As those in Panama once said "another day, another decent keyboard".
The Logitech G515 is a tenkeyless (TKL) wireless mechanical keyboard.
TKL means that it is missing the numpad on the right side.
Thanks to this smaller size, it can fit in smaller spaces, leaving room for the mouse or other less important desk accessories.
The keyboard is also rather low-profile, at only 22mm tall, and has wireless and wired capabilities, with the dongle for those being stored under the keyboard.
It is also rather light, at 875g, perfect to carry around if you need.
Like other Logitech wireless options using the "Lightspeed" connection I’ve tried, there is no noticeable difference between wired and Lightspeed options, though I generally used wired throughout my time with it.
Logitech claims the battery lasts about 36 hours of continuous use, with the "GHUB" software keeping track of the level, though mine says I have 146 hours of battery life as I type this, so maybe it’s a little inaccurate.
It also handles switching from wireless to wired without any issues, and can do Bluetooth connectivity as well, obviously not up to the same performance as wired or Lightspeed.
All lighting and macro controls are set up and managed by the GHUB software.
Like other times I used it, it was fairly seamless to change the colour of the keys and set up specific keyboard assignments, especially with Logitech’s new KeyControl feature, allowing per-key editing of keyboards.
I can’t imagine using this personally, but I’m sure MMO players will enjoy a hotkey or 20.
I received the tactile version.
The main difference is the little bump feeling when the key actually actuates and "is pressed".
Linear keyboards have a more consistent feel all the way down.
The activation point is, according to Logitech, only 1.3mm deep with a total travel of 3.2mm.
Unlike my standard clicky keyboard, this keyboard is a lot quieter to type on, more of a low thunk sound, making it more useful as an in-office keyboard that won’t annoy the entire floor.
It’s also pretty minimalist, sporting only three buttons relating to the wireless functions and one on/off switch, with the volume and other adjustments being switched to media keys on the keyboard.
In a dark room, spotting what each media key does is an exercise in futility, so either brighten the room up or lean in to spot the symbol.
Of course, mechanical keyboards are more of a hobby purchase with a hobby price tag.
At $300 for a smaller, thinner wireless keyboard, it’s a tad pricy for what it is, especially missing a wrist rest or carrying case.
Swapping in another wrist rest might not work as my usual one was obviously too big and made typing more uncomfortable, annoying because the main selling point of this keyboard is that it is low profile.
If you need a low profile, wireless, portable, nice to type on keyboard with minimal gripes, you can’t really go wrong with this option.
But if you just "need a keyboard" there are plenty of cheaper options out there.
By Michael Robertson
