Ghz receivers. I'm also using a RK Royal Kludge wireless keyboard and it's very particular about where the receiver is plugged in and distance from the keyboard.

renw0rp 4y ago

Can you point me to multi device, Bluetooth enabled (and reliable) keyboards in $60 range? I would see myself buying one of those if it was a bit cheaper (they will drop in price for sure) and if I didn't have enough keyboards.

dvtrn 4y ago
Dierya makes an assortment of multi-device (switch devices via a key combo) BT keyboards that are pretty close to your price range. The DK63 was my first mechanical when I fell ass backwards into the hobby.

lwhi 4y ago

zemo 4y ago

> someone who has heard mechanical keyboards are cool but is daunted by doing any research into what mechanical keyboard options exist out there. honestly I was into mechanical keyboards for a while, I put together a few kits, I bought into group buys on individual hand-crafted keys, group buys on keysets, and bought a HHKB to try topre switches. After a while I just stopped, because the scene is incredibly disorganized and constantly shifting (e.g., I was into mechanical keyboards for a year or two and /r/budgetkeebs didn't even exist, but lots of my friends still know me as the keyboard enthusiast guy so they always ask me where to get a keyboard). The barrier to entry is very substantial. There are a lot of people who would like a nicer keyboard who don't want to have to deal with that nonsense. Take that whole concept, and now think about webcams. People have money to burn and spent a lot of time on video chat because of Covid. How many people sat around and did hours and hours of research to buy the perfect webcam? How many people heard the Logitech 1080p webcam (the C920x I think?) was pretty good, bought it, plugged it in, had a good product and literally never thought about it again? I'm willing to bet that second group is easily ten times as large as the first group. And alllllllll those people see "Logitech" and all they think is "it's a peripheral that will probably work well that I don't have to think about". That's an enormous market. anyway I can't figure out if the MX means the switches have Cherry MX stems or not, which is annoying. Not something I would buy, but definitely a frustratingly underserved market segment.

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chadash 4y ago

The MX Master 3 mouse is far and away the best mouse I've ever used. It switches easily between computers, feels great, has great functionality and most importantly, doesn't leave my wrist hurting at the end of the day (which I what brought me to try it out in the first place). Yes, I can look into other options, but this is targeting people like me, who are already in the logitech ecosystem and are happy there. I can try my luck with another brand that I may or may not like more, or I can go with this and hope that it's of similar quality to other devices in the MX sub-brand.

itstomkent 4y ago
Man if you like the MX Master 3 you would have loved the original Performance MX. They've made this mouse worse with every iteration. The first one was frickin awesome but when it eventually wore out I've slowly iterated through the MX Master series (1, 2 and 3 now). Honestly if I could get the hyperscroll on someone elses wired mouse (Mionix Noas Pro w/ hyperscroll wheel would be a dream) I would jump in a heartbeat but I just can't quit that damned scroll wheel.
falsenapkin 4y ago
Unlike their fantastic pointing devices, the keyboards are always lacking some killer feature. MX Ergo, MX Master, MX Anywhere, MX Vertical all have something that basically no other brand offers. What have the MX keyboards offered? This is a generic mech, another one had a scroll wheel... where's the no fuss tenting split with thumb features beating function and price point of the an Ergodox or Keyboardio?
- Izikiel43 4y ago
  I don't know about mx keyboards, but I love their ergo keyboard: https://www.logitech.com/en-us/products/keyboards/k860-split-ergonomic.html https://www.logitech.com/en-us/products/keyboards/k860-split... Between that and the MX ergo, bye bye wrist pain.
  - falsenapkin 4y ago

darzu 4y ago

Last I checked, there were no mechanical keyboard using dongles. Way better than bluetooth.

ascagnel_ 4y ago
I have a Nuphy keyboard on order that supports a 2.4GHz USB dongle in addition to Bluetooth. It was one of the main reasons I went with that brand.
45ure 4y ago
I have a CIY Tester68 which comes with a 2.4GHz receiver, and also features Bluetooth 5.0. The hot-swappable board (no switches and keycaps) cost under $15 and powered by 2 x AAA.
Macha 4y ago
This keyboard already exists for the gamer market, it's called the G915, it uses a dongle.
ubertaco 4y ago
My cheap Epomaker TH80 was $80 when I bought it, and supports USB-C, up to 3 bluetooth devices, _and_ a 2.4Ghz dongle connection. There are other reasons it might not be for everyone, but it's got a 2.4Ghz dongle, and those are actually pretty common in even the lower end of the mechanical keyboard market these days.

