Logitech G G512 X Gaming Keyboard: Review

If you've always wanted a gaming keyboard to be able to be fiddled with halfway through what you're doing, and then been frustrated at the lack of such a thing in the market, you're in luck.

As part of their latest launch and continuing foray into the e-sports marketplace, Logitech G has launched a new keyboard that puts the control and the option to fiddle into your own hands - and it's all the better for it.

Initially, simplicity is the key for this, as a simple connection via a cable makes this the kind of tech you can connect and get going right away. As the keyboard connects, it lights up in a way that's both compelling to look at and weirdly, not distracting. During typing and usage, the keys pulse and glow, giving the chunky keyboard a feeling of ethereal power. Powered by a couple of twirling knobs that can be adjusted to the top right of the board, the whole thing starts to feel a little like a DJ deck as you bash away with it.

It is the first Logitech G keyboard to feature TMR (Tunnel Magnetoresistance), Dual Swap capability, a Global Light Bar, and fully assignable and customisable Dual Dials. It also debuts SAPP (Second Actuation Pressure Point), enabling two distinct actuation points per key to unlock unprecedented control and layered inputs within a single keystroke. In many ways, it's the kind of keyboard gamers have been looking for, thanks to a combination of responsiveness and a feeling of endurability in its build.

Perhaps it's a frustration that this can't be connected wirelessly, but the sufficient length of the cabling means that most people looking to use this either for typing or gaming will have enough of a chance to connect to what's needed.

It has to be said though that the keys tend to take a little time to get used to, given how incredibly sensitive they can be. Plus, with the fact they're elevated off the base of the keyboard itself, initially, it's incredibly easy to type extra letters without realising what you've done - something that's a frustration for a touch typist. The double shot keys make the typing feel smoother and even if there's an occasional feeling that these keys are somewhat plastic-feeling, the responsiveness is more than effective for what's needed.

(And one minor niggle, with the pulsing lights, you can't easily tell if you've left something on like Caps Lock until you start typing.)

But at the end of the day, this is a gaming keyboard, first and foremost, one which is aimed more at E-sports players, rather than those on working duties. And it's also about the customisation it offers that many fixed keyboards don't even have - and it's very welcome.

So it is on that front that the Logitech G G512 X Gaming Keyboard delivers a solid and impressive outing, with buttons feeling like they've hit the target when necessary.

At the top of the keyboard is an area to store the nine keys that are more often changed than not. It's an intriguing idea, with the core logic being that most gamers readily only ever change a fixed number of keys.

From satisfying feelings in games like shooters such as Overwatch and also for games that require a level of skill, the Logitech G G512 X Gaming Keyboards delivers a substantial punch for its size and appeal. The TMR switches leave you with a feeling of precision which is always vital in gaming - and the fact that you can repeatedly press buttons for trigger actions without feeling like the keyboard's going to fall apart after a strenuous session is a real bonus.

Allowing customisation in the usual G-Hub means that the light controls can be tinkered with and the the palm rest that has to be bought separately (perhaps one of the sole downsides here) and connects to the light bar at the bottom of the keyboard means that it can all come together for one slick looking set up.

Logitech's managed to corner a niche in the market and what with recent headsets and gaming mice, there's a real chance to build an impressive rig at a very reasonable price. 

It's very close to a game-changer and given this unit's got a bit of heft and the key changes are extremely easy to do, there's a real feeling that the Logitech G G512 X gaming keyboard will last the distance.

If they just manage to make this set wireless, then it could be a no-brainer for one of the essential tech pieces of the year - no matter what level of gamer or typist you are.