Logitech G keyboards are the choice of some of the world’s top esports athletes because they provide performance, quality, and dependability. Logitech G keyboards used to feature Cherry MX switches; however, they recently developed their take on mechanical switches.
Logitech G switches claim to be designed for peak performance that offers different options to suit a player’s preference. Logitech G switches have three variations: Pro X, GL, and Romer-G switches providing users with more options, including low and high-profile switches.
This article discusses each kind of Logitech G gaming keyboard switch along with its linear, tactile, and clicky varieties. It will also provide you with different mechanical keyboard switches that you can compare with Logitech switches and the pros and cons of Logitech switches.
Logitech G Mechanical Gaming Switches
Back in 2016, Logitech launched the G610 Orion Cherry MX keyboards with Red and Brown switches to round out their array of mechanical gaming keyboards. However, Logitech has decided to create its take on mechanical keyboards and switches.
Logitech has introduced its new set of advanced mechanical gaming switches, claiming to be the best gaming switches in the market. Said mechanical switches from Logitech G are designed for top performance and come in various styles to fit a gamer’s playing style. Logitech G keyboards are the choice of some of the world’s top esports athletes because they provide performance, quality, and dependability.
Pro X / GX Switches
GX Switches Specifications
- Available in Both Tactile (Brown), Linear (Red), Clicky (Blue) Variant
- Pre-travel Distance: 1.9 – 2.00 mm; Total Travel Distance: 4.00 mm
- Actuation Force: 50gf to 60 gf
The Pro X switches are switches exclusive to Logitech’s first-ever hot-swappable keyboard: the Logitech G Pro X. Said keyboard is designed to be hot-swappable but only with the different variations of the Pro X switches and Cherry-MX compatible switches.
The three (3) versions of the Pro X switches are distinct in terms of typing sound and feel. The GX Browns serve as a middle ground between the relatively loud clicky sound profile of the GX Blues and the Reds’ discreet and almost silent sound profile. Compared o the Romer G Switches, this is significantly a substantial step-up in design and functionality.
The GX Blue clicky has an audible click with a feedback bump like a tactile feel with a 50g for average force, actuation distance of 2 mm, and a total travel distance of 3.7 mm, whereas the GX Red linear has a quiet and smooth stroke with a 50g for average force, actuation distance of 1.9 mm, and a total travel distance of 4 mm.
The GX Brown Tactile has a soft and quiet tactile bump with a 50g for average force, actuation distance of 1.9 mm, and a total travel distance of 4 mm. The only difference with the GX Red linear is the noticeable tactile bump.
GL Switches
GL Specifications
- Low Profile Mechanical Switches
- Available in Three Variants: Tactile; Linear, and Clicky
- Pre-travel Distance: 1.5mm; Total Travel Distance: 2.70 mm
- Actuation Force: 50gf to 60 gf
The GL switches offer traditional switches’ speed, accuracy, and performance at half the height. Logitech claims that ultra-low profile switches improve ergonomics while providing responsiveness and dependability in terms of usage. As a result, there is greater comfort and a more natural hand position.
The GL switches have three variations: the GL tactile, GL linear, and GL clicky. The GL tactiles have a noticeable tactile bump with a tactile force of 60g, 50g for average force, actuation distance of 1.5mm, and a total travel distance of 2.7 mm.
In contrast, the GL linears have a smooth and fluid keystroke with a 50g for average force, actuation distance of 1.5mm, and a total travel distance of 2.7 mm. Finally, The GL clickys have an audible click and tactile feedback with a tactile force of 60g, 50g for average force, actuation distance of 1.5mm, and a total travel distance of 2.7 mm.
Romer G Switches
Romer G Specifications
- Available in Both Tactile and Linear Variant
- Pre-travel Distance: 1.5 mm; Total Travel Distance: 3.2mm
- Actuation Force: 45gf to 50 gf
- Claimed Lifespan of 70m Keystrokes
One of Logitech’s earliest mechanical switch releases, the Romer-G switch, is a keyboard switch with metal contacts similar to the Cherry MX switches with the added metal contacts. The Romer G switches have the least variations in Logitech switches, with only two options to choose from.
The Romer-G tactile has a 50g tactile force, 45g for average force, actuation distance of 1.5 mm, and a total travel distance of 3.2 mm. In comparison, the Romer-G linear has a 45g for average force, actuation distance of 1.5 mm, and a total travel distance of 3.2 mm.
The Romer-G attempts to be a different and more superior mechanical switch to the Cherry MX. Some users have experienced their dismay over this mechanical switch based on many reasons, such as its non-compatibility with custom keycap sets, relatively loud sound profile, and a lot more.
Recommended Logitech G Switches for Gaming
Logitech G’s latest offering, the Pro X/GX switches, are arguably the company’s best switches to date. They are a massive improvement over the Romer G switches in terms of typing feel and typing sound. Also, with the number of variants available, users can choose if they want a smooth and fast linear switch, a more controlled tactile switch, or a clicky switch with both tactility and audible feedback.
Alternatively, gamers can also opt for the GL switch. These switches are best suited for those who are used to or prefer the feel of laptop/chiclet keyboards. And like the GX switches, the GL switches are available in three variants, so gamers have plenty of options to choose from.
Lastly, Romer G switches are no longer recommended with how good Logitech G’s other offerings are. They are certainly still useable, especially if you are planning on picking up an older Logitech G mechanical keyboard. But overall, both the GX and GL switches are better than the Romer G in terms of sound and feel.
Recommended Logitech G Switches for Typing
The GX Brown switch is recommended for typing as it has a recognizable tactile bump that you can feel with every press. The tactile feedback during actuation provides limited feedback to give confidence and precision in the actuation moment—without being overly loud or distracting. Tactile switches are perfect for competitive and first-person shooter gaming. Alternatively, you may want to try the GL switches if you are comfortable typing with low-profile switches or on your laptop keyboard.
Modding Logitech G Switches
Logitech switches are limited in terms of customizability, even if we are talking about the GX switches. As of now, no one has attempted to implement mods to the GX switches, even with simple mods such as lubing. Note that its unique architecture, while patterned to Cherry MXs, is still a barrier to this effect. Be that as it may, updates as to whether there is a safe way to mod the GX switches will be posted later on, so stay tuned.
The Romer-Gs are also in the same situation. It may be best that you buy a custom mechanical keyboard instead of attempting to lube or disassemble this kind of switch, as such is not covered by your keyboard’s warranty.
Keycap Compatibility of Logitech G Switches
Logitech G keyboards equipped with GX switches are compatible with most available keycap sets in the market as they feature the classic MX style stem. The only thing to take note of is the size and profile of the keycaps. Most gaming keyboards, including Logitech G keyboards, have North-Facing switches, so be careful when ordering Cherry profile keycaps.
Older Logitech G that use Romer G switches, on the other hand, can only fit Logitech’s keycaps designed explicitly for that kind of switch. So, unfortunately, these older keyboards are less customizable than newer Logitech G keyboards.
Where to Buy Logitech G Switches?
You cannot buy most Logitech G switches separately from Logitech G keyboards. The only exception is the GX switches which can be purchased as an upgrade kit for the Logitech G Pro X.
