Logitech G915 X Lightspeed review: the mechanical gaming keyboard improves without keeping a low profile

Ergonomics

We will surely say it several times during this test, but for those who have already put their hands on the G915, the G915 X Lightspeed will hold no surprises. First of all, its format remains perfectly unchanged for better and for worse. The model at the center of our attention today, with its numeric keypad, will delight MMO addicts in extreme need of buttons to attach their precious macros (even if other much more practical options are already present), but also experts -amateur session accountants gaming between two spreadsheet fillings.

For the rest of the populace, who have always been perfectly content with the upper row of numbers, the presence of the numeric keypad will only have the effect of furthering the reach of their mouse or becoming a means (pleasant, admittedly ) to fill in an encrypted password that is a little too long. Question of taste!

What will surprise newbies, however, is this particular layout specific to the G915, namely the column of six “G” keys located at the far left of the keyboard. Very often, our hands tend to place themselves by muscle memory where these keys dedicated to customizable macros rest. It’s a blow to be taken and a design choice which is justified by its practical side, but which must be pointed out.

An important change should be noted: no more ABS keys with fragile paints, the keys of the G915 X Lightspeed are now in double-layer PBT. A healthy choice, but expected for a product in this price segment. Moreover, the brushed aluminum plate grafted to the chassis remains more or less similar to its predecessor.

Nothing to complain about the construction quality: the finish is always exemplary and robust, keeping flex to a minimum, and it does not shake under the effect of even the most forceful typing. However, we regret that the multimedia and shortcut keys on the upper part of the keyboard are made of rubber. They are also hypersensitive, despite their very pronounced peripheral depression.

These have not changed since the first iteration of the G915. The G6 to G9 keys are still present, followed by another quartet on the right, intended to activate the Lightspeed connection, Bluetooth, gaming mode and backlight intensity. A perfect transition to evoke the connectivity of the G915

Bluetooth is also available, a connection mode that will however only be reserved for office use in order to avoid any external interference. Thus, two independent devices can be paired via these two respective connection modes. Wired connection is still possible via the inclusion of a USB-C port, a nice evolution from the micro-USB of the G915 of yesteryear.

Like its illustrious predecessor, the G915 low profile. By this mean that unlike other standard keyboards, its profile is considerably lower. Measured at 2.2 cm, it can be used without having to elevate the forearms. However, during prolonged use, fatigue exerted on the wrists and phalanges is felt. The inclusion of a wrist rest, especially in this price range, would have been nice, even as an option. However, two risers are integrated into the upper rear part to adjust the height according to individual tastes.

The RGB backlighting (customizable, we’ll see later) is very bright at its maximum setting. Idem, the transparent screen printing of the PBT keys is well highlighted in the dark, without observing light leaks sometimes characteristic of keyboards frameless. The other side of the coin is the barely visible nature of the keys when the backlight is deactivated, especially when it is deactivated as soon as the keyboard’s internal battery drops below a certain threshold. Thus, Logitech promises up to 36 hours of autonomy with RGB lighting at its maximum, up to 800 hours once turned off. Lovers of touch typing will be delighted; others will need to keep the USB-C cable (provided) handy to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

Struck

The Logitech G915 X Lightspeed comes in three configurations for its “in-house” GL tactile switches. Linear switches (equivalent to Cherry Red), with almost total absence of feedback, are specially designed for gaming. At the opposite end of the spectrum, their clicky counterparts are much more pronounced in their force feedback and, as their name suggests, emit a pronounced high-pitched noise. Between the two, the tactile switches offer a happy medium, i.e. a very present feedback, without the expected noise. Compared to the brown switches from Cherry, the GL tactile switches nevertheless offer a more hollow noise due to the open layout of the keyboard, without “resonating” like on some poor quality plastic chassis.

The compromise is a success, allowing repeated actions to be performed without tiring the fingers, while offering enough feedback for classic writing use, the result of a balanced activation force of 48 g. It is no coincidence that tactile switches are gradually becoming a standard within the keyboard industry, as their versatility has proven itself over the years. Note that the actuation point (1.3 mm) and the key movement distance (3.2 mm) are identical, regardless of the style of switch chosen.