If you are looking for a well manufactured mechanical keyboard and values functionality and performance over extravagance, then look no further than the Logitech G512 Carbon. Excellent mechanical switches that are very responsive and a software that has many features to customize your profiles is a gamers dream, along with a bit of RGB. The Logitech G512 has the same build as of the Logitech G513 with essentially the same performance with a few features eliminated. For a Logitech fan, this keyboard just might be the ultimate selection that suits all your gaming and other productivity needs. Stick with us as we take you on a tour of the Logitech G512 Carbon review, pros and cons and a few comparisons to see how it stacks up against its rivals.
Logitech G512 Carbon Specs Review
Three types of switches
Three types of GX mechanical switches for you to choose from. GX Blue (Clicky), GX Brown (Tactile), GX Red (Linear). The GL clicky is clearly audible and tactile. It’s optimized for the gamers who love the clicky sound, but not so good for a quiet workplace or office environment. The GL Linear is a smooth and elegant keystroke type switch. Best utilized at MMO games because of the rapid successive keystrokes. GL tactile as the name implies, delivers tactile, quick feedback with the lowest latency, hence ideal for FPS and competitive gaming.
Lightsync RGB
Lightsync technology enables dynamic and customizable lighting that synchronizes to any content- games, videos, and music. With approximately 16.8 million colors available, and you can also create your own animated versions using the Logitech software. For example, you can mark keys with specific colors to easily remember commands and other actions such as shoot, toggle, run etc.
Function Keys
The FN key is used to control media and lighting. You can control volume, play and pause, mute, toggle game mode, change lighting effects and even utilize the FN toggle feature using the Logitech software and configure these function keys. Also a Windows lock feature is embedded to prevent accidentally minimizing your game.
Dedicated Gaming Features
The 26 key rollover feature allows you to press multiple keys at the same time and get the outcome you want. Anti-ghosting feature permits reliable control when multiple gaming commands are given simultaneously. You can utilize the Logitech software to program the macro keys from F1 to F12.
Extras
A USB 2.0 for keyboard and a second USB passthrough port is present. The actuation distance for the keyboard USB is 1.9mm while the force is 50g. The cable measures 1.8m. 2 indicator LED lights and RGB per key lighting are also integrated. You can use the USB passthrough to charge your keyboard or plug in other devices. However you don’t get any volume control knobs or trackballs with this keyboard.
Design And Build Quality
Dimensionally the Logitech G512 measures 1.4″X17.5″X5.2″ and weighs 0.8kg. The keyboard is made with hard plastic and aluminum with ABS keycap material. The finish of the keyboard is such that it is both tough and durable intended for better longevity. It feels very hard and solid when used. An eye catching feature is the black keys aesthetic contrast against the deck’s charcoal-grey carbon material. Under the keyboard is a channel to route the wires without them interfering during usage. Two wide rubber feet are located at either side to elevate the angle of the keyboard.
Therefore it is creditable in terms of ergonomics though not as some of the high end ones. Also the absence of a wrist band is notable too. The placement of the braided USB cable is also smart because it is more convenient for the USB cable to pass around the monitor stand and the cable isn’t very flexible. Overall there is no space wasted on the keyboard deck just because there aren’t any fancy features. You can find the branding at the top right corner of the keyboard.
Logitech G512 Carbon Performance
This is the main part of the review that actually matters. We mentioned earlier that there are three types of mechanical switches. The experts at IGN used the GX Blue switches to test the keyboard because of its profound tactile feedback and the audible click sound. And true to Logitech’s word, the keys are responsive with minimal latency in FPS gaming. The feedback is both physical and audible. The key space is well planned, the weight is optimally balanced so that it does not slide while using.
However for more faster MMO games you might want to opt for the GX+ Romer switch that is 25% faster and 40% more durable than standard mechanical switches. The typing experience is also great with the Logitech G512. The keys are well set and well stabilized with no shakes or rattles. Plus you don’t need a huge force in typing which enhances the comfort in using this keyboard. You can use it for quite some time without being fatigued. However, consider the choice of switches if you are in a quiet workplace. The GX Blue switch isn’t at all suitable for such an environment, or you’ll annoy your coworkers.
