Logitech G613 Wireless Mechanical Gaming Keyboard – Review

The team at Logitech Australia recently send me the new Logitech G613 Wireless Mechanical Gaming Keyboard. The keyboard was released back in August of 2017 and at the time, was the very first wireless gaming keyboard from a major manufacturer. It was a huge risk for Logitech, as wireless was still seen as second-rate at the time.

Logitech went back to basics and tried to solve the fundamental problems of latency, stability, and connectivity. Their answer, LIGHTSPEED WIRELESS, with claims of 1ms wireless response times over both Bluetooth and wireless; all done with only 2 AA batteries to power it.

I was a little apprehensive by these claims, as it seemed too good to be true. In the 3 weeks, I have been using the Logitech G613 Keyboard, I have typed 9 reviews, edited videos and played more games than I have in ages. I have not noticed any lag at all, even swapping between wireless dongle and Bluetooth. While playing Paladins I even swapped between dongle and Bluetooth mid-battle and didn’t even notice a change while switching between the two, let alone the key response time.

After playing World of Warcraft, Paladins, Fortnite, Overwatch, all 3 Witcher Games and several games. I can’t fault this keyboard for gaming, but to be honest, I know it would be a great gaming keyboard. As that is exactly what is designed for. I was more concerned with the day to day use.

My computer is used primarily for writing. It is probably 70% of what my computer is used for and because of this I have stayed clear of Mechanical Keyboards for years. I can play games on my normal keyboard and through it lacks the experience of a mechanical keyboard, it gets the job done.

To my surprise the Logitech G613 is lovely to type on, using its proprietary switches the Romer-G Tactile (Which are unfortunately not removable). They are a blend of speed, precision and surprisingly quiet; quite similar to my switches of choice, the Cherry MX Browns. Unlike the Cherry MX Browns, the Romer-G Tactile have a click life of approximately 70 million, almost double that of the Cherry MX Browns.

Before I go on, I must address the elephant in the room. The Logitech G613 Wireless Mechanical Gaming Keyboard is RGB Free. No lights and………  I love it. Personally, I like to type and play games without feeling like I’m at a club. I like to sit in my room with a lamp on and type a review or watch a movie and not be distracted by my keyboard.

There I said it, let the hate mail come; but I like the simplistic elegance of this gunmetal grey and black keyboard, that lets the product talk for itself. That is exactly what it does.

The Logitech G613 runs on the Logitech Gaming Software, which is versatile and easy-to-use. It allows you to reprogram the extra column of G keys located on the left-hand side of the keyboard. As well as define parameters for the Game Mode (which disables certain keys during gameplay) and set up unique profiles for each game you play. There is also a number of profiles you can download from your favourite streamers, esports players or just friends.

I really enjoyed the Logitech G613 Wireless Mechanical Gaming Keyboard, but there are a few things I didn’t like about the keyboard. For me, wireless means I can sit on my bed and type, or play games or take it to my smart TV quickly; as I did with my Logitech Wireless Combo MK270r. Yet the G613 is quite heavy and a little cumbersome, topping the scales at just under 1.5kg (3.1 LBS). This isn’t the keyboard if you would like to throw it in a bag or use it over multiple device or swap between rooms regularly.

The other small issue I found with the keyboard has a built-in wrist rest which isn’t removable or adjustable. With the Keyboard risers down, it is perfect and makes this keyboard extremely ergonomic. With them up, it lowers the back end of the keyboard and wrist rest seems to stick into your wrists slightly. It throws up off the feel of the keyboard and the ergonomic quite considerably.

Overall, I would recommend the Logitech G613 Wireless Mechanical Gaming Keyboard. Priced at only $169 and can be picked up for as little as $125 in some places. For that price, you get a full-size gaming mechanical keyboard with discrete media controls and a full row of reprogrammable keys; all packaged in an elegant and understated package.

Logitech G613 Wireless Mechanical Gaming Keyboard Specs

IN THE BOX

• G613 wireless mechanical keyboard
• LIGHTSPEED USB receiver
• Phone stand
• Extender USB cable
• 2 AA Batteries
• User documentation

PHYSICAL

• Height: 18.8 in (478 mm)
• Width: 8.5 in (216 mm)
• Depth: 1.3 in (33 mm)
• Weight: 3.1 lb (1410 g) keyboard only
• Weight with 2 AA batteries: 3.2 lb (1460 g)

ROMER-G TACTILE KEY SWITCHES

• Durability: 70 million key presses
• Actuation distance: 1.5 mm
• Actuation force: 45 g
• Total travel distance: 3.2 mm

BATTERY LIFE

• 18 months (may vary based on user and computing conditions)

This review was original posted on goto.game on October 19, 2018.