If you are a Mac user and a PC gamer (like myself) who have been yearning for a low-profile keyboard that lets you switch between work and gaming seamlessly, the Logitech G515 LIGHTSPEED TKL is the one to get. At least for me personally!
- Price: S$199, get it at Shopee and Lazada
- Compatibility: Windows 10 or above, macOS 12 or later
- Connectivity: USB-C, LIGHTSPEED (2.4GHz) and Bluetooth
- Weight: 880g (without cable)
Why? For Mac users who love Apple’s low-profile Magic Keyboard, the G515 is close with an ultra-slim profile of only 22mm tall. But it beats Magic Keyboard with its factory-lubed low-profile tactile switches and similarly low-profile double-shot PBT keycaps. Not to mention, it comes with Logitech LIGHTSYNC RGB backlight that allows you to customise the backlight from up to 16.8 million colours.
Available in black and white (version reviewed), the G515’s design is minimalist but yet attractive. While it might be made of plastic, it still has quite a sturdy feel. But it might be due to its rather hefty weight of 880g.
As its name implies, it has a tenkeyless (TKL) layout without the number pad. So it saves some table top space. The key layout is pretty normal, so you can be typing like a fish in water in no time once you get it connected to your computer.
| PROS | CONS |
| Minimalist clean design | Not cheap |
| Thin and low-profile | Could have more buttons on top bar |
| Great typing and gaming experience | |
| Can switch between Windows and Mac by button press | |
| Can be paired with supported Logitech mouse using same LIGHTSPEED receiver | |
| Long battery life |
Above the function keys is a grey bar. On the left of the grey bar, you will find a LIGHTSPEED button, a Bluetooth button and a Game Mode button. A cap lock and a battery light indicator sit on the right end of the bar. Given the large amount of space on the bar, it is a slight downer that there are only such a small number of dedicated buttons.
Whether it is working or gaming, the G515 performs superbly. Despite being more used to a 75% layout keyboard with full mechanical switches, I found myself getting used to the really-short 1.3mm actuation distance of the switch. However, the actuation force is still pretty similar to full-size switches of around 45g. Not complaining, as it translates to a really excellent typing experience. I have no issues typing out this review using the G515.
The G515 offers three connectivity options of LIGHTSPEED (Logitech’s special 2.4GHz wireless connection with its USB receiver), Bluetooth and USB-C wired. In other words, I can connect the keyboard to my Mac via Bluetooth but to my gaming desktop via LIGHTSPEED. So, by simply pressing the Bluetooth button, I can connect to my Mac when I need to work. But when it is time to game, I just need to press the LIGHTSPEED button and I am ready to slay some demons in Diablo IV.
Best of all, you can also pair a compatible LIGHTSPEED mouse, such as the new G309 gaming mouse, so you can keep the mouse’s receiver for use when travelling. You do so via the G HUB software, available in both Windows and Mac. Unless previous versions when the features are lacking in the Mac version, I found that both versions of G HUB do exactly the same thing. While there are some missing features like changing certain lighting presets when in Bluetooth mode, you can still change button assignment or having different keys disabled during Game Mode.
The battery life is rated at 36 hours on LIGHTSPEED or Bluetooth with full brightness. Having wirelessly connected for two weeks to both my iMac and PC desktop interchangeably with 50% brightness, there was still 56 per cent battery juice left on the keyboard. If you have battery anxiety, you can always charge the keyboard via the USB-C port whenever it is not in use.
VERDICT: The Logitech G515 LIGHTSPEED TKL gaming keyboard is the low-profile gaming keyboard to get, if you prefer a precise typing and superb gaming experience on both Mac and Windows respectively. It might be a wee bit pricey at S$199, but it will be worth every penny you spent.
One thought on “Logitech G515 LIGHTSPEED TKL Review: The low-profile gaming keyboard to get”