Logitech G510 Review by Daniel Lavery

My Overall Rating:

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The Logitech G510 is a follow on to the well-regarded G15 and G110 and it works equally well with a Mac or PC. “Equally well” is something of an understatement, here.

You can expect to chew up some desk or table real estate with this model, which measures 21″ wide x 9.9″ deep. On the upside, there’s a lot of functionality in this gaming keyboard and none of that space is wasted.

The 18 separate macro “G” keys have returned like its predecessor the G15 Rev 1! That’s good news knowing that Logitech only provided 6 programmable G-keys in the G15 Rev 2 leaving many die-hard G15 fans disappointed.

Watch this great review of the Logitech G510 gaming keyboard

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They’re arranged in three sets of six, two rows each and with each set well separated. That really helps you define and remember their functions.

Gamers can use the on-the-fly macro record button to set that purpose by creating functions that suit their individual gaming needs. In addition, with three mode select buttons that let you create three separate customized macros per button, that’s 54 customizations.

Each of the macro modes offers custom backlighting for all the keys. The lettering on top is transparent. That backlighting extends to the integrated LCD in the center. Set each mode’s light level according to your taste and you have a visual indicator of which set you’re using at any given time.

That LCD is controlled by the Logitech LCD Manager software that lets you tailor it in a dozen ways. You can have it display CPU and memory usage or show the time of day, for example. There is also software that lets you control the macro keys. Use it to select from 16 preset color schemes or design your own RGB scale, creating exactly the backlighting color you want.

Once loaded, the software scans your system to discover the games you have installed. It also displays a list from which you can select. It then loads a list of macros related to each game. Some selections are obsolete but the great majority are just great.

The G510 also provides a Volume adjustment (with MUTE button) on the upper right corner. Very handy for those times you’re interrupted by a phone call or a knock on the door. Other handy features include the Media Slider switch that lets you turn off certain buttons to avoid botching your play.

Oddly, there aren’t any USB ports, but with so many offered on desktops these days, that’s not likely to be a major problem for most gamers. On the positive side, it does include headphone and microphone jacks. The audio isn’t the equal of a great sound card like the Xonar Xense, but it’ll definitely be useful when you’re on the road or have to keep things quiet at home.

Being an avid user of the popular G15 rev 1 the Logitech 510 is the first G series keyboard which I consider to be better than the original G15. If you want performance, good looks and comfort combined in one single piece of hardware, the Logitech 510 gaming keyboard really should be on your short list.

Read what other users of the Logitech G510 have to say about it:

Ashley L.,
“The Logitech G510 is a very attractive gaming keyboard with a multitude of features. It looks great, I love the different color options for the back-lighting. It comes with software that lets you customize the keyboard to an impressive extent, and it helps you along with tutorials. When you aren’t using the keyboard for gaming, the LED panel can be used as a clock, RSS reader, etc. The keyboard is quick and responsive, and has plenty of programmable keys for macros. You can also hook your headphone directly to the keyboard. Theres a roller for controlling sound volume and button to mute as well…” Read full review

Erich M.,
“After more than a month of non-stop use, I absolutely love this keyboard. The game I am currently playing the most is Battlefield 2142, and it feels like the LCD screen was made for this game. It keeps track of EVERYTHING, including real time info like ping. Keys in general are a pleasure to press, while the keyboard is heavy and feels very sturdy. Everything about this keyboard screams quality. You can also pick ANY backlight color you want, but I keep mine on white. You can, for example, program one of the macro buttons to immediately buy all your weapons/armor in Counter Strike Source. So, instead of pressing B-4-3-B-1-5-B-6-2-B-6-3-B-6-3-B-6-4 at the round start you press only G1 (which you have programmed earlier) and everything is automatically purchased in under 1 second…” Read full review

Dmitry K.,
“Ahhh Logitech: You never seem to amaze me. While I’m not going to try to tell you that every product from them is a winner, but this one is certainly is. While you may be annoyed that it is not wireless, that could be a positive: You’ll never have to use batteries for this, so you take the good with the bad on this one. Be honest: How many times did you buy a Logitech product and simply tossed the installation CD out the window or as I like to do, use them as a drink coaster? Well, I urge you all not to do this! The keyboard software is very useful and will save you a lot of time. As you install the software, a flash-based tutorial pops up on the screen, which introduces you to features quickly and easily…” Read full review

Get the Logitech G510 gaming keyboard at a discount for a limited time at Amazon.com!

