[ACCESSORIES] - Logitech G15 Gaming Keyboard

[bapenguin]

<table width="600" align="center" class="reviewTable" padding="3"><tr><td valign="top"><br><br>Title: Logitech G15 Gaming Keyboard (http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/products/details/US/EN,CRID=2166,CONTENTID=10717)<br>Platform: PC<br>MSRP: $99.99<br>Editor: Nicholas ‘bapenguin’ Puleo<br><div valign="bottom"><br><br><br><br><br><br><br>Logitech G15 Gaming Keyboard</div></td><td><div align="right"><img src=http://www.evilavatar.com/staff/bapenguin_f.jpg></div></td></tr><tr><td><p>Some time ago I did a bunch of reviews of Gaming Mice (Razer Diamondback (http://www.evilavatar.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5212), Razer Copperhead (http://www.evilavatar.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6345), Logitech MX518 (http://www.evilavatar.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5415), and Logitech G5 (http://www.evilavatar.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6991)) to see just how good a gaming mouse is and what exactly makes it different. It was only natural then that I progressed onto the other big input factor in PC Gaming, keyboards. </p><p>The first gaming keyboard on the list is the Logitech G15. (http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/products/details/US/EN,CRID=2166,CONTENTID=10717) This fully featured keyboard has an LCD Screen, 18 macro keys, backlit keys and media controls. With all these features, surely this must be the crème’ de la crop no?</p></td><td><a href="http://www.evilavatar.com/images/reviews/image.php?image=www.evilavatar.com/images/reviews/g15/g15_lit.jpg" target="new"><img src="http://www.evilavatar.com/images/reviews/g15/thumb.g15_lit.jpg" width="320" border="0"></a></td></tr><tr><td><p>The first thing you’ll notice when you unwrap the magic keyboard is the sheer size of it. It’s HUGE. In fact the keyboard takes up my entire keyboard tray on my computer desk. There’s almost no room for my mouse! The ironic thing about this is they central part of the keyboard, the keys themselves are pretty tightly packed together, and for someone with big hands it’s almost a bit uncomfortable to use.</p><p>The backlight looks great, and the letters are easy to read. There’s a nice toggle switch at the top of the keyboard that allows you to turn off the Windows key, so no more accidentally bringing up the start menu while gaming.</p></td><td><a href="http://www.evilavatar.com/images/reviews/image.php?image=www.evilavatar.com/images/reviews/g15/g15_size.jpg" target="new"><img src="http://www.evilavatar.com/images/reviews/g15/thumb.g15_size.jpg" width="320" border="0"></a></td></tr><br><br><tr><td><p>Performance wise the keyboard feels very good. The keys have that quiet touch feel to them, and provide excellent feedback. I’ve always had a problem with Steam games and my current wireless Logitech keyboard. For whatever reason it was very difficult to Run (W) and Jump (Space) at the sametime, but with the G15 that issue went away. The macro keys are easily accessible, though a printable keyboard overlay template to put over them would have been nice. With 18 keys it’s sometimes difficult to remember exactly what you assigned to what. The keyboard software itself is fairly easy to use and straight forward. </p>The LCD screen is a nice touch. The problem is out of the box it only supports a few games, SiN: Episodes and Brothers in Arms: Earned in Blood. There are some bundled LCD applications that show stuff like Date/Time, Current Music Track playing, CPU and Memory usages, etc etc. All very standard fanfare, but with the latest driver package Logitech has released the API for end users to create their own applications for it.</p></td><td><a href="http://www.evilavatar.com/images/reviews/image.php?image=www.evilavatar.com/images/reviews/g15/g15_lcd.jpg" target="new"><img src="http://www.evilavatar.com/images/reviews/g15/thumb.g15_lcd.jpg" width="320" border="0"></a></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2"><p><b>Conclusion</b><br><br>All in all this is a solid keyboard. Its downfalls though are the sheer size in both price and volume. The keyboard is a bit uncomfortable to use for those of us with bigger hands as the keys themselves are tightly packed. The LCD is a nice little feature as well as the backlit keys. Probably the best feature of the keyboard is the game switch to turn off the windows key. Personally I found little use for the Macro keys (especially 54 of them), but MMORPG players I’m sure can find a way to fill them out. Be careful though, it could get you Banned (http://infernix.net/wowban/).<br> *Update* Logitech sends word that you won't necessarily get banned for using the macros..that is when used properly...using this keyboard won't
get you banned as long as you are actively playing/participating in the
game and not just hitting the custom macro key blindly without paying
attention.</td></tr><tr><td>The Good:<br>- Backlit keys<br>- Tons of Macro Keys<br>- Windows Key Switch<br><br>The Bad: <br> - Expensive<br><br>The Ugly: <br>- HUGE keyboard.<br>- Not very comfortable<br></td><td>Score:<br>http://www.evilavatar.com/images/icons/e2_5.jpg<br>2.5 out of 5 Evil Eyes</td></tr></table>

