Logitech's G11 gaming keyboard reviewed

If you've got no use for the LCD-equipped G15 keyboard, but still lust for dozens of extra buttons to push, you might be interested in the slightly less costly G11. Logitech's self-proclaimed "gaming keyboard" sports the same basic features as its more luxurious sibling, but omits the LCD in favor of bringing the price down to a more respectable level. While it may not be immediately evident what makes the 'board so "gamer-centric," ExtremeTech took a long look at the G11, and unearthed a lot of potential for coders and macro-freaks as well as late-night MMO gamers. While noting that the device boasted the usual assortment of keys, the crew was thoroughly impressed (albeit a bit overwhelmed) with the 54 "G-keys" that could record any macro imaginable. It was noted that keystrokes, although comfortable, rendered a slight "click" when depressed, and they were occasionally sidetracked by mistaking a lower G-key with the Control key. Nevertheless, the illuminated keys (and media controls) were deemed "worthwhile," and the superbly implemented Keyboard Profiler software allowed for on-the-fly macro recording including pauses and combinations. Overall, reviewers felt that the G11 was nothing more than "a shiny keyboard that glows in the dark" if you weren't obsessed with macros, but insinuated that it was a solid value at $70 if you used the bevy of G-keys as frequently as ASDF.

[Yaotl @ Oct 4th 2006 4:03PM]

This actually looks pretty nice. I was in the market for a keyboard like this. Does anyone know if any b&m stores carry this line? I've never seen on in person.

[Limestallc @ Oct 4th 2006 4:10PM]

Looks great but i love my saitek keyboard way too much to give it up. the saitek one is $30 cheaper and the best keyboard i have ever used.

[Vincent @ Oct 4th 2006 4:28PM]

Yaotl:

MicroCenter/BestBuy/CompUSA should have them in soon, as they carry the G15. Personally, I like ergonomic/wave keyboards, since I started using one about 6 years ago, and I started training myself to use a straight one ~1 year ago, with the Microsoft Comfort Curve 2000 (it's only kinda curved) so I can get used to a lappy straight keyboard. However, the G15 (and thus, G11) is a rather impressive keyboard, except for one tiny thing...

The "rubber" that surrounds it.. feels strange. Especially after washing your hands (with soap). It has a "suck the moisture from your skin" feel. That's the main reason I didn't buy it, it was uncomfortable to use. But I used to play with it all the time when I worked at MicroCenter.

[bsm0f0 @ Oct 4th 2006 4:36PM]

I just bought the G15 model ... absolutely the best keyboard I've ever owned. Then again, I've never owned a keyboard that cost more than $4.99 + tax ... so ...

[Orlando @ Oct 4th 2006 4:36PM]

AHHh this will go well with my new comp.

[kansei @ Oct 4th 2006 5:07PM]

um.. I used the G15 and thought it felt like crap?? same goes for the saitek unit. they feel mush and cheaply made. Plus, I can probably fit 4 of my HHKs (happy hacking keyboard) on my desk and it'll take up less space than that thing.. and have more keys :P

[Jeff @ Oct 4th 2006 5:08PM]

I used to use a G15 but had to switch it out when I started to test Vista. When the screen pops up to ask if you'd like to boot into Vista or a prior Windows version, the G15 keyboard wouldn't function until you were in an OS.

Loved it when I used it, though.

[Kenny @ Oct 4th 2006 5:11PM]

I have the G15. I didn't pay retail for it. But I love it. Haven't had a chance to program or use any of the Macros though.

[asx @ Oct 4th 2006 5:19PM]

I've had the G15 since X-mas. Overall I love the feel, and the little touches like a switch to disable the Windows key are nice. My biggest complaints are that the keycaps are painted, and start to wear after about a month (after six months, the e, a ,t, h, i, o, n, m, keys and a good chunk of the spacebar have no paint left).

Still, it's a great keyboard, and the macro keys are excellent once you get used to them.