Logitech G512 G HUB Software
The software that enables you to get a firm grip on all of Logitech’s hardware. In this case for recording macro keys and customizing the RGB lighting. The highlights of the software is as follows;
- RGB customization. There are some presets and the per key basis color. You can try out quite a few awesome combinations such as assigning a different set of colors to the row function keys, and the mid sectioned keys between the number pad and the regular typing keys. There are a few more preset effects such as BleepBoop and Matrix-esque Datafall that you can customize for your purposes.
- Logitech’s LIGHTSYNC feature to synchronize the keyboard RGB lighting with the other Logitech devices such as a mouse, headset.
- Record macros and disable additional keys when in Game mode that switches off the Windows key. You can assign text blocks, mouse functions and multi key macros to the keys.
The only downside is that it will take some time for you to navigate and familiarize with the software, because the icons aren’t labeled. And the keyboard does not have onboard memory which means all your customized profiles have to be saved using the software.
Logitech Carbon G512 Carbon Vs Razer Huntsman Elite
Just a thoughtful comparison to see how the G512 stacks up against some of the best and widely popular keyboards in the industry. As we know the Huntsman elite has both optical and mechanical technologies. A significant difference is the macro key feature usability in all keys in the huntsman elite. While in the G512 the macro keys are only for the function keys. The operating force is 49 gf for the huntsman which is lower than the G512 plus the lower pre-travel, hence the typing feels more comfortable and responsive. In terms of gaming, both the keyboards are very responsive, giving good tactile feedback with low latency.
Still however the Razer is ahead because of it’s optical technology utilization and the unlimited macro key feature that benefits the MMO players immensely. Both the keyboards are a bit too loud for a quiet workplace and in terms of ergonomics both lack a wrist rest although the huntsman has two different angle settings whereas the G512 has only one. The cable is longer in the huntsman as opposed to the G512. When it comes to extra features the G512 is ahead because of the USB passthrough whereas the huntsman lacks one. However the huntsman too does not have a media control or a volume wheel. The Razer software allows you to customize lighting effects, record macros and create multiple profiles. Also it has onboard memory. Therefore when considering all these factors, the huntsman elite clearly outperforms the G512 mostly because of it’s opto-mechanical technology.
Logitech G512 Carbon Vs Hyperx Alloy Origins
Almost identical with a few differences, and for some those differences mean a lot. To summarize, the HyperX too features macro keys to all, unlike the G512, has more inclined angle settings and lower operating force. The G512 has the different key variations for you to choose. The HyperX proprietary linear switches are very responsive, with very low latency. All of which are important for gaming and typing. Full RGB backlighting and excellent design and build quality. In terms of build quality both the keyboards are again identical with the ABS plastic keys and aluminum body. But the HyperX has no dedicated macro keys for MMO games.
A bit heavier than the G512, although dimensionally both are identical. Ergonomically both of these keyboards lack a wrist rest, while the HyperX has 2 inclination options. You can use the HyperX’s NGENUITY software to customize the RGB lighting, save profiles on the keyboard onboard memory and activate Game mode to turn off unwanted keys during gaming. The cable of the HyperX is detachable and unlike the G512 this has no USB passthrough. Considering all these, if you prefer a quieter keyboard you can opt for the HyperX, because in terms of functionality both are almost similar.
Conclusion
Undoubtedly the Logitech G512 Carbon is a high quality gaming keyboard which is worth the price tag. It is durable with a strong finish and creditable ergonomics, although you have to purchase a separate wrist rest. Three types of switches for you to choose from, all of which are very responsive and low latency, hence optimal for continuous gaming and typing sessions. The software could have been improved although it is already user friendly. The customizable RGB, well constructed aesthetics and choice of switches are the core criteria of this keyboard. It would have been nice to have macro keys that aren’t dedicated, however this is more of a budget keyboard. Overall we can conclude that the Logitech G512 Carbon is an appealing option for the budget gamer who values performance over premium features.
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