Reviews for Logitech G15 Gaming Keyboard

As Tolkien would say, "The One Keyboard to Rule Them...

Strengths: Good key "feel" for a membrane keyboard, full size keyboard, backlit leds for each and every key, many multimedia keys, very bright LCD screen that is programmable, still better than the G15 version 2

Weakness: Keyboard is fairly wide at 21 3/8 inches (54.4 cm) and is not wireless, it does not wash the car or snuggle with you at night

(Jan 6th, 2008) I previously owned the excellent Logitech MX 3100 wireless desktop and replaced it with the G15 keyboard 21 months ago and I am still a happy customer. I usually prefer wireless keyboards because my knees used to drag on the cord but the G15 is something special. One of the nicest aspects of this board is the great key "feel" (the amount of mass in grams needed to activate the keys) for a membrane keyboard. All keys activate under the same force level (0.49 Newtons (corresponding to 50 grams)(unlike the DAS keyboard which has weighted keys but no lettering) but it feels more precise than the MX 700 Duo or MX 3100 keyboards (both from Logitech). The best feature for me is the inclusion of backlit EL lighting behind the keys so that you can type in the dark if you so choose. The backlight is bright blue and look damn cool (and yet is not overpowering as with many competing keyboards). The leds shine thru on each and every single key and there are no dark areas on the keyboard. The keyboard is also full sized and includes the numberpad, directional arrows, function keys, multimedia keys, windows protection key, and 18 programmble G keys (with three options for each totaling 54 presets) that you can set to do dozens of moves if you play online games (WOW, Final Fantasy, CounterStrike etc) or activate even more multimedia functions. The G15 also includes two powered USB 2.0 slots in the back to plug in peripherals. There is also a separate key so that you can adjust the level of the background leds. In fact, there are so many keys with so many possibilities, that George "Nukcleare Strategery" Bush would never put this baby down on the Oval office desk.
This keyboard is also unique among currently released products in that it has a LCD screen that can show the time/date, cpu/memory usage, and WMP/Quicktime/REAL/Winamp playlists. The LCD screen is also lit for use at night and is fully programmable and you can make custom displays if you use the SDK and know a little C++ code. The LCD screen is also supported by many add-ons from the gaming community at large (check g15mods.com). Another nifty feature is the volume knob that works quite well with Creative soundcard drivers (as well as most integrated motherboard sound).
Finally this board is zero degree tilt, but does include tabs to raise it if needed. The only downsides - the leds require too much power for the board to be wireless so you have to put up with a cord. The keyboard is also quite wide at 21 3/8 inches, so do a quick tape measure check of your desktop before ordering. To sum it up, if you game, this is a five star keyboard that will give you more features. There is also a newer version of this keyboard (released August 2007) which is almost exactly the same except for fewer 'G' keys and no scroll wheel, so I feel that it is not really an improvement. If you are just the average Joe (like me), who types some, plays games a little and is often busy turning in homework late into the night, this keyboard still rocks as a five star product. Great implementation!

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A Full-Featured Keyboard for the Gamer or Non-Gamer...

Strengths: Sharp + clear LCD screen with lots of potential; 18 Function Keys; Backlit keys; Nice crisp typing feel.

Weakness: Cable management channels have limited use; takes up more desk space than most keyboards.

The G15 Gaming Keyboard is a sharp-looking and solid-performing keyboard from Logitech with a multitude of features for gamers and everyday computer users alike. It has a monochrome LCD screen at the top of the keyboard, 18 programmable "G keys" situated to the left of the standard keyboard layout, 3 Macro mode keys, a Quick-Macro recording key, multimedia control buttons, a Game Mode slide switch to disable the Windows/menu keys, 2 USB ports, and cool blue backlit illumination of all characters on the keyboard.

Versatile LCD Screen

The Logitech G15 keyboard sports a 160 pixel-wide by 43 pixel-height LCD screen that can be folded up to a comfortable viewing angle or folded down to close it from view. “Applets” utilize the LCD screen to display the system date and time, the system's CPU and RAM memory utilization, media info. displays for popular media players, and a Profiler (see below). When the G15 keyboard became available in Q4 of 2005, the two games supporting Logitech's GamePanel LCD screen were Ubisoft's "Brothers In Arms: Earned in Blood" and Ritual's "SiN Episodes." Games released in the future should take advantage of the GamePanel Technology. G15 enthusiasts and third-party developers are writing applets (RSS feeds, system/network info, IRC chat logs, media player displays, etc.) to take full advantage of this LCD display. "www.g15forums.com" and "www.lcdstudio.com" are website leaders spearheading LCD applet development for the G15 Keyboard.


