Digital Trends

Logitech G15 Keyboard

December 11th, 2005 | by Brandon King

The second major feature of the G15, and the reason it is gi-normous, is the large set of programmable macro keys along the left side. Three sets of six macro keys adorn the side, along with three mode keys. The mode keys switch the set of 18 macro keys to a different set of macros, effectively making the keyboard capable of supporting 54 macros. Is this overkill? Not really. As any gamer knows, in any one game you can have different modes of play or different characters. Having the ability to switch between sets of macros is almost essential. In addition, the software supports profiles, which means that the macros are entirely game dependant. Open up World of Warcraft, and the LCD proudly displays, “World of Warcraft profile activated.” We found with City of Heroes, we had to switch back to Windows and then to the game for the profile to be correctly loaded (most likely due to the game having a separate loader, which dupes the software). Macros can be recorded using the software application or in-game with the macro record button.

The media keys are your usual, standard keys seen on many keyboards now:  Play, pause, stop, forward, and back. The center wheel spins to adjust volume. The media keys are relatively old hat for Logitech now, and support for media players is widespread. As an added bonus, the LCD will display track information for most players.

One of the stranger features of the G15 is the gaming mode switch. Such a broadly named feature should have wide-ranging effects, optimizing the keyboard performance to standards never before seen in gaming peripherals, right? This one just turns off the Windows key. We were slightly underwhelmed, even though it is a useful feature. The mute button is placed outside of the media space, where it can be accessed when the LCD is closed.

Image courtesy of Logitech

One thing Logitech has improved over the past few years is the quality of their software. That is apparent with the great configuration utility included. We found it to be very stable, and experienced no stability problems or unusual behavior. The included application allows the user to set up macros and adjust a few simple settings such as the time between LCD screen displays. The software ships with several profiles for popular games, which most gamers will probably discard for their own custom settings. The macro functionality adds a layer of productivity to the G15 as well. You could add a profile for any program, essentially making every program instantly scriptable.

On the tactile side, the G15 is a solid keyboard for everyday use, but does feel slightly “mushy.” There's no satisfying click of the keys, but the spring back and elevation are comfortable. The wrist rest is more show than functionality, having no padding and being relatively flimsy. Some gaming keyboards sacrifice aesthetics for ergonomics, adding oddly shaped gaming pieces to the keyboard. The G15 is more of a keyboard for the avid gamer that doesn't want to explain their input device to a casual onlooker.