Logitech G510 Gaming Keyboard Reviewed

Evolution
Evolved from the older G15 and G19 keyboards.

The G510 shares a lot with its little brother, the G110 keyboard in terms of features and layout. The G510 has 18 programmable “G-Keys”, Windows-Key lockout switch (to stop the accidental the “oh,fck” moments when you hit the Windows-Key) and the most obvious – a 160×43 monochrome LCD backlit screen.

Image Source: Logitech G510 Image Gallery


Phil mentioned, and I quote “For the LAN gamer, this backlit beauty of smaller proportion is worth considering as it isn’t expensive, can take it’s fair share of punishment, and is more likely to fit in a LAN bag and on a shared LAN desk space” – the G510 is bigger and bulkier than the G110 in terms of sheer size however the well moulded casing and integrated LCD screen can take its share of beatings as well; Phil’s comments reign true for the G510 as well.

Features

  • Integrated USB sound device with mute buttons for headphone and mic ports (like the G110)
  • Media buttons and volume barrel – as Phil mentioned its a standard and trademark for G-series keyboards
  • 18 programmable macro buttons with 3 modes available making it 54 programmable options
  • Window key disabling switch can disable the ‘widows’ buttons along the bottom of the keyboard
  • Don’t like white backlit keys? Use the colour-wheel and choose from a crazy 16M colours!
  • Macro software for profiles (3 M-Keys)
  • Ability to create custom gaming profiles with G-Key mappings
  • Palm rest – since the G510 sits around 1.5″ to 2″ high – its needed
  • 500Hz USB speed. Why? Because things can always go faster
  • The ability to use a 5-key combo that won’t lock up the keyboard
  • Cool colour LCD is very responsive with applets like FRAPs, Winamp and gaming widgets
  • The ability to write custom applets in C++, (or any language you know of really)
  • Profiles-to-go – the ability to save *some* profiles to your keyboard and plug it into another computer

 

Gaming/Desktop Mode Switch
This switch disables the windows keys. We found this to be extremely handy when playing The Elder Scrolls IV ; Oblivion as this particular title doesn’t like it when you switch out of the game to the desktop. This feature isn’t unique to the G110 or G510 but it has been around since the older G11 and G15 boards and certainly a great feature to be retained.

 

Integrated USB Audio
To be honest, I don’t use the Integrated USB audio – I did use it during testing and its OK but it there is only room for 3.5mm jacks – no USB input. So the drivers have ended up disabled in favour of my Logitech gaming headset. The audio quality was fine – not as clear as a dedicated sound or as crisp but if you don’t have an existing card then it will do fine until you buy one!

 

Observations
I love this keyboard. The keys spring back quickly and the keys are quiet. I love the backlit keys and LCD panel – especially when playing the dark for those geeky nights alone! There is also a light button in case you don’t want any light and want stealth mode instead.

The keyboard cops a pounding in games like BF3 and Starcraft II and hasn’t faulted. The only annoyance is getting the correct applet on by default. Installation of the applets is easy enough and when they do work the additional information and telemetry is where its at with this keyboard.

Images: Applet Select; Keyboard Backlight Colour Wheel & Gaming Software Home Screen

I considered if I’d ever actually use the LCD before I bought the keyboard, but I must admit – now playing games such as Battlefield: Bad Company 2 where I can see my ping, server information, level up information and player stats in front of me justified the price and the purchase. Thankfully, there is a community dedicated to keeping the applet development alive (Logitech Users Group) and together with Logitech’s updates make the keyboard as current as it was when it was released. Battlefield 3 players are still waiting on a suitable applet that supports the LCD panel like for BC2; a profile does exist however its only for G-Key assignments.

The lack of USB port is a shame however doesn’t detract from the keyboard itself – with or without USB this keyboard is every bit as functional as a gaming keyboard as you’d need. 

Managing applets within the Gaming Software application is pretty good. Button programing is easy for both the G-Keys and Macro keys. Navigating the applets on the LCD panel itself is a little clunky however is still effective. One slight niggle is I still can’t figuire out how to “default” an applet or even if its possible.

Images: Key Editor; [Game] Profile Editor & Profiles-to-go Transfer

 

The next question is, would I use all 18 of the G-keys? So far I’ve managed to program 14 of the 18 available G-keys with remote desktop, telnet and shortcuts – but to be honest, I can’t remember which is which so I tend to only use 3 for every day use. In gaming, I’ve only ever used a handful in games like BF:Bad Company 2 to switch between vehicle positions! But if you would use all 18 in a 3x multiplier then you can!

 

Durability
I’ve had this keyboard for over a 18-months now. It gets SLAPPED every day for:

  • Day-to-Day office documents and website updates
  • FPS Gaming
  • RTS Gaming
  • LCD for gaming profiles and WinAmp visualisations.

Results 

  • Phil mentioned his G110 has some small signs of wear – I cannot say the same for the G510
  • The LED backlights are bright as they where when I pulled it out from the box
  • No squeky keys
  • All keys are as springy as if they’ve fallen in love with my fingers all overs again

The Verdict

Pros

  • Good to type on with responsive keys
  • USB is good for when nothing else is available
  • Loads of “G” programmable combinations
  • LCD is bright and clear
  • 16M LED colours to chose from!! With 3-preset colour options is ace
  • Sits a little low, even on full height which is surprisingly very ergonomic
  • LCDStudio (A free GUI for making your own applets (preset code) without knowing a thing about coding!)
  • Loads of “community” driven applets
  • Portability of profiles between PCs
  • Ventrilo support

Cons

  • No separate USB port
  • Official gaming applets are improving and are being produce albiet a little slow for what the gaming community would like
  • Annoying Logitech software makes it confusing and difficult to manage applets
  • Lack of other VoIP software support
  • Like the G110, the USB cord is plastic and non-braided

 

There are some small compromises with this keyboard – the lack of a USB port, the in-built USB Sound Card and no official Battlefield 3 applet. All that aside: I love this keyboard. The G510 is a quality product and asked: would I buy it again if I had my time over – absolultey. It’s sleek, does everything it says on the tin and at around $110inc.gst its a bargain!

 

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