Logitech introduces G810 Orion Spectrum mechanical gaming keyboard

Another day, another gaming keyboard announcement.  However, like Metadot's announcement that was covered previously, this one is a little different and deserve some attention.  Having the launched the G910 Orion Spark and its TKL version, G410 Altas Spectrum, Logitech or Logi (I think they went back to Logitech for the time being and then will phase to Logi entirely) cuts down some of the more gamer centered look, feel and pivots the keyboard appeal toward mainstream and perhaps have the no-nonsense and the minimalist crowd to take another look.  The result: G810 Orion Spectrum.  It retains many of the gamer centric aspects such as Romer-G key switches, macro keys, custom RGB key lighting and neat media controls buttons and volume level roller.  It is now available for pre-order, priced at around $160 USD.

However, one key aspects of the G910 was discarded in favor of a more traditional design, the key caps.  The word on the street is that while gamers love the radical 3 walled edge key cap design, the more traditional typist can't stand them.  Logitech is wise enough to offer key cap replacement for those who wants the classical cylindrical key caps.  However, one will have to pay $39 or so for the privilege.  The default G810 key caps are the cylindrical key caps rather than the one found on G910 or G410.  It removed the built-in palm rest and smart phone holder in favor of a more traditional layout and feel.  G810 also took out the dedicated macro keys and pressed the function keys into double duty.  So, Logitech trimmed down the look without removing what makes the G810 interesting and compelling to gamers.

So, two major, established vendors in the mechanical keyboard space go in somewhat opposite directions.  While Metadot is going all in with the gamer's market with Division Zero product line, Logitech seems to be thinking about expanding the market to the more traditional arena using technologies that are borrowed from the gamer's side.  G810 perhaps Logi represents dipping its toes in the water while not hurting the mainstream consumer/business K line of products.  Let's see if Logitech will go all in here by introducing a K labeled keyboard targeting business and consumers with Romer-G switch.  Now, the thing would have come full circle.  :)