Lots of Keyboard

This keyboard is big -- measuring approx. 21.5" width by 10.75" deep, laying flat on the desk. It can be elevated slightly using the 0.75" back legs. The wrist rest and areas edging the G15 are rubberized. This wrist rest feels comfortable and solid but may not be as elevated for the wrists as other wrist rests if ergonomics are important to you.

The typing feel of the keys is very solid. There is slightly less tactile resistance to key presses than some Microsoft keyboards; this is why the G15 is so good for gaming where quick key presses mean quicker game play... and great for speed typists. Key presses also do not provide an overabundance of audible feedback, so it's less distracting when typing up a storm.


The G Keys & Profiler

The G15 owes its size to the 18 extra G-function keys. Each G key can be programmed to send a sequence of keystrokes ("Macros") with one press. Mode buttons M1-M3 select between 3 configurations for the 18 G keys = making 54 macros possible. If you play multiplayer games, think about various chat messages often relayed to teammates, or multiple weapon ammo reloads, or flying evasive patterns to elude incoming fire, or buying a list of supplies quickly via one G Key press. Precise timing between each keystroke is recorded in each macro if need be. Macros can also be used within apps and desktop commands. Macros are recorded by the Macro Manager or on-the-fly by the Quick Macro Record key.

The G15 Profiler detects programs launching in Windows and automatically loads a corresponding G Key profile. Each profile stores your G Key layouts. Profiles are easily created, and macros are assigned to G Keys using an easy-to-understand interface.


More Features?

Below the LCD screen, there are five buttons for controlling functions of the LCD applets, 4 brightly outlined/backlit multimedia buttons (previous, next, stop, play/pause), a fingertip-adjustable wheel volume control, mute button, illumination-level control (off + 2 brightness levels), and the Game Mode switch. Additionally, there are cable management channels on the G15’s underside. The channels are wide enough to route one cable from one end (right/front/2 back side) of the keyboard to another, but two cables traveling to one side cannot use the same channel or overlap if routed different directions. I find it easier to ignore this cumbersome and narrow cable channel, but some might find this feature useful.


Conclusion

The G15 Gaming Keyboard offers more features, functionality and potential than any other keyboard on the market. Why? The applets that use the G15's LCD screen can display persistent, supplemental information without cluttering your computer's precious desktop space. This is a compelling feature of the G15 Gaming Keyboard that other keyboards do not offer and a great reason to invest in this highly capable keyboard. I think it's great.

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The Battleboard!

Strengths: 18 user-programmable keys; LCD HUD; blue LED backlight that's not blinding; media controller, can program macros on-the-fly, G15 software plays well with most modern games; USB hub

Weakness: Wide keyboard takes up desk space, GamePanel only supported by a few games (to date); palmpad feels somewhat flimsy; G keys could be a tad bit bigger and have a dedicated FPS rose (like the Zboard)

Hot Damn! Got this beauty along with a G7 wireless gaming mouse for my birthday, and gaming on anything else save a Z-Board seems downright primitive! The G15's software automatically detects most games like Battlefield 2, Half-Life 2, Call of Duty and others and remembers the (up to three) profiles for each one and their related macros. The LCD Heads-Up Display shows the CPU and RAM loads, plus the date/time by default. With a little bit of tweaking, you can do even more. However, the GamePanel LCD functions that show bandwith, ammo, messages, and what-not are only supported by a few games, but I have a feeling that will change as this relatively new board gets a bit more market circulation. The 18 user-programmable keys are a bit smaller than normal, and a dedicated FPS rose would have been nice. Even still, I have found that these "G keys" can also be used in other programs, such as Adobe Photoshop CS2 for just as many useful functions as gaming (shifting between layers, undo/redo, tool types, tool/brush sizes, zoom, scroll, and what-not) with a little user-defined tweaking! Topping it all off this board sports a USB hub and a game/function speed switch. This board is 3-5 inches bigger than most keyboards, but the G15 screams functionality and user customization. With a price competitive to the Zboard (including one keyset), Gamers that only play FPS might have a hard time deciding between this and a Z-board, but gamers that also play RTS, Sims, and RPGs need look no further: this is your keyboard.