jabroni_salad 4y ago

It looks like they are just using low-profile mx switches. These are not proprietary, just uncommon. It is annoying that seemingly nobody in the entirety of Logitech could be bothered to spend 3 minutes scrolling /r/mechanicalkeyboards to see how mkb customers describe their own keyboard and realize that they should put the proper switch name directly in the product description... but that is more or less what I have come to expect from a BigCorp.

keybored 4y ago

This submission is about a keyboard but I’m learning a lot more about keyboard enthusiasts.

falsenapkin 4y ago

> notoriously bad about both causing and being super-sensitive to 2.4Ghz-spectrum interference Can someone speak to this? I'm asking because I have a Nintendo Switch and I play games with split Joy Cons in docked mode, my right cons have been absurdly unreliable and I'm trying to understand the reason. I've had 4 pairs but they all suffer and the left never does. The console is to my left and my laptop with the Logitech dongle is to my right so I wonder if that has something to do with it. Turning off my mouse seems to help but maybe I should be removing the dongle too...

LoLFactor 4y ago

I've used Logitech peripherals all my life and I stand by them. Specific to the keyboard, here's my experience of switching over to mechanical. I asked around, and people did recommend building my own, which I was cool with, but my needs were pretty specific and informed by my old keyboard (that I had used for 10+ years and had gotten accustomed to). I wanted a very specific layout: US International, the ISO variant (with the square(ish) Enter), but the 104-key, without the extra key next to the left Shift. It's not very common, but it's the one I use, and not many manufacturers use it (especially custom mechanical boards). I also wanted media keys and some programmable keys for macros. After looking around for a while, I mostly found 10-key-less custom boards, very few full keyboards and none were the exact layout I wanted (they were either ANSI with the small Enter, which I hate, or 105-key ISO, which I would have also hated). Not to mention lacking media keys and/or programmable keys. Then I found my current keyboard. The Logitech G915 Lightspeed. It is EXACTLY what I wanted. Has the correct layout, has media keys, has programmable keys, it's dual wireless (Bluetooth and their Lightspeed connector, which is definitely more reliable than Bluetooth, I have to tell you; also it works before booting into Windows, which Bluetooth does not, so I don't have to use a different keyboard for BIOS), the battery lasts FOREVER (3-4 weeks, including me turning on the lighting at night) and is replaceable. It uses Kailh Low-profile switches, which although uncommon, can be found online, and, while not hotswappable, can be replaced in the event of failure. The MRSP is 250 EUR, I got it for 150 new, which is a steal. With that money I basically bought myself a keyboard which I can conceivably use for the next 20 years, no problem (factoring in inevitable key repairs and battery replacement(s), of course). Don't know about you, but I'm happy with my choice and purchase and would wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone. In fact, after using it for a while, I also purchased the G502 Wireless mouse, which I also love. So, yeah, for some people, Logitech peripherals are exactly what they need.

saiya-jin 4y ago
Holy effin' moly I am not alone... square Enter, no stupid shift slashes placement. It took me forever to find something (actually didn't - Roccat I have have this idiotic tiny Enter, but good volume control knob which is super useful too), and I don't even want bluetooth since I never move it around. Logitech G915 looks great if it just used the cable, it seems to have volume knob/roller too. Too bad there isn't wired cheaper equivalent, at least I don't see any.

GrabbinD33ze69 4y ago

I'm 99% sure this is just they're G915 wireless keyboard, just without a volume wheel and the aesthetics appealing to the gamer crowd. Also have you have a poor experience withe the 2.4ghz tech they label as "lightspeed"? I use it right next to a wifi router and I haven't noticed any issues.

tmottabr 4y ago
this use the bolt receiver not the lightspeed receiver.. lightspeed received is one devide per dongle because it is supposed to be lower latency.. the bolt is the replacement for their old unifying receiver, it support multiple devices with the same dongle and it is based on bt low power..

cactus2093 4y ago

> and the fact that it's Logitech, honestly, and will bounce off What's wrong with Logitech? I see a lot of praise for the MX Master mouse and keyboard, I use the mouse myself and it's been great.

