Let's face it, all gamers are in love with toys that glow. Peripheral designers recognize our unnatural obsession, and oftentimes pack their gamer-oriented products with flashy LEDs. However, while putting up a light show is a desirable quality gaming devices should have, flashiness should not top the list. Logitech's G gaming series keyboard G15 Revision 2 was designed with such concept in mind. In making the Revision 2, Logitech took into consideration both functionality and aesthetic quality. From size and functions to look and build quality, the Logitech G15 proves to be a very practical keyboard for gamers.



Design (7.5/10)

Composed of fine lines and modern color mesh, the G15 V2 looks stylish and sleek. The bright and clear LCD screen takes the top center position, which undoubtedly contributes to one of the best highlights of the keyboard. Unlike the previous version of the G15, Ver 2 comes in much more compact dimensions. With the 6 side profile keys (total of 18 assignments with 3 modes), the G15 is no larger than a normal size keyboard.

One of the design downfalls of the G15 is its USB ports. Not only are they still not USB2.0, but their location made the ports difficult to access. Instead of having them positioned somewhere behind the LCD screen where users can't really see, thus unable to locate them, the designers should have positioned the ports on the side of the keyboard.

The V2 comes with orange LEDs. Personally, this reviewer believes orange is the new blue. In other words, in the world of gaming LEDs, blue is out. The highest level of brightness on the G15 is not distractingly bright, but more than sufficient in the dark. Nonetheless, it is bewildering to guess why Logitech has not included the ability to switch LED colors like it has done on the G9 Gaming Mouse.

Last but not least, we are happy to see that the lock for Windows Key from Version 1 remained on the V2. The lock button was designed to prevent users from accidentally hitting the Windows button during gaming.

Build Quality (8/10)

As always, the build quality of Logitech's products are industry-leading . The keys come in a smooth, rubber-like finish while the LCD screen and memory buttons are gloss coated. The entire keyboard appears smooth and symmetrical with the exception of the 6 media keys around the LCD screen. Stroking your finger across the keys, you would feel a protruding gap between the some of the buttons. The keys on the G15 are responsive, but the rebounds are not as clean and crisp as I'd like. Moreover, there is some flex around the keys, especially around the space bar.


Software (8/10)

The G15 is a plug-and-play device. However, without installing the drivers and software, you will not be able to use the profile and media keys. The software is simple to use. You can choose among Keystroke, Macro, Function, Shortcut, Text Block, and Customizable Script for the assignment of the 6 G keys. The GamePanel Manager also allows you to customize the LCD screen and assign the display to various programs (media player, email, timer, clock, and CPU/RAM etc). Third-party programs are also available to use with the new G15.




In-Use Experience (7.5/10)
The keyboard demonstrated some shortfalls during use. In testing movement, the G15 shifted as soon as a bit of force was applied. This is probably due to the fact that there are only 2 rubber feet at the bottom part of the keyboard. Where are the rubber feet for the top? Moreover, the G15's "Cable Management Channels" at the bottom don't really work well. The channels are way too wide and they lack the bottleneck that would clip and hold the mouse cord in place. My mouse would be better off "unmanaged." Nonetheless, despite a few shortfalls, the keyboard itself proves to be a good standard Logitech keyboard.





Conclusion ( 8 /10)


The decision comes down to whether you think Logitech did the right thing by compromising 12 G keys (36 assignments) for a much more compact device. From both Logitech and this reviewer's point of view, the switch was worth it. To the manufacturer, a more compact (and by compact I mean normal) keyboard would appeal to a much larger potential market of buyers. To end-users, the V2 appears much more stylish and sleek, while being able to fit into keyboad trays and to save more precious desk space. To gamers, do you really need that many programmable keys?

Aesthetic wise, the Logitech G15 Rev 2 is very pleasing. Function wise, although the keyboard is above average, there are still many aspects it can be improved upon. Making the keyboard less prone to movement (by simply adding a few more rubber feet), and adding USB2.0 support should be taken into heavy consideration when Logitech designers are brainstorming for the next gen series.

Considering the price, if you're not in the market for a back-lit keyboard, we would not recommend the G15 V2. However, if you're a computing or gaming enthusiast who enjoy working in the dark, the G15 should certainly top your list. Comparing to its rivalry Razer Lycosa, not only does the G15 have many more functions (including LCD screen), but even with the 6 dedicated profile buttons (which the Lycosa does not have), the V2 is only a tiny bit wider (2cm) than its rivalary. They say, good things come in small packages, and the Logitech G15 V2 proves to be no exception.



Pros:
- Reduced size without compromising majority of the functions
- Dedicated Profile keys
- Rubber-like keys for non-slip control
- Lock for Windows button
- Responsive keys
- Very good build quality overall

Cons:
- Prone to movement
- No USB2.0 support
- Poor USB port location
- Lack LED color selection
- Cable Management Channels don't really work
- High price
We'd like to thank Tate from Logitech for making this review possible.
Logitech G15 V2 MSRP $99.99US 119.99CAD

Written by Cecil L. on July 28, 2008.