Eri Reviews Things

When Logitech announced its latest keyboard, the G316 X 98, it caught my attention. What do you mean Logitech is releasing a 98% keyboard that not only comes in white, has RGB, and is reasonably priced, but is also hot-swappable?! As someone who builds custom keyboards, I was curious to see how Logitech approached the hobby, especially since big keyboard brands have increasingly started releasing products aimed at custom keyboard enthusiasts. But did this latest keyboard hit the mark?

The Logitech G316 X 98 is a 98% hot-swap RGB keyboard designed for gamers and custom keyboard builders. Inside the box are the keyboard with pre-installed tactile switches, a USB-A-to-C cable, and an instruction manual. First impressions, it looks like any other Logitech keyboard. It has the “G” logo on the Escape key, bright RGB lighting, the familiar Logitech gaming font, and the same overall design language that you recognise. Note: this is a wired keyboard, so there is no Bluetooth connectivity.

As a regular gaming keyboard, it’s not bad. The spacebar doesn’t sound like shit. Pressing down the keys feels nice, and the RGB lighting illuminates my desk, especially when I have all the ambient lights in my office on. While I’m not a numpad person, it’s nice to have one. I’ve used this keyboard during work and haven’t had any latency issues. Just make sure you plug it directly into your PC when updating the firmware, as it doesn’t seem to like USB hubs.

During the first week I used the keyboard (before its release date), I didn’t have access to the G-Hub, which was fine because it was usable out of the box. You only need the G-Hub when you want to change the lighting effects or key functions. I could remap the numpad into media controls if I wanted to.

The build of the Logitech G316 X 98 isn’t bad either. It is a plastic keyboard, but it’s fine. It’s light enough to move around easily, but heavy enough that it doesn’t slide across the desk. However, it’s fairly tall, so I’d recommend using a wrist rest. Also, no flippy feet, so you’re stuck at its default angle. It’s not bad, just something to keep in mind if you don’t want to hurt your hands when typing. The knob is really nice. By default, it functions as a volume knob, and that’s unfortunately all it does. I tried to change its functionality on the G-Hub app, but to no avail. There’s also a small LED display that shows when Caps Lock is enabled and plays a simple animation when you adjust the volume. Sadly, you can’t customise the display. I would’ve loved to stick a tiny penguin on it, but nope.

But what I was really curious about with the G316 X 98 is the keyboard’s customisation. As someone who’s been in the keyboard-building hobby since 2021, I’ve heard plenty of criticism that big brands don’t really understand the custom keyboard hobby. But with the G316 X 98, I think it’s off to a good start. The G316 X 98 is hot-swappable and has 5-pin slots, meaning most modern 5-pin switches on the market will fit. I’ve inserted some spare Gateron Box Inks Pink switches I had lying around, and it worked like a charm. When looking at the default switches, they’re not bad. The stock switches aren’t scratchy either, so I don’t feel the need to open and lubricate them.

Although the PCB uses north-facing LEDs, this shouldn’t be an issue for most modern switches and keycaps, especially now, since, from what I’ve heard, most new Cherry-profile keycaps can handle north-facing switches. First impressions-wise, this could be a good contender for “baby’s first custom keyboard”. If you want to dip your toes into the hobby without worrying about group buys, disappearing vendors, or sketchy brands, buying from a recognisable company like Logitech has its advantages.

However, I do have some qualms with the “customizability” of the G316 X 98. Despite promoting the hot-swap PCB, the box does not come with a switch puller, a keycap puller (or spare keycaps for that matter) or spare switches. You might think to yourself, “That’s not a big deal.” But I had to clean this keyboard because I was eating at my desk, which meant I had to pull some of the keycaps. Some keycaps fit tightly enough that removing them can also pull the switch out of the socket. If this were truly “baby’s first custom keyboard,” the user would be screwed because they might not have the tools to fix the switches if a pin is bent. Or worse, if the pin fully breaks (which does happen) and they have an empty slot waiting to be filled. A couple of spare switches would’ve gone a long way here.

Don’t expect to modify this keyboard either. Unless I want to risk damaging it, there aren’t any easily accessible screws, so I can’t change the plate or do tape mods. That’s understandable if this is your first custom keyboard. Plus, it might be weird for Logitech to put in their marketing “buy tape or foam in your local craft shop to fix the sound” or “better stabilisers sold separately.” But for those deep into the hobby, while the sound is alright, the spacebar could use a bit of work, and I wish I could swap the stabilisers. At least they don’t sound rattly. The same can be said of the other keys that use stabilisers, like shift, enter, and backspace. There is no noticeable case ping, and, at least to my ears, it doesn’t sound hollow. Shame I can’t pull it open and see if there’s anything I could do to make it sound better.

When comparing Logitech’s G316 X 98 to other budget brands in the custom keyboard space, such as Glorious, Akko, and NuPhy, the G316 X 98’s price is reasonable, but keep in mind you’re paying for the brand. It is a good start for custom keyboards, but its competitors offer more customisation, some at lower or comparable prices. And that’s disappointing, considering Logitech had the Aurora lineup, which let users change the body. But if you compare the Logitech G316 X 98 to other big-brand keyboards in the space, it could be a better value, as it is a near full-size keyboard. By comparison, boards like the ASUS ROG Azoth and Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro let you disassemble the keyboard, though you do so at your own risk. Maybe that’s the trade-off for a more affordable keyboard: you lose the ability to open it up.

Logitech Australia sent the G316 X 98 for review and had no say or influence in this piece.