[Suicidal ShiZuru]

Saitek Eclipse > Anything

[bapenguin]

Saitek Eclipse > Anything

That's next on the list. Actually the Eclipse 2.

[Suicidal ShiZuru]

I havent used that one. Im sure its the exact same but with a different mold and the media keys. I find media keys useless and I prefer the original Eclipse shape/color otherwise Id get one.

[urban zombie]

I use the G15 myself and am quite impressed with its software applications. With a recent patch, my stats are laid out for me on the LCD for my World of Warcraft characters, while in a battleground it gives me the score all the while displaying the song I'm playing on my media player.

[51|RandoM]

Be nice if Saitek cleans up the compatibility issues while they are at it.

As far as the logitech stuff goes, I think they're barking up the wrong tree when they add all that crap to a keyboard and call it a gaming keyboard. That isn't what gamers need, they don't need more keyboard, they need less. Best gaming keyboard I ever used? An old IBM metal shelled with click keys, the "spacesaver" version without numberpad---I never use the numberpad for gaming, so getting rid of it helps me keep my mousehand and my keyboard hand closer together, which equals more comfortable hand/arm/wrist/shoulders and quicker switching between playing and typing. Take one of those, give it keys with translucent, backlit symbols, make it USB, I'd be happy.

I bought two of those at a computer fair. Sadly I've worn them out in the intervening years.

[Suicidal ShiZuru]

What compatibility issues?

[DJuniah]

try using this keyboard with prey and see what happens. I was pretty surprised

[bapenguin]

try using this keyboard with prey and see what happens. I was pretty surprised

Does it do whatever on the Demo version? Because I played it on the Demo version and nothing happened.

[51|RandoM]

I was referring to their "gamer's keyboard", not sure if they have the same issue with the eclipse.

Anyways, from their website:

"Q3: I'm having problems with some games when I try and run them with the Gamers' Keyboard plugged in - what can I do?

A3: There are a couple of known games that have issues with the presence of the Gamers' Keyboard; known titles that have problems are the moment are Planetside, Star Wars: Battlefront and Thief: Deadly Shadows. Other titles may exist that have problems but they have not been reported yet.

There is a possible solution though - Click Start>Control Panel and open the System in there (you may have to click Performance and Maintenance before you can see the System icon if you're running Control Panel in Category View) and then click Hardware at the top of the window that comes up and then click Device Manager. Click the plus sign next to Human Interface Devices in the list of devices and you should see one or two (maybe more) entries called USB Human Interface Device. You need to disable one of them by right-clicking it and choosing Disable from the drop-down list of options.

Note: If you have only two such entries there in Device Manager then only one will be able to be disabled - the other will have the disable option greyed out in the drop-down list when you right click it. If however you have more than two such entries in Device Manager then you will need to ewnsure that you disable the correct one. This is done by double clicking on each one in turn and looking at what it says next to Location on the Properties page. The one that should be disabled will say USB Gaming Keyboard Pro next to Location. Once you have disabled that then try the game again and it should work fine."

Anyways, I've seen the problem with other games too. The most recent that comes to mind was King Kong.

