Logitech’s G512 Carbon Fiber IGX gaming keyboard is a black, boring, heavy metal gaming keyboard in the best possible way. It does exactly what you want as loudly as you like, and a hundred bucks well-spent. Come, feel the noise.
(OK, even I winced a bit at the 80’s throwback line.)
The Logitech G512 Carbon Fiber IGX keyboard is a straightforward mechanical keyboard in a sleek, durable, and heavy aluminum frame. It’s available in 3 models, each based on a different mechanical switch: Logitech GX Blue, Romer G Linear, or Romer G tactile.
Logitech GX Blue switches are very similar to Cherry MX Blue switches, meaning they are the tactile, “clicky” keys that typists love, some gamers like, and roommates, spouses, and office mates mostly hate.
Logitech’s Romer-G linear/tactile switches are the quieter option and require a slightly lower actuation force (45g) and travel distance (3.2mm) than Logitech GX Blue switches (50g and 4.0mm, respectively). Each of the 3 switch types is rated for 70 million keystrokes.
Logitech G512 IGX technical specifications
Logitech G512 gaming keyboard (credit: Logitech)
General
- Aluminum backplane
- 70 million keystroke lifespan
- USB 2.0 passthrough connector
- RGB backlighting
- Programmable FN keys
- 2-year warranty
Physical characteristics
- Length: 132 mm (5.2 in)
- Width: 445 mm (17.5 in)
- Height: 35.5 mm (1.4 in)
- Weight (w/o cable): 1130 g (39.9 oz)
- Cable Length: 6 ft
Logitech GX Blue switch characteristics
- Durability: 70 million keypresses
- Actuation distance: 1.9 mm
- Actuation force: 50 g
- Total travel distance: 4.0 mm
Evaluation
The review unit came with Logitech GX Blue switches (probably because the folks at Logitech know I like the noisy little buggers).
The G512 connects through 2 USB cables and features a single USB pass-through connector at the top-right corner—a feature I’ve always appreciated and perfect for connecting a mouse, headset, or flash drive.
The Logitech GX Blue switches in the review unit are expectedly and relatively loud, although subjectively they seem a little quieter than typical Cherry MX Blue switches. The GX blue switches also deliver a nice tactile bump often favored by typists (and some gamers).
Logitech’s software delivers all the usual customization options, including a fully featured macro recorder, different lighting patterns, per-key color customization, and so forth, in a tight, user-focused interface. (In other words, it’s easy to use.)
My only nitpick is that I miss having a left-hand column of dedicated programmable keys and my beloved (and oft-used) dedicated volume roller, both found on the Logitech Orion Spark (which includes an array of other dedicated keys as well).
In general, I tend to prefer a modicum of extra, dedicated and programmable buttons, (and the Orion Spark is a bit of overkill in that regard).
Overall —Highly Recommended
The Logitech G512 series is an excellent, straightforward gaming keyboard ready to make some noise on your desktop. And if you want less noise, it’s also available with quieter switch options. All 3 variants will cost around $100.
PC & Video Gaming Examiner 