Customer Reviews

Logitech G11 Gaming Keyboard (Black/Silver)

5 star:		(87)
4 star:		(42)
3 star:		(11)
2 star:		(11)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

Caveat: I am not a gamer. I bought this keyboard on a quest for something better than the mediocre, mushy-feeling, gimmicky keyboards that have lots of features but which fall short on the fundamental purpose of keyboard -- typing.

The first thing you notice about this keyboard is that it is big. Really big. It measures 21.5" from side to side. I was so concerned about this keyboard taking over my limited desk space that I almost put it back in the shipping carton unopened. That would have been a mistake -- this is a fabulous keyboard, especially for those of us who grew up on the original IBM PC/XT, and AT keyboards.

No, it doesn't have the clicky sound of the original IBM boards, but the layout is nearly perfect and the feel is excellent.

I had been using a Logitech MX3000 keyboard, which met an untimely death by coffee. I was happy enough with the MX3000, and I almost bought a 3200 to replace it. But I didn't really need a cordless keyboard, and I never really cared for the mouse that comes with the Logitech 3xxx cordless desktop sets. Now that I have them side-by-side, there is no comparison. The G11 feels solid without being stiff; the MX3000 feels mushy and imprecise. The F-keys on the G11 are full-sized and are located where my fingers think they ought to be!

The provided keyboard profiler software is unobtrusive and easy to install. I have found the "G" keys handy for storing passwords, my e-mail signature, and other short snippets of text. The backlighting feature is more useful than I imagined. I don't miss the extra buttons on my MX3000; the G11's volume control and media buttons cover about 99% of my needs. I would have liked a standby button, but I can understand why you wouldn't want one on a gaming keyboard.

$69 is a lot of $$$ for a keyboard. But if you spend most of your days typing, it is money well spent!

I have owned MANY keyboards, I usually stick with a design and only buy that kind once I get used to it. This keyboard was recommended because of the ability to add Macros, Gamming setups for those of you who play games (WOW). It's lighted, the keys are perfectly spread apart so I am not hitting the wrong keys at the wrong time. It has a lighted display, so I can see right on the screen what the volume is, Time, etc. It also has two USB ports very easy to reach at the back of the keyboard, which is VERY convenient. I had to write, anyone questioning buying this keyboard should have reasurrance that this keyboard rocks!! Even if you don't play games, it's still very nice to have the lighted keys (typing in the dark) :)
Hope this helps.

The keyboard covers all the bases from game keys, favorite keys, macros, media - you name it. Everything works flawlessly and as per design. Easy to use interface.

The only short coming, at least for me, is that the underneath adjuster legs that allow its far size to raise up are WAY too small. Raises it only a tiny amount. Almost useless and a suprising thing for them to gloss over. I need a keyboard to be angled more downward toward me and these lifter legs are only about 1/2" - if that.

Also, this is not a shortcoming, just an FYI. It took my brain a while to adjust to the extra 4 inches of keys on the far left side of the keyboard. Over years, your brain gets used to where keys are relative to the end of the keyboard and my fingers keep gravitating toward the far end of the keyboard and mistyping. Its kinda hard to describe, you will see ;^)

But overall, this is slick, sleek and well made!

I purchased this keyboard about a month ago because I was interested in the macro keys and how useful they'd be for gaming. But before I get to that, let me give a few statements about the keyboard in general.

1. As many reviewers have said already, this keyboard is fairly large. However, I have plenty of desk space, so that's not an issue to me.

2. The backlit keys are very nice for those who sometimes type in the dark. Not necessary if you're just touch-typing a letter, but quite useful if you're playing games and need to hit a particular key quickly. The lighting seems fairly even across the board with only a few minor areas that seem a bit darker. There are two levels of light (as well as "off") and I wish that the second level were brighter. The difference between "low" and "high" is not much at all.

3. I have not yet used the media keys, so can't comment there.

4. Tactile feedback is pretty good. Now that I'm used to the key placement (it's shifted over a tad from my old keyboard), I find it pleasant to type on. Only issue here is I don't like the placement of the Esc key - It's shifted over about 1 cm from my old keyboard I have yet to adjust...but that's just me.

5. Two USB ports on the board are a nice touch, especially if your computer isn't within easy reach.

Overall, as a general keyboard, I'm very happy with the G11. It feels good and looks good.

Now, about those macro keys...

The G11 has 18 macro keys and 3 Mode keys, which basically are telling you which setup your 18 keys are on. This basically gives you a total of 54 (3x18) total macros you could set up if you wished! These 54 keys can also be separately programmed for any number of Profiles.

The G11 requires software to be running in the background so that you can set up the Profiles. The programming of keys is extremely easy and ranges from specific key clicks, to loading a given program, to entire key sequences based upon one macro key press. The example they give in the tutorial sets up a key so that when pressed will highlight all text in the document and then delete it.

