What's the difference between a standard keyboard and a gaming keyboard? Well, in this case, a honking great big LCD, 18 programmable macro keys, two USB ports and a bright-LED backlight!
The Logitech G15 is marketed as a Gamers keyboard when in fact, I think it would be more accurately ... Read review
Gute Informationen und die richtige Ausrüstung sind der Schlüssel zum Sieg. DieLogitech ... more
G15 Tastatur bietet Ihnen beides. Die Zeichen der einzelnen Tasten sind beleuchtet, durch drei Helligkeitsstufen können Sie auch bis tief in die Nacht spielen.
Postage & Packaging: free Super Saver Delivery Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
Advantages: robust, feature packed, incredibly useful, stylish Disadvantages: large, expensive, replaced by an inferior model
...backlight!
The Logitech G15 is marketed as a Gamers keyboard when in fact, I think it would be more accurately described as a multipurpose keyboard. I don't really call myself a huge gamer - probably only clocking about 5 hours a week - however I bought this keyboard anyway, with the impression that it would help improve my general computer experience. This keyboard has perhaps been my most useful purchase to date.
== ... ...regular keyboard. The thing that Logitech seemed to miss from their design was rubber feet as although the keyboard has 2 small ones at the back, they are missing from the raising stands and it can make the keyboard slip around quite a bit, especially on smooth shiny surfaces. The wrist-rest has sufficient ones on, which adequately keeps the keyboard stable, but don't be surprised if you end up using blu-tac to keep the keyboard in place!
... more
What's the difference between a standard keyboard and a gaming keyboard? Well, in this case, a honking great big LCD, 18 programmable macro keys, two USB ports and a bright-LED backlight!
The Logitech G15 is marketed as a Gamers keyboard when in fact, I think it would be more accurately described as a multipurpose keyboard. I don't really call myself a huge gamer - probably only clocking about 5 hours a week - however I bought this keyboard anyway, with the impression that it would help improve my general computer experience. This keyboard has perhaps been my most useful purchase to date.
Style
Even by the small thumbnail picture, it's evident that this keyboard really is one of a kind. For starters, it appears to have twice as many buttons as a traditional keyboard, and it does! As well as the full range of characters on the standard British keyboard, there are 3 sections of 6 keys, each fully programmable and customisable (more on this later!). All of the keys on the keyboard are lit by a series of LEDS of adjustable brightness, are well positioned and comfortable to use. The keyboard comes with a detachable wrist-rest, which whilst useful, makes the whole keyboard result in using a lot of desk space - considerably more than a regular keyboard. The thing that Logitech seemed to miss from their design was rubber feet as although the keyboard has 2 small ones at the back, they are missing from the raising stands and it can make the keyboard slip around quite a bit, especially on smooth shiny surfaces. The wrist-rest has sufficient ones on, which adequately keeps the keyboard stable, but don't be surprised if you end up using blu-tac to keep the keyboard in place!
Backlight
The backlight is a feature that appears in a lot of gaming keyboards now, and is more for show than anything else. To a touch typist, backlit keys don't really offer any advantage, however, it is invaluable on the LCD screen which enables you to see the display in the dark. For someone who sits in the dark until the early hours of the morning, this really is a priceless feature.
The backlight has 3 distinct brightness settings: off, low or high. These can be changed by a button at the top of the keyboard, which toggles between these three states.
The only bad thing I can find to say about this is that I wish there was a brighter option. I know it's probably limited by what the USB port can provide, but after the first week or two, the LEDs don't seem to look as bright as they did at first.
LCD Screen
The LCD Screen is really what makes this keyboard unique. The large tiltable screen is capable of displaying numerous applications and applets, many of which are available online. Being a gamer keyboard, the primary intention of the screen was to display in-game statistics, though it works just as well for functions more beneficial to other computer users, such as displaying a clock, currently playing media or CPU and memory usage.
The LCD Screen is supported natively in numerous different games, and even more with patches. These include, but are not limited to: Enemy Territory: Quake Wars, World of Warcraft, Neverwinter Nights 2 and Unreal Tournament 2004, with the list always growing. In addition to this, various applications have added support, such as the popular Xfire IM and Fraps.
As of yet, Logitech is yet to release a program to easily create your own applets, however, the screen is fully compatible with LCD studio, which is a third party application allowing you to do just that. Enthusiasts can look into their SDK which is released free of charge to help third party developers interface with the LCD.
