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Logitech G11 Gaming Keyboard (Black/Silver) Review (continued)
More User Submitted Logitech G11 Gaming Keyboard (Black/Silver) Reviews
Date: 2008-05-27
Pretty good keyboard with only a few minor issues
I purchased this keyboard about a month ago because I was interested in the macro keys and how useful they'd be for gaming. But before I get to that, let me give a few statements about the keyboard in general.
1. As many reviewers have said already, this keyboard is fairly large. However, I have plenty of desk space, so that's not an issue to me.
2. The backlit keys are very nice for those who sometimes type in the dark. Not necessary if you're just touch-typing a letter, but quite useful if you're playing games and need to hit a particular key quickly. The lighting seems fairly even across the board with only a few minor areas that seem a bit darker. There are two levels of light (as well as "off") and I wish that the second level were brighter. The difference between "low" and "high" is not much at all.
3. I have not yet used the media keys, so can't comment there.
4. Tactile feedback is pretty good. Now that I'm used to the key placement (it's shifted over a tad from my old keyboard), I find it pleasant to type on. Only issue here is I don't like the placement of the Esc key - It's shifted over about 1 cm from my old keyboard I have yet to adjust...but that's just me.
5. Two USB ports on the board are a nice touch, especially if your computer isn't within easy reach.
Overall, as a general keyboard, I'm very happy with the G11. It feels good and looks good.
Now, about those macro keys...
The G11 has 18 macro keys and 3 Mode keys, which basically are telling you which setup your 18 keys are on. This basically gives you a total of 54 (3x18) total macros you could set up if you wished! These 54 keys can also be separately programmed for any number of Profiles.
The G11 requires software to be running in the background so that you can set up the Profiles. The programming of keys is extremely easy and ranges from specific key clicks, to loading a given program, to entire key sequences based upon one macro key press. The example they give in the tutorial sets up a key so that when pressed will highlight all text in the document and then delete it.
The profiles are basically different setups of what a given macro key will do. You can set them up for a given game or program. Theoretically, when that program is loaded (defined in the profile setup), it should load that profile automatically. So for example, say you have a profile for Doom 3. The idea is that when you click on the Doom3 icon and load the program, the keyboard software will load the Doom3 profile and all of your macro keys that you've already programmed are ready to go. Cool in concept, but I have had trouble getting it to recognize that a given game program is loading. After the game loads, I go back out and look at the Profiler software and it often hasn't changed. Why this is, I don't know. I haven't had time to research it too far. And yes, I have made sure that my "default" isn't locked on (a feature that you can set). So what does this mean? Well, when I start a game, I have to manually load the profile. Not a big deal, but a tad annoying when the software supposedly is set up so you don't have to do this.
Date: 2008-05-17
Excellent gaming and general keyboard
Logitech products are never mediocre. They're either awful or great. The G11, fortunately, falls on the "great" side.
If you're in the market for a nice keyboard (whether you're a gamer, a heavy computer user, or someone who enjoys aesthetic and tactile perfection, the G11 is a sound investment.
I bought the G11 after deciding that I wanted a really well made, wired, back-lit keyboard. There are far to many cheapo keyboards, stocked with useless media buttons and silly ergonomic designs. I decided, as I'm a heavy gamer, that a gaming keyboard was the way to go. The nice thing about computers is that, usually, what's designed for a gamer works REALLY well for any other user.
The G11 is no exception.
The back-lighting displays very nicely, whether seen straight on or at an angle. I have NO trouble with the brightness, and the keys don't look at all blurry. The blue lighting is quite sleek looking, and serves its purpose really well.
The G keys (G1-G18), in coordination with the M1-M3 keys give you 54 macro keys. This is a feature I didn't think I would use, but have grown to love. I'm able to do everything from saving username and password combos (thus able to them inserted at the click of a button), to binding spell set-ups and weapon choices (Oblivion, CS:S, etc.). I also have most of my oft-used programs set to a key, so all I have to do is a hit a button to load my favorite game, firefox, etc.
The media keys work for me, although I almost never use them. Same goes for most of the top row of keys. I keep the keyboard in "gaming mode", thus preventing the Windows key from working, and I only adjust the back-lighting when watching a movie. I've found the ability to record macros to be very useful.
The action on these keys is very satisfying. Typing on it feels great. It's immediately apparent that this is a quality keyboard. Not too clicky, not mushy or overly soft, the G11 hits the sweet spot. It's styled as a desktop keyboard, rather than a laptop (full layout, full sized keys with full action). I prefer this, as it gives a more tactile and concrete response.
The keyboard fits well on my desk. It doesn't seem overly large, but it may be tight on some setups. The included wrist-rest is actually useful ( I initially didn't plan on using it).
Downsides? The software isn't the best in the world. It takes a little playing around to figure it out, as it's not entirely intuitive. Also, the USB hubs should be 2.0, but they're not. I never use them as a result, but I'm not upset about this. Finally, when resting flat, the keys seem to face back away from the typer. In order to even this out, you have to use the little feet on the bottom/back of the keyboard. They are very short, and if you like your keyboard at an incline facing you, you will be disappointed. Other than that, I have NO complaints with this keyboard. It's truly amazing and well worth the price.
Absolutely grab one if you're in the market for a gaming keyboard, a back-lit keyboard, a programmable keyboard, or just a nice keyboard in general.
Date: 2008-05-02
Spectacular Board!
This is a great board with spectacular reaction time. The lit keys are awesome when using in low to no lighting. although they are supposed to be backlit as well and you can barely see that. I have not been able to get the multimedia keys to work with Windows Media Player. There is also a gaming toggle for the board which deactivates the Windows key so if you are playing something that requires the use of ctrl and alt there is no more accidental opening of start menu. The keyboard overall is perfect if you love to game.
Date: 2008-05-02
keyboard started glitching within 8 months
My G15 keyboard started glitching within 8 months of purchase, my Enter, K, and I keys were the 1st to go, then keys started double typing and when I contacted Logitech's customer support they had me hook it up to a 2nd pc without there software. I hauled the keyboard
into work and hook it up (what a pain!)and yup the keyboard is junk.
Logitech's customer support had me fill out a bunch of info but I didn't have my receipt so I'm out my 80$, I went back to my old keyboard, its 10 years old and still works perfectly!
Logitech should be ashamed of them selves for selling substandard products at inflated prices! No matter how many bells and whistles a keyboard has it should last longer then 8 months!
Date: 2008-04-21
Almost Perfect
It's a great keyboard. Looks good, lights up the letters and numbers as well as behind the keys themselves. The feel of the keys is pleasurable. It's a satisfying click when you lay down some thought symbols with your fingertips. I haven't made use of the macro keys but I will someday. It's fully integrated with Windows Media Player and Windows itself, so you can turn the sound up and down on the keyboard. Also skip songs, pause songs, etc. I've only one complaint: USB 1.1 technology. Let's get with the times. These USB ports on the back of the keyboard (2 of 'em) are f*cking 1.1 speed. This is ridiculously slow. It's not twice as slow. It's about four times as slow. That's it. Late.
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