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Large and in charge

Strengths: Amazing key feel. High quality looks. Backlit keys.

Weakness: keyboard is HUGE. If you have a pull out shelf this board takes up the whole thing and the lcd can become hidden. In order to use a mouse on the shelf I have to hang the G keys off the edge.

This board has some fantastic features. Although I do not think I would pay the money again for it unless they could narrow it by a couple inches at least. Which is possible seeing how the edging is way overstated(adding to its nice looks.

If you have plenty of desk room this board cannot be beat.
It looks and feels as nice as the price.

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Logitech G15 Keyboard

Strengths: Backlit, Macro keys, USB ports, LCD

Weakness: None

I bought this keyboard from DELL for $20 after a coupon. It's a great sturdy keyboard. Backlit with three levels of lighting (off, low, high) although the low and high levels don't seem to have much of a difference. It has macro keys, so you can set any key combinations you can think of for games or other applicatioons. USB ports so you don't have to reach behind your PC, which comes in handy.


I haven't installed the software to configure the LCD, but I suppose it will be useful as more programs get released to support it. Overall, this is a nice keyboard, especially if you have uses for the macro keys, which I believe is the main selling point. LCD is just for fancy looks at this point until apps get released for it, and blacklit lighting is a must even during the day.

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Potentially great keyboard

Strengths: Backlit LCD Lighted keys Windows key disabler (toggle switch) Macro keys...and plenty of them Easy to read key lock indicators 2 USB ports (1.1 assuming due to power draw factor)

Weakness: Volume disc is a great alternative to buttons but it's smooth so it can be hard for dry fingertips, macro keys on left side of control key prone to accidental taps, LCD functions sparse without mods

I haven't had a chance to put this keyboard through the ringer yet, but from what I've gathered so far, it's a heavy-hitting keyboard with a lot of features that aren't all collected into any other single keyboard: backlit LCD, 2 USB 1.1 ports, volume disc (as opposed to up/down buttons), 18 macro keys, lighted keys, nice rubbery coating for grippy feel, are among the many features.

The LCD functionality is fairly basic out of the box, but with the modding community out there working on custom apps/utilities to make the most of the LCD I'm sure it'll prove to be quite useful as more mods surface. The macro keys on the left have gotten their share of accidental taps because I'm not used to anything interactive situated to the left of the tab/caps lock/shift/ctrl keys. This will take some getting used to. The lighted keys is nice for those of you who play games in dim/darkened rooms and I'm relieved to see that the LCD is backlit as that'd negate the lighted keys feature if you had to have an outside light source to appreciate other functions of the keyboard. I understand that the USB ports are 1.1 due to the potential power issues with using 2.0 as things may end up shutting down if you've got too many higher powered USB 2.0 devices drawing power from your PSU through the keyboard's hub. It's not a big deal to me as it only means less cable clutter on my desk.

I'm looking forward to exploring the capabilites of the macro keys and the LCD. Logitech put some innovative thought into this keyboard by collecting a number of features that are otherwise not available together on any other single keyboard...that I know of.

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Great Gaming Keyboard

Strengths: Soft Glue Lighhting Macro Keys Pop-up LCD screen Well Built Easy to setup

Weakness: none

This keyboard is a real must for anybody who games a lot. Since its usb it has no keyboard lag. It takes a while to get used to the keyboard layout, but after a few days you will gaming as good as anybody on the servers. The aluminum back plate is a nice trim piece and has a handy usb 1.1 hub on the backside for other devices. The keyboard even has some channels for routing cables such as your mouse under the keyboard, but it is a tricky feat. Overall the keyboard has a lot of functionality and with games like World of Warcraft or other multiple games can be a real asset.

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Logitech G15 Gaming Keyboard with LCD.

Strengths: Lighted Blue Key Lettering Macro Keys LCD Screen

Weakness: LCD is hard to use with some keyboard drawer setups. The black is rubbing off one of my keys causing light to shine through around the lettering.

If you're an RPG player, this keyboard is for you! There are plenty of macro keys, 18 alone on the left side. The key lettering lights up in blue, but my "A" key is wearing the black off causing light to shine through. There is also a dim-light button you can press to lower the key brightness down or up. I like the feel of the keys, not to soft but not to hard either. The LCD screen can be programmed to give different information such as CPU load, RAM usage, etc. or FPS.