Programmable Keys
The keyboard has 18 programmable keys - officially named 'G keys' - arranged in 3 blocks of 6 keys. Each of the keys can be programmed to perform up to 3 unique tasks: either a key macro which can be set directly from the keyboard or an action (such as opening an application) which can be set through the provided software. By arranging these functions into 3 key sets, you can unlock a possible 54 key functions which (if you can remember what each of them does!), saves a lot of time when multitasking or performing repetitive tasks.
Available on the internet is a card template to place on the keyboard, which can be downloaded and cut out to wrap around the 18 keys to identify them, which is when the 'G keys' show their full potential.
Volume Controls
Just underneath the LCD screen are full media controls including fast forward, track skip, rewind, stop, play and pause as well as a large scroll wheel for precise volume control. With the media LCD applet, this makes it perfect for changing music in-game.
Next to the volume control is a toggle switch, which on its own seems to justify the price. In essence, all it does is disable two keys on the keyboard, but what it has done is saved hours of maximizing and minimizing windows. When on, the two most rarely used, but most often mishit keys - the Windows Keys - are disabled, meaning that when your little finger accidently swipes over them on the way to the control key, you don't end up out of the action for 5 minutes wondering what just happened.
USB Ports
Logitech has equipped the G15 keyboard with two low-power USB1.1 ports at the top of the keyboard. Whilst they can't really be used to power much more than a mouse or a headset, they're really handy for easy access and they serve their purpose.
On the underside of the keyboard are a few indented grooves leading from the USB ports to the sides of the keyboard. These are designed to let you feed the cables from the USB devices through, ideally creating a tidier workspace. A good idea, but in practice they really don't offer the grip and support required, and more often than not, the cables just pop out.
Software
On the supplied CD are two pieces of software. One is the Logitech G-series Keyboard Profiler, which handles the macros associated with the programmable keys. The other is the Logitech LCD Manager, which handles what's displayed on the LCD on the keyboard. Both of these need to be running for the respective functions on the keyboard to work properly.
At the time of writing, there are software updates for both of these available on the Logitech website, offering bug fixes and additional features. Out of the box, the keyboard works with Vista - but just! If you use Vista, you'll want to get the latest software updates from the Logitech website.
Revision
Since the release of the G15 keyboard, Logitech has released a revised version of the G15, which looks to have a clearly inferior design to the original model.
To begin with, the LCD screen cannot be tilted, and from what I can tell is significantly smaller. I can only assume this is to make the keyboard more sturdy and smaller; however I'm sure this must hinder the viewing angle of the LCD.
Also in the revised model, there are only 6 'G keys' instead of the 18 on the original model, the scroll volume wheel has been replaced in favour of two buttons, and the colour scheme has been changed from blue to orange.
Availability
With the arrival of the revised model, Logitech has discontinued support for the original model meaning the only place you can probably pick one of these up is either existing stock or e-bay. I really think this is a shame as the new model looks clearly inferior to the original, and for the same price, it almost looks like a bit of a rip-off.
Conclusion
The keyboard is great, and I was really hoping that the few problems I had in it would be fixed in the revision. It seems like Logitech has taken a step back, and I sincerely hope that the community response from it will see them reverting back to the original model.If you can get your hands on the older model, by all means go for it - everyone I've recommended it to has loved it - but you might want to take a closer look at the revised model if you're really after a keyboard like this.
The keyboard seems robust, and it's certainly lasted me more than the 5 months that my old one did. I can see this staying on my desk for a good time to come!
Advantages: Looks stylish til worn in, good for music control and email checking Disadvantages: usb hubs are nearly useless, hardly ANY support, under utilised.
My logitech G15. This is a subject of mixed feelings for me for a variety of reasons.
I brought this when my old generic keyboard had an unfortunate experience and a new one was needed.
There were many alternatives that I could have chosen but I went with this one on a whim.
Initially I was very impressed with the construction and style, though this has worn off slightly as time as gone on.
Ill start with the positive things about the keyboard.
... ...a good keyboard, though its flaws and lack of community support and some key features unfortuntly does NOT warrent the price tag.
Logitech ARE bringing out a new G15. ; so you may want to hold fire til then. A shame. Could have been so much better. ...
l33t-krew 18.09.2007
· Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Logitech G15 Gaming Keyboard - keyboard
Advantages: Good keystrokes, backlight, functional LCD display and other gaming features Disadvantages: Large size, flimsy wrist rest
-----------
Logitech G15 gaming keyboard
-----------
Logitech have recently made a name for themselves in manufacturing quality peripheral devices such as speakers, cameras, laser mice and keyboards. Recent rends seem to indicate that they have been largely successful in cracking the 'gaming market', that is providing high tech and quality products e.g. 1500+ dpi mice. The keyboard has the following features that make it different from a standard ... ...to support use in-game. However Logitech does not provide any mods or support for this. Neither have any game producers programmed support for it into a game, but will undoubtedly do so in the future. There are a large number of community made mods that work on a variety of games, and also for other applications. I even saw a few which put a 'tamagochi' style pet on screen that you have to care for usiung the buttons!
