Logitech G19 keyboard review

March 21, 9:18 AMPC Game ExaminerBryan Edge-Salois

Previous Next

Comment Print Email RSS Subscribe

Subscribe

Get alerts when there is a new article from the PC Game Examiner. Read Examiner.com's terms of use.

Email Address   Include other special offers from Examiner.com Terms of Use

The Logitech G19 gaming keyboard

The Logitech G19 is a feature-loaded gamer's dream-keyboard -- but at $200 it's definitely not for the light of wallet.

The G19 has a standard, straight keyboard layout. It's main selling feature -- and the one that no doubt drives its price up the most -- is that it's also equipped with a tiltable 320x240 LCD.

The LCD can be used to display all kinds of information. Not counting nearly 80 games -- including World of Warcraft -- that directly support the LCD to display in-game information and statistics --  out of the box you can use the LCD to display a clock, play Youtube videos, run a picture slideshow, or even check your POP3 email.

The only downside to the LCD is that it requires a power supply, so the G19 will add a little extra cabling to your setup.

Immediately to the right of the LCD at the back of the keyboard are two USB 2.0 connections -- great for Logitech's G35 headset and G9x Laser mouse, for example -- for the perfect Logitech PC gaming 'triumvirate.'

Logitech's G19 key profiler control panel

Like Logitech's G9x Laser mouse and G35 gaming headset, the G19 keyboard is highly customizable. For starters, the G19 arms you with twelve programmable 'G keys' (G1-G12) that sit along the left-hand side of the keyboard.

Each G-key can be assigned a keystroke,  a pre-made macro, or a custom-made, complex, multi-keystroke macro -- perfect for MMOs and real-time strategy games in particular.

The G19 also supports up to three separately stored profiles, so you can have up to 36 macros (12 per profile) stored at one time. The color of the backlight -- which can be nearly any color -- can be different for each profile. Switching profiles is as easy as hitting the M1, M2, or M3 buttons located at the top of the G-keys.

A set of media-keys and a conveniently placed, ergonomic roller for volume adjustment sits just above the number pad. Another convenience is a dedicated slider switch  for disabling the Windows key --  something any gamer will immediately appreciate.

Personally, I have to confess that I miss a dedicated set of programmable gaming keys like the Ideazon Merc Stealth has. I also found the G19's keys to be a little 'mushier' than I prefer for general typing, but that's a highly subjective preference. I like the LCD panel, although I don't have any games that directly support it yet -- but it's still handy for its clock, POP3 and other functions. The LCD is crystal clear and has a very sharp image. I look forward to seeing what this puppy can do. (Can I be the first to ask for a 'rear view mirror' function for 3D shooters?)

Minor faults aside,  there's no question about the G19's greatness. And the LCD function -- which is currently supported by World of Warcraft and more than seventy other games -- definitely has a lot of potential. Whether or not major PC game developers  jump into supporting it in the future is another question.

Overall, the real question about the G19 isn't whether or not it's awesome -- it's just whether or not you're willing to spend $200 (the cost of a good video card or other system upgrade(s) to get all that awesome. If you are, I'm sure you won't be disappointed.

Visit the Logitech G19 gaming keyboard home page for more info

Other reviews you may be interested in:

Logitech G9x Laser mouse review

Logitech G35 gaming headset review

Razer Carcharias gaming headset review

Razer Mako 2.1 THX speaker system review

Razer Moray gaming headphones review