[rj @ Oct 4th 2006 5:27PM]

This is *just* what I need to take my Nethack games to the next level.

[BanditRider @ Oct 4th 2006 5:34PM]

I use the Saitek Eclipse but then, I don't play games and don't run Windows.

[Spike @ Oct 4th 2006 6:29PM]

@Jeff

No USB keyboard will work at any bootloader screen if USB Legacy Keyboard support is disabled in the BIOS.

[Dheera Venkatraman @ Oct 4th 2006 6:32PM]

i like my free gateway2000 macro keyboard. it still works. i don't know why it took so long for them to put macro features back, and why it must be so expensive this time.

[Rex @ Oct 4th 2006 7:26PM]

I have the Saitek II. I just cant bring myself to spend $70 to even $100 on a keyboard.

The G15 is not enough keyboard for the money...

[Juaquin @ Oct 4th 2006 7:51PM]

I have a G15 and love it. The screen and media controls let me play music while in-game, and I can also check stats once I die in CS (KPD ratio, weapon stats, objectives, the kind of obsessive stats that most gamers don't worry about). It's also good when using teamspeak. I especially like the Bandwidth monitor programs floating around.

The G keys come in handy. For CS you can bind weapon buy scripts to a key, letting you buy everything quickly at the beginning of a round, giving you a head start on the opposing team.

All in all, it's a good way to keep an eye on all of your system's specs. If you're not the kind of person that wants to know the processor load, bandwidth, temp, etc, and you don't play games much (or need to keep track of stats), the screen probably isn't necessary. Little things like that make it worth the money, at least for me.

[XGM @ Oct 4th 2006 10:45PM]

well futureshop had a nice deal up here in canada, the saitec eclipse was 75$, and the G15 was 55$ + i had a 15$ rebate on it :P.

But the LCD is awsome i use it all the time, even in normal windows applications. Best gaming keyboard ive used until now.

[Jothie @ Oct 4th 2006 11:39PM]

This looks like a great keyboard. I'm in the market for a backlit one.

A little off topic, but lately I've been seeing tv ads for a backlit keyboard that looked really cool. It had 4 usb ports built into it, they were giving away a wireless laser mouse with it and a nifty mouse pad that also had usb ports built into it. After seein gthe commercial a few times I decided I wanted to look the product up and see how the reviews for it was to see if I wanted to buy it(it was like 19.99 plus 39.99 if you kepted it after the 30 days 'try it' period.) but I haven't seen the damn commercial since. Anyone know the name of the keyboard? I've tried all sorts of googgle searches and I just can't find it. Anyone else seen this commercial? Anyone know the name of the product? Its making me mad. I saw the commercial about 20 times and ignored it, now that I might want it I never see the damn thing.

[Dustin @ Oct 5th 2006 8:39AM]

I just wanted to say....I have had this keyboard for about 4 months now. I give it two thumbs up. I have really put it through it's paces both gaming and at work. The key macros make those mundane functions that you do a million times a day so much easier and faster. On the side, the back light works very well, it's packed with little extra features like a USB hub, it's a lot thinner than most other keyboards, and for you WPM freaks, the action is great. The only thing that I have been a little upset with is the fact that there is not a great deal of people out there helping with the support for all of the games. There are a lot of benefits that this keyboard could utilize, just not a lot of people really doing anything about it. Overall, I am very pleased, and I recommend it to anyone.

[root02 @ Oct 5th 2006 9:30AM]

It may not be there yet, but check directron.com for these puppies - they carry the G15 for ~$70. It seems they don't have the G11 yet, but I bet it'll be damn cheap when they do.
I'm typing this on a G15 myself, and overall, I love it.

[Mako @ Oct 8th 2006 10:23PM]

to bad that both Logitech and Saitek have a problem with the keys smudging. I am guessing oils in the skin do it but the fact that they smudge is pretty crappy.