Another major feature of the new keyboard is 18 programmable keys in groups of six that are on the left side. Labeled G1 through G18, these keys can be used to create macros, keystrokes, or launch programs. To further extend the functionality of the keys, you can switch between three modes so you can have a total of 54 unique functions. Three mode buttons are above the top row of the programmable keys and the one that’s active is lit up. And if that wasn’t enough, you can also have separate profiles for programs. Yes, you can actually have separate profiles for different games so you don’t have to keep programming the keys for each program. When I loaded up
Battlefield 2, the LCD display notified me that the
Battlefield 2 profile is now active. Logitech’s software tries to search for some games on your computer so it will generate default blank profiles for them. If the software doesn’t find it, you can easily create a profile of its own.
There are two ways you can program the keys. First off, you can setup the profile and create the macros through the control panel. The control panel shows you the current configuration you are programming and the mode that’s being programmed. Just select the G key and you’re presented with a menu of options to do. For macro recording, you can string a series of key presses together and even record the delays between the keystrokes. Not only that but it also detects how long you’ve hold down a button! I’ve used programs where you had to press a certain key to signify say a 1/8” second delay but Logitech’s implementation of recording the delays in real time really makes it a lot better. You get an exact replication of your key sequences this way. If you have macros that work across various games, you can save it and assign the macro to the profile. Launching programs can be easily done by assigning the exe to the key. As you can tell, you have a lot of flexibility in programming those keys.
The second way is to do it through the keyboard interface. There’s a MR button that allows you to program a key without having the control panel up. This feature is similar to the old Sidewinder Commander that I loved. Let’s say you are deep into a game and find that you are using a certain macro sequence that you didn’t program for. Press the MR button, press the G key you want to program, press the sequence including the delays, and then press the MR key again. You’ve now programmed the key. But what if you want to save it for future use? No problem. Just go to the control panel after you exit the game and there’s the macro for you to save under the G key that you programmed. Your quick macros will be saved until you turn off your machine. The programming pad’s grouping makes it easy to select the key you want since it’s only in rows of two and length of three. The only thing I would like would be a little bump in the middle key like what’s on the F and J key but for the most part, I didn’t have problems selecting the one I want quickly though during gameplay. The keys responded quickly and correctly with the macros I programmed in. It became so useful that I had profiles for when I programm in Visual Studio 2005. For some of the key combinations I use a lot such as build, the macro functions help make it easy to activate with a press of a button. The keys aren't just for games and they proved useful in other applications as well. Because of the addition of the programmable keys, the keyboard is rather long. I had problems fitting this keyboard in a few keyboard trays. If you just use your keyboard on a desk, then you shouldn’t have any problems. But those with keyboard trays, make sure you measure your area if you want to use the
G15 in there.
Now the keyboard itself is the standard keyboard set. A nice blue glow highlights each letter on the keyboard. As with the LCD display, you can adjust the brightness of the glow with a button on the keyboard. But for those that play in the dark, this should help you see the keys a lot. The keys have a nice soft feel to it and are pretty quiet. Now for Windows gamers, how many times have you accidentally pushed the Windows key and was kicked out of the game to the desktop? There are programs that do disable the button but Logitech’s solution is pretty simple. Just flip the switch above the F2 and F3 game to the gaming mode and those buttons are disabled. Now you can press keys frantically and not worry you’ll accidentally that you’ll hit the Windows key. It’s a simple, yet very useful feature for gamers. I've never used the Windows keys much anyways so I alway have them off but the option is there for you activate or deactivate them.
Media keys are located underneath the LCD buttons and are exposed when you raise the LCD panel. You have your basic stop, play/pause, forward, and back buttons. Each has a nice blue glow to them as well. The volume knob in the middle is one where I think could use a little improvement. The smooth dial with the single bump can be hard to rotate if your hands are a little slippery. Previous Logitech setups had a nice raised rounded dial with notches and I found that to be easier to rotate than the one on the
G15. When you rotate the knob, the volume level is nicely displayed on the LCD panel so you don’t have to take your eyes off the keyboard area to see how loud you are setting your computer. The mute key is situated outside the area though and to the right of the media keys.
I haven’t had USB ports on a keyboard since the old original Microsoft Natural keyboard but Logitech’s
G15 provides two USB ports with each one situated on either side of the LCD panel. Unfortunately, they are not high speed 2.0 USB ports but rather full speed 1.1 USB ports. I would’ve liked the faster standard so that if I plug in a USB key drive or MP3 device, I would get a faster transfer rate. Besides that small gripe, I’m glad to see USB inputs on the keyboard again. Since the USB ports aren't powered, there will be some devices that won't work. For example, I tried my Logitech Rumblepad and Windows complained that there wasn't enough power to operate the device properly. My Bluetooth dongle and USB Jumpdrives worked fine though as well as any low-power USB devices.
The wrist rest that attaches to the keyboard has a nice soft feel to it. The same material also covers the top of the keyboard and LCD area. The attachment though could use a stronger clips in my opinion. They are flimsier than the the ones that Logitech usually uses. Otherwise, it feels nice on the palm ad runs the full length of the bottom of the keyboard.
On the bottom of the keyboard are two risers that flip out and tilt the keyboard up a little. It's already a pretty low profile keyboard but the risers do put it at an adequate angle for me to type. Some will like the low profile while others will prefer higher angles. The risers don't put it up much higher so it's best if you find one at a store to try out to see if you would like the low angle. Also on the bottom are grooves to run wire underneath and still keep the keyboard flat on the table. This can help keep your wires clean on your desktop by stringing them under the keyboard and out the back. The wires I did try out were too thick for the grooves and the ones that were thin enough seemed to do an ok job. Perhaps some clamps or clips to help keep the wires from moving underneath the keyboard would've been helpful.
Logitech’s G line continues to impress and the
G15 is a great, great keyboard. I really enjoy typing on it during general usage. The programmable keys are very useful in various applications. I’m anxious to see games take advantage of the LCD display and also home brew plugins from users as well. Gamers will also like the Windows key toggle switch and glowing keys for playing the dark. Overall, the
G15’s a great product with some very minor quibbles from me. It’s also a little expensive at $80 but you should definitely consider the purchase once games take advantage of the display.
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