RATING: 3.5/5 Stars
The Logitech G515 Rapid TKL Wired Gaming Keyboard is Logitech’s newest keyboard, offering a low-profile, super-slim, and lightweight design, along with rapid trigger switches. With a price tag of $329.95, you’re paying for the Logitech branding, but you don’t have the customisation ability when compared to other hall effect keyboards like the Wooting60HE.
I first saw this keyboard during the Logitech GPlay event in Melbourne last month, and I immediately fell in love with it after giving it a try and seeing it for the first time. At the same time, I was also hesitant when it came to a branded gaming keyboard, following my experience with the Corsair K70 in 2020-2021. After using this new keyboard for a while for gaming and work, here are my thoughts on this latest addition to the brand’s G Series.
First Impressions – Decent Hardware
The Logitech G515 Rapid TKL Wired Gaming Keyboard features a plastic body and is very thin, making it a great keyboard to bring along when you’re on the go. The only caveat is that it’s wired, so you will need to bring a USB-C cable if you want to use it on your device. When laid flat, it’s around 2cm tall (including the keycaps), and it has some feet that allow you to adjust the angle to 4 or 8 degrees.
The keycaps feature a typical plastic low-cherry profile with see-through text, allowing the RGB to glow. They’re not bad keycaps as they do the job, but since this is a gaming keyboard, the WASD keycaps are set to a different colour. Since the switches are cherry profile, you can swap them around to any other custom keycaps of your choosing, including the tall artisans. But as for the switches, they’re not hotswappable. But the switches feel so smooth and I love pressing them down.
It’s very obvious that this keyboard has north-facing LED lights, but since it’s not a hotswappable keyboard, it’s no big deal. By this point, we must accept that keyboard manufacturers aim to limit RGB capabilities due to the lettering position.
Aside from the keyboard, the box also contains a USB-A to USB-C cable, which is alright, but I prefer to use the current cables that I use on my daily drivers. It also has user documentation available for you to read if you’d like.
It’s pretty decent. It’s not too heavy, but not too light; it feels pretty good, and it’s pretty minimalistic, which is great if you want something that saves space and don’t want to attract attention when you’re out and about.
Typing feels – Not bad.
Gaming keyboards have a reputation for sounding rattly or not being as great as custom keyboards. However, the Logitech G515 Rapid TKL Wired Gaming Keyboard offers a typing sound and experience that’s just as good as my custom builds.
Note that it’s not perfect when compared to my custom keyboard, as when I set the keyboard to 8 degrees, the spacebar starts to have that rattle sound that we’re all familiar with. But when set to the lower and flat angles, it doesn’t sound bad. It’s reminding me of clicky keyboards.
The software – The LOGITECH G HUB
The Logitech G Hub is the proprietary software that the Logitech G515 Rapid TKL Wired Gaming Keyboard responds to. It’s not bad as it has everything you need to customise not just the key responses, but also the controls, RGB, etc.
The lightsync settings on this keyboard are good. It comes with different effects, but I’m currently using “Echo Press,” which changes the colour of the keys I press, which is pretty nice. The RGB isn’t as bright, but it’s not a major issue unless you’re really into those flashing lights.
The keyboard also features a game mode button that, when pressed, locks certain buttons. By default, the Windows keys are locked, but you can set other buttons like Print, Home, End, etc. Additionally, the software allows you to customise your key functions, enabling you to create your own custom macro pad. If you don’t often use the Page Up and Page Down buttons, you can turn them into your volume controls. Want quick access to some of your applications? You can press specific keys to do so. It’s pretty cool.
Additionally, the Logitech G515 Rapid TKL Wired Gaming Keyboard allows you to create profiles based on the games you own. The app will automatically include some titles, but you can add your own as long as you know where they’re located on your PC.
How’s the Rapid Trigger Like?
It’s very responsive.
You can set the actuation point between 0.1 and 2.5mm, and the rapid trigger response between 0.1 and 1.5mm. You can feel and see the difference when using these settings, and it’s insane. It’s hard to notice the difference, but after a few rounds of Marvel Rivals, I’ve noticed how using Jeff the Shark felt more responsive.
Also, don’t have low actuation points and rapid trigger settings if you’re using this for writing/office work. You will press some buttons without noticing it, and it will impact your workflow in a way you didn’t expect. Fortunately, the Logitech G515 Rapid TKL Wired Gaming Keyboard allows you to set profiles, so you can decide which profile will have specific settings. Also, the Logitech G Hub allows you to assign specific keys to have certain rapid trigger settings. Only use WASD or play Genshin Impact where you need quick access to certain buttons; the app will allow you to prioritise those keys.
Overall thoughts – An expensive hall effect keyboard
Let’s be real, the Logitech G515 Rapid TKL Wired Gaming Keyboard is a pricy keyboard, especially when there are other hall effect keyboards in the market that are cheaper and could do a better job. If you’re not in the custom scene and are looking for a plug-and-play keyboard with great features from a trusted brand, then this is a good option for you.
Is it a perfect keyboard? Not really. But is it good, and can it do the job? Hell yes. Logitech has ensured that you’re getting decent quality for a rapid trigger keyboard, and you’re definitely getting what you pay for. This isn’t just like the generic gaming keyboards in the market, where it’s rattly and feels clunky. This gaming keyboard is portable, with a minimal design that lets you take it anywhere.
It could have been $100 cheaper, especially when you compare it to other boards in the market. But by this point, you’re paying for the brand and the product, and that’s good enough.
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