Logitech has a huge lineup of quality peripherals — the MX Master 2S is one of our favorite wireless mice — with many dedicated to PC gaming.
I was in search of something new, mechanical, and somewhere near the middle of the gaming keyboard price range, and I ultimately decided on the G513 with Romer-G Tactile switches and a carbon color. I've been testing it regularly for the last month to determine whether or not it's the right keyboard for me and whether or not it's worth the price.
$149Bottom line: The G513 doesn't have a ton of bells and whistles, focusing on solid performance, quality switches, and a premium build. But the RGB lighting is customizable, and the memory foam palm rest adds a lot of comfort during extended playtimes.
For
- Padded palm rest included
- Customizable lighting
- Two-year warranty
- Bright RGB lighting
- Sturdy metal chassis
Against
- No dedicated keys for macros or functions
What you'll love about Logitech's G513 Tactile keyboard
Logitech's G513 keyboard is made up mostly of a plastic base with a metal plate — an aluminum-magnesium alloy — on the top. It has a brushed metal finish with a carbon color (also available in silver depending on the switches you choose) that does a great job of hiding stains and oil from your fingers. It feels solid at 2.12 pounds, and it doesn't have any flex in the body. On the back are two flip-out feet that prop the keyboard at an angle, and there are rubber pads to keep the keyboard from slipping on a slick desk.
| Category | Spec |
|---|---|
| Travel distance | 3.2 mm |
| Actuation distance | 1.5 mm |
| Actuation force | 45 g |
| Durability | 70 million presses |
| Ports | USB-A 2.0 |
| Report rate | 1 ms |
| Color | Carbon |
| Dimensions | 5.19 in x 17.5 in x 1.39 in(132 mm x 445 mm x 35.5 mm) |
| Weight | 2.12 pounds(962 g) |
| Cable length | 6 feet(1.8 m) |
The keyboard has a durable six-foot braided cable running from it with two USB-A hookups. You thankfully have a passthrough port on the keyboard, so you're not entirely losing both ports, but it would be nice if it used USB-A 3.0 rather than USB-A 2.0. For extra comfort, a palm rest padded with memory foam and covered in fake leather is included in the package. It doesn't attach to the keyboard but it has the same anti-slip feet for a bit of traction and does a good job reducing wrist pain. Altogether, this looks like a premium keyboard, and it makes great use of the available surface for adequate spacing between keys.
Logitech has come up with its own proprietary switches, called "Romer-G," which you can choose between at checkout based on your preference. Romer-G Linear gives a smooth keystroke with an audible click, while Romer-G Tactile — which I have — lets you feel where the key actuates and still gives a solid click. Finally, there's a GX Blue switch option that's closer to a traditional mechanical switch. The Tactile switches here have 3.2 mm travel and actuate at 1.5 mm, with an actuation force of 45 grams. This all translates to a comfortable typing and gaming experience that lets you focus on what's on screen rather than what's at your fingertips.
This is a premium keyboard that keeps it simple, focusing on performance and comfort.
Each keycap has a square switch beneath it that makes them feel uniform when pressed, even when hitting the edge of the spacebar or any of the larger keys. The LED lighting sits in the middle of each switch, meaning the light doesn't fade or seem dim toward the top, bottom, or sides of the keys. It's bright and colors are vivid, even during the day in a well-lit room. Included are replacement keycaps for Q, W, E, R, A, S, D, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 keys. These have a raised edge that keeps your finger in place during tense moments, but they are completely optional. A keycap puller makes it easy to properly remove keys without damaging the switch beneath.
Logitech Gaming Software (LGS) handles configuration, and it's a relatively simple app to use that's nevertheless loaded with settings. You can customize the lighting and color behind each key; you can set up a Game Mode that, when toggled on with a shortcut, disables some keys that can interrupt your game (like the Windows key); you can set up commands for certain keys; and you can run a heat map to see which keys you press the most. After a bit of tweaking, the keyboard is going to feel like it's truly yours.
What you'll dislike about Logitech's G513 Tactile keyboard
The G513 is an all-around solid mechanical keyboard, and I really haven't found much to dislike after a month of heavy use. I chose the compact chassis to save room on my desk, and there's little wasted space with the keys that are on it. Coming from a keyboard with dedicated volume knob, however, makes adjusting volume and media playback with the FN and F-keys a bit awkward. In a tense moment, turning up your audio to better hear footsteps means you have to take your hand off the mouse or spread one hand across to hit both keys at once.
Likewise, there are no extra macro keys here to customize. Often found in a row on the far left side of the keyboard, many role-playing game (RPG) players live by these extra keys that are set up with custom commands. These are both minor annoyances solved by choosing a different keyboard suited to your playstyle, but it's something to keep in mind.
Should you buy the Logitech G513 Tactile keyboard?
If you're looking for a mechanical gaming keyboard with a precise switch that's not stupid-loud and has decent travel for comfortable all-day typing, the Logitech G513 can deliver. I can't comment on the Linear or GX Blue switches, but I'm wholly pleased with what the Tactile switches offer. You get even actuation and solid performance across all keys, and the LED in the middle of the switch makes for bright and uniform lighting across the board.
Logitech didn't waste any space here, delivering a well-built and relatively compact keyboard to save room on your desk. You don't get dedicated volume and media control and there are no extra macro keys, but for a lot of people the performance and build quality will be worth it. It's certainly not a budget keyboard, but you could spend a lot more money and probably end up with a similar product. The inclusion of a memory foam palm rest, extra keycaps with raised edges, and a keycap puller also give a bit of incentive, and a two-year warranty further helps swallow the price. So, yes, if that sounds like it's up your alley, buy it.
A no-nonsense mechanical gaming keyboard.
With sturdy aluminum-magnesium build, quality Romer-G Tactile switches, customizable lighting, and premium features, like a long braided cable and padded palm rest, the Logitech G513 should make a great addition to your gaming battle station.
