Logitech Updated G15 Gaming Keyboard Review

Oct 8 2007, 12:00am CDT | by Shane McGlaun

Logitech is one of the most well-known and successful makers of peripherals for gaming. Recently Logitech updated its G15 gaming keyboard. The original G15 was a nice keyboard, but its massive size made it nearly impossible to fit into most desk keyboard trays. Today we are going to look at the new Logitech G15, read on to see how well it performed.

Gallery

6 images

Benchmarks

Features & Specifications
The Logitech G15 features a LCD panel that displays stats from compatible games and applications as well as information about your computer like CPU and memory usage. One of the LCD screens is a clock with calendar, which is very handy.

The original G15 has 18 programmable G keys, which were responsible for most of the vast size of the original G15. The new Logitech G15 only has six programmable G keys that each has three profiles giving a total macro count of 18. The macros can be recorded on the fly just as they could with the original G15 or via the SetPoint software.

The biggest difference between the new Logitech G15 on the old one is the size of the keyboard. By shaving off two of the sets of six G keys, Logitech was able to decrease the size significantly. The size decreased by about 2-inches as compared to the original G15, which means that the new Logitech G15 will comfortably fit into most keyboard trays.

The color of the keyboard backlighting has changed as well from the blue of the original G15 to an orange on the new G15. I prefer the orange color more myself and the lighting seems brighter and more uniform compared to the old blue lighting. Users are able to turn the backlighting off or set it to two intensity levels. The keyboard also has a pair of USB 1.1 ports on the rear that are handy even if they won’t support faster speeds that we need to get the most out of our flash drives and peripherals Logitech also built-in a full array of media control keys as well.

G15 in Use
Most gamers will never miss the G keys that Logitech shaved to get the size savings the new G15 enjoys. The typing feel is good on the Logitech G15, and virtually identical to the original G15. The G15 doesn’t have the best typing feel around on a gaming keyboard, but it is good and works well for daily general PC use in addition to gaming duty.

The LCD screen isn’t a flip up panel like the original G15 used, but it built into the keyboard now. This gives the new Logitech G15 a clean and sculpted look. The things the LCD can display haven’t changed from the old G15 to the new you still get the clock, which is useful and the system resource screens.

Programming macros on the fly is a snap, you simply hit the MR button, then the G key you want to use and record your macro. You can also record the macro in the SetPoint software if you prefer. In testing, I recorded a macro that consisted of over 50 keys without a problem.

Verdict

Conclusion

Pros

Smaller footprint than the original G15
Good typing feel
Attractive finish
Good software

Cons

Gamers who use lots of macros will miss the original G15

Verdict
Logitech reasserts itself as one of the leading makers of gaming keyboards with the new G15. The typing feel is good enough for gaming and full days of normal typing as well. The vast majority of gamers will never miss the extra macro keys on the new G15 and will find the current G15 is nearly perfect.

9.0

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Shane McGlaun
Leading our review center, Shane knows technology inside out. His extensive experience in testing computer hardware and consumer electronics enable him to effectively qualify new products and trends. If you want us review your product, please contact Shane.
Shane can be contacted directly at shane@i4u.com.