The profiles are basically different setups of what a given macro key will do. You can set them up for a given game or program. Theoretically, when that program is loaded (defined in the profile setup), it should load that profile automatically. So for example, say you have a profile for Doom 3. The idea is that when you click on the Doom3 icon and load the program, the keyboard software will load the Doom3 profile and all of your macro keys that you've already programmed are ready to go. Cool in concept, but I have had trouble getting it to recognize that a given game program is loading. After the game loads, I go back out and look at the Profiler software and it often hasn't changed. Why this is, I don't know. I haven't had time to research it too far. And yes, I have made sure that my "default" isn't locked on (a feature that you can set). So what does this mean? Well, when I start a game, I have to manually load the profile. Not a big deal, but a tad annoying when the software supposedly is set up so you don't have to do this.

Logitech products are never mediocre. They're either awful or great. The G11, fortunately, falls on the "great" side.
If you're in the market for a nice keyboard (whether you're a gamer, a heavy computer user, or someone who enjoys aesthetic and tactile perfection, the G11 is a sound investment.
I bought the G11 after deciding that I wanted a really well made, wired, back-lit keyboard. There are far to many cheapo keyboards, stocked with useless media buttons and silly ergonomic designs. I decided, as I'm a heavy gamer, that a gaming keyboard was the way to go. The nice thing about computers is that, usually, what's designed for a gamer works REALLY well for any other user.
The G11 is no exception.
The back-lighting displays very nicely, whether seen straight on or at an angle. I have NO trouble with the brightness, and the keys don't look at all blurry. The blue lighting is quite sleek looking, and serves its purpose really well.
The G keys (G1-G18), in coordination with the M1-M3 keys give you 54 macro keys. This is a feature I didn't think I would use, but have grown to love. I'm able to do everything from saving username and password combos (thus able to them inserted at the click of a button), to binding spell set-ups and weapon choices (Oblivion, CS:S, etc.). I also have most of my oft-used programs set to a key, so all I have to do is a hit a button to load my favorite game, firefox, etc.
The media keys work for me, although I almost never use them. Same goes for most of the top row of keys. I keep the keyboard in "gaming mode", thus preventing the Windows key from working, and I only adjust the back-lighting when watching a movie. I've found the ability to record macros to be very useful.
The action on these keys is very satisfying. Typing on it feels great. It's immediately apparent that this is a quality keyboard. Not too clicky, not mushy or overly soft, the G11 hits the sweet spot. It's styled as a desktop keyboard, rather than a laptop (full layout, full sized keys with full action). I prefer this, as it gives a more tactile and concrete response.
The keyboard fits well on my desk. It doesn't seem overly large, but it may be tight on some setups. The included wrist-rest is actually useful ( I initially didn't plan on using it).
Downsides? The software isn't the best in the world. It takes a little playing around to figure it out, as it's not entirely intuitive. Also, the USB hubs should be 2.0, but they're not. I never use them as a result, but I'm not upset about this. Finally, when resting flat, the keys seem to face back away from the typer. In order to even this out, you have to use the little feet on the bottom/back of the keyboard. They are very short, and if you like your keyboard at an incline facing you, you will be disappointed. Other than that, I have NO complaints with this keyboard. It's truly amazing and well worth the price.
Absolutely grab one if you're in the market for a gaming keyboard, a back-lit keyboard, a programmable keyboard, or just a nice keyboard in general.

My favourite brand but not my favourite product. Don't get me wrong, i like it alot but... i was expecting more. i almost gave it a 4 because it is Logitech but they weren't as impressive as usual with the G11. Let me start with what i like. The backlit keys are to die for...especially with the option to turn it off if you want the room completely dark to watch a DVD or something. The 2 'extra' USB ports it gives seem kool as well but i haven't gotten around to using them since my DELL UltraSharp 2007WFP 20.1-inch Widescreen Flat Panel LCD Monitor with Height Adjustable Stand provides 4 USB for the price of 1. It aloso looks really good and the media keys come in handy.
Now for the not so great. The keys are not clicky at all. i preferred the feel of the Logitech Media Keyboard Elite- Black ( 967559-0403 )that i owned once. Although it is a gaming keybaord i do type so Logitech needs to take that into consideration. Maybe they can develop adjustable "clicky-ness" in a keyboard to satisfy the various tastes. Next up is the volume knob at the top. On numerous occasions my finger is just going around in circles and the wheel aint spinning. What's up with that? It seems the surface is a little too smooth...more grip Logitech..more grip. The G-keys...hmmm. i can't really make a honest review on those because i haven't quite used them yet. I read the reviews and realised they were not suitable for first person shooter games...which i mostly play, but i bought it anyway. i tried configuring them to avoid the WASD keys and the surrounding ones to use with FARCRY but nope. The G-keys are closer together than i expected and discerning each one may take a while. there is also a little switch that turns on or off "game mode" but what it really does is disable the windows-logo key to prevent you from accidentally jumping to windows in the middle of a game. That was very useful..i keep it on.

This score of 3 might have been a 4 if i did not unwrap this keyboard the same time i unwrapped my 'lion' the Logitech NEW G5 Laser Mouse which over-shadowed everything around it. Buy or not to buy? I would buy it again.