I've been meaning to ditch the gamers for the eclipse for awhile, since it has backlighting that is actually useful.

EDIT: I just checked out pics of the eclipse II, niiice. They've given it a much better wrist rest and went back to the black on silver coloring like the gamer's keyboard. Now if only they'd make a spacesaver version without the numberpad, I'd probably buy 5 or 6 of them and be happy until we get The Matrix.

[pheriannath]

I have an original Eclipse, and I'm confident in saying it's the best keyboard I've ever used for gaming.

[Lon Lon Rabbit]

Anyone got any links for random useful modules for the LCD screen?

I've had this keyboard for quite a while but at the time I got it there was nothing around other than the packaged clock/CPU/media displays, and I just never got around to checking for user created content since then.

I'm not computer savvy enough to know how to create anything myself, so are there any good modules floating around out there now?

Love the keyboard otherwise though.

The instant macro record is really cool, I have macros for everything from instant messenger greetings, application launchers, and game macros, and combined with mouse gestures it's really cool to have so much stuff just a button press/wrist twitch away.

[shnastybiznastic]

Man, I wish they would just make an updated/backlit/uber meta keys everywhere version of my Model M.

[UnderHero5]

I too have an Eclipse and it's definitely the best keyboard I've used.
However, I'm usually the kind of person who simply buys a 10 dollar keyboard. This was the first time I've actually payed over $20 for a keyboard. I don't regret it though.

[Suicidal ShiZuru]

I have an original Eclipse, and I'm confident in saying it's the best keyboard I've ever used for gaming.

I had it until the Eclipse came out. Its much better since the letters are etched. Its basically the original with paint and the new keys.

[Syl]

The best use for that screen is with TeamSpeak or Xfire, you can program it to show the name of whomever is currently speaking. Extremely convenient.

[Suicidal ShiZuru]

The best use for that screen is with TeamSpeak or Xfire, you can program it to show the name of whomever is currently speaking. Extremely convenient.

Thats the first thing Ive heard thats somewhat useful. I know peoples voices easy enough though and generally dont use TS or Vent with strangers.

[DigitalFirefly]

I got this keyboard for Christmas, I love it. Also when playing the Prey demo it shows info onthe little LCD. Before this one I had the Saitek Keyboard with the separate gaming pad and hated it.

[niakori]

Oooo it's prettyful and functional. I'll add it to my list.

[Soap]

Nice review Bap. I'd actually bump it down to 2 stars because of the following things:

1) Lack of an ergonomic (split keyboard) version

2) LCD screen is not removable/wireless.


#2 complaint is really due to the fact that most people now have computer desks with a slideout keyboard tray. Just like in your picture. How useful is the LCD screen if you can't see it?

[StoneGut]

Yah I had the choice between this keyboard and the Eclipse ... I love my blue glow keys.

[Suicidal ShiZuru]

I got this keyboard for Christmas, I love it. Also when playing the Prey demo it shows info onthe little LCD. Before this one I had the Saitek Keyboard with the separate gaming pad and hated it.

Damn you people are vague. What kind of info...

[mikeohara]

I want one of these so bad ....

[Nite_Moogle]

As Syl said, by FAR the most useful plugin for the LCD screen is the one in Ventrilo/TS/Xfire that shows who is currently talking.

I'd like to point out that any non-ergonomic keyboard is going to feel cramped after using the split keyboard for a while. I had a MS Ergo a few years ago and everything else seemed small in comparison, but a split keyboard is horrid for playing RTS games. The G15's main keyboard layout is no different than any other keyboard out there, and it seems unfair to knock it for that when the order you review them in essentially has more to do with your perception of a tightly clustered keyboard than anything else.

After using the G15 and going back to a "standard" keyboard for a LAN party I was really amazed at how accustomed to it I had become. The keys are much quieter than standard keyboards and have a softer press, and the volume/media controls are something I can hardly do without anymore. I think the G15 is a much better keyboard than 2.5 stars.

