Home : Hardware : Reviews : Logitech G15 (Version 2) Gaming keyboard
Performance:
For the most part the Version 2 of the G15 keyboard performs comparably to the '05 model. Keystrokes still have a soft, satisfying clicky feel, though they now have the satin texture that Logitech uses on many of its newer peripherals. The unit is still as responsive and comfortable as it ever was.
When it comes to improvements, Logitech clearly took consumer input to heart and addressed customer complaints one by one.
The blue backlight has been replaced by a much easier to see amber color, which really pops, and makes the backlight function much more...well...functional.
As I mentioned earlier, the 18 "G" keys have been replaced by a single column of six. Above this column are three illuminated "mode" buttons that allow you to switch between 3 separate profiles for the keys below. This effectively allows for the functionality of 18 keys in a six key array. On the review unit, the M1 and M2 key indicator lights were reversed, but it is my guess that this is a defect in the review unit, and does not affect consumer models.
The flip-up LCD screen of the '05 model has been replaced with a slightly smaller, integrated screen. Although it is not as large as the previous model, the LCD sports the same resolution. A tighter screen coupled with an easier to see backlight really allows the LCD to shine. The media control keys have been moved to the sides of the display and the volume adjustment wheel has been replaced by volume up/down buttons, also to the right of the LCD. Unfortunately game developers are still hesitant to include support for this LCD, which means that it may not be as handy as you might initially think.
Logitech has included some basic functions with the G15s software suite, which is still as robust as ever. A memory and CPU usage monitor, a stopwatch and timer, media information and a clock and email notification icon are included by the manufacturer, but not much is provided in the way of gaming software. Luckily there is a large community of enterprising gamers with coding skills who are making homebrew applications for many of the more popular games out there. A great place to find these apps is www.g15forums.com.
A few minor changes have been implemented to further improve on the original G15s design. The USB ports have been repositioned for easier access. The gaming switch, which deactivates the "windows" key while gaming, is a little larger, and on the back side of the unit Logitech has provided intelligent cable routing grooves to reduce chord clutter. Several other buttons have been repositioned as well to make the layout a little more user-friendly.
