Logitech G15 Keyboard Review :: Advanced Usage and Gaming

The Logitech G15 keyboard will feel different than other keyboards right off the bat for one reason, if no other: Size. The 18 programmable keys out to the side add a bit of width to the keyboard, but don't let this come across as a bad thing.

Let's talk about those programmable keys. We have keys G1 through G18, and each of them can have 3 different functions. The keyboard comes with a piece of software so you can easily record macros to do just about anything, in game and out. Recording a macro is simple, even if you are in a game.

They keyboard comes with a key that says "MR", or Macro Record. If you are in a game and realize you'll need to have a macro for a certain action, there is no reason to quit out of game at all. Press this button, they record your macro, then press again to save the macro. Your LCD Screen will guide you through the process as well.

If either the keyboard supports it natively, or if you have a patch enabled in order to get a display in game, the LCD is a very nice thing to have. For instance, if you are playing World of Warcraft you will see your character's statistics without having to open up any separate windows in game.

Another game this keyboard works well in is Battlefield 2. if you pick up a little app over at the G15 forums, then you can keep track of your ammo, stats, name, server, and all sorts of other BF2 info. More and more apps for games are popping up all the time, with native support becoming more common as well.

If you only use the software that comes with the G15, you'll be missing out on a ton of compatibility and features this keyboard has for you. I would recommend LcdStudio to anyone who wishes to see more from that little LCD screen, but doesn't know how to program apps for it. Although, if you can program apps for it, all the better then.

Perhaps one of the best features of this keyboard is one of the simplest. This keyboard has the ability to shut off the Windows key. That's right, no more reaching for control only to end up dropping back to desktop. Finally, a keyboard that gets rid of unnecessary death due to a single keystroke! This is something that myself, as well as many other gamers have been waiting for since the Windows key was foolishly placed between control and alt.

Up top on the keyboard you can control the LCD screen by switching between apps. Depending on the app, you can use buttons up top to control the app as well. There is also a volume control dial, and standard media buttons. There is also a mute key and a button to control the brightness of the LCD. You may also fold down the LCD screen when not in use to avoid damage.

The top also features two USB ports. This is nice for sticking in items you swap out a lot, such as a flash drive. You can also store cables up under the keyboard in little grooves, keeping mouse and other cables from cluttering up the area when you're trying to game. It really does seem like Logitech gave a lot of thought to this keyboard when designing it, and I for one am glad for that. It is good to see a though process other than 'lets do the same old thing again'.

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