Introduction

For weeks, I’ve been putting the LQ-690 High Yield Black Ink Cartridge through its paces. This ribbon cartridge promises a winning combination of speed, reliability, and yield, and I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype. My testing involved a variety of print jobs, from simple text documents to more complex graphics, all aiming to gauge its performance across the board. This review will delve into the details, examining its strengths and weaknesses, to help you decide if this is the right cartridge for your needs.

Features

The LQ-690 boasts several key features designed to improve printing efficiency and cost-effectiveness. The advertised high yield is certainly a prominent selling point, promising a substantial number of prints before needing replacement. The built-in print speed enhancer, targeting bit image printing specifically, is another attractive feature for those frequently printing graphics or images. Its versatility, suitable for personal, PC, and business use, adds to its appeal.

Performance

In my testing, the LQ-690 delivered impressive print speeds, consistently exceeding expectations, particularly when printing text documents. The advertised 529 cps felt accurate in real-world use. However, the speed enhancement for bitmaps wasn’t as dramatic as I’d hoped; while noticeably faster than many alternatives, it still wasn’t a game-changer for complex images. The ribbon’s longevity was another highlight; I easily exceeded the estimated yield, a definite plus for cost efficiency. Print quality was consistently sharp and clear, even at higher print speeds.

During extensive testing, involving various document types and image formats, I did notice a slight tendency for minor smearing on particularly detailed images at the highest print speed. This was easily remedied by slightly reducing the print speed, but it’s worth noting for users prioritizing image fidelity above all else.

Pros & Cons

• Pros: High print speed, excellent yield, sharp print quality, versatile application (personal, PC, business), cost-effective.
• Cons: Minor smearing on very detailed images at maximum print speed.

Final Verdict

Overall, the LQ-690 High Yield Black Ink Cartridge delivers on its promises of speed, reliability, and high yield. While the minor smearing issue at maximum print speed is a slight drawback, it’s easily mitigated by adjusting the print settings. The cost savings from its extended lifespan, combined with its impressive print speeds, make the LQ-690 an excellent choice for users with moderate to high printing demands, especially those prioritizing text documents or graphics with less intricate detail. I would definitely recommend this cartridge for anyone looking for a reliable and efficient printing solution.