Fuhrer01 4y ago

We are not the target audience for this product. They are trying to target Apple kind of market.

bmitc 4y ago

> I don't get who this product is for, other than maybe someone who has heard mechanical keyboards are cool but is daunted by doing any research into what mechanical keyboard options exist out there. Why is the mechanical keyboard community so elitist? I don't have time to research a keyboard made by some mom and pop keyboard operation when I already know it won't work (easily if at all) with my setup. With Logitech's unifying receiver, I can have a completely wireless setup with a single keyboard and two mice (two different kinds that I switch between for wrist health and comfort) that I can seamlessly use with my work computer and home computer and the same monitor. So no wires, one monitor, one keyboard and mice setup, and two computers (of different OSs) that I switch between with a simple keyboard shortcut. I'm not into the mechanical keyboard world because I value ergonomics and silence over nerding out over an overly clacky keyboard, but since this keyboard uses Logitech's unifying receiver, it has value. (Edit: well, it looks like this doesn't use the existing unifying receiver, which is definitely a valid complaint.) The issues with the unifying receiver and interference are not specific to the receiver. As far as I understand, it's interference from USB 3.x ports that affects any 2.5 GHz wireless receiver.

audiometry 4y ago
> Why is the mechanical keyboard community so elitist? I think this is a fundamental element of modern 'advertising on social media'. This and 'scarcity' of product 'drops'. My teenage son was sucked into this nonsense about two+ years ago. The PCBs for the keyboards (purchased from multiple vendors) are terribly-supported Chinese garbage. Official tech support is junk, and if you ask a keyboard community, it's taken as an insult to the community. And before anyone says, "bad assembly" -- my son is certified from a three-day long Haako micro-soldering course, so he knows how to solder.
- bmitc 4y ago
  Yea, I'm seeing the mechanical keyboards pop up a lot on social media and YouTube channels. It's a rage right now for sure. Yes, they can look cool, but I don't see how that justifies the price, behavior of the community, and lack of features. I guess it's a fad as much as anything else. I personally feel my ergonomic Logitech setup looks quite sleek. But I guess it's too boring. And I'll be honest, part of my negative opinion surrounding mechanical keyboards is from this remote work era, where it seems like all the mechanical keyboard developers are in a competition to have the loudest keyboard. Some of the mechanical keyboards make me feel I'm being assaulted over Zoom (or whatever video conferencing tool) by the loudness of their clacks. It can be extremely distracting. I can't imagine what it's like to work in an office with people with those keyboards.

filoleg 4y ago

> the page has no real information about the switches at all It does, though. They are all MX switches, and they have 3 different ones: tactile silent, clicky, and linear. Each one of them has a short basic description. Reading the engadget review[0] of it, it seems like the naming was fairly accurate. The author points out that "linear" is an equivalent of MX Red, and "clicky" is an equivalent of MX Blue. The "tactile silent" switches weren't explicitly called out in the review, but it sounds like they would be the closest to MX Brown. 0. https://www.engadget.com/logitech-mx-mechanical-hands-on-gamer-switches-meet-premium-productivity-070109417.html https://www.engadget.com/logitech-mx-mechanical-hands-on-gam...

krnlpnc 4y ago

> Logitech's wireless dongles (which are notoriously bad about both causing and being super-sensitive to 2.4Ghz-spectrum interference). Really? Been using Logitech devices for years and never had any issue with interference.

sdflhasjd 4y ago
I have had issues with the unifying receiver when I've plugged it into the back of a PC in the midst of a tangle of wires, but generally it's more reliable and lower latency than bluetooth

fooker 4y ago

>which is a bit like selling a computer by showing you a picture of the case and telling you it has "a CPU". This seems to be the standard Apple strategy, which has worked wonders.

solatic 4y ago

> I don't get who this product is for Mechanical keyboards are filtering down into corporate IT purchasing after they've entered the consumer mainstream (gaming keyboards and the like), particularly in smaller / "hip" companies that decide to buy smaller amounts of premium hardware instead of trying to shave pennies off unit costs in volume (Fortune 500 etc.). Logitech's retail reach makes this a much simpler decision for those purchasing agents, who will likely be able to purchase these through pre-existing channels, compared to smaller outlets offering specialized keyboards.