There is also a switch which ...
curious_george 13.03.2007 (16.03.2007)
· Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Logitech G15 Gaming Keyboard - keyboard
Advantages: keyboard lights up and LCD screen a nice touch Disadvantages: screen functions are limited at the moment
Logitech G15 keyboard was a recent purchase I have always been into pc gaming I used to have a Razer keyboard and a boomslang mouse. I decided to purchase this after looking at value for money Logitech have released the "G" series of gaming peripherals , included in this is the G15 gaming keyboard. On first impressions the keyboard is much bigger than your standard keyboard large desks required , with the possibility of not fitting under desk keyboard ... ...the USB , each key lights up blue which when playing at night is so much easier , the light setting for the keys have 3 settings including off.
Based at the top of this keyboard is a rubber lid upon opening shows the built in LCD screen , there are many uses for the screen but my preference at the moment is to notify me when new email has arrived or when in media player seeing whats playing.
Below the screen is the volume settings , usual media ...
havanna 16.11.2006
· Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Logitech G15 Gaming Keyboard - keyboard
Advantages: Keyboard lighting, 18 programmable macro keys, lcd display panel, 2 usb ports, volume jog wheel Disadvantages: usb 1.1, no sleep or shutdown button, no colour lcd display, lack of decent instructions
...By default it features the Logitech G Series Performance monitor, which shows your machines RAM and CPU bandwidth, and the Logitech G Series Clock which shows you analog clock and digital time and date. The other great thing about this display is that it shows your profile currently active. For instance I have Battlefield 2 installed and my Logitech G15 keyboard instantly recognised this game and configured the Battlefield 2 profile for me. By profile ... ...has been done for you) for the 18 "G" keys at the left hand side. So all the major functions of Battlefield 2 weapons, moves, guns, grenades, etc are programmed into those keys!! You can also download custom programs for the LCD display that can show you BF2 game stats, Falcon4 cockpit display readout, Fraps, MSN etc and many more to come soon. Just under the LCD display is the four buttons that control Windows Media Player along with a volume jog ...
supersto 06.07.2006
· Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Logitech G15 Gaming Keyboard - keyboard
Advantages: durable, backlit keys, large LCD display, windows key disable switch Disadvantages: larger than normal keyboards
Most important fact not discussed in the owner's manual: it can handle 6 keys pressed simultaneously. You BTC-5339 owners, this is the keyboard to go.
I own this keyboard for more than a year. Spilled soda pop on it, dropped heavy object on it, and it still works all right.
It is somewhat larger than normal keyboards, because it accomodates loads of extra macro/multimedia keys, LCD display, USB hub. Ships with detachable wrist support, very comfortable.
... ...several modules: stopwatch, clock, system load monitor etc. Game support is very limited as I found out.
Linux Support: There is a module that provides basic scripting interface, you can have your own scripts displaying whatever you want.
Embedded USB hub: be sure to plug the keyboard into USB2.0, otherwise it will not be able to power even an usb flash drive.
Backlit keys: you can have it off/dim/bright. There is little difference between dim ...
bivanbi 31.08.2007
· Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Logitech G15 Gaming Keyboard - keyboard
Responsiveness
Reliability
Ease of Use
Quality
Value for Money
Similar reviews »
Reviews which might be of interest for "Logitech G15 Gaming Keyboard - keyboard"
Advantages: Cheap, reliable Disadvantages: Very basic... but what do you expect for the price
a tiny suction cup behind it and they all fell out so I gave up on that!
The keyboard isn't bad but I feel I have to upgrade to a proper gamingkeyboard like the LogitechG15 or Zboard and I expect that people with media-based PCs would prefer a multimedia keyboard.
I will use this keyboard with my Xbox 360 as it is compatible, light-weight and space efficient. ...
Product Information for "Logitech G15 Gaming Keyboard - keyboard" »
Manufacturer's product 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.
Related tags for Logitech G15 Gaming Keyboard - keyboard »
![Logitech G15 Gaming Keyboard [USB, Black/Silver]](http://picnica.ciao.com/uk/88957536.jpg)
