Logitech G515 review: Smaller number, better package

In the hardware world, you generally follow the rule that bigger numbers mean a better product, but that couldn't be further from the truth with Logitech's new G515 LIGHTSPEED TKL wireless keyboard.

It simply indicates the smaller form factor of the tenkeyless board compared to its full-size predecessor the G915, but alongside the reduction in size comes a number of enhancements that definitely feel like an upgrade worth making.

Low profile comfort

As someone who has primarily used standard switch keyboards, moving to a low-profile board was always going to be a big change. There are benefits and drawbacks to both - especially from the perspective of an enthusiast - but it generally just depends on what you're looking for.

One of the immediate aspects that I noticed soon after getting hands-on with the G515 though was how comfortable and effortless it felt to use. The flatter design and shorter switches bring the typing experience much closer to the desk, and as someone who utilises a wrist rest on a 'normal' keyboard, I was able to ditch this with no downsides when using the G515.

Improvements to the keycaps themselves also factor into this, as Logitech has ditched the inferior ABS caps of the G915 for doubleshot PBT options that offer far greater longevity and a nicer texture. Even though you can just swap out the keycaps at any point, the security of knowing that they'll last is definitely something to be thankful for.

The smaller size of the G515 compared to something like the G915 also gives you greater space on your desk, which can make a surprising difference to the comfort of your overall setup. You are technically losing features like the dedicated volume scroll and media buttons, but those are simply folded into easily configurable functions that the optimised size definitely makes up for.

It's worth remembering that there is a TKL version of the G915, but it's more than a little outdated - charging with mini-USB, battery life being less impressive, and more.

Switches that surprised me

The switches themselves also felt great to type with, offering fluidity and feedback in both gaming and general use. While I usually always opt for linear switches and have had unpleasant experiences with tactile options in the past, the tactile switches on display here felt fantastic - giving a nudge of haptics without any horrible noise or scratchiness.

You can thankfully also opt for linear if you want to keep things as quiet and smooth as possible, but I'd genuinely recommend giving the tactile switches a try if you're someone who usually enjoys the heavier and 'thocky' feeling of standard linear switches.

Another fantastic improvement over previous low-profile keyboards from Logitech is the now standardised cross-style switch design, allowing you far greater customisation when it comes to expressing your personal style. This unlocks a huge number of third-party low-profile keycaps for you to use, which is part of the reason why so many people fall in love with the world of mechanical keyboards.

What remains still hugely disappointing though is the fact that the switches on the G515 are not hot-swappable. I know there's a sizeable number of people who won't touch their switches once after buying this board, but to not have the option is very disappointing - especially compared to a lot of competing boards on the market.

Full of functions

If you've ever wanted to have 15 different inputs on a single key then the G515 will be the keyboard for you, and that privilege can be extended to every single button on the keyboard if you so wish!

Of course, this is something that would be a nightmare to keep up with in a single instance let alone across the whole board, but it shows the flexibility that comes packed in - offering no compromises in its smaller size.

This is actioned through Logitech's own G HUB software, where you can also completely customise the RGB lighting to create your perfect look. You can extend your battery life beyond 100 hours when using LIGHTSPEED wireless by turning the lighting off though, giving you plenty of options if you'd rather keep it simple than charge your device more often.

The Verdict

There are plenty of lovely improvements made throughout Logitech's new G515 TKL low-profile keyboard that make it feel great to use. It's certainly not the most 'innovative' keyboard out there and doesn't particularly bring anything new to the table, but it provides a typing and gaming experience that feels and looks premium.

It remains frustrating that hot-swappable switches still don't play their part, but the enhanced compatibility for keycaps with the new switch design is certainly a welcome change when it comes to customisation.

4/5

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