Logitech G PRO X keyboard serves up user-replaceable mechanical switches

Logitech G has revealed a new mechanical keyboard for its PRO line, and it's bringing an interesting twist to the table. The Logitech G PRO X, as the keyboard is officially called, allows users to swap the mechanical switches themselves. Owning multiple sets of switches to go along with the G PRO X quickly becomes an expensive proposition, but it sounds like the keyboard will offer a level of customization we don't often see outside of DIY circles.

From an aesthetic perspective, the G PRO X looks more or less the same as any tenkeyless gaming keyboard out there, with its dark color scheme and RGB lighting. As with many recent mechanical keyboards coming from Logitech G, this is also compatible with the three types of Logitech GX switches: GX Brown Tactile, GX Red Linear, and GX Blue Clicky.

The major difference between the G PRO X and the other keyboards in Logitech's lineup is the fact that you can buy sets of switches separately and swap them in whenever the mood may strike. Logitech will offer all three types of switches in packs of 92, so if you like two types of switches for different reasons, you can keep a spare set on hand.

Logitech says that the G PRO X is compatible with "many types of switches" beyond its own, so you're not even limited to GX switches if you decide to change things up. Across all three types of GX switches, you'll see similar specifications throughout. GX Blue Tactile and Red Linear, for instance, share the same actuation distance (1.9mm), actuation force (50gf), and total travel distance (4.0mm).

GX Blue Clicky, on the other hand, stands out from the other two for more reasons aside from its audible and tactile feedback. While it shares the same actuation force of the other two, actuation distance increases slightly to 2.0mm and total travel distance has dropped to 3.7mm. Regardless of the type you choose, it seems the biggest difference will be in the switches' respective feedback types.

As always, the G PRO X is compatible with Logitech's G Hub software, which is where you can customize or synchronize your RGB lighting on a per-key basis. The G PRO X is strictly a wired peripheral, so those of you looking for a wireless keyboard will have to look elsewhere.

While all of this sounds neat, you need to be prepared to part with some cash if you want to own this keyboard. The G PRO X runs $149.99 on its own, with each set of switches priced at $49.99 each. That means if you want a keyboard with all three types of switches, you're looking at a total buy-in of $250, which isn't chump change by any stretch of the imagination.

For those looking to avoid spending quite so much, Logitech is offering the standard G PRO for $129.99. The G PRO is identical to the G PRO X in almost every way aside from the fact that it doesn't have user-swappable switches. Both keyboards will be available this month exclusively through Logitech G's website.