There’s a lot of options for PC gamers as far as peripherals are concerned. During high school and college, I used primarily Logitech. After college, I expanded out to other brands — Razer, Roccat, SteelSeries and Mad Catz, among others. I’m now going full circle, back to my roots, as I recently reviewed Logitech’s G910 Orion Spark RGB mechanical gaming keyboard. Before I dive into my review, you should know a few things about my PC gaming situation. I play first-person shooters, MOBAs, and MMORPGs. Then, my five-year-old son plays Minecraft and LEGO games.
Keeping that in mind, I came over from another mechanical keyboard, and highly prefer Logitech’s G910 Orion Spark over any other keyboard I’ve used, and is competitively priced in its market at $179.99. The design, features, and performance match up perfectly with my needs, and there was thought behind everything the keyboard has and doesn’t have.
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The first thing you’ll notice is how gorgeous the Orion Spark is, and that beauty translates into comfort during gaming sessions. The soft black surface of the keyboard is nothing you havne’t seen before, but the lighting is what catches your eye. Under each key is a centered LED light, and you can customize each key light with one of 16.8 million colors (which seems like the standard nowadays). You can assign specific colors and illumination effects to specific keys all through the Logitech Gaming Software, which is really easy to use (it’s also where you’ll change all the settings and macros). The keys themselves are also placed to maximize comfort and performance. Not only are the G keys closer than on other models, but every key on the keyboard has angled side facets for accuracy. Keys that gamers use most frequently — WASD and the arrow keys — have laser-etched light patterns and are the easiest to find. The bottom of the keyboard features two palm rests that you’re sure to use during prolonged gaming sessions. Meanwhile, the top of the keyboard has a slide-out spot to hold your smart phone or tablet. The integration is meant for users to install Logitech’s Arx Control app onto their smart device to have second-screen capability that shows computer system stats, in-game information and more. The largest device I tried in it was a Samsung Note 4, and the smallest was an iPod Touch 4th Generation.
Other details you’ll notice on the keyboard are things included — like multimedia controls and a volume scroll wheel — and things not included — like 3.5mm headphones spots or USB ports. When asked why there were no USB ports when some competitor’s keyboards have them, a Logitech representative told me that it was a design choice. Not everyone utilizes them, some gamers have USB hubs on their desk already, and some gamers don’t like bulky keyboard chords that will take up two USB ports in the back of their computer. I never used my keyboard’s USB ports anyways, so I don’t mind that there are none, but if it’s a requirement for you to have them, you’ll have to look elsewhere. The multimedia controls are most welcomed, especially the roller bar to control volume. When my son is playing a game or watching a movie on the computer, we often ask him to pause it to do something, or to lower the volume. He’s five and not the quickest with a mouse yet, so instead of it taking an extra 30 seconds to do as we ask, he can lower the volume easily.
All those features are nice, but the nicest feature for me is, by far, how quiet the keystrokes are. It’s easily the quietest mechanical keyboard I’ve ever used, and that’s very appreciated when I have my son clicking around like a maniac in Minecraft because he thinks you have to pound the keys. Let’s get nerdy for a second; the Orion Spark uses Romer-G mechanical switches that have an actuation point of 1.5mm. You can slightly feel the the actuation, but you can’t hear it. Again, if you prefer to have a very audible mechanical keyboard, look elsewhere. This is for those that enjoy smooth soothing strokes. Other keys like the programmable G-keys are also finely placed for quick actions (and set up through the previously mentioned Logitech Gaming Software).
After using the Logitech G910 Orion Spark for about two weeks, I couldn’t be happier with the results. My son and I both love the vibrant lighting, key layout and design, and the quiet responsiveness of it. If you require USB ports on your keyboard, or you absolutely must have a louder switch, you’ll have to look elsewhere, but if those aren’t deal breakers, it’s hard to find better than the Orion Spark.