The wrist-rest is kinda cheap, but it works. This is a large keyboard, so be sure to have plenty of desk-room.

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Logitech G15 Keyboard

Strengths: Keys are very comfortable, backlight helpful, very customizable.

Weakness: None

I really like this keyboard. I bought a this and I use it for World of Warcraft. It is very customizable and lets me group all my spells together conveniently.

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Great Keyboard

Strengths: Fully customizable keys and LCD Multilevel backlighting Software installation includes winamp, windows media player compatability automatically Soft, quiet but definitive keystroke

Weakness: Expensive

Everything on this keybaord can be customized to your liking. Different profiles can be saved for the programmable keys making it easy to switch between game/application custom keys.

Third party software at lcdstudio.com lets you custom build and create what you'd like on your LCD from processor and memory statistics to winamp information. This program is a bit of a memory hog, but it's completely optional and only necessary if you want to change the default LCD applets.

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Logitech G15

Strengths: LCD Panel, Backlights, Programmable keys

Weakness: Too big and bright

This keyboard is a great one. It has an LCD Panel which tells you have many things such as the stats in the game. Another thing that it is great at is the backlights. They look awesome in the dark. The programmable keys are great that you would feel like everything is easy.

The only thing that I did not really like is that it was too big and that it's too bright for me at night when I am trying to sleep. I already have a few LEDs in my case and now with this. I'll just say good bye to sleep.

Overall this is an awesome keyboard.

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Logitech G15 Gaming Keyboard with LCD

Strengths: Backlit Keys, LCD, Macro Keys, Volume control and media player controls, ability to disable windows key.

Weakness: No Power or Sleep button, a bit large, weak wrist rest mounts (had 1 break), limited game support for LCD.

Overall, I like the feel of this keyboard, and the backlit keys are great. The LCD is a cool addition, but it seems like not many games support it now. I like the ability to switch off the Windows Key during gaming, so it can't be accidently hit. The 18 macro keys are nice too, but make the keyboard a bit large.

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G15

Strengths: Blue Backlit Keys, LCD, 18 Macro Keys

Weakness: Wide Load and not Wireless

This Is An Awesome Keyboard... The Moment I First Seen It I Said I Gota Have One. The Keys Have A Nice Touch Along With There Macro Keys Which Comes In Plentiful Supply, The LCD And The Blue Back Light Give It A Wonderful Futuristic Look... GJ Logitech.

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Very nice

Strengths: USB ports, Programmable, Media keys, All keys backlit, LCD is very nice, On the fly macro recording.

Weakness: None so far

I've only had this a couple days but had read a lot about it and am very pleased now that I have it. The feel of the keys is good but it's been an adjustment getting used to the "G" keys on the left which I find myself constantly trying to hit instead of CTRL, Tab, Esc....etc. The backlit keys are nice and look good as well. The USB ports on the keyboard have come in very handy.

I really like the LCD, I have an older computer and like to have the performance screen up so I can see what my CPU and RAM are looking like. I also like to listen to music on the PC and when I hit the media key to change songs, the LCD will temporarily switch over to show me what song is playing.

I had a look at the software to program the "G" keys and it seems to be setup very well and easy to use. It allows for multiple profiles and each of the 18 "G" keys can have three different assignments per profile. It also has a button for on the fly macro making but I have not used that yet.

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G15 has been downsized.

Strengths: The Original G15 was larger and better built.

Weakness: This version of the G15 is just not a sturdy or well designed as the original LED flip open screen.

It's still a G15, just not as nice or built as well as the original G15. Also has fewer macro buttons and is alot smaller. Great if you don't have much room for a full sized keyboard.

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Logitech G15

Strengths: Programmable G-keys, LCD panel, USB ports, the feeling of the keys, best design e.t.c...

Weakness: too big, expensive

Great for gaming, i love it. The game swich is a good idea from the designers, so if you accidently press the "win" key, the keyboard is locked so the game will not minimize. The programable G-keys are amazing, and not only for games. Maybe expensive but the money is worth it. also you can download addons for the LCD display. This keyboard is the best in the world
Raspect for Logitech

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Nice Keyboard

Strengths: Well-built, comfortable keys. Backlit, programmable gaming keys.