This keyboard has a great feel to it. The keys really feel like the old IBM keyboards back in the good old days. The lighting on it feels really good, it is not hard on the eyes, and has the nice option to turn it off during the day.
From a gamer view the keyboard works almost flawless, the profiler software is really easy to use and has worked with almost every game I have unless it's a really old one or a bad port from a console.
The media controls are really good and since they light up you can use your media player in the dark.
My only complain is that the USB ports on this device are not USB 2.0 so this limits the type of objects you can connect, even my Kingston Flash memory doesn't work as good as it should, otherwise this will get a 5 stars.
The keyboard is really large so if you have a small desk or don't have much space on yours I wouldn't recommend it.

After a lot of research on the web I decided to buy the G11. The features important to me were the macro keys, usb ports, and volume control.

Macros keys: Their position takes some getting used to. I had thought having them nested together might actually be useful, and it may turn out that way after some practice.

Software: The keyboard itself works fine without drivers and I was able to get into my computer bios right out of the box (that may depend on your motherboard though). I didn't even open the software I just went directly to Logitechs website and downloaded the latest. Quick and simple install, no trouble. The macro key utility looks pretty staight forward, I didn't even read the instructions I just started saving macros.

USB: It has 2 USB 1.0 ports (that's slow). I have NO idea why they wouldn't design it with 2.0 ports, but I knew it before buying. I have a high speed hub if it gets too annoying. The good news is it works with my Dynex SD card reader so far. No more searching for an open USB port on the computer. The bad news is I wouldn't expect anything to work that needs more power. Eventually I'm going to try using a PS2 adapter to the motherboard and see if the macro keys still work, obviously the USB won't, but since they're so slow it's no big loss.

Keys: They're quiet. I'm not a typist but the response feels pretty good to me. I'm not making anymore mistakes than normal, so it's an improvement over my old M$ KB.

Backlighting: Here's were we go downhill fast. I'm VERY disappointed with the backlighting. The brightest setting is VERY dim. You get dim, dimmer, off. During the day, it's difficult to see the letters because it's washed out blue on black keys. This is by far the biggest disappointment and I may even decide to return it because of this alone.

Volume control: It has one, but it's not very easy to use. Like others have said, it's mounted flush. So there's nothing to grip, only your finger pressure to try to turn a "knob" about the size of a quarter. I'm not overly concerned because if I find it useful (it does work) I'll simply change the knob or glue another knob on top. It takes about one full turn to go from min to max. On the plus side, there is a Mute button.

Multimedia: These are my least used keys so it figures these are the brightest. They're also the loudest and have the cheapest feel, they actually click when pressed. They're rather annoying if you're looking for a song or video by pressing the next key. The clicking will make you grab for the mouse to continue your search.

Wrist rest: I didn't even attach it. I've NEVER found them comfortable on ANY KB. It looks nice, but it's just less room for my mouse. And again, like others said, the feet don't actually raise the KB very much at all, it's still pretty flat.

There is a Windows Key deactivation button for gamers. I'm not a gamer so I'll just assume it works. The G11 actually looks nicer than in the pictures which make the silver portion look too retro like a Delorean. It's not shiney at all and almost matches my Epson R220 printer and Logitech MX700 mouse.

So even though this keyboard does everything they said it would do, it really doesn't do anything perfectly. Well, except it worked perfectly out of the box. And today, I guess that's something. But honestly, $65 for a keyboard is a lot of money. It really should be ferfect and it's not.

I love Logitech, and I hold their products to a higher standard than the rest. This one is well-designed, but it has a serious problem (for gamers, at least). Overall, this is a good, attractive board--assuming you don't get the problem I have.

The board works most of the time, but randomly, sometimes a couple times an hour, the lights will blink and it will turn itself off. Then, even when the board becomes powered again, it won't work. This is insanely annoying in FPS games, especially multiplayer ones. I've made sure that this is not an issue with my computer itself. It is isolated to the keyboard.

Ignoring that problem, the board is pretty good. It's comfortable, feels solid, and has lots of buttons (including 18 macros on the left side, very useful). It isn't ergonomic at all, but that's not a big issue for gamers. The keys have smooth response with just the right amount of push force, and the board looks good overall.

It isn't without its shortcomings. The lighting is somewhat uneven and sometimes looks a bit cheap. If you have your keyboard right in front of your monitor(s), the lit keys may be harder to see than normal white ones. I really wish all the blue keys were as bright as the yellow M1 key. The board includes two USB ports, but they are only USB 1.1. It would be nice to plug mice into them, since it would give a wired gamer more travel slack on the cord, but for me, I find it too risky to plug my MX-518 into it because of the risk of losing both my mouse and keyboard to the power loss.

The lesson I learned? Fancy gimmicks do not a gaming board make. Lights and fancy frills are an excuse to skimp on other, more important things.

This keyboard in my opinion is by far the best backlit keyboard I have found and used. Other KB's light everything but this only lights the actual letters which makes it easier to see in the dark. I really don't look at the keyboard much when typing but when I'm playing games or working on music etc., I can see what I'm doin in the dark with no issues.

The volume dial and other shortcut keys make things very simple and if I had to find one thing I don't like in the few months I've used this item, it would be the tabs that tilt the KB up are not high enough. However, this is a minor issue that maybe logitech can resolve in later models. I say buy it!! :)