Pros: Backlit; USB hub; programmable macros with profiling; no unnecessary keys; media controls; LCD that's functionality grows with time.
Cons: Cheap wrist rest; cable management not that useful.
Verdict: The Logitech G15 is a gamer's keyboard with much more than fanciful backlighting. A solid feel, programmability, and plethora of gaming tweaks make this keyboard a winner.
Update (09/30/07): Logitech has released a second revision of Logitech G15. The 2G G15 - released in Q3 2007 - totally re-arranged the keys, and re-sized the LCD screen so you may want to check out the new review first since the original version has stopped shipping.
Logitech, although a long time favorite of gamers for their comfortable mice has only recently started developing products exclusively for the competitive gaming scene, first with the Gaming-Grade MX518, then the new G5 and G7 laser mice. Not about to neglect the left hand, Logitech is about to put out the G15, their first keyboard for gamers, designed by gamers, about to be reviewed by a gamer, who got this job through gaming. This oughta be good.
Full Size++ In my experience as a LAN party goer, there are two kinds of gamers. There are those who liken to smaller, compact keyboards without number pads so they have weight to haul into a LAN and more space for the joystick, and there are the gamers who like a full sized keyboard for their tactile keys, number pad, and familiar design. Logitech has catered to the later group with the G15, and has actually expanded this. The G15 is by far the largest keyboard I have ever used, surpassing even the Microsoft Natural keyboard. It's a full 21.5" long and 10.5" tall with the wrist rest attached, 2" longer than the Logitech Elite, and 3.5" longer than your basic OEM keyboard. In order to accommodate the larger footprint, I had to turn my mouse pad sideways so they could both fit on the keyboard tray.
But the huge footprint shouldn't automatically spell a negative for the G15. The full-size keyboard is great for gaming on the same computer used for desktop surfing and writing at home, because let's face it most people are just too lazy to switch keyboards to play a quick game. Another advantage of the full-size form factor is the keys aren't condensed and are deep enough for a reassuring feel. The keys are exceptionally quiet, yet surprisingly tactile. They don't feel spongy at all, great for bunny hoping across the map. As far as durability goes, the G15 doesn't flex at all when typing, but does flex slightly to a raged fist for gamers that can't take a hit. It survived a couple dozen bashings, but I really recommend for you to put the money you might spend replacing the keyboard towards a therapist. After all, what did the keyboard ever do to you?
The only thing I can complain about really is the wrist rest. Ergonomically, I find it doesn't lift the wrists high enough, and like the wrist rest of every Logitech keyboard I own, it's bound to break. The problem is the thin plastic clips snap off easily in transit, leaving for a rest that will slide around the desk. Logitech should look into either reinforced clips or flexible rubber as an alternative to attaching the rest. Also, the rubber feet on the bottom of the wrist rest are prone to peeling off and will probably require a good dose of super glue. As you can see on the right, my Logitech Elite rest is already broken, and the G15's clips are even thinner.
All Lit Up
Perhaps one of the most obvious clichés for a gamer's keyboard is backlit keys, and the Logitech G15 is no exception. I'm a touch typist, so while I can type without even looking at the keyboard, but when I switch to WASD mode and need to reach for one of the several keys used in Raven Shield, I had to strain my eyes until now. Besides, they make for good bling at a LAN party.
The G15's keys are beautifully backlit, a solid blue shining through the laser-engraved letters of each key with a mild underglow surrounding each key. Each key is as lit as the next, with no dim or bright spots anywhere on the keyboard. As soon as the computer is turned on and Windows loads, the backlight will automatically turn on, although there are three manual settings to choose from: Off, Low, and High, though there's not much of a difference between Low and High.
If you're one of the gamers who eats at the computer (the Internet is just so addicting!), then you'll be glad to know that the keys pop off with a nickel like any other keyboard for fast cleaning - there's no wires to the key, the light is channeled through the plastic stub of the key. That same nickel won't do any damage to the finish of the keys either to ruin the backlight effect, I already tried. Update 11/28/05: Some of the finish is coming off where nails contact the keyboard (C and V keys, stubs of F and J), but for now it's just light speckles. My trunk also did a number on the left alt key.
Built To Frag While there are several things a multimedia keyboard can offer the average user, for gaming, it stinks. All these things like enhanced F-keys and the Windows key are just ticking time bombs for minimizing your game. On the G15, you don't need to remember pushing the F-Lock key before entering a game, there isn't any. There are no Sleep, Log Off, or Shutdown keys for the person you just pwned in-game to retaliate with. As for the Windows and right-click key, they can now be disabled via a switch for gamers with clumsy fingers. Behold, on the right you can see the keyboard of a well-known SoCal gamer, and the one-switch alternative.
The G15 is also host to two USB 1.1 ports for plugging in headsets and wireless receivers for mice, great if your game box doesn't have front-mounted USB ports. Anything plugged into the two ports can also take advantage of the G15's cable management, as there are grooves lining the underside of the keyboard for cable runs. While great in concept, it doesn't work that well. The camera cord, headset cord, and mouse cords we tried were either too thick to fit, or too thin to stay in place. Logitech would benefit from widening the grooves and making cable clips to address this issue.
Macro! Polo! Another gaming-grade feature Logitech put into the G15 is the 18 G-keys for programming macros on the left side of the keyboard. The placing on the left side is another blow to left-handed gamers, but for us righties it's a godsend. A few other companies I have spoken to are putting macros either under the F-keys or as a separate pad altogether, both of which aren't that great when you think about it, because you could accidentally hit an F-key, and LAN gamers really don't need anything more to carry. The 18 keys are divided into 3 groups, with the lower row elevated in each group for quick recognition.
