Logitech G512 X 98 Review: The Hybrid Keyboard We Didn’t Need

The Logitech G G512 X 98 gaming keyboard is the latest premium wired model from the Swiss manufacturer, packed with original features. Among its distinctive features are several purple elements, and it offers a level of customization that is unprecedented for Logitech, as it comes with two types of switches.

Beyond the standard switches, the G512 X 98 includes a dedicated slot for nine TMR switches that can be freely swapped almost anywhere in place of the regular ones. These switches not only allow access to typical analog switch functionalities but also include SAPP rings that provide genuine tactile feedback for the dual activation capability.

This unprecedented customization level in a Logitech keyboard comes with a high price tag, as this new keyboard is offered at a recommended price of 220 euros for the 98% layout, plus an additional 45 euros for an acrylic wrist rest.

Technical Specifications

A Surprising Design

After years of testing Logitech G keyboards, this might be the first time I don’t recognize the brand’s usual design codes. The G512 X 98 is entirely made of plastic and features a sandwich chassis with two black plates. At their core, there’s a purple plastic insert that extends into a translucent, illuminated area at the front. This plastic construction undoubtedly affects the keyboard’s rigidity, which remains prone to twisting, though it doesn’t significantly impact the typing experience.

In addition to the core of the chassis, this purple flair is also present on the Escape key, directional arrows, and the two knobs located on the upper right side. These knobs control the system’s volume and the RGB lighting intensity of the keys. While the use of PBT plastic keys is appreciated, it’s regrettable, as always, that not all secondary symbols benefit from the excellent RGB lighting.

To enhance its illumination, the G512 X 98 also includes a light strip across the entire width of the front chassis. This feature becomes even more meaningful with the addition of the translucent acrylic wrist rest. At 220 euros for the keyboard, it’s hard to understand why this separately sold 45-euro accessory isn’t included by default. It’s almost unjustifiable, especially since it’s only compatible with this model.

The back of the keyboard reveals what truly makes this model unique. Besides its sole USB-C connection, the G512 X 98 features a slot that houses nine TMR (Tunnel Magneto Resistance) switches and five SAPP rings. The concept is simple: about forty keys can be replaced on the fly with these switches to utilize all their advanced features on essential gaming keys.

Logitech G provides two extraction tools, which also uniquely serve as pads to elevate the rear of the keyboard. It’s unfortunate, however, that these tools can’t be stored “within” the keyboard when not in use. Additionally, two extra buttons are present at the rear to activate the gaming mode and to “scan” the new keyboard layout with each switch change.

Logitech seems to have fully embraced originality with this new model. Beyond the modularity of its operation, the design of the G512 X surprises, though not necessarily in a good way. From my perspective, it’s hard to decide whether I like its retro and unique look, or if it seems a bit too childish and cheap for a Logitech G keyboard.

High-Performance Switches, but Not Everywhere

Our test unit came equipped with tactile GX Brown switches. Logitech does not provide any technical information about these switches. They are fairly standard, with about a 4 mm travel and an activation force similar to other brown switches from the brand. The activation point is quite high, making them responsive, while their resistance makes them very comfortable for pure typing.

While all switches are replaceable since the keyboard is “hot swap” compatible, we will focus on the left half and the directional keys. Indeed, only these switches can be replaced with the TMR switches stored in the back slot. These switches offer an extremely light and smooth travel, perfect for gaming. Keystrokes are executed efficiently, and the internal construction minimizes extraneous noise.

While not revolutionizing the field compared to traditional Hall Effect switches, TMR models are supposed to be more reliable and perform better. It’s hard to notice in use, but it’s also a more expensive technology, which likely explains why Logitech chose not to equip the entire PCB with these switches.

Although one might imagine that gamers only use the advanced features of analog switches on a few keys, Logitech’s approach remains unconvincing. Integrating storage for switches within the keyboard has little benefit, as one generally does not change configurations every session. Moreover, having different switches in the middle of the keyboard is quite bothersome in daily use. At 220 euros, it’s hard to understand Logitech’s strategy, which should have, at the very least, equipped the entire main typing area with these TMR switches.

Comprehensive Features for TMR Switches

With the introduction of analog switches, the Logitech G Hub software becomes both essential and increasingly complex. No fewer than twenty pages of explanations for different functions are displayed upon first connecting the keyboard.

While we won’t dwell on the customization of RGB lighting, which remains similar to what Logitech has always offered, the notable difference is the inclusion of the light strip, which is also customizable with numerous pre-configured effects. The effect is quite impressive once the acrylic wrist rest is added.

All keys, except the Fn key and the rotary actions of the knobs (which is a pity), can be reassigned. The choices are extensive, as always, and the software also allows creating multiple layers using the Fn and “G Selector” modifiers. The possibilities are almost endless, and G Hub remains a reference point in this regard.

The analog TMR switches also offer additional freedom with their customizable activation point. This can be adjusted from 0.1 to 4 mm and set independently for each of the nine switches. An SOCD function is also available to prioritize actions between two lateral movement keys.

In addition to quick triggering, TMR switches can be assigned two different actions at two different heights. This is where the SAPP rings come into their own, providing tactile feedback at the second activation point (around 2 mm). It’s a smart feature that genuinely eases the adoption of this functionality.

The last tab allows for adjusting the polling rate of the keyboard, up to 8,000 Hz, and customizing the gaming mode, which disables certain keys to prevent accidental presses. Different settings can then be saved in profiles, which can also be stored in the keyboard’s internal memory.

Price and Availability of the Logitech G512 X 98 Keyboard

The Logitech G512 X 98 keyboard is available at a recommended price of 220 euros.

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