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TEST IN DETAIL:
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With the G710 +, Logitech launches into mechanical keyboards, generally appreciated by the players because they offer a sensitive tactile feedback (hence faster input) and a slight resistance early in the race (hence reliable entry).
The counterpart is quite logical: mechanical keyboards are more expensive to produce than membrane keyboards. And since the G710 + is the only model with mechanical keys on the Logitech G-series, this explains why this model has been reduced by some functions "accessories" that can be found for example on the G510 (s) Yet underneath in the price range.
# THAT THERE IS NO ON G710 +:
The G710 loses:
- LCD which I have never found a real use, if not display the time. His disappearance is not a great loss functionally, unless you are looking for a flashy side.
- The number of customizable keys is limited to 6, 18 customizable features via 3 macros (such as the G105 model, which represents the entry-level G Series). But having never set more than 5 additional functions for a game, I was not really penalized.
- It is no longer possible to select a different color than the "white" for the key backlight, but it is possible to adjust the intensity of two predefined areas (the WASD keys on one side and everything else on the other). A function gadget least, but the FPS players earn a relatively nice feature.
Overall these are not big losses, and as the key wins in both typing comfort and responsiveness, it's not a bad deal.
# ABOUT THE COMFORT OF KEYS:
For the curious, and since it is not highlighted on the packaging, I said that the switches used on the G710 + Cherry MX Brown are type. It's weird to communicate around a feature that will appeal to the lover of mechanical keyboards (main target of this G710 +). It's a bit like an arcade stick manufacturer forgot to specify that their products take on board Sanwa components.
And precision seems even more important for a keyboard because, according to the use that we have, we will shift more towards a particular type of switches.
Going back to our Cherry MX Brown switches are these kind of nonlinear (you must exert more pressure early in the race), but without activation click (there is only the limit switch click). For those who are used to press gently on the keys, they are pleasant and relatively noisy keys (for a mechanical keyboard), renowned as a good compromise for an entry / game use (and that is precisely what that I must).
Personally I confess that I did not necessarily fairy fingers when I type a text and, as I am used to support all the way, my typing on this keyboard is rather noisy. Honestly I would not do it next to a sleeping person, for fear of waking her.
However, when I play a FPS, I exerts less pressure on the keys and the sound emitted is then more significantly lower.
The noise issue therefore seems relative and in all cases, if you are looking for a silent keyboard, it is not a mechanical keyboard for you.
# ACCESSORIES AND DRIVER FUNCTIONS:
For the rest, still we find some accessory functions, not necessarily essential but still significant in this price range.
- Disabling the shortcut "office" with one touch (I preferred a slide, but the key is associated with a large lamp, it remains practical and functional);
- Shortcuts to common audio features: key "silent" knob to adjust the volume keys "play / pause", "stop", "next" and "previous"
Note that the setting of certain functions are centralized around a single software "Wizard video game" common to past G-series peripherals: keyboards, mice, headsets. The consumption of some 50 MB of RAM (for a driver manager at my 3 devices) now being something relatively acceptable, we appreciate the practical side of it.
# Quirks and BLACKHEADS:
Some features may surprise as the need to plug the keyboard into two USB ports. Knowing that the keyboard offers his side another USB port to connect a device, it is not necessarily losing ... but for me, I still seeks the interest of the thing.
Also know that screen printing of dual-function keys has been reversed. For example, "1" and "2" (which - I assure you - always require activation uppercase) are listed respectively as "&" and "é". An unusual choice (this is the first time I see it), a little unsettling at first (at least for the viewer the keys) and not respond to any logic.
Note also that this is something that you will discover that unpacking the beast, because the QWERTY model presentation on the carton does not have this oddity (and that too strange!).
Choice a little special design side, the orange border (around the customizable keys) which contrasts sharply with all gray and black glossy, giving him a toy or DDE side (to choose from, but in both cases it is not not flattering).
The reproach aside, I regret:
- The very side of the plastic wrist rest. I would have liked a nicer touch material and I do not like the attachment system, not all plastic and stronger (I had broken the same kind of "spike" on the G510 trying to clean it ...).
- And as is too often the case, the keys are enclosed in the body of the keyboard ... which does not facilitate cleaning.