kodah 4y ago

> Enthusiasts will see the non-standard switches and lack of hotswap, and the fact that it's Logitech, honestly, and will bounce off. > Non-enthusiasts will see that this Logitech keyboard is $150, but doesn't offer all that much more than their cheaper wireless multi-device keyboards, and will just buy a cheaper non-mech option. If you find yourself in this bucket, check out Keychron. They make mechanical and optical hot swappable keyboards that are amazingly durable, multi-device, multi-platform, and cheap. The only bother you (sometimes) have to put up with is batch ordering.

zumu 4y ago

> with proprietary switches MX is a type of switch, so from the name, I'm guessing it uses MX style switches (the most popular style of switch). Specifically MX describes the shape of the connectors on the switch. This means the keyboard will be compatible with aftermarket key caps, which are very popular. EDIT: While the switches do look like MX switches to me, Logitech is also using MX as branding to describe mice, non-mech keyboards etc. This is confusing for someone who knows mechanical keyboards.

johnwheeler 4y ago
Except that their entire pro line is called MX and has been before this. Their mouse is MX master.

shuntress 4y ago

I have maybe too many keyboards. I've scratch-built keyboards from disparate parts. I've put kits together. I've flashed keyboard firmware. I know how to solder and de-solder. I'm not super plugged-in to the community but I do consider myself an enthusiast. I don't care about hot swappable keys; soldering is easy enough. I don't really care who makes the switches as long as they feel good enough. I would prefer standard stems but I know I'm not really likely to swap any keycaps. I'll probably buy one of these when I get sick of my current work keyboard's lack of a numpad.

zamalek 4y ago

> the page has no real information about the switches at all It looks like it's their short travel switches, which are found on the G915. I own, but do not use (on account of my newer custom keeb), a G915. The switches are a noticeable step above stock Cherrys, with significantly less scratchiness (that probably has to do with the short travel), but obviously pale in comparison to "the rest." The G915 also has really solid build quality, although I'm not sure if that translates to this model. Despite my positive comments about the keyboard family, I strongly recommend looking into a custom keyboard because you'll find a much closer match, for what you're looking for, than what OEM keyboards will ever yield. You can get a GMMK 2, with lubed switches, for $149 [1] (then spend another $20 on cheap keycaps on Amazon). The switches are hot-swappable, so you will get many years of use from it. GMMK 2 is extremely entry-level, but will blow almost any OEM keyboard clear out of the water (including this one). You can also get keyboard switch samplers to help you choose which switch works best for you. [1]: https://www.pcgamingrace.com/pages/gmmk-2-configurator?color=black&size=compact65&layout=ansi https://www.pcgamingrace.com/pages/gmmk-2-configurator?color...

leokennis 4y ago

This is a known business idea right? Offer a watered down version of something that is cool but also uncertain, with the reassurance of a brand name so you know you’ll at least not regret it. Like Starbucks. “No one ever got fired for buying IBM/Microsoft/<insert here>” Loss avoidance at its finest.

2OEH8eoCRo0 4y ago

Why are hot-swappable switches so important? > I don't get who this product is for, other than maybe someone who has heard mechanical keyboards are cool but is daunted by doing any research into what mechanical keyboard options exist out there. I like mechanical keyboards but I just don't care. What research do I possibly need to do?

heretogetout 4y ago
I'm not sure if you know this -- I certainly didn't until recently -- but the mechanical keyboard community uses the term "hot-swappable" to mean "user-swappable". They may well also be hot-swappable, as in changeable while powered on, but that's not the intention of the term.

jonnycomputer 4y ago

>This looks like a non-hotswappable board with proprietary switches, and it's still tied to Logitech's wireless dongles (which are notoriously bad about both causing and being super-sensitive to 2.4Ghz-spectrum interference). I like my logitech mouse, but for the desktop I built, I had to buy and extension USB cable to keep the dongle far enough away from the machine to get the mouse to work without glitching.

dirtyid 4y ago

Matches my other Logitech peripherals. Sadly that's major reason. And dongle + bluetooth = easy switching between multiple systems.

canes123456 4y ago

I want a mechanical keyboard with a unifying dongle. I have three laptops I switch between. I can plug the dongle into my monitor or dock and I never have to worry about switching inputs.

attentive 4y ago

These are low profile mechanical keys. Looks like the same or similar to G815/G915. Which can be wired btw.

nailer 4y ago

> it's still tied to Logitech's wireless dongles "Easily pair via Bluetooth® Low Energy or the included Logi Bolt USB Receiver..."