[Ajguy]

I've been using this keyboard (the G15) for some time and I love it. Backlit keys are a Godsend, as is the widows key switch. Macro recording on the fly is very simple and intuitive. I just read the story of the guy getting banned for macros, but when I was playing WoW, I set up the timing to launch attack sequences for my Druid and Shaman (one button press would shoot something like two lightnings, flame shock, and then attack, all with the appropriate timing). The LCD screen is great in games that support it, and more new releases do, as are many older games thanks to patches. The review also doesn't mention the USB ports and the cable channels that run under the keyboard, making it a good place to plug in a USB controller. And Soap, the screen does fold down so as to be flat, making it easy to slide it into the keyboard drawer.

All in all, I highly recommend this keyboard if you can get past the price. I traded in my old Microsoft Wireless desktop set that had the replacement plan from Best Buy. I just told them that I moved into a new apartment and something in the building caused excessive wireless interference rendering the keyboard and mouse near useless. I use my G15 and Razer Diamondback and haven't looked back.

[AversionFX]

I was having a hardtime between a Saitek Eclipse and the Logitech G15. My father recently got himself an Eclipse, and after playing BF2 on it most of yesterday, I think I'm going with the Eclipse.

I don't need macros, the LCD is largely irrelevant to me, and I just like the look of the Eclipse just a bit more. It's also a bit cheaper :P

[51|RandoM]

The Eclipse II supposedly started shipping last week, you might want that instead of the original.

http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,1697,2001578,00.asp

[AversionFX]

The Eclipse II supposedly started shipping last week, you might want that instead of the original.

http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,1697,2001578,00.asp


The Eclipse II looks pretty nifty indeed, however I like the look of the original just a little bit more. I don't really need multimedia keys, so the original Eclipse is just perfect. Volume Up, Volume Down, mute, and lighting. Perfect.

[bapenguin]

The Eclipse II looks pretty nifty indeed, however I like the look of the original just a little bit more. I don't really need multimedia keys, so the original Eclipse is just perfect. Volume Up, Volume Down, mute, and lighting. Perfect.

If you can hold off till next week I should have a review up of it and I'll be comparing it to this keyboard.

[AversionFX]

If you can hold off till next week I should have a review up of it and I'll be comparing it to this keyboard.

Sweet, good man. What would we do without you, Bap?

[Pluvious]

Thought I would chime in as well and say my first gen Saitek is the bomb. More importantly, I was sooo happy to ditch that stupid Logitech keyboard software. Itouch I think?.. man that was a buggy POS.

That new Eclipse II is mighty attactive. I like purple.. ;)

[fitbabits]

Nice review, bapenguin! It's a shame it didn't live up to the potential.

[Heretic Machine]

That thing just doesn't look that great. The macro keys would be mostly useless, as I would never want to completly remove my hand from WADS to use them. I'm not sure what good the LCD screen would be for games either, except maybe an easily navigatable interface for Winamp. And is it just me, or does the actual keyboard keys seem to be pushed into the center of the keyboard more than they should be? It looks like it leaves a large border between your palms and the keys.

[Mortis]

Hmm that Eclipse II looks pretty nice. I would also like one of these, if they ever finish it: http://www.artlebedev.com/portfolio/optimus/

(Just noticed the Optimus was linked in that Eclipse II article also, I've been waiting for it forever)

[Citizen Philip]

I have a Deck keyyboard. It glows blu, just like my computer.

http://www.deckkeyboards.com/index.php

Backlit keys, adjustable brightness 1-7. Durable and if you are technically inclined you can mod the lights for different colours. And they have replaceable keys (ie. I have a skull and crossbones for my fire key)

[Zurik]

I've owned one of these since last christmas. For some reason Logitech keyboards fit my hands the best, so this is the most comfortable keyboard I've had. The macro keys are definitely a waste of time for most games, I guess MMO compulsive people could get some use out of them. I haven't seen to much support for the LCD display, since Logitech doesn't really write any programs for it, and the best things I've found for it were FPS and health/ammo displays in various games. I guess the biggest plus was the backlight keys, but its hard for me to recommend this keyboard to anyone with the price tag it still comes with.

