The Logitech G610 Orion Red and the Logitech G610 Orion Brown are two mechanical keyboards from Logitech that feature Cherry MX Switches. The previous two mechanical keyboard models from Logitech (G910 Orion Spark and G810 Orion Spectrum) featured Romer-G Switches, the proprietary switches from Logitech. With the G610, customers now have two more options to go with Logitech and Cherry MX Switches (The G710+ also featured Cherry MX Switches).
G610 vs G810
The Logitech G610 is actually very similar to the G810 Orion Spectrum. The design of these keyboards is basically the same. Both use a full-size layout with numpad, have identical media keys and no dedicated macro keys. You can assign macros to the function keys though. The two main differences are the used switch types (the G610 boards feature Cherry MX Switches, the G810 board feature Romer-G Switches) and the illumination. The G810 features full RGB illumination and the G610 only offers white backlighting. But even though it’s only white backlighting, it still can be customized with the Logitech Gaming Software.
G610 Orion Red vs G610 Orion Brown
The only difference between these two models is the type of switch they use. The G610 Orion Red features Cherry MX Red, the G610 Orion Brown features Cherry MX Brown. The characteristics of these two switches can be found in our switch types guide.
Tech Specs for Logitech G610 Orion Red / Brown
Further Information on Amazon.com
(Read customer reviews)
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Mechanical Keyboard Score
The mechanical keyboard score is our overall score for a keyboard. The score is based on the available ratings and critics and makes an easy comparison between different mechanical keyboards possible. It is also used for our mechanical keyboard ranking.
Reviews
August 7, 2016
"It's light on features, but the typing experience is second-to-none."
June 7, 2016
"Although they pack few fancy features, Logitech's G610 Orion Red and Brown keyboards offer simple, reliable performance that mechanical keyboard enthusiasts will appreciate."
April 26, 2016
"As it stands, there’s almost no better entry point for users looking to step up to a premium gaming keyboard or a more dependable office companion."
April 4, 2016
"The Logitech G610 Orion takes one step forward and one step back, introducing real Cherry MX keys, but removing the Orion G810's full RGB lighting options. The keyboard is comfortable and attractive, even if the keys are a bit too quiet."
I picked this up because I wanted a decent mechanical keyboard that would not burn a hole in my pocket, does not require a lot of customization and still deliver on my typing needs. Do note that I am located in the Philippines and our options for mechanical keyboards are dominated by Razer keyboards which can be a tad too expensive. The other highly rated brands are either too expensive or not available locally.
So I loved it when I picked up the G610. I got the version that has brown switches because I wanted some degree of feedback when I type unlike the linear reds. Yes, it’s a gaming keyboard but I actually use it for work.
The lack of RGB lighting can sometimes make me look at RGB keyboards with envy but at the end of the day, the purpose of the keyboard is for me to input data into a computer and that’s it. In the office, the backlighting is almost negligible because of the ambient light in my workstation and having RGB lighting can just attract unnecessary attention so this is perfect for an office setup.
I would have preferred a TKL keyboard but there were none available locally and I wasn’t really fond of the Atlas Dawn/Spectrum design. I love the G610’s simple but built-like-a-tank look.
Horrible keyboard, don’t buy !!!
All key-caps are plastic trash, they broke down really fast, in 2 years of gaming have 3 of them gone: one time A and two times D . The key cap itself sits on the plus-form basement and has very thin plastic edge around it that holds the key-cap firmly. But the edge itself is flimsy and feeble and prone to break. When I press the keys, I’m not always pressing them directly downwards, but rather with some angle, depends on the keyboard placement on the deck and my arm, so in active gaming, like overwatch, a need to press fast arises and these keys break down during the game, really poor experience. Don’t try it !!!
Have had the keyboard for a year. I play a rhythm game and the keycaps do not hold up super well after being used for the time I have used it for. Half of the top of my numpad one and two keys are just white, and a bit of the key came off the front of the A and S key. Also my X key started to chatter after a bit over a year of usage, which is really bad for a game that requires precise inputs. That’s all I have bad to say about it though. Typing feels good (then again I probably have low expectations because I’m not a keyboard enthusiast), and it’s very good for what I play with it being at 1000hz. Very good for only ~$100 USD.