Introduction
(Logitech G915 gaming keyboard)Determining how well a gaming keyboard performs can be tricky. Unlike a mouse or headset, where you can quickly feel the difference, keyboards are a bit more subtle. Have you ever blamed a bad gaming score on the keyboard’s mechanical switches or its rollover capability?
Even without solid performance numbers, you just know when you’ve found the perfect gaming keyboard. The Logitech G915 Lightspeed, though expensive at $249, gave me that certainty from the first few keystrokes. Its low-profile mechanical keys on a slim top plate make typing much smoother compared to other mechanical keyboards. While it may not shout ‘gaming’ as loudly as some others, like Razer’s boards, Logitech’s flagship wireless keyboard performs just as well as anything else out there.
The keyboard offers three mechanical switch options – tactile, clicky, and linear, doing away with the usual color-coding. It also provides a couple of lighting profiles and three for macros. Logitech’s G Hub software lets you spend hours tweaking to find your perfect settings. The hefty price tag might make you think twice, but the G915 aims to prove that those low-profile keys are worth the investment in a better gaming experience.
Specifications Logitech G915 gaming keyboard
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Switch | Logitech GL (low-profile with options for tactile, clicky, or linear) |
| Onboard storage | Stores 2 lighting profiles and supports 3 macro profiles |
| Media keys | Yes |
| Game mode | Can be configured through Logitech G Hub |
| Microcontroller | Utilizes a 32-bit microcontroller |
| Key Rollover | Supports 10-key rollover |
| Polling rate | Operates with a 1ms polling rate |
| Interface | Connects via Lightspeed wireless (using USB transmitter) and Bluetooth |
| Cable | Not applicable |
| Additional ports | No additional ports |
| Keycaps | Features double-shot moulded keycaps |
| Construction | Constructed with an aluminium alloy top plate and moulded plastic keys |
| Accessories | No additional accessories |
| Software | Configurable using Logitech G Hub |
| Dimensions | Measures 18.7 x 5.9 x 0.87 inches (475 x 150 x 22mm) |
| Weight | Weighs 2.26 pounds (1,025g) |
| Warranty | Covered by a 2-year warranty |
Pros And Cons Logitech G915 gaming keyboard
| Advantages | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Comfortable and low-profile keys | Relatively high cost |
| Well-suited for gaming and typing | Keys are prone to marks |
| Sleek and elegant slim design | Lacks a pass-through feature |
| Convenient switch between Lightspeed and Bluetooth | Absence of a wrist rest |
Design Logitech G915 gaming keyboard
It’s important to mention right away that everyone’s experience with a keyboard’s feel is personal. Different switches and board types cater to varying preferences. This low-profile keyboard is designed as an alternative for those who prefer a sleeker option compared to deeper keys with longer travel. While tactile preferences differ, factors like build quality and functionality are more straightforward.
The GL switches from Logitech, with a 1.5mm actuation distance, 2.7mm total travel, and 50g actuation force, offer a distinct low-profile feel. In comparison, Razer’s switches have 45-50g force and 3.5mm-4mm travel. This showcases what “low profile” means in this context—keys aren’t as low as Apple’s but have a zippier response due to the shorter travel distance.
Layout-wise, everything is intuitively placed for ergonomic comfort. The design draws inspiration from outside the gaming market, resembling Microsoft’s Surface and Apple’s Magic keyboards. RGB lighting and extra buttons for macros and media enhance its versatility for both gaming and productivity.
The brushed gunmetal grey aluminum plate adds a touch of elegance. Membrane buttons for macros, Lightspeed, Bluetooth, game mode toggle, and lighting control are neatly arranged. The RGB-backlit Logitech ‘G’ logo and edgeless volume scroll contribute to its aesthetic appeal. The underside features adjustable feet for tilt angles, though it lacks a wrist rest—a drawback at this price point. Connectivity is wireless, omitting USB passthrough, requiring a direct connection for a mouse or opting for a wireless mouse.
In essence, this slim, wireless keyboard offers a unique low-profile experience, catering to diverse preferences, but certain considerations, like the absence of a wrist rest, should be noted.
Typing Experience Logitech G915 gaming keyboard
The keyboard we tried out had GL tactile switches. These switches have a small notch in them, creating a noticeable ‘bump’ when you press down. This helps you feel exactly when the key press is registered. If we compare them to Cherry MX switches, the closest match would be the brown switch. However, this model also offers GL linear (similar to Cherry MX red) and GL clicky (producing a pronounced ‘click’ like Cherry MX Blue switches) options.
While there is some side-to-side movement if you wiggle the keys, they give a stable base when you’re actually typing. This stability leads to fewer mistakes in our typing. The shorter travel distance also allowed me to type faster with confidence. Logitech claims that with 25% less travel, you can type 25% quicker. However, this might sound a bit optimistic.
Wireless Modes
When it comes to how well it works without any wires, Logitech has something special called Lightspeed technology. They didn’t get someone else to make the parts that send and receive signals; they did it all themselves, from the hardware to the firmware. The result is a super quick 1-millisecond report rate. The company says this is even faster than a lot of wired gadgets. We didn’t notice a big difference when using it, but it felt just as quick as a wired keyboard. We never had issues with the connection suddenly dropping or with connecting to different devices, even when using Bluetooth with multiple profiles.
Gaming Experience Logitech G915 gaming keyboard
The idea behind the low-profile design is that it should allow you to make and record inputs faster in games, giving you an edge over others. However, in reality, having fancy equipment can’t replace the skill and experience gained from hours of playing a game.
This keyboard won’t magically improve your performance in games like CS:GO or Quake Champions. Our scores didn’t change much compared to our usual Corsair K95 keyboard. But what did change was the comfort in our fingers and the lack of mistakes while typing, whether in a game or on Google Docs.
You can customize the G915’s game mode using Logitech G Hub, and the extra buttons on the left side are handy for in-game functions or quick actions like adjusting mouse DPI or starting a video recording. Streamers can also find these buttons useful for switching between apps while broadcasting.
One standout feature is the impressive battery life. This keyboard can last for 12 days with eight hours of daily use on a single charge. Turn off the RGB lighting, and it can go up to 135 days. If you run out of battery at a critical moment, it’s on you. And when it comes to wireless responsiveness, there’s no noticeable delay – it’s a non-issue.
Lighting and Software
Setting up Logitech G Hub is quite easy for a peripheral app. With just a few clicks in the menu, you can create custom lighting schemes to replace or enhance the three default options. You can also adjust the key-locking behavior of the game mode and, after creating a Logitech account, download layouts and presets from others. If you want to configure the G keys on the left side, this software is essential.
The lighting itself could be more defined. Some light does bleed out between the keys and the board due to the clear air, but it’s not distracting or overwhelming. If you prefer, you can even synchronize the lighting behavior with audio, though it’s an advanced feature and not particularly practical.
Conclusion
So, does life really get better with a $249 keyboard on your desk? Well, you might not notice a big change in your numbers, but the G915 offers a great mix of typing without errors, speed, and comfort. It looks sophisticated and grown-up, which is rare for gaming accessories. Apart from lacking a wrist rest, it has everything you’d want in a keyboard. It may not be as budget-friendly as some high-end options from Razer or Corsair, but if you secretly long for the stability of the old membrane keyboards, this is like a dream come true.
The G915 keyboard at $249 delivers a winning combination of flawless typing, swift performance, and comfort. With a sophisticated design that stands out in the gaming realm, it caters to those who yearn for the stability of classic membrane keyboards. Despite the price tag, it's a dream choice for an elevated gaming and typing experience.
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