- 40,981
What did it cost you?: Well, technically it was won, but to buy it now will cost you $70, plus shipping.
How long have you owned it?: December 26th, 2006
Pros
- Programmable G-keys perfect for launching programs or opening folders. Allows you to clean up your desktop.
- Quick Macro button able to be used for Photoshop and/or game keystrokes. Also allows you to edit whether time between button presses matters (for use in fighting games this is good).
- Backlight is pretty awesome.
- Windows key switch is something that should be standard on all keyboards in the future.
- Windows key switch doesn't require software to use.
- USB ports on back of keyboard perfect for portable mice and other types of USB controllers.
- The M1, M2 and M3 buttons allow up to 54 preprogrammed key combinations.
- M1, M2 and M3 buttons allow you to switch to a set that isn't enabled (see cons).
- A far better value than the G15.
- Volume wheel very intuitive and usefull, as is sound of button.
- Keys have good feedback, resistance and travel.
- Keyboard is of the normal 104 key layout. No power-management buttons to intrude on space of normal keys.
- Keyboard feels like a quality piece, and seems very sturdy.
- "Lock" keys (number, caps and scroll) illuminated as to not be distracting, but easily viewable.
- Media controls nicely placed and very convenient, as no intruding graphics or meters comes up on screen when in use.
- G key programming menu easy to use and intuitive.
- Keyboard is more-or-less plug and play (see cons)
- Keyboard has wire slots for any wired equipment in use to run under keyboard.
- Keyboard comes with wrist rest that attaches to bottom of keyboard.
- Keyboard has a lot of girth. Can be hard to store because of this and hard to fit on a desk.
- Difficult to use in lap.
- "G" keys located in a way to lead to accidental pressings when Escape key is trying to be used, which could cause a program to crash when another program is launched. With use, this habit dies off.
- USB ports are USB 1.1, so they are not the best solution for file transfers.
- Volume off button randomly stops working.
- No software included with keyboard, meaning you have to go to the Logitech website to hunt for it to use the "G" keys.
- Media keys don't work with Media Player Classic or Winamp out of the box. A specific Winamp Plugin is needed (which will be linked to at the end) to run it in Winamp; which isn't talked about anywhere on Logitech's website in relating to the G11 or G15, which then piggy-backs itself onto Winamp.
- Quick Macro key can be confusing to figure out, and you need to enter the "G" key program menu to customize your selection.
- Only compatible with Windows XP and Windows XP x64 so far.
Conclusion: A far better value than the G15 (which is $100 without shipping), as, while the LCD on the G15 is cool, other than a spectrum analyzer or system clock too few games support it to make it worthwhile at the moment. The keyboard is sturdy, the "G" keys are a great idea, and the media/volume controls are unobtrusive (no graphic or meter coming up on screen when something is adjusted). The backlight is pushed as a major feature of this keyboard, and it comes through being well and evenly lit. The Windows key toggle switch is a great idea that I hope to see on many more keyboards in the future. I highly recommend this product.
G11 Webpage.
Winamp Plugin for Media Controls
G11 Software
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