iPhone 3GS from AT&T. Free ShippingLogitech G15 Keyboard (Revision 2)
Manufacturer: Logitech Part number: 920-000379
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- Logitech's revised version of its already distinctive G15 gaming keyboard adds polish and trims some of the fat. Throw in the now-mature user community that churns out lots of homebrew apps for the built-in LCD screen, and we'd recommend this keyboard to any PC gamer as a unique, useful, and customizable input device.
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CNET editors' review
Logitech G15 Keyboard (Revision 2) price range: $79.50 - $99.90
- Reviewed by: Rich Brown
- Reviewed on: 05/06/2008
- Released on: 09/01/2007
The good: Refined design takes up less space than the original but keeps most of the same features; strong macro programming capability; broader support for homebrew LCD apps; more responsive-feeling keys; orange LED comes through better in the dark.
The bad: Expensive; still no USB 2.0 ports.
The bottom line: Logitech's revised version of its already distinctive G15 gaming keyboard adds polish and trims some of the fat. Throw in the now-mature user community that churns out lots of homebrew apps for the built-in LCD screen, and we'd recommend this keyboard to any PC gamer as a unique, useful, and customizable input device.
Somehow we missed Logitech's update to its G15 Keyboard last year. It started showing up in our lab recently with a few high-end gaming PCs that spurred us to give it the full review treatment. We're glad we did. The new model improves on many facets of the original, elevating what was already a pretty good keyboard to Editors' Choice status. We're also happy to report that the online community has embraced the G15's unique, programmable LCD screen, and there's now a wide variety of useful mini apps available for download. All of these features will cost you more than your average keyboard, although real-world prices are lower than Logitech's suggested $99. Especially if you can find it for a good price, we recommend the G15 keyboard as our new favorite for PC gaming.
If you're familiar with the old G15, the new model is instantly recognizable, but it has a much more streamlined design. Instead of the many angles and beveled edges on the original, the new G15 is all smooth curves and flowing lines. The LCD screen no longer folds down on a hinge, but instead rises up gracefully from the top edge, permanently and prominently displayed. Logitech also moved from blue LED key backlighting to orange, and it also extended to the orange glow to the LCD screen. We find the orange easier to read in the dark, especially compared with blue on both the old model and the Razer Lycosa.
The other big physical change is the new model's smaller size. Down from 21.5 inches to 19.5 inches wide, the updated G15 lost a belt size or two at the expense of 12 "G-keys," or programmable hot keys. Now instead of 54 possible custom buttons (among 18 keys in three different modes), you now get only six G-keys and three different modes, for a total of 18 programmable commands. We were more than happy to compromise here, both for the reduced size, and also because we could never come up with 54 separate macros to begin with, let alone remember where they were. We're sure some of you might miss having so much flexibility, and if so, you're better off sticking with the original model.
You can use Logitech's software to program macros for specific games, and you can also use the built-in macro record key to set macros while you're playing. Logitech also lets you map custom scripts to the G-keys, and there's even a script editor built into Logitech's software for those of you handy with the Lua programming language.
Logitech's implementation of its custom hot keys is well done, but as with the original model, the true distinguishing feature of the revised G15 is the GamePanel (aka, the 2.5-inch LCD screen on the keyboard's top edge). Logitech now includes a handful of built-in mini apps for the screen, including those for World of Warcraft and Call of Duty 4, as well as Ventrilo, the popular third-party voice-chat program. You can use the game-specific programs to show character data or other useful information. We found the Ventrilo app particularly handy when we joined a pickup group in World of Warcraft. Because the app displays the name of the person talking on the G15's screen, we didn't have to tab out to check.
In addition to the included, ready-made LCD applications, Logitech's efforts toward encouraging community development have paid off. When we reviewed the original G15 in 2006, it was a year after its release, and at that point there was still only a handful of worthwhile, community-developed apps for the LCD. Now you can find all manner of plug-ins available for free download on the G15 Mods and G15 Forums. This enthusiastic development is likely due to time, and is not a specific feature of the new G15 (and all apps will work with both models, provided you have the updated software). Regardless, we're glad to see the community help the G15 achieve its full potential. We should also add that the G15's LCD is Windows SideShow compatible, although Microsoft's own SideShow downloads page only hosts 22 mini apps. Perhaps SideShow needs an incubation period similar to the G15's software development kit.
