Jan

5

Logitech G15 Keyboard upgrade (v1 - v2)

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Logitech G15 Keyboard upgrade (v1 - v2) (image: 300px-G15) After a lengthily exchange with Logitech customer support (started October 22, 2007), I’ve just received my replacement Logitech G15 keyboard.

The key problem (pardon the pun) was that the black paint on a few of the keys was wearing off, allowing the backlighting to shine through obscuring any key lettering. This was around a year old..maybe less.

Now, since I’d started the process, Logitech updated and revised the G15 with:

  • Logitech G15 Keyboard upgrade (v1 - v2) (image: 300px-Logitech_G15_v2)Reportedly improved paint
  • Orange backlit (the first one was blue)
  • Reduced the number of programmable Gkeys from 18 to 6(!)
  • Reduced the size of the LCD display by appx. 40% though keeping the number of pixels HxW
  • Removed the ability of the LDC display to swivel
  • Removed the volume control wheel

Frankly, I was hoping for them to send me another v1 G15. I was comfortable with the footprint it had (huge), I liked the availability of all those programmable keys, and I liked the size of the LCD display.

But now I’ve got a v2, and here are my initial impressions:

  • Key depress feel is soft…maybe mushy?
  • sits differently on my …I have to hunt initially to place my fingers on the home row properly
  • footprint is smaller. I like this. I now have more for my mouse and Wacom Bamboo tablet.
  • LCD Display is very slightly out of alignment in it’s housing. Not too noticeable, but when I do it’s a minor annoyance.
  • The drivers and were easy to install and setup
  • Logitech maintained compatibility with LCDStudio, so my custom displays run properly
  • Not sure I like the smaller LCD display…we’ll see how it goes.
  • I *think* I’ll like the orange backlight. It seems to glare less.
  • The volume buttons work ‘ok’, but the wheel seemed nicer — like the wheel on an . Upside is I can still use the wheel/spot on the Wacom Bamboo :)
  • Marketing: the Box and some literature do NOT mention that the has 2 USB ports. I was worried because the v1 G15 does have these, and I didn’t want to lose the ability to plug in thumb drives..etc.
  • Am I missing the extra 12 macro keys? I’m not sure yet. The layout is different, but since I also have a Nostromo n52 , I’m sure I can map any missing functionality over to it.
Logitech G15 Keyboard upgrade (v1 - v2) (image: ) Logitech G15 Keyboard upgrade (v1 - v2) (image: )
Logitech G15 Keyboard upgrade (v1 - v2) (image: ) Logitech G15 Keyboard upgrade (v1 - v2) (image: )

Conclusion: For now I’d say I’m satisfied. The process took a while, I’m not convinced the paint on this will last better than the last. The reduced LCD display size could be an issue…but I’ll reserve judgement on it for now…and I think I like the orange backlight.

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Comments

7 Responses to “Logitech G15 Keyboard upgrade (v1 - v2)”

  1. Katharine on January 21st, 2008 10:51 am

    I just ordered the Logitech G11, which lacks the pop-up LCD screen (I don’t need it). We’ll see how it pans out. Thanks for your post about this!

    Reply - Quote
  2. Brad Grier on January 21st, 2008 8:37 pm

    Cool! That G11 looks awesome. I’m sure you’ll enjoy it.

    I’m slowly settling into this G15. I miss the horizontal layout of the ‘G’ keys…they’re now in a vertical row, and I’m used to the horizontal. And the screen is a bit smaller…my old eyes need big! :) Also the key feel is a bit more spongy on the new G15…seems less crisp than it did on the older one.

    I also miss the volume wheel. I have one on my Wacom Bamboo that will do in a pinch, but it was nice having it on my keyboard..ah well.

    Reply - Quote
  3. Foley on July 4th, 2008 4:59 am

    Hey I am haveing a problem. I lost my drivers disk for the G15 V2 and I really need them. Do you have any clue of where I can download the drivers. I looked on Logitechs home page, but couldn’t find any.
    Thanks

    Reply - Quote
  4. bgrier on July 4th, 2008 8:14 am

    Hi Foley,

    Logitech created a bit of confusion with the G15 v2 by changing its name from G15 Gaming Keyboard (v1) to G15 keyboard.

    Here’s where I found the drivers…

    http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/434/3498&cl=ca,en

    I hope that helps!

    Reply - Quote
  5. dobs on August 24th, 2008 12:41 pm

    mate all u gotta do is just swap the keys from the v2 and put em in the v1 problem solved

    Reply - Quote
  6. bgrier on August 26th, 2008 8:58 am

    @dobs - Whoops! This was caught in the spam filter. Sorry..

    That’s an interesting solution and I may look into yet if the keycaps on the v.2 run into the same problem.

    Reply - Quote

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