Logitech G19 Gaming Keyboard Review

Logitech G19 Review


The Logitech G19 has been around for almost 2 years currently, and nevertheless, it’s still one of all the best – if not the best – gaming keyboard on the market, hands down.

Sure, the newer models have some features and refinements the G19 hadn’t seen. However, at a sure point, the extra bells and whistles become merely “nice to own”.


In fact, the G19 incorporates several options that the new Logitech G510, good as it’s, lacks. Among those is the LCD panel. True, the G510 has one, however, it’s built into the chassis at a pre-selected angle.

The one in the G19 can swivel to whatever viewing angle is best for you.

The foremost noticeable feature of this keyboard, and most likely its key selling purpose is the 320×240 pixel full-color screen which boasts just as several features as the keyboard itself. Right out of the box, the game panel comes stock with these applets:

• Clock
• CPU/Ram monitor
• Countdown timer
• Movie Player
• Picture Viewer
• POP3 checker

You’ll be able to even use it for video playback, though at 320×240 it’s a small amount rough for any meaningful viewing of, say, YouTube vids that the G19 will show. However, that’s not all the LCD display has to offer. It can conjointly show game stats and VOIP communication information.

The Game panel software comes filled with information for dozens of different games, together with World of Warcraft and Decision of Duty: World at War. The software is definitely uploadable and will enhance your performance by displaying vital in-game details on the LCD show. This addition to the keyboard may be a great feature, ensuring that you’ll be able to forever keep your focus where it wants to be, on the game!

The color capability extends to the backlit keys, letting you create an array of up to sixteen million choices, which you configure using the supplied Logitech Profile software. Is that simply a “gee-whiz” feature or is it extremely of any use? The answer can depend on the individual gamer, in fact. Some will realize it terribly handy, particularly those with certain sorts of color blindness. Adjusting it to fit your specific vision can create a huge distinction.

The G19 offers an impressive array of keys for gaming, too. While it doesn’t quite match the 18 programmable “G” keys of the new G510, a collection of twelve “G” keys along the left edge remains highly useful. Combine that with its 3 switchable modes (just like the G510) and you’ll be able to produce a set of 36 custom macros. With on-the-fly recording (conjointly just like the G510), those customizations can be as unique as your style of play.

Sometimes what you’ll be able to do is as necessary as what you’ll. The G19 includes a ‘game mode’ switch that lets you disable the dedicated Windows key, therefore you never have to fret concerning pressing it accidentally during frenetic gaming. No accidental switch to your desktop screen here just because your fingers were flying around killing trolls. There is no manner of counting the number of times this feature has saved me.

Additionally in the world of “can’t” the G510 will settle for USB devices as a result of there are not any ports on it. The G19, by contrast, offers 2 powered USB 2.0 slots. Whether you’re transferring data, loading software, or simply viewing media, they’ll be helpful.

The G19 additionally brought in another Logitech innovation: the ability to recognize 5 simultaneous key presses. That makes for a few really expansive choices. Whether you’re a gamer who uses macros freely or just someone who enjoys creating uncommon digital image effects, you’ll realize that feature terribly handy.

The Logitech G19 additionally offers built-in controls for iTunes, Windows Media Center, and alternative similar apps. Along with the drum-vogue volume management, you’ll notice yourself using them typically. Of course, with engineered-in support for dozens of PC games (and apps like Ventrilo), you’ll realize yourself using everything on this gaming keyboard typically.

With a worth tag between $150 and $200 relying on where you get, the G19 doesn’t come back to the low cost. You will spend significantly more than let’s say the Logitech G15 or even the newer Logitech 510 that share several of the identical features. Also, there is still a lack of specific applets for the G19′s full-color LCD screen. Until more color-specific applets are obtainable or the value comes down I wouldn’t advocate it UNLESS you’ll afford the cash of course.

Pros


* Full-color tiltable LCD display
* Customizable backlit key colors
* a pair of high-speed, powered USB two. zero ports
* 12 fully programmable G-keys
* 5 simultaneous key press recognition
* Detachable wrist rest
* On-the-fly macro recording
* Easy disabling of Windows/Context Menu keys
* Intelligent cable management


Cons


* Larger than normal size takes some desk or table real estate
* LCD screen needs an influence charger connected to an outlet
* Lack of color-specific applets
* Hard plastic wrist rest. Might feel uncomfortable throughout extended gaming.
* Worth

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