Yeah, that’s right ladies and gentlemen. It’s a hardware review again and this time around we got the guys at Logitech giving us a chance to take their latest keyboard targeted for gaming enthusiasts, for a spin; the Logitech G510 Gaming Keyboard. Read more after the cut. Let’s make this showy!
Logitech has been making keyboards long before I ever bought my first computer. They have products for everybody be it for general office use, multimedia and of course our favourite, gaming use. So starting things off, we have the Logitech G510 Gaming Keyboard. One of Logitech’s newest models which at first look and glances, is one sci-fi looking piece of hardware.
PACKAGING
[singlepic id=1794 w=320 h=240 float=center]We have here the retail box of the G510. This is exactly what you’ll be looking for in the store when you go out and look for one especially the local guys here that hunt in Greenhills, Gilmore, etc. Going back to the packaging, the front of the box is graced with our current subject the G510. Accented with a blue bar strikethrough the mainly dark teal/green background, it also shows a couple of possible lighting colors amongst the numerous ones we can choose from in the lower right.
[singlepic id=1797 w=320 h=240 float=center]Â [singlepic id=1798 w=320 h=240 float=center]Checking out the sides, we get to see its features and a picture of it upfront. Let me just type those in while the box is still sealed:
- GamePanel LCD – do I really need to point it out? Yes that little LCD at the top of the keyboard is the GamePanel display
- Customizeable backlighting–change the color of your keyboard backlight… wonder if it does Kamias Green or Chico Brown?
- Integrated USB audio – that means it has its own audio processor like the Banshee
- 18 programmable G-keys – that’s more than what I’m used to
- Full-speed USB (500Hz polling rate) – that’s the amount of times the keyboard sends data to and from the computer
- Multi-key input– that means you can press more keys simultaneously
- Game/desktop switch – it disables the Windows key
- Media controls – something I want in all my keyboard
Now for the long sides, the top shows us what seems to be the top of the keyboard and on the bottom long side are these system requirements and the package contents. Again, I’ll just type those in here.
What you need (system requirements):
- Windows XP, Windows Vista or Windows 7
- Mac OS X 10.4 or later
- Available high-speed USB 2.0 port
- 20 MB of available hard dis space
- CD-ROM drive
- GamePanel LCD requires software that supports Logitech GamePanel technology. Visit www.logitech.com/gamepanel
- GamePanel LCD, custom backlighting, and G-key programming require software installation.
What’s in the box (package contents):
- Keyboard
- Palm rest
- Software CD
- User documentation
Also shown on this side are the contact numbers of Logitech’s offices as well as the warranty length.
[singlepic id=1799 w=320 h=240 float=center]Flipping the box over we see the main features of the G510 with a front shot of the keyboard alongside those. I can also see a small logo that says Swiss technology. Now when I hear Swiss, I always usually and immediately think of 2 things: multi-function and precision. We’ll see how the keyboard performs at those later.
INSIDE THE BOX AND PHOTOS
Opening up the box, we get a surprise: another box! This time its white. So getting started, this box is really white. Looks solid.Nnahhh just playin.
[singlepic id=1813 w=320 h=240 float=center]Inside the box we have a couple of guides in color and monochrome, a driver CD and under the fold inside is the palm/wrist rest.
[singlepic id=1812 w=320 h=240 float=center]DO NOT USE THE PLASTIC TO CHOKE PEOPLE OR CHILDREN!!!
[singlepic id=1801 w=320 h=240 float=center] [singlepic id=1800 w=320 h=240 float=center]So the keyboard itself is pretty wide. Wide and shallow. Layout seems pretty standard and looks like Logitech has opted to place their additional keys around the regular layout. The keyboard has a matte finish with a monochrome theme going on.
[singlepic id=1816 w=320 h=240 float=center]We have the GamePanel LCD which sticks out amongst all the G510’s features. It has unnamed keys around it which looks like function keys for the GamePanel LCD.