[51|RandoM]

I don't really understand the appeal of the optimus, other than the wow factor of having an individual display on each keycap.

Imagine trying to keep 100+ LCDs(I'm aware it isn't LCD) clean instead of just one or two. :)

[gspot]

I've got one of the old, large, IBM, buckling spring keyboards. It clicks so loud you can't sleep in the same room as the typist. I love it though, best keyboard ever. If it was a little smaller and had a backlight for the letters it would be perfect. Sadly, no one makes buckling spring keyboards anymore, so my perfect keyboard is virtually unattainable.

[51|RandoM]

Sadly, no one makes buckling spring keyboards anymore, so my perfect keyboard is virtually unattainable.

http://www.pckeyboard.com

http://www.pckeyboard.com/pdf/Customizer.pdf

available with buckling spring or rubber dome, take your pick.

[harle]

Everyone should just hold out until the Optimus Keyboard (http://www.artlebedev.com/portfolio/optimus/) arrvies. I think it is supposed to be around $300.

[51|RandoM]

Everyone should just hold out until the Optimus Keyboard (http://www.artlebedev.com/portfolio/optimus/) arrvies. I think it is supposed to be around $300.

A. You'll probably be holding out forever.
B. Looking good does not necessarily equate with operating good.

:)

[ÜberJumper]

I've got a G15 (from a Multimedia version of the MS Natural).

I love it.

I use the LCD with the bundled apps, and with a teamspeak and BF2 server monitor plugin. I also experimented with an mIRC plugin to show a specific IRC channel in the window.

The bundled performance app is very handy, shows the load on both cores if you have a dual core system, along with memory load. Came in VERY handy during the CoH Beta last week when a bug was causing a garbage memory allocation to crash the game. I could tell when it was about to crash by observing the memory levels.

The teamspeak module is handy. With it I can see how's joining and leaving the teamspeak channel I'm in, or who's talking, and also who's got their mike sensitivity too high and is breathing through their nose.

Logitech would be wise to release a natural version of this board, and standalone LCD screens (like the pertelian lcd (http://pertelian.com/index.php)) as well. I'd love to have 3 or 4 of them underneath my monitor to show various mini-apps and other functionality, have them take advantage of Microsoft SideShow (http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/features/foreveryone/sideshow.mspx#more).

The bad... space bar key is wearing a bit, blue light is shining through a worn spot on my space bar. Had it for about a month.

These are on sale right now in Canada for 80 bucks or so Canadian.

[51|RandoM]

Logitech would be wise to release a natural version of this board, and standalone LCD screens (like the pertelian lcd (http://pertelian.com/index.php)) as well. I'd love to have 3 or 4 of them underneath my monitor to show various mini-apps and other functionality, have them take advantage of Microsoft SideShow (http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/features/foreveryone/sideshow.mspx#more).


If they were to release the LCD as a standalone product they'd sell tons of them to case modders alone.

[Zan Lynx]

I love all these Logitech gizmos. However, I hate their attitude toward releasing specs. Sure, great, they gave us an API. It's only useful for Windows. I only use that for games.

How about telling everyone how to actually talk to their hardware? I'd like to be able to use my DiNovo LCD without a year of reverse engineering.

[Intruder]

I love mySaitek Eclipse, however the paint on the keys does wear off. My AWSD keys are wearing thin and I only got it for last Christmas.

[Bad_Buddha]

Be nice if Saitek cleans up the compatibility issues while they are at it.
Thanks for reminding me! I disabled some of the USB keyboard drivers per the Saitek Support site so I could play Thief: Deadly Shadows. I uninstalled Thief a while ago and hadn't reset the keyboard USB drivers.

Time for some System Housekeeping!

[DeadPixel]

I own this keyboard and I don't like it. It's simply too big for my desk. I ended up just giving it to my gf who likes the backlit keys. She has never even flipped the LCD up.

[Swat]

I give it a 4.5/5. Best keyboard I've ever owned, and if you play World of Warcraft, use Xfire, or Vent, it's not just a gimmick, but a great little LCD gadget as well.

