There was a time when mechanical keyboards are for gamers, but I think they have officially fully crossed over into the mainstream. Look at any desk setup today (on IG or TikTok at least), and you are bound to see one. However, many mechanical keyboards are not cheap. So when Logitech expanded its wallet-friendly G3 series with the Logitech G316 X 98 keyboard, it caught my eye. This is a mechanical gaming keyboard that bridges the gap between competitive gaming performance and the customised, “thocky” aesthetic of enthusiast-level custom builds – all without breaking the bank.
| PROS | CONS |
| Superb performance with 8,000Hz polling rate | Wired connection only |
| Multi-layer gasket mount offers “thocky” | 1.8m USB cable not braided |
| Fully swappable to your preferred switches | Plastic build |
| Durable PBT keycaps | 98% layout takes time to get used to for some |
| Dot-matrix LED display with control dial |
The G316 X 98 utilises a 98% form factor layout, which means it retains the indispensable (for some) number pad for your spreadsheet duties while cutting down on peripheral width by removing dedicated keys like Home, End, and Page Up (though these remain accessible via Fn shortcuts). Weighing in at 880g, it feels solid on the desk despite its predominantly plastic construction. While the plastic casing doesn’t scream ultra-premium, it feels remarkably sturdy and helps keep the price tag grounded.
My review unit came finished in a clean, minimalist white, which looks fantastic next to modern PC setups. If you opt for the alternative black version, you’ll notice a stealthy appearance where the keycap prints are invisible until the keyboard is powered up and illuminated. Running across the top length of the chassis is an interactive LIGHTSYNC RGB light bar boasting 30 customised lighting zones that react beautifully to your inputs, giving it a distinct cyberpunk flair.
For competitive gamers, fret not. Performance is where the G316 X 98 shines. It is packed with an elite, near-instantaneous 8,000 Hz polling rate (0.125 ms report rate). In fast-paced shooters, every single keypress registers instantly, giving you a distinct, lag-free edge.
Under the hood, Logitech highlights a multi-layer snap-fit gasket design optimised for sound and feel. It comes prebuilt with double-shot PBT keycaps and your choice of either linear or tactile mechanical switches. The linear switches feature a 1.9mm actuation distance (40g force), while the tactile variant acts at 2.2mm (55g force).
But the real star of the show (to me at least, even though a tad gimmicky) is the built-in retro dot-matrix LED display nestled next to a tactile multi-function control dial. Pressing and holding the dial for 1.5 seconds lets you cycle through four distinct adjustment modes: Volume, Keyboard Brightness, Report Rate, and Media Player controls. The dot-matrix display animates playfully to give you an instant visual cue of your exact settings, which is a brilliant, character-filled design choice.
Logitech has also added a clever ergonomic touch at the bottom. Instead of traditional flip-out plastic feet, the keyboard features swappable corner rubber pads. Reorienting them allows you to easily tilt the keyboard between a flat 4-degree or a steeper 8-degree typing angle. Considering you will always keep your preferred typing angle, this is a nice touch.
Additionally, next to the dot-matrix display sits a physical Game Mode switch. Tapping this instantly disables the Windows key (or any other custom keybinds you set up via software) to ensure zero accidental interruptions during intense matches.
The review unit, which came equipped with the linear switches, yields a genuinely pleasant typing experience. The gasket-mounted layers effectively dampen harsh vibrations, delivering a satisfying, acoustics-heavy “thocky” click sound that enthusiast keyboard builders love.
The keypress feel is a little firmer than what you would find on standard gaming linear switches, which actually makes the entire board feel far more robust under your fingertips. But I think it is also loud enough to completely irritate your co-workers if you bring it into an office.
If you happen to find the stock switches not to your liking, or need to change to quiet switches to appease your colleagues, Logitech has built this with complete creative freedom in mind. The board is full-key hot-swappable and features standard cross-hatch stems. You can easily pull out the stock switches and pop in your own custom variants down the road.
To unlock the board’s full capabilities, you’ll want to fire up Logitech’s G HUB software. The application remains a cinch to use with its clean, intuitive user interface. Through G HUB, you can remap any key assignments, create macros, and customise the 30-zone light bar and per-key RGB backlighting. While you can spend hours designing custom light animations, the pre-loaded lighting presets are honestly good enough for most.
On the downside, it is strictly a wired keyboard. It connects via a detachable 1.8m USB-C to USB-A cable. The included cable feels a bit cheap and plain for a gaming setup; I would have preferred a nicer braided or coiled cable to help reduce desk clutter.
In addition, the plastic build of this keyboard might not appeal to keyboard traditionalists. Not to mention, the 98% layout might need sometime to get used to for those who have been using 100% keyboards. Personally, I prefer 75% keyboards.
VERDICT: At S$139, the Logitech G316 X 98 is an incredibly compelling buy. It brilliantly democratises premium enthusiast features, such as hot-swappable switches, gasket mounts, and distinct “thocky” acoustics while marrying them with top-tier 8,000Hz gaming performance. Of course, it has its downers. But for a sub-$140 daily driver that handles high-tier gaming and heavy productivity with equal aplomb, it’s a stellar, character-rich addition to any desktop setup.