Weakness: Documentation. I still haven't figured out how to program the keys.

I like it. Most of my computer use is office-type work. I got this to try programming the keys for gaming. It found my Sid Meier's Pirates game, and set a helpful profile, with some special functions for the F keys, and some on-screen hints.

The only documentation I've found for programming is a .chm file buried deep in the CD. I copied it to my hard drive, so when I have time, I'll use it to attempt programming the some of the 18 programmable keys..

The retail price of this keyboard was too much for me, but with almost $40 off that price, I thought I'd try it.

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Not perfect but the closest to it!

Strengths: The feel of the keys. I have had lots of keyboards in my life and never had 1 where the keystroke was so precise. The LCD is very cool and the keyboards looks better then in pictures. Back light is a

Weakness: I guess for some the size can be a problem. And I think the price could also come down a bit, but if you want the best you should be ready to pay for it... USB's are 1.1 only so that makes me not used

Even if you are not a gamer and you think that you don't have any use for the macro keys, this is still a superb keyboard.
I haven't even used the macros that much for any games. Imagine that you can clean your desktop of all you messy icons by assigning a key to them instead.

I spent over a month thinking if this keyboard was worth the 65$ that I paid for it. Now that I have it I don't really think that I would want any other.

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Excellent Gaming Board

I use this keyboard for playing World of Warcraft and I must say that this is a truly great gaming keyboard. Though the amount of games compatible with it are less than desireable, all the maker would have to do is incorporate more games and this could be one of the best keyboards around for gaming ever.

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Great Keyboard!

Strengths: Backlit keys, G Key's, LCD screen and Media keys

Weakness: Software always doesn't activate the profile right away, simple hit on the Windows key fixes it.

Overall great keyboard, lots of MODs for the LCD screen, a must have for any FPS or MMORPG player.
Endless possiblities with the Profiler software from Logitech. Plus the great support from Logitech has sold me, I also own a G5 Laser Gaming Mouse from them.

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Great keyboard

Strengths: Great feel, very responsive, can take a beating, nice look from the blue lights, and can macro program 15+ keys.

Weakness: The logitech application is very chatty on the disk io.....which in turn drops fps in game by about 5fps(battlefield 2 or halflife 2).

very good as a keyboard, i should have waited till the G11 came out...never really had a use for the display.

The logitech software is just bad......ended up uninstalling it and having the display flipped down all the time.

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Love it.

Strengths: Great keyboard, love the lit keys and the lcd screen. Look for mods for this sucker too :P. Great for gaming :)

Weakness: kinda bulky, need some room for this bad boy. Still highly recommend

Great keyboard. If you have the room, gotta get it. If you don't have the room, make room :) 30 words bah, blah blah great keyboard, blah blah,, btw great keyboard

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The Gamers Board

Strengths: Programmable Macros, 4 Levels of Macros, Illuminated Keys, LCD, Cusomization

Weakness: Width

Once I saw this keyboard previewed on the Internet, I knew I'd be purchasing it as soon as possible even if I use a gamepad for gaming this is still an awesome board for my normal day/game usage. The illumination of the keys draws plenty of attention at the LAN parties and helps out when you're needing to find the right key when we lose are spot on the keyboard. The look and feel is smooth and impressive as you can do almost anything you'd imagine on this board. The possibilities of LCD programs is endless as any owner of the keyboard can download the SDK can develop his/her own programs so long as you know the language of course. Logitech has always been a strong competitor in the gaming device field, but I'm also looking forward to Razer's keyboard. Competition has always pushed for greater improvements in technology; therefore, I can't wait to see what kind of advancements will be made with the G15.

Loving this board! Comfortable for gaming, programming, chatting, etc...

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Purrrrty

Strengths: Bright blue illuminated keys. The keystrokes are effortlessly quiet. A ton of programmable keys. The LCD is nifty.

Weakness: Haven't found one yet.

This keyboard is worth the money. I just got it today and can't wait to start programming all the keys for the games I intend to play with it.

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Logitech G15 Gaming Keyboard

TestSeek.com has collected 52 expert reviews for Logitech G15 Gaming Keyboard and the average expert rating is 83 of 100. The average score reflects the expert community’s view on this product. Click below and use TestSeek.com to find all ratings, product awards and conclusions.

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