In World of Warcraft it can display your stats, if someone sends you a tell, and it also tallies up your HK's and such when you're in the Battlegrounds. Also works great with Xfire/Vent, and the list keeps growing.

Plus, the thing looks ultra sexy and high tech (KITT from Knight Rider sexy) with it's subtle yet effective blue lighted keys and slick edgy design. It feels pretty nice too, although the keys are closer together, it didn't bother me, and I have man fingers.

If you're using a crusty $10 mom-n-pop special, and you are a gamer, it's absolutely a no brainer. And it's about what.. $60? Go get it!

[chowweekly]

A. You'll probably be holding out forever.
B. Looking good does not necessarily equate with operating good.

:)

True. Their main page says it already released in 2005 but their 'answers' page says they're hoping to release in 2006. I don't like the sound of that.

If this does release I'll be picking one up as long as the reviews don't say it's a complete disaster.

On a side note: has anyone here checked out their 'Mus' mouse? That is the stupidest looking mouse I've ever seen.

[ZeroAlpha]

I
The bad... space bar key is wearing a bit, blue light is shining through a worn spot on my space bar. Had it for about a month.


This is acctually a known fault with some G15's mine has the same fault. If you contact logitech they normally either send a replacement or tell you to take it back to the retailer you bought it. (being that i work for pc retailer i just took mine back through work)

But yeah ive been happy with this keyboard other than that.

[mightbe]

I also love my Saitek Eclipse. I switched to it when my first gen MS Natural died and it was a fairly painless transition.

If I had extra cash lying around, I'd probably buy one of the newer natural kb's though.

[mindstrike]

Well the Saitek Eclipse..(using now) I find that using it during a lighted room with the blue lights one very "blurry"... the G15 seems to have a better back light system.. for their keys look brighter.... Here is hoping I get to see version 2 of this...

[Spigot]

Everyone should just hold out until the Optimus Keyboard (http://www.artlebedev.com/portfolio/optimus/) arrvies. I think it is supposed to be around $300.
Good call. I've been waiting for that piece of awesomeness for some time. I highly doubt I'll be able to afford it, but it would be great to have.

I've been eyeing up the G15 at the local computer shop for several months now. I love the backlit keys and the little LCD screen just tickles the gimmick centre in my brain something fierce. I just wish it wasn't so expensive. Ah well.

Good review, Bap. If you ever need to give your G15 a home, let me know :)

[ÜberJumper]

It's worth the 80 bucks spigot (http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0665000FS10067143&catid=14266) come on, you know you want it.

[Karragasch]

This is acctually a known fault with some G15's mine has the same fault. If you contact logitech they normally either send a replacement or tell you to take it back to the retailer you bought it. (being that i work for pc retailer i just took mine back through work)

Thats true, it actually costs Logitech less money to simply send you one then going through all the Paperwork to actually check whats wrong. As long as you dont literaly hack the board to pieces, theyll send you a replacement.

[51|RandoM]

True. Their main page says it already released in 2005 but their 'answers' page says they're hoping to release in 2006. I don't like the sound of that.


I get the feeling that he is looking for funding(investment or somebody to buy his ideas/designs outright) and can't find it.

Its just a design at this point, with 'patents pending'.

Their mini-3 device---which is a proof of concept as far as I'm concerned---is pre-orderable, was supposed to start shipping around the 15th of August, but there isn't any update on the site.

Check the price on that. $160. $160 for 3 keys, what do you think a full keyboard is going to run?

Interesting idea, nice mockup built, but unlikely to be produced any time soon, imho.

[Spigot]

It's worth the 80 bucks spigot (http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0665000FS10067143&catid=14266) come on, you know you want it.
You know I know you know I know I want it.

I just don't know how I could get the thing into the house and not be eviscerated by my wife. I'm already dreading the day I bring the Wii home unannounced. An $80 keyboard with glowing keys and an LCD screen that we really don't need would probably be rammed through my forehead.