Best Keyboard I have Had... Period !! (Logitech G11 Gaming Keyboard)

Member Name: TOTAL.REVIEW

Product:	Logitech G11 Gaming Keyboard
Date:	15/10/07 (2404 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Performance - Software - Ease of use

Disadvantages: Priced for enthusiasts

Features:

Control

* 18 Programmable G Keys: Create 54 possible custom macros per game—even on the fly.
* Full-size 10-Key: Get full use of your keyboard and your number pad at the same time.

Convenience

* Backlit Keyboard: Play through low lights and late nights with your choice of three brightness levels.
* Media Keys: Manage your audio and video playback right from the keyboard.

Comfort

* Ergonomics: Enjoy the ultra-comfortable design you’ve come to expect from Logitech.
* Cord Channels: Route your mouse, headset and other cables under the keyboard and out of your way.
* Media Keys: Manage your audio and video playback right from the keyboard.

Packaging:

The packaging for the Logitech G11 isn’t too much different compared to other keyboards, just a box with some features, specifications, and other info printed on various sides. Also included was an extension bar for the front of the keyboard for people to rest their wrist on.

Design:

The design of the G11 is very stylish and unique. It has three groups of 6 buttons on the left side for macros along with 3 profile switchers which effectively gives you 54 buttons. Also, there’s a Macro Record button which lets you conveniently record macros without having to open up any programs or anything.
The G11 also has two USB 1.1 ports located on the back of the keyboard and a wire routing system on the bottom which can be used by USB cables, mouse cables, headphone cables, etc. However, the G11’s own wire does not fit in the wiring system.

Another nice feature is the media controls at the middle top of the keyboard. The volume spinner and the 4 other media buttons can be used with most media applications like Windows Media Player, WinAmp, and many others. Next to the media keys on the right side is the mute button and the light button. The light button has two modes, a dim mode and the bright mode. Lighted buttons makes night-time typing/gamer much easier and more fun.
This keyboard may have a lot of features, but all these features come at a cost. in size. The G11 keyboard measures 21.5 inches by 8.5 inches compared to a standard 17.5 inches by 6.25 inches. I don’t mind the extra size myself but some people might have trouble getting it to fit in those under the table pull-out keyboard holders.

Performance:

There are many things that makes the G11 a “gaming” keyboard. One of course is all the macro keys, 54 in fact. The macro keys can be recorded with the Logitech software or you can record while in-game or anywhere with the MR button. Simply press the MR button so it lights up, press the G key you want to record the macro to, and when the MR button starts flashing, you type and it records. Press the MR button again when your done and the macro is recorded and ready to use.
Another feature is the Window key switcher. Have you ever pressed the Windows button while in-game and have the game be minimized? I know I have, and now with Logitech’s G11 keyboard, you can prevent that by setting the switch on top to disable the Windows key and turn it into a programmable key such as the G keys.

And last but not least, the G11’s low profile buttons makes this keyboard a true gamers’ keyboard. The low profile buttons allows quick button registration while gaming since it takes less time to press down a key on the G11 keyboard than on a standard keyboard. Even though it is only a few milliseconds difference, every little bit helps when gaming.

Software:

Of course with all these cool features, some sort of software would be needed to control and manage all the different macros and the programmable buttons. For the G11/15, Logitech uses the G-series Keyboard Profiler which is available for both Windows XP and Vista. Installation of the software was easy and straightforward, no restart required when install was finished. Like most of Logitech’s other software for gaming peripherals, they all have a cool interface and are so easy to use, even a caveman could do it.
Conclusion:

Overall, Logitech’s G11 keyboard is a wonderful keyboard. The G11 is a watered down version of the G15, everything is the same except the G11 doesn’t have a flip up LCD screen on the top over the media buttons. All the great features on this keyboard make it a great product for gamers such as the 54 of the programmable keys, the Window key disabler, and the media buttons, which are all very useful and conveniently located. The two USB ports on the back and the wire routing system on the bottom can keep your table/work area clean without all the clustered wires. The Logitech G11 retails for $70/£45 and it is a great buy for all types of gamers.

Packaging (including bundled accessories): 9/10
Design: 9.5/10
Performance: 10/10
Software: 10/10
Value (value per $/£): 8.5/10

Summary: Great keyboard - Best I have had !!

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