The Logitech G915 TKL is likely one of the greatest compact wi-fi gaming keyboards out there, that includes oodles of versatility by supporting each Bluetooth and Logitech’s Lightspeed know-how, but it surely additionally comes with a really excessive value.
Pros
Compact and transportable designLightspeed and Bluetooth switching is seamlessThree choices of excellent GL switchesMacro key customisation is unimaginable
Cons
Very expensiveLack of USB passthrough
Key Specifications
Review Price: £199Lightspeed and Bluetooth Wi-fiLogitech GL SwitchesTactile, Linear and Clicky optionsDimensions: 368 x 150 x 22 mmWeight: 810g
How do you enhance on among the finest gaming keyboards presently out there? Make it smaller in fact, and that’s precisely what Logitech has achieved with the Logitech G915 TKL.
By ditching the quantity pad, Logitech has been capable of cut back the size of its extremely rated G915 Lightspeed mechanical keyboard by over 100mm, which not solely helps save desk house, but additionally makes it simpler to shove the keyboard in a bag when commuting to the workplace or a pal’s home.
A slight value drop from the unique Logitech G915 solely will increase its attraction, however at £199 it’s nonetheless very costly in comparison with rival gaming keyboards. Can its wicked-fast Lightspeed know-how and low-profile mechanical keys justify the fee?
Design
The unique Logitech G915 was already an absurdly skinny gaming keyboard, with its skinny chassis and low-profile keys making it a doddle to port round.
The new TKL model improves even additional on this regard, snubbing the quantity pad in favour of a extra compact design. The Logitech G915 measures in at 368mm at lengthy, which is 107mm shorter than its predecessor. That could not sound vital on paper, but it surely’s been a pleasure to liberate more room on my desk, particularly since I by no means really use the quantity pad.
Logitech has achieved a marvellous job balancing the design and efficiency, avoiding different producers’ sins of compressing down the ‘Enter’ or arrow keys. Every key stays chunky sufficient for stress-free typing, whereas Logitech additionally retains the playback buttons which makes Spotify navigation considerably simpler.
Not each button made the lower although, because the devoted macro buttons are absent. There’s no want to worry although, as Logitech’s excellent G Hub software program permits you to assign {custom} shortcuts to the F keys as an alternative, which is a improbable compromise in my eyes.
Rather bizarrely, the quantity wheel not affords any traction. It nonetheless works completely, with sufficient sensitivity for me to regulate the quantity by two levels at a time, however I do miss the texture of the older model. You additionally get Caps Lock and battery gentle indicators on the prime, which is a small function albeit a really welcome one.
Otherwise, the TKL options the identical wonderful steel chassis. It appears very elegant and feels satisfyingly easy, though it’s admittedly a mud magnet. The backside of the keyboard is roofed in plastic, that includes two flip out stands which angle the keyboard up at a extra comfy place. There’s additionally somewhat compartment right here to safe the wi-fi adapter once you’re on the transfer. Handy.
Performance
The Logitech G915 TKL is available in three change flavours: GL Linear, GL Tactile and GL Clicky. The first supplies easy keystrokes, whereas Tactile incorporates a noticeable actuation level for improved suggestions.
Logitech despatched me the GL Clicky model which, as you in all probability guessed, emit a loud clicking noise once you hit every key. It feels nice when gaming, with a crunchy really feel proving tremendous satisfying in motion video games notably. It is a reasonably loud keyboard and so could show annoying to these close by, however in the event you’re planning on utilizing it within the workplace you’ll be able to simply go for the Linear or Tactile switches as an alternative. I like that Logitech provides you a alternative.
The keycaps are half the scale of your typical gaming keyboard, which not solely ensures 25% quicker actuation but additionally means small-handed folks have a neater time stretching their fingers to press a key. I’ve all the time had points holding ‘Shift’ to dash in shooters, and the G915 TKL made it a lot simpler.
The G915 TKL makes use of two completely different wi-fi applied sciences. The speediest is Logitech’s personal Lightspeed know-how, requiring you to plug the bundled USB dongle into your pc. Lightspeed supposedly supplies a nippy 1ms efficiency, making it the best choice for aggressive gaming.
The second wi-fi possibility is Bluetooth, which is constructed into most units and so permits you to hook up with smartphones, tablets and extra. Bluetooth can also be extra battery environment friendly, permitting you to squeeze extra hours between charging. What’s extra, the keyboard options devoted Lightspeed and Bluetooth buttons, so you’ll be able to swap between units simply which could be very helpful for multitasking.
The battery life is great, with Logitech claiming a 40-hour stamina when the RGB lights are on the brightest setting. That sounds about proper to me, as I used to be ready to make use of the keyboard through a Lightspeed connection for simply over per week earlier than it flashed pink to point low energy. Logitech claims the keyboard can final for as much as 135 days (assuming eight hours of use every day) with the RGB lighting turned off, though I wouldn’t suggest it because it turns into troublesome to see every key’s lettering.
A microUSB charging cable comes bundled within the field, which is an satisfactory size to succeed in the again of your PC. It’s barely disappointing the G915 doesn’t cost through USB-C, since most trendy units use that connection now, however Logitech claims it will be a useless further expense for the reason that wi-fi keyboard wouldn’t profit from the improved knowledge switch speeds. A good argument, however I’m trying ahead to a world the place all units use one common energy cable.
Software and lighting
The Logitech G915 TKL options vividly brilliant RGB lighting, which shines by means of the clear key letterings. The brightness might be altered through a devoted button at prime, though I personally appreciated to maintain it cranked up the utmost.
Logitech claims there are 16.8 million colors out there by means of the G Hub. There are a number of customisations out there right here, with preset results and animations seeing the RGB lighting pulse, flash or wash throughout the board. Logitech even permits you to arrange {custom} results, providing up an abundance of management.
The G Hub additionally enables you to arrange your personal Macro keys, and it’s not simply restricted to key shortcuts and combos, however may have the likes of F1 set to stick, launch purposes reminiscent of Slack and even activate video streaming. The variety of choices is genuinely staggering, for each gaming and productiveness.
A Game Mode function additionally permits you to disable sure keys when gaming. This is beneficial for individuals who get infuriated by unintended Windows key presses pulling you out of a recreation.
The Logitech G Hub is comfortably essentially the most refined peripheral software program I’ve ever used, with Razer the one firm that even comes shut on this regard. Having the pliability to set superior Macro keys and nice tune the RGB lighting can be a game-changer for sure players, making the leap to Logitech all of the extra tempting.
Should you purchase it?
The Logitech G915 TKL is a completely improbable gaming keyboard, with the smaller type issue making this compact peripheral much more transportable. Importantly, Logitech has not sacrificed the efficiency high quality when downsizing, with the snappy switches an absolute pleasure to make use of.
It’s a disgrace that Logitech ditched the Macro keys as a way to scale down, however for the reason that wonderful G Hub software program permits you to flip the F keys into custom-made shortcuts, it’s not a significant concern. Such a choice additionally means Logitech has been capable of retain the playback buttons and quantity wheel, permitting it to excel as an all-round keyboard quite than one only for gaming.
The TKL additionally options all the superb options of the usual G915, together with Lightspeed and Bluetooth connectivity, a trio of change choices and low-profile keys which can be comfy and speedy. The TKL model can also be £10 cheaper than the unique, regardless of arguably being the superior possibility.
However, that £199 value continues to be extraordinarily costly, costing greater than the vast majority of its rivals. The lack of USB passthrough can also be disappointing given the eye-watering value.
If you’re blissful to spend the cash although, you’ll be rewarded with one of many perfect gaming keyboards presently out there.