[singlepic id=1820 w=320 h=240 float=center]The keys are full-height and are have a rubbery texture. The layout is pretty standard as far as key placement goes for the regular keys. Takes a little bit of getting used to since I’m used to having my WASD keys as the only keys I have to press on the left.
[singlepic id=1817 w=320 h=240 float=center]On the far left of the G510 we have the 18 G-keys and profile keys. We have 18 G-keys to punch in any macro we want and save it for later use. We have a total of 3 profiles, allowing the user to have a large set of 56 macro keys to utilize.
[singlepic id=1815 w=320 h=240 float=center]Just a bit off the top of the F1-F4 keys, we have the Game/desktop switch and mic and headphone mute button that controls the built-in USB audio.
[singlepic id=1819 w=320 h=240 float=center]Upper-right side we have the media keys. Pretty nifty feature that I personally look for in any high-end keyboard. It has a pretty wide scroll bar which controls the volume. Very smooth and resistance free scrolling on it. A couple of keys away from it to the left is the back-light OFF button.
[singlepic id=1818 w=320 h=240 float=center]Above the arrow key is the G510 logo which also gets illuminated.
[singlepic id=1810 w=320 h=240 float=center] [singlepic id=1811 w=320 h=240 float=center]The USB cable is around of average length, around 7’ feet. I would’ve really preferred it if it was braided. Capping this off is typical USB plug which comes with a rubber cap to protect it while not in use.
[singlepic id=1805 w=320 h=240 float=center] [singlepic id=1806 w=320 h=240 float=center] [singlepic id=1807 w=320 h=240 float=center]Plugging in the keyboard we finally get to see its ummm… not so bright lighting. Kinda got disappointed there. Well let’s see later if I can change that in the included CD.
[singlepic id=1808 w=320 h=240 float=center]The GamePanel LCD shows G510 in the display. Bright and clear.
Installing the software we get treated to a nice little intro movie that ends with a flash app that showcases the G510’s feature.
SOFTWARE
The software included with the G510 enables the keyboard to interact with the computer and unleashes the keyboards fullest potential.
[singlepic id=1826 w=320 h=240 float=center]Upon first run of the program it shows you a list of supported games and it will check the ones found on your system. Feel free to configure those not found on first scan.
[singlepic id=1821 w=320 h=240 float=center]The main screen is the G-Key Profiler. This lets you set initial values to your macro profiles as well as lighting options to easily let the player know which profile they’re using.
[singlepic id=1824 w=320 h=240 float=left]Â [singlepic id=1827 w=320 h=240 float=center]A Macro Manager lets the player record macros using the onscreen command display and easily assign them to the G-keys. The Script Manager extends this functionality by adding more advanced macro functionality. This, however, assumes that the user knows how. A tutorial is available in the menu bar.
[singlepic id=1822 w=320 h=240 float=center]Â [singlepic id=1823 w=320 h=240 float=center]Â [singlepic id=1825 w=320 h=240 float=center]The LCD Manager shows the user which programs are currently running that support the GamePanel LCD. It also lets the user configure their display to automatically rotate between applications.
PERFORMANCE, COMFORT, FUNCTIONALITY
For regular day to day typing, the G510 is a very good keyboard. The keys are very comfortable to type with and don’t have that stiffness that’s usually attributed to full-height keys. Being a touch typist, the G510’s fast response rate and superb tactility makes me feel really comfortable with it. I’m actually using it to type this review and so far I’ve really liked the experience of using it for typing purposes.
Some people usually take some time adjusting to a newer keyboard especially those with newer layouts. I find the G510’s standard layout pretty easy to get used to and don’t take a long time to master the extra keys especially if you really like to use them. The full-height keys are reminiscent of the ones I use on my server console and office desk. I’m well known around the office as the fastest typist around and I tend to make a lot of noise when I’m whipping up a storm with my keyboard. Using the G510 for the same purposes, I took out a legal contract and encoded it. Paying close attention to the noise I make, I would say it’s nearly silent. The keys have a nice spring to it and don’t stick.  The rubbery texture makes it hard for you to slip on the keys especially for those with sweaty fingers.
