Logitech G19 Keyboard | Review Of The G19

The Logitech G19 keyboard is a space age looking piece of kit with lots of knobs and whistles and some really cool features, this review will hopefully put you in picture as to what it can do.

The first thing to notice is the color LCD display panel at the front of the keyboard which measures 240 x 320 mm, this is a step up from the monochrome screens of the classic which is actually still available for a stupid price, and the G19’s stablemate, the current Logitech G510 model both of which are less considerably less costly, and which will probably be a better option if you have limited funds. More affordable and cheap keyboards are reviewed here.

This display will put a lot of information on hand, it will give you game statistics, system information, video playback capability, slide-show images, it also offers information about your Voip communications.

The Logitech G19 keyboard also offers twelve keys that are totally user programmable, Logitech actually calls them ‘G’ Keys, but these are more commonly referred to as Macro, or pre-set keys, these twelve keys allow a maximum of three macro inputs per key giving a total of thirty six unique operations per game.

This system allows you to configure single key presses and more complex macro functions, including so-called on-the-fly functionality, which means you can set them up as you are playing.

Multi-key input is also taken care of with the G19, as it is possible to use at least five keys at any given time for those more intricate maneuvers, in the past multiple key presses have caused a screen ghosting problem, but this is not the case with the Logitech G19 keyboard.

The super back-lit display can be customized color-wise to suit the users other kit and of course allows for easy gameplay where the room is dark, which many gamers prefer for some added ambiance.

There is a switching function to allow operating system function keys to turned off during gameplay, so you won’t inadvertently bring up a system menu at an inappropriate moment, as you will probably be aware this can be a major pain in the ass and has caused the untimely end of many a gamer, as the Windows menu pops up at an inappropriate moment.

Easy single touch controls for sound volume and the playback of media are also included in this model.

Twin USB 2.0 ports give you the capability of the transfer of various data to and from external devices, such as MP3 devices, SD cards, Flashdrives etc and they will also allow you to charge the batteries of other connected devices that can be used from a USB.

The Keyboard itself can also be tilted to give a better viewing angle, and the underneath of the base is rebated to allow for cables to run neatly beneath thus keeping them tidy.

All the latest developments and software bug fixes can be downloaded from the Logitech users open forum so the all important support for this item is likely to be superb.

Will run on most later Windows and Mac OSX versions, needs 20 megabytes of disc space, comes complete with AC power transformer, software CD ROM which gives full details about how to use the Logitech G19 gaming keyboard.

Logitech G19 Keyboard Features Summary

  • Color LCD screen multi-feature display
  • Customizable color back-lighting
  • 12 fully-programmable Macro keys
  • Twin high-speed USB 2.0 ports
  • Multiple simultaneous keystrokes capability
  • Integral cable tidy
  • Game/desktop mode
  • Logitech community support
  • Instant media access
  • software CD ROM
  • Windows/Mac compatible
  • 12 month makers warranty

In order that you can run the G19 as intended there are certain minimum system requirements, but the chances these will not cause any problems for most nowadays as all modern PC’s and laptops far exceed this spec:

Minimum System Requirements

  • Windows XP or Vista
  • Mac OS X 10.4 or later
  • Available high-speed USB 2.0 port
  • 20 MB of available hard disk space
  • CD-ROM drive for the software
  • Logitech G19 Keyboard Conclusion

Overall, for the price they are charging for these gaming keyboards, they are really only aimed at the serious gamer, and from some of the comments I have read the Logitech G19 keyboard appears to have a few minor shortcomings.

Despite this they have still been quite highly rated and held in high regard by the gamers that have made those criticisms, having said that a lot of user comments are purely personal and subjective anyway, but they certainly help pinpoint any serious problems.

Obviously the G19 will not appeal to everyone, especially those without a fairly large chunk of cash to spare, but you will struggle to find many that are better all round.

Sure, there are some out there, but you will pay an awful lot more for just a slight increase in capabilities.

An App called ‘LCD Miscellany’ has improved this keyboard’s display capability enormously, It’s a must-have plug-in if you want to get the best out of your Logitech G19 keyboard.