Logitech G19 Review by Daniel Lavery

My Overall Rating:

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The Logitech G19 has been around for almost two years now, and yet it’s still one of the best – if not the best – gaming keyboard on the market, hands down.

Sure, the newer models have some features and refinements the G19 hadn’t seen. But at a certain point the extra bells and whistles become merely “nice to have”.

In fact, the G19 has a couple of features that the new Logitech G510, good as it is, lacks. Among those are the LCD panel. True, the G510 has one, but it’s built into the chassis at a pre-selected angle. The one in the G19 can swivel to whatever viewing angle is best for you.

Watch this great review of the Logitech G19 gaming keyboard

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The most noticeable feature of this keyboard, and probably its key selling point is the 320×240 pixel full color screen which boasts just as many features as the keyboard itself. Right out of the box, the gamepanel comes stock with these applets:

• Clock
• CPU/Ram monitor
• Countdown timer
• Movie Player
• Picture Viewer
• POP3 checker

You can even use it for video playback, though at 320×240 it’s a bit rough for any meaningful viewing of, say, YouTube vids which the G19 can display. But that’s not all the LCD display has to offer. It can also show game stats and VOIP communication data.

The Gamepanel software comes packed with information for dozens of different games, including World of Warcraft and Call of Duty: World at War. The software is easily uploadable and will enhance your perfomance by displaying important in game details on the LCD display. This addition to the keyboard is a great feature, ensuring that you can always keep your focus where it needs to be, on the game!

The color capability extends to the backlit keys, letting you create an array of up to 16 million options, which you configure using the supplied Logitech Profile software. Is that just a “gee whiz” feature or is it really of any use? The answer will depend on the individual gamer, of course. Some will find it very handy, especially those with certain kinds of color blindness. Adjusting it to suit your specific vision can make a big difference.

The G19 offers an impressive array of keys for gaming, too. While it doesn’t quite match the 18 programmable “G” keys of the new G510, a set of 12 “G” keys along the left edge is still highly useful. Combine that with its three switchable modes (like the G510) and you can create a set of 36 custom macros. With on-the-fly recording (also like the G510), those customizations can be as unique as your style of play.

Sometimes what you can’t do is as important as what you can. The G19 has a ‘game mode’ switch which lets you disable the dedicated Windows key, so you never have to worry about pressing it accidentally during frenetic gaming. No accidental switch to your desktop screen here just because your fingers were flying around killing trolls . There is no way of counting the number of times this feature has saved me.

Also in the area of “can’t” the G510 can’t accept USB devices because there are no ports on it. The G19, by contrast, offers two powered USB 2.0 slots. Whether you’re transferring data, loading software, or just viewing media, they’ll be useful.

The G19 also brought in another Logitech innovation: the ability to recognize five simultaneous key presses. That makes for some truly expansive options. Whether you’re a gamer who uses macros freely or just someone who enjoys creating unusual digital image effects, you’ll find that feature very handy.

The Logitech G19 also offers built-in controls for iTunes, Windows Media Center, and other similar apps. Along with the drum-style volume control, you’ll find yourself using them often. Of course, with built-in support for dozens of PC games (and apps like Ventrilo), you’ll find yourself using everything on this gaming keyboard often.

With a price tag between $150 and $200 depending on where you buy, the G19 doesn’t come cheap. You will spend significantly more than let’s say the Logitech G15 or even the newer Logitech 510 which share many of the same features. In addition there is still a lack of specific applets for the G19′s full color LCD screen. Until more color specific applets are available or the price comes down I wouldn’t recommend it UNLESS you can afford the money of course.

Read what other users of the Logitech G19 have to say about it:

M. Haddad,
“This keyboard is by far the best gaming keyboard I have ever used. There are so many great aspects to it. The LCD display is my favorite part of this keyboard. It can play just about anything you can think of, from movies and pictures, to news feeds and YouTube clips. The game keys are assignable to macros, applications, different keystrokes, and shortcuts. All in all, I absolutely love this keyboard and recommend it for all serious gamers…” Read full review

Brandon J.,
“I don’t think I’ll ever buy a new keyboard again. The Logitech G19 Gaming Keyboard does everything I need and more. The macros are awesome and have really helped me improve my PvP play. There are so many features to utilize and personalize to my own style…even the backlight under the keys. I don’t think I’ll ever buy a new keyboard again. The Logitech G19 Gaming Keyboard does everything I need and more. The macros are awesome and have really helped me improve my PvP play. There are so many features to utilize and personalize to my own style… even the backlight under the keys…“ Read full review

Get the Logitech G19 gaming keyboard at a discount for a limited time at Amazon.com!