VERDICT: Logitech has done it. The G512 SE is a professional-tier mechanical gaming keyboard at an affordable price, and it’s not likely to be beaten.
If you would like to see what we consider to be the best keyboards, we have rounded that up for you. However, Logitech make more than just the G512 SE, and as such, we have a list of the best Logitec keyboards or even the best gaming keyboards, depending on what you need them for.
Logitech G512 SE
1 of 1Logitech G512 SE Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
Pros: Great mechanical switches, sturdy construction, extreme customization via Logitech G-HUBCons: No braided cable
The Review
The Rundown
Logitech’s G512 SE is a mechanical gaming keyboard, featuring high-performance mechanical switches, full function keys, LIGHTSYNC RGB and USB passthrough, housed upon an aircraft-grade aluminium alloy chassis.
The 512 SE is available with a choice of three mechanical switches from Logitech’s GX range: GX Blue offers traditional tactile feedback and the much sought-after click; GX Brown provides a noticeable bump with a quiet activation, and the GX Red features linear, light and smooth activation for rapid keystroking.
RGB LIGHTSYNC is a Logitech property which permits the user to access “dynamic and customizable illumination that synchronizes to any content”. The command centre running this feature comes the G-HUB software, a recommended download for anyone running the 512 SE.
The Experience
The Logitech 512 SE is a brilliant gaming keyboard, plain and simple.
We tested with the GX Blue switches (Logitech’s answer to the Cherry MX Blue) and were blown away by their quality and reliability. The key activation is flawless, even during flurries of MMO madness, and their firm and tactile feel is hugely pleasing.
The keyboard itself feels bombproof, with the aluminium chassis and rigid moulded-plastic underside combining to create a durable and sturdy construction. Even the non-slip risers, which are often a weak point for any keyboard, are deep-set and wide, providing a stable and reliable footing.
The software behind the hardware, G-HUB, is a powerful thing. Firstly, it’s fun. The amount of choice, novel and functional, that the user has over key illumination is joyful, with reactive content synchronisation working across gaming, music and video mediums. Once settled into, however, the fun gives way to a deep and meaningful level of key assignments, illumination refinement and game-specific profile building.
There are default game-specific keyboard configurations available for popular titles which dim all but the game’s specifically used keys and reacts to in-game events. In Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, for example, the player’s death and time-out will be accompanied by pulsating red illumination, until respawn. User-defined profiles are a real gift, allowing gamers to get a handle on their in-game experience. We took advantage of the key-specific illumination and game mode key-deactivation to customise our Witcher 3 layout. These profiles operate across peripherals devices, allowing mouse-sensitivity and button-bindings to also synchronise.
We have only two irks with Logitech’s G-HUB. Firstly, it was tricky to install (though this may have been due to conflicting software). Secondly, the app can be a little sluggish when launching at start-up.
The wired (and non-braided) connection may be an issue for some, and because of the USB-passthrough, the keyboard will take up two USB-ports. Of course, there’s always the option to not link up the passthrough to save a precious port.
Gamers: seriously consider the Logitech 512 SE as your next keyboard. It’s hard to beat.
Reviewer use: general office use and extensive gaming, including RPG and FPS titles, over several weeks.
Five Features
AIRCRAFT-GRADE 5052 ALUMINIUM ALLOY
The Logitech’s G512 SE chassis is formed of a brushed aluminium alloy which provides the unit a mature and understated look, radiating a minimalistic aesthetic that is sure to impress. In addition to looking good, the alloy provides a firm and sturdy frame – there’s no bounce here.
MECHANICAL KEYS
The 512 SE comes with either GX Blue, GX Brown or RX Red switches. These switches are undoubtably Logitech’s answer to the Cherry MX range, and though a risky move to challenge Cherry’s prestige, Logitech do not faulter and deliver a remarkable switch. The 512 we tested is loaded with the GX Blue, and offer pleasant tactile feel and a firm, reassuring activation. For a more in-depth look at each switch’s feedback, actuation and force statistic, read Logitech’s guide.
FULL FUNCTION KEYS
The 512 SE’s function keys double as media and lighting controls, via the toggled FN key. These keys offer standard audio controls in addition to user-defined commands, which can be defined in the G-HUB suite.
LIGHTSYNC RGB
Logitech’s LIGHTSYNC provides 16.8 million programmable colours, which when combined with the 512 keyboard’s per-key illumination offers up remarkable customisation potential. Via G-HUB, colours can be sampled from the screen, used as an audio-visualiser or set to an array of animated or static profiles. Colour profiles and effects can be synchronised across all devices in the LIGHTSYNC ecosystem to create a unified and immersive gaming experience.
G-HUB
Logitech G-HUB is the powerhouse behind the 512 SE’s flexibility and command centre for the user’s wider gaming experience. In addition to RGB control, the G-HUB allows the user to assign keys, commands and macros, build app-specific keyboard configurations, and synchronise settings across other Logitech G-range peripherals.
But if we were to change one thing…
Considering the array of high-performance features and affordable price point of the 512 SE, it’s hard to see what could be improved. At a push, we’d liked to have seen a braided cable and a little less start-up impact from G-HUB.
The Technical Bit
Connection type: USB 2.0
USB Port: In-built, USB 2.0
Special Keys: Lighting controls, game mode, media controls, volume controls and programable FN keys.
Requirements: OS: Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, or Windows 7. Other: USB port (for keyboard), second USB port (for USB passthrough port) and internet access for Logitech G HUB software.