It was pretty thoughtful of Logitech to include an armrest but sadly the heightening stands at the back of the keyboard is insufficient raising the unit a mere .5 inch. I know Logitech has a great ergonomics team working for them but this being a gaming keyboard, and gaming enthusiasts not really known for great posture while gaming… ok not all of ‘em but you get the point. Looking down at the keys from a 45 degree angle, the backlighting looks a bit dim on the upper part and raising the keyboard would really help this but since the G510 can only raise so much, it doesn’t help much, the keys still look garbled from this angle.
On to gaming, the main highlight here is the G-keys but before that let me talk about the other additional features like the Desktop/Game switch, Media Keys, etc. The Media Key is easily my favourite feature since I play Winamp in the background while I game or work on my computer. Yes, I don’t listen to in-game music. Again, the Media Keys are really great. They can control your music application even when you’re in the most intense of games. The volume scroll wheel controls the Windows volume so it affects the entire system though when a multimedia application is active; it controls the volume for that program. The Desktop/Game switch pretty much only does one thing and that’s disable the Windows key. Nifty eh?Sarcasm aside, it is. Having the Windows key is useful during regular use but in gaming, pressing it can really piss you and those guys you playing with off.
Now on to the more game-centric features of the G510: the G-keys and GamePanel LCD. The G-keys really makes this keyboard worth it. Any gaming enthusiast would appreciate the large set of available macro keys available here. I can easily setup large extensive macro libraries for my favourite games. Say for example, one can setup the G1-G6 to fully automate the early game builds and trainings in RTS games and so on. The possibilities are amazing and add to that the great software support and scripting functionality (some scripting/programming understanding required) makes this an exciting device to work with.
The GamePanel LCD is certainly this keyboard’s selling point. It’s got a decent library of useful applications for your needs. Not every gaming enthusiast will need it but the fact that it shows some very useful info like unit count, funds, and such in C&C3, FPS (frames per seconds) graph in Fraps, etc. as well as what’s playing in your media player and what time it is. It’s a pretty snazzy tool taking into consideration that the right apps are used to complement the keyboard.
CONCLUSION
All things considered, the G510 is one feature-filled device with solid construction and surprisingly easy to use. It offers an excellent typing experience without being noisy or clicky. Ergonomics been covered with the wrist rest and standard layout, something which also allows anyone who’s used to full-height keyboards to easily adjust to this one. The layout as a whole isn’t too large nor too small, just right and the extra keys are well within reach for quick access.
The GamePanel LCD and G-keys, like I’ve stated already, are a lethal combination when used to their fullest. Fifty-six macros at the hands of a pro is automation efficiency at its finest. Newcomers to macros will find the real-time macro recording feature easy to use and will really open up worlds of opportunities combined with the GamePanel which shows in-game stats which in turn adds more dimension and depth to your gaming experience as well giving the player a certain degree of advantage to vanilla keyboarders.
The on-board audio is sufficient for those who opt to use it but those using high-end sound cards or USB headsets will most likely never use this. Something they would’ve preferred would be a bypass that routes the headphone output of the soundcard to the G510. Also, a dual-height stand would’ve been a nice addition and would bring the GamePanel LCD at a more optimal angle to the player especially on wide desks. Also, it would’ve been really useful if it had a USB slot.
In closing, there’s nothing really lacking in terms of feature and functionality in the G510. It has great looks with great features and a really solid construction. Logitech lists this for $119.99 at their website (Php5500) which puts it up there with the big boys. Quite reasonable considering the feature it has. For the enthusiast looking for that new keyboard or those who want to step into the world of macros for gaming, this is one tough item to pass up.