A few other features changed on the new G15, but the trimmer dimensions and the new LED color are the major highlights. You still get the much-loved "Windows-killer" key, which disables the Vista key so that you don't accidentally switch out to your desktop mid-game. Logitech did tweak the media control keys surrounding the LCD screen, and instead of a touch-sensitive dial you now get dedicated buttons for track and volume control. We don't mind the change, but you may. The underside of the keyboard also has a series of grooves for routing cables more neatly around your desk. The thick cable of the G15 cable itself was too thick to fit in the grooves, but most mouse and headphone cords should be thin enough. Finally, the keys seem to have a better response than the original G15. They're not quite as crisp as the Razer Tarantula, but they're an improvement from the mushy older version.
We have two issues with the G15, one more serious than the other. The biggest problem is that it has two USB 1.1 ports. That means less throughput than USB 2.0, which you'll notice particularly in data-transfer speeds of large files from USB flash drives and other external storage devices. The other issue, which is less important, is that unlike other illuminated keyboards, Logitech doesn't offer multiple LED color options. We like the orange, and prefer it to the old blue light, as we said, but it wouldn't be that expensive or difficult to add other choices.
User reviews
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A huge step backward
by scodavis on June 1, 2008
Pros: Same as the old G15
Cons: 8 Macro keys instead of 18
Summary: This is supposed to be an upgrade from the last G15 keyboard but ends up being a HUGE downgrade because of the lopping off of 10 macro keys. This is ...
Summary: This is supposed to be an upgrade from the last G15 keyboard but ends up being a HUGE downgrade because of the lopping off of 10 macro keys. This is supposed to be a gaming keyboard and while I like the LCD screen I'm taking this baby straight back to the store and get a G11. I can live without the lcd screen, I cannot live with 10 less macro keys. What was Logitech thinking?
2 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Awesome. Really cool features.
by metaljonas on January 3, 2010
Pros: Has an LCD screen, with lots of different settings. You can see your stats while you play WoW. See your CPU, Read the News with the RSS feed.
Keys light up, and are very responsive.
Lots of keys for gaming customization. Macro keys, profile keys.Cons: The media buttons around the LCD screen, (IE: Fast forward, Reverse, Stop, Play/Pause, Volume up/down, dont work correctly, or not at all.
Summary: Really great key board, but its getting dated, and its time logictech lowered the price, I mean, the is a whole new series of G. (G16, which is a HUUUGGGEEE ...
Summary: Really great key board, but its getting dated, and its time logictech lowered the price, I mean, the is a whole new series of G. (G16, which is a HUUUGGGEEE improvement.)
Some people may be deterred by the price tag of 160$ CAD, but if you want epic gaming gear, youll pay the price. -
Perfection
by jahpeople on February 22, 2009
Pros: 18 programmable macro buttons (with in game on-the-fly macro recording ability
easy to read lcd that displays useful information
good tactile response on keys
other bells and whistlesCons: none, except price maybe
Summary: Some of the other reviewers here are unhappy with fewer macro keys on the new G15's fewer macro keys, but I'm not one of them. For myself 18 ...
Summary: Some of the other reviewers here are unhappy with fewer macro keys on the new G15's fewer macro keys, but I'm not one of them. For myself 18 macros are more than enough, and with very flexible setup options, it's easy to configure those keys to your liking. One obvious draw to this keyboard is the LCD screen, which comes with a decent number of useful apps pre-installed. Depending on your gaming and other computing needs you should be able to find just about any app you could want, from stock tickers to virtual pets (some obviously more useful than others). The orange display is easy to read in both high and low light situations, and I personally prefer the built in design to the old flip up model. Two usb ports, a windows key lock, media controls and high and backlit keys round out the features of a very nice keyboard.
Other thoughts -
I know the Cnet staff docked this board a few points for not having usb 2.0 ports, but again for me this isn't a problem. I prefer to have usb powered devices plugged directly into the pc, or barring that a usb hub. I've found that the two top ports are ideal for charging my mobile and headset while sitting at the desk. The placement of the ports helps me cut down on desk clutter, and helps me avoid losing my two charger cables (which I routinely misplace).
If the loss of macro buttons bothers you and you're still looking for an upgrade, go ahead and purchase the new G19 keyboard. It boasts a similar feature set with more macro buttons and a full color lcd. Since I can only remember about 4 macros at a time, this keyboard definitely works for me. Any more buttons would be overkill, as I still haven't found a good use for the remaining 14 macro buttons. Personal preference.