The G keys have 3 states each to make a total of 54 possible macros for any one profile. Macros can be recorded in the G-Series Keyboard Profiler drivers for different games and applications, enabling quick access to launch a game, website or the calculator within Windows, cast spells in World of Warcraft, or launch an adrenaline combo in Unreal Tournament.
A few games already have profiles written for them with pre-recorded macros and G-key mappings, although some games like Quake 3 will require making a profile yourself (or just importing one found on a web forum). Recorded macros can be used either with or without the timing in between keystrokes, vital for games that take a few seconds between combos. It's also possible to record macros in-game by hitting the Macro Record button followed by the G-key, macro keystrokes, and the Macro Record button again.
Here's Lookin at You, Kid Perhaps the crown jewel that separates Logitech's G15 from the other gaming keyboards out there is the GamePanel, a 160x43 LCD display located on the top center of the keyboard right above the multimedia controls. The display lifts up to reveal multimedia controls underneath, and is highly durable when closed for transport. "Meh, just another LCD," you might say. Well the thing is the LCD is its own platform. In fact, Logitech includes a Software Development Kit with the installation CD for anyone who knows C++. At the time of this writing, there are only four applets available for the GamePanel, although Logitech is sending out the SDK to several game developers and is also relying on homebrew software to circulate the forums online.
LCD Clock Displays an animated clock with a date and time readout, and displays the number of unread email messages in Thunderbird/MSN Hotmail/Outlook.
Performance Monitor Displays a visual representation of CPU and RAM usage.
Media Display Works in harmony with multimedia keys to display current song and volume in iTunes/Winamp/Windows Media Player/Music Match and others.
Keyboard Profiler Displays active profile as the front application switches.
Currently there are no games out that support the LCD, but Logitech tells me they're coming. Ubisoft's upcoming Brothers in Arms game will be the first with GamePanel support, with 30 other titles to follow. Judging by the box art of the G15, I can only imagine Quake IV is one of them. Programmers are able to add support for the four buttons under the LCD, so when the applications do start rolling out, gamers can interact with the display.
Personally, I like the panel as it is. The built-in clock is useful for realizing how late into the night I'm playing, and I can skip through tracks quicker using the media display without waiting for the several second intros in each song. The idea of having the functionality of the GamePanel increase as time goes by is even better.
Recap Logitech has taken the concept of a gamer's keyboard and pushed it much further than just fanciful backlighting. The G15's programmable macros with profiles, USB hub, lack of time-bomb enhanced keys and the ability to disable the Windows key without prying it off is a god-send, and the LCD that's a platform of its own is quite impressive. Above all, it's durable and feels good. There were a few squabbles I have with things like the wrist rest and cable management, but these are all minor. The G15 is nothing short of astoun... err... 1337.
- Scott Clark, Consumer Technology Editor
Where to buy Logitech G15 Gaming Keyboard?
User Review(s)
We're currently upgrading our user review system; so we won't be accepting new reviews for now. G15 Gaming Keyboard Specs
The only thing I can complain about really is the wrist rest. Ergonomically, I find it doesn't lift the wrists high enough, and like the wrist rest of every Logitech keyboard I own, it's bound to break. The problem is the thin plastic clips snap off easily in transit, leaving for a rest that will slide around the desk. Logitech should look into either reinforced clips or flexible rubber as an alternative to attaching the rest. Also, the rubber feet on the bottom of the wrist rest are prone to peeling off and will probably require a good dose of super glue. As you can see on the right, my Logitech Elite rest is already broken, and the G15's clips are even thinner.
While there are several things a multimedia keyboard can offer the average user, for gaming, it stinks. All these things like enhanced F-keys and the Windows key are just ticking time bombs for minimizing your game. On the G15, you don't need to remember pushing the F-Lock key before entering a game, there isn't any. There are no Sleep, Log Off, or Shutdown keys for the person you just pwned in-game to retaliate with. As for the Windows and right-click key, they can now be disabled via a switch for gamers with clumsy fingers. Behold, on the right you can see the keyboard of a well-known SoCal gamer, and the one-switch alternative.
The G15 is also host to two USB 1.1 ports for plugging in headsets and wireless receivers for mice, great if your game box doesn't have front-mounted USB ports. Anything plugged into the two ports can also take advantage of the G15's cable management, as there are grooves lining the underside of the keyboard for cable runs. While great in concept, it doesn't work that well. The camera cord, headset cord, and mouse cords we tried were either too thick to fit, or too thin to stay in place. Logitech would benefit from widening the grooves and making cable clips to address this issue.
Another gaming-grade feature Logitech put into the G15 is the 18 G-keys for programming macros on the left side of the keyboard. The placing on the left side is another blow to left-handed gamers, but for us righties it's a godsend. A few other companies I have spoken to are putting macros either under the F-keys or as a separate pad altogether, both of which aren't that great when you think about it, because you could accidentally hit an F-key, and LAN gamers really don't need anything more to carry. The 18 keys are divided into 3 groups, with the lower row elevated in each group for quick recognition.
Perhaps the crown jewel that separates Logitech's G15 from the other gaming keyboards out there is the GamePanel, a 160x43 LCD display located on the top center of the keyboard right above the multimedia controls. The display lifts up to reveal multimedia controls underneath, and is highly durable when closed for transport. "Meh, just another LCD," you might say. Well the thing is the LCD is its own platform. In fact, Logitech includes a Software Development Kit with the installation CD for anyone who knows C++. At the time of this writing, there are only four applets available for the GamePanel, although Logitech is sending out the SDK to several game developers and is also relying on homebrew software to circulate the forums online.
