In February, we reviewed the impeccable Logitech G Professional X2 Superstrike and referred to as it the ‘greatest gaming mouse innovation in a decade’. That is a reasonably large win for Logitech, and although the Logitech G512 X does not really feel like as a lot of a revolution for its market, it does really feel prefer it could possibly be simply as vital. That is for a large number of causes.The primary is its ‘Twin Swap’ performance. Thanks partly to the tunnelling magnetoresistance (TMR) sensors beneath the keycaps, 39 of its change beds may be swapped between analogue and mechanical switches. This implies you’ll be able to commerce some switches for higher precision, customized actuation, and fast set off, and go away different keys as mechanical for that basic typing really feel and suggestions.In follow, I discovered the right setup for me was to pop analogue switches on WASD, and perhaps the house bar, and use mechanical ones for the remainder.It is a little bit of magic to me. The caps and switches come out simply, they usually’re even sizzling swappable, so that you needn’t unplug the keyboard earlier than you can begin utilizing the keys once more. The keyboard has a small ‘scan’ button on the prime left, which not solely registers which switches you are utilizing however highlights them with RGB so you’ll be able to keep in mind them.Logitech G512 X specs
(Picture credit score: Future)Change kind: Tactile or Linear. Mechanical or analogue. Keycaps: PBT, double-shotLighting: RGB, controllable in softwareConnection kind: Wired, USB Sort-CLayout: 98 key (75 additionally out there)Further: Spare switches, Sapp rings, and keycap/change puller storage. Two media dials. Weight: 1000 gPrice: $200 | £200One factor price noting is that the likes of the Wooting 80HE have all analogue switches (although Corridor impact relatively than TMR), however I by no means actually discovered a necessity to make use of all 39 change beds within the G512 X.The keyboard features a handful of SAPP (second actuation stress level) rings, that are small rubber rings that sit beneath the keycap, providing resistance as you hit 2 mm actuation. That is designed for multipoint actuation, so you’ll be able to set the likes of the W key to each stroll and dash, with stroll at 0.1 mm to 2 mm and dash at 2 mm and above. It is a comparatively area of interest function, however noticeable in follow. The SAPP rings deliver me to the subsequent a part of what makes the G512 X really feel particular: its storage.I had an opportunity to speak with Logitech in its London workplace simply earlier than getting my palms on the board, and I used to be instructed its design is an homage to Logitech’s Swiss roots. After getting a while with it, I can say that assertion feels true. It is simply very well packed collectively, clear, and environment friendly.Picture 1 of 4(Picture credit score: Future)(Picture credit score: Future)(Picture credit score: Future)(Picture credit score: Future)On the prime of the keyboard is a small space for storing for 9 switches. Then, beneath that’s house for 5 SAPP rings. The toes of the keyboard double as change and key pullers, and never one inch of it seems to be misplaced. I’ve been testing the 98-key black and purple mannequin, and I can say the Evangelion fan in me could be very completely happy.Talking of seems to be, the G512 X has a light-weight bar down the underside of the keyboard, and every secret is individually lit. The sunshine bar consists of 33 totally different lights, making it tremendous customizable in Logitech’s software program. It is a beautiful look, and one of many dials on the highest proper is mechanically set to regulate RGB, making it simple to tone down whenever you need rather less visible oomph.It is truly vital that the keyboard’s RGB seems to be fairly and stands out, because it’s nearly mandatory on a lot of Logitech’s gear. The keys are onerous to make out, particularly in darker rooms, with out it. Fortunately, I see no motive to go with out right here.Logitech tells me that the G512 X completes an aesthetic ecosystem within the G5 vary. That features the G522 gaming headset and the G502 X Plus gaming mouse. The mouse is lacking the purple, but it surely does have a fairly RGB streak down the centre, and the G522 gaming headset’s purple band and lit-up aspect actually match the aesthetic. They do look fairly collectively, although I am completely happy for my gear to not match if it seems to be interesting by itself. The G522’s microphone is actually standout, however the G512 X is the plain standout right here in each high quality and look.Picture 1 of 4(Picture credit score: Future)It is a easy palm relaxation however efficient at enhancing the sunshine bar.(Picture credit score: Future)(Picture credit score: Future)(Picture credit score: Future)I’ve additionally managed to get my grubby mitts on the G512 X palm relaxation, which prices $45 for the 98-key mannequin. The palm relaxation does not click on into place as many do and as an alternative sits just under the sunshine bar. Constituted of acrylic, the sunshine bar shines via it, and as a lot as it would ache me to say a couple of $45 palm relaxation, I get the imaginative and prescient.It additional accentuates the lights from the keyboard and feels comfy beneath the palm, though it will probably technically transfer about as you play. The advantage of it being acrylic is that it is simple to clean, too, ought to you end up mucking up your palm rests (would not be me). I feel I would battle to justify this price if I’d simply purchased the keyboard myself, but it surely does contribute to the appear and feel.Talking of really feel, the G512 X is comfy