Final Thoughts -
I just can't say enough good things about this keyboard. It has all the bells and whistles I've been looking for in a gaming keyboard, and it isn't over-the-top ugly. Let's not forget about the most important feature of any keyboard, the typing experience. Typing on this thing is a breeze, and while you'll find that some buttons have been shortened it doesn't hamper the tactile experience in any way. I have small hands and find that both the shorter tab button and macro buttons are very easy to reach. In other words this keyboard is just plain comfortable to use, a big plus if you plan on spending a good deal of time at your pc. The mod community has also been all over this thing since rev. 1 was released, so there are a ton of addons for your LCD to make it even more useful. Bottom line; if you want a great gaming keyboard, and think that 18 macro buttons are enough to satisfy your gaming needs, then there really is no better choice on the market today. Buy this keyboard. -
Great feeling keys and typing is tactile. Useful LCD.
by swordsmax on December 1, 2008
Pros: Lighted Keys (can be off, low or bright). Downloadable presets for games or manually programmed for personal keystrokes.
Cons: Ok.. How do I turn off these macro keys? Accidentally pressing one launches a barrage of keystroke series which I don't really need sometimes.
Summary: Pretty good keyboard. Feels great typing. 18 keys are plenty for me. But if you need more. Maybe you should think about a Strategic Commander or some other USB programmed ...
Summary: Pretty good keyboard. Feels great typing. 18 keys are plenty for me. But if you need more. Maybe you should think about a Strategic Commander or some other USB programmed left hand controllers.
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Great gaming keyboard!
by Eddt on July 18, 2008
Pros: good backlight, readable LCD
Cons: no usb ports, pricepoint
Summary: Though some may complain that this keyboard is a step backwards from the first version, I can say that not having owned the first one I didn't have an ...
Summary: Though some may complain that this keyboard is a step backwards from the first version, I can say that not having owned the first one I didn't have an opinion on the topic when purchasing my version 2 G15.
At first, I was inclined to think that the 6 macro keys wouldn't be enough, but that just isn't the case. In fact, for my particular gaming style (heavy mmorpg) they are more than sufficient. The macros can be prebuilt using the Logitech tools, or you can even create them on the fly - actually record them live from the game.
Everything about this keyboard is easy to use and while the retail price is a little steep, overall I'm pleased with this keyboard - my new keyboard of choice! -
Better looking then the original G15
by mjmercer on August 7, 2008
Pros: I like the look and the new design
Cons: What were they thinking in reducing the number of "G" keys!
Summary: I will hang on to my original G15 and when it goes bad I hope Logitech has added more "G" keys.Yes you still have 18 keys BUT for quick ...
Summary: I will hang on to my original G15 and when it goes bad I hope Logitech has added more "G" keys.Yes you still have 18 keys BUT for quick playing you only have six. Six keys is just not enough and the vertical stacking of the six keys is not ideal Blah!!!
I would recommend you find old stock of the original design. This revision 2 is a big step backwards...0 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Logitech
- Part number: 920-000379
- Description: Good intel and proper gear are the keys to victory. With the Logitech G15 keyboard, you get both. Now you can easily discover on which server your friends are playing Battlefield 2142, be notified when your World of Warcraft battleground becomes available and know exactly who's talking in Ventrilo with the Logitech G15 keyboard's exclusive GamePanel LCD. You can also create useful macros on the fly that play back with a single press of one of the six G keys. As every key features illuminated characters, with three levels of brightness, you can keep playing late into the night.
General
- Device Type Keyboard
- Form Factor External
- Localization English - US
- Localization English:United States
Input Device
- Interface USB
- Connectivity Technology Wired
- Buttons Qty 6
- Features Palm rest, LCD display
- Key/Button Function Multimedia, Programmable
Expansion / Connectivity
- Expansion Slot(s) None
- Interfaces None
- Connections 1 x USB - 4 pin USB Type A
Miscellaneous
- Cables Included 1 x USB cable
- Microsoft Certifications Works with Windows Vista
Software / System Requirements
- Software Included Drivers & Utilities
- OS Required Microsoft Windows XP, Microsoft Windows Vista
- System Requirements Details Windows XP - RAM 256 MB - HD 20 MB, Windows Vista - RAM 256 MB - HD 20 MB
Manufacturer Warranty
- Service & Support 1 year warranty
- Service & Support Details Limited warranty - 1 year
Cable(s) / Peripheral(s)
- Cable(s) Included 1 USB cable
Interface(s) Required
- Port(s) / Connector(s) Required 1 USB 4 pin USB Type A
Interface Provided
- Port(s) Total (Free) None
Warranty
- Service / Support Details Limited warranty 1 year
Expansion Slot(s)
- Slot(s) Provided None
Manufacturer info
- Logitech
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Logitech products on Shopper.com
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- Website: http://www.logitech.com/
- Address:
6505 Kaiser Dr., Fremont, CA 94555
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