to kind on. The switches are barely muted, and the double-shot keycaps are easy to press. The lighting actually helps after I’ve misplaced my place on the keyboard, and I haven’t got any complaints on this regard. Broadly, I would say it will get nothing fallacious in regard to typing really feel, sitting across the center of the pile relative to different keyboards I’ve tried.For gaming, although, the G512 X is a little bit of a beast. TMR sensors make for a super-precise really feel, and the entire software program customisation solely provides to it. Fast set off means I can press faster than a conventional keyboard, and per-key actuation means hitting an important keys even faster.Picture 1 of three(Picture credit score: Future)(Picture credit score: Future)(Picture credit score: Future)In Counter-Strike 2, I discovered it simple to cease strolling as quickly as I let go, which naturally helps with intention, and getting throughout the keyboard to my grenades and different weapons feels simple to do. The keyboard is well-sized for gaming, and the keys really feel distinct. The hybrid change mattress design is utilized in many of the keys you’d use along with your left hand, plus the arrow keys, with the remainder of the keyboard being commonplace mechanical. I by no means discovered myself wishing others have been Twin Swap suitable, so I would say Logitech has finished a superb job selecting an important ones.I’ve additionally been testing out the keyboard in loads of single-player video games like Tides of Tomorrow and Crisol: Theater of Idols, and I’ve discovered myself taking part in for hours with little fatigue. It is a snappy keyboard that really shines in aggressive video games, however does not maintain again in consolation both.So far as construct high quality is worried, I am not involved.So far as construct high quality is worried, I am not involved. It isn’t as weighty and agency as some Wooting / Cherry keyboards I’ve had time with, but it surely’s actually not weak. It feels well-balanced for my desk, with it being simple to maneuver on function, however onerous to maneuver accidentally.For those who really feel like you’ll battle to recollect which keys have Twin Swap, you’ll be able to simply look beneath the switches. Twin Swap keys have purple within the base beneath them, and plain ‘ol mechanical keys are black beneath. Both means, each forms of change beds have a max polling price of 8,000 Hz and have TMR sensors.Picture 1 of 4Note the 2 change beds on the appropriate have black beneath them, the place these to the left are purple. (Picture credit score: Future)(Picture credit score: Future)(Picture credit score: Future)(Picture credit score: Future)This isn’t the primary TMR keyboard I’ve tried, however it’s the first Logitech TMR keyboard. And I can say the G512 X gives a way more interesting bundle than the likes of the Cherry Xtrfy MX 8.2 Professional TMR TKL and Cherry K5 Professional TMR Compact. It seems to be extra interesting, feels higher to kind on, and for what it gives, it’s higher priced, too.The one factor lacking is a wi-fi variant, however I would not advocate utilizing a wi-fi keyboard and eight,000 Hz polling on the similar time, as a result of the latter makes use of much more energy than, say, 1 kHz polling. Given {that a} keyboard spends most of its time in the identical place in your desk, you most likely do not wish to be coping with charging it regularly anyway.Purchase if…✅ You desire a customizable keeb: From its software program to its {hardware}, the G512 X makes the modding geek in me completely happy, and does it in an accessible means. ✅ You need to play competitively: With TMR switches and eight,000 Hz polling, this gaming keyboard is excess of only a fairly face.Do not buy if…❌ You are on a funds: Although it is moderately priced for the specs, $200 is nothing to smell at, and positively not funds. ❌ You need wi-fi: Neither of the 2 main fashions gives a wi-fi mode, so you’ll have to look elsewhere if you wish to declutter your desk much more.There’s an argument to be made for the smaller 75-key G512 X being wi-fi, although, so you’ll be able to pop it in a backpack and convey it outdoors with you. It will be a tad courageous of you to deliver a $200 keyboard in your backpack, however I can actually see why one may need it wi-fi.Logitech’s personal G Hub software program is important to swap actuation, get updates, and set the keyboard to eight,000 Hz polling, and I can say it has gotten significantly better over the previous few years. Again in 2024, I moved away from Logitech nearly fully, and that is partly right down to how a lot of an issue I might run into with G Hub. Now, it really works just about as meant, and the G512 X is simple to customize because of this. Every mild on the sunshine bar may be configured, providing you with entry to patterns, and it is all relatively neat.’Neat’ is an efficient means of describing the G512 X general. It has loads of options that I won’t use day-to-day, but it surely permits a degree of customisation that feels extremely uncommon for main gaming keyboard manufacturers. It makes me really feel like a little bit of a tinkerer, but it is a lot simpler to make use of than something customized. And, it is providing all these further options and not using a worth hike both.Aggressive-level TMR gaming keyboards are already fetching the G512 X’s worth level, with out together with the entire nice design, plus it has a hanging mild bar and candy aesthetic. If the G512 X have been in my funds, I am unable to consider one other keyboard that may take its spot.Greatest gaming keyboard 2026All our present recommendationsLogitech G512 X: Worth Comparability
