Logitech G18

[Hor]

http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/gaming/pc_gaming/mice_keyboards/devices/4956&cl=us,en#

I've been using a G15 Keyboard since it came out, and I've always loved it. One thing that stood out to me in particular:
Game/desktop mode: Disable the Windows/Context Menu keys so they won’t interrupt your game if pressed accidentally.

The only real drawback on this bad boy is the price tag, $199.00 I'm ordering it as soon as it becomes available.

[Nostromos]

They are releasing the G13 Gamepad soon. It looks really good if your into gamepads.

[JamieW]

Only 12 G-keys on this one...

I can't understand why they continue to sell the G11 with 18 programmable keys, and the more expensive varieties have only 6 (G15) and 12 (G18) programmable keys. If my current (old-style) G15 ever breaks, I'll have to go to e-bay for an old-style G15 or buy a G11 because they refuse to at least put the original 18 G-keys on their higher end models.

[Talamarr]

They are releasing the G13 Gamepad soon. It looks really good if your into gamepads

I think they released the G13 as of today. It's showing as In Stock on logitech's website

On the G18; I just don't see the cost justification. Why is it better than say the G15? I know it has some new neat little features but for > $100 more? I don't see it.

[Coltimar]

I have a stupid question. I use a g15 keyboard on my main PC. I use all 18 G keys currently. No macros on them, they are bound to actual 101 kb keys. I have a 2nd computer for toons 6-10. I am getting another keyclone once my KVM gets here (don't ask) and what I wonder is this; when I push G9 what gets sent to computer #2? NumPad 9 (which G9 is bound to) or nothing?

[JasonB87]

I believe it would be numpad9.

[JamieW]

I have a stupid question. I use a g15 keyboard on my main PC. I use all 18 G keys currently. No macros on them, they are bound to actual 101 kb keys. I have a 2nd computer for toons 6-10. I am getting another keyclone once my KVM gets here (don't ask) and what I wonder is this; when I push G9 what gets sent to computer #2? NumPad 9 (which G9 is bound to) or nothing?Unless keyclone is significantly different than other keyboard broadcasters, the second computer should get whatever G9 is bound to. This includes key-combinations (I used to have G1-G6 bound to Shift+1-Shift+6 for instance).

[Duese]

Only 12 G-keys on this one...

I can't understand why they continue to sell the G11 with 18 programmable keys, and the more expensive varieties have only 6 (G15) and 12 (G18) programmable keys. If my current (old-style) G15 ever breaks, I'll have to go to e-bay for an old-style G15 or buy a G11 because they refuse to at least put the original 18 G-keys on their higher end models.

I'm right there with ya. Even if you don't use page 2 or 3 of the keybindings, it's still to much of a chore to change pages to cast different spells. I ended up binding every single one of my main 18 keys, then used my second page for buffing/etc. 6/12 Keys just isn't enough.

[Coltimar]

Confirmed, I don't need a second G15 :P

[sqeaky4100]

Logitech has the Old Style g15's in stock right now. They got a stack of them out of a wearhouse, all brand new.

I bought one and it works just fine, all in origional packaging and everything.

The only cool thing about the new G18 is the color's, and the volume adjuster... but no way is that worth $199 lol!

[Herc130]

I wish they would release a keypad of just G-Keys and make it wireless. I might get the G18 and the G13 just to check it out though.


edit: Got the G13 on order, but no one selling G18/G19 that I can find. Probably just wait till my local bestbuy's has it.

[Herc130]

Tiltable, color GamePanel™ LCD: The (320x240) display shows unprecedented levels of information—both in- and out-of-game—including game stats, system information, VOIP communication data, video playback, image slideshows, and many other items.

Whoa. I use to put a little "always on top" video screen onto my game UI, then play in windowed mode, but I sometimes crashed doing this. Be pretty cool to run movies through the keyboard display (wonder if it also plays sound). Although I am sure many of us have TV's to the side. I do not.....all my displays for the game are in the way.

[Ualaa]

The G11 is essentially a G15 without the LCD screen.

I thought I would really get a lot of usage from the LCD screen in games.
In reality, since the information is controlled by the game and readily supplied by addons on the screen, in a much easier to read format and location...
The LCD screen adds essentially nothing to my style of games.

The biggest use I have for it, is as a stopwatch, to time how quickly I complete Sudoku's...
In other words, the G11 is as good as the (old) G15 for a gamer, and far superior to the (new) G15.

[Meeo]

I actively use my G15 screen for ventrilo and Summit Statistics of my machine in terms of ram/heat/tempurature, CRC failures, and read&right errors.

[moosejaw]

I actively use my G15 screen for ventrilo and Summit Statistics of my machine in terms of ram/heat/tempurature, CRC failures, and read&right errors.This. Everything is unchecked except for coretemp.

[Bloodcloud]

I actively use my G15 screen for ventrilo and Summit Statistics of my machine in terms of ram/heat/tempurature, CRC failures, and read&right errors.This. Everything is unchecked except for coretemp.H have an (old) G15 and I use it for CPU stats/memory stats on my quad core. I would't want to miss that .. I also use the 18 G keys ... hard to say what I will choose when it dies ..
G13 seems a good option.

[Meeo]

Already order my G13. but i cant wait for a G19 either becuase ill have one of those too.

[blast3r]

Why order a $199 keyboard that only has 12 programmable keys when you can have a $169 xkeys keypad with 58 programmable keys? I ordered one of these 5 or 6 months ago and you would have to pry this from my dead cold hands.

[jettzypher]

hmmm...interesting. if i didnt have the original G15 and wasnt planning on gettin a sidewinder x6, i may be more interested in this. the lack of macro keys on the side discourages me. i have adapted to the 3x6 layout and cant go with anything less.

[Herc130]

hmmm...interesting. if i didnt have the original G15 and wasnt planning on gettin a sidewinder x6, i may be more interested in this. the lack of macro keys on the side discourages me. i have adapted to the 3x6 layout and cant go with anything less.

Will then you are going to be horribly disappointed with the X6 since it only has 6 physical "X" keys....hence the 6.....



I have the first G15 as well, bought the MS sidewinder x6. Installed software, made hotkeys and tried it out. Wanted to take it back off within the first 30 minutes, but gave it a few days to see if I would ...eventually like it. I did not. It now sits in my closest of useless crap. It does not auto-repeat. I do not like how you set-up keys with it. I think logitech's software is alot more usable for how I play and what I want to do. Maybe it will be more to your liking, but honestly, the MS sidewinder is a big step down from the G15. Another thing, I was unable to remove the MS Sidewinder X6 software from my computer. It is still loaded and would not come off with an uninstall or delete. I am sure I can get it off, I just haven't messed with it much yet. Still.....I am a bit miffed that they make it a problem to un-install their shit.


Why order a $199 keyboard that only has 12 programmable keys when you can have a $169 xkeys keypad with 58 programmable keys? I ordered one of these 5 or 6 months ago and you would have to pry this from my dead cold hands.

Because I want a keyboard for typing with intergrated programable keys to use on my main account box that doesn't really use that many programable keys since playing that account requires alot of moving around, adaptation, lots of mouse clicking and then finally hitting 1 hotkey that auto-repeats? Plus, I am a sucker for new shiny toys and I already have 6 X-Keys pro's for my box support accounts, since those are almost controlled exclusively by hotkeys.

[Cash]

I have been using my first G15 for years now and now, with starting to multibox, really started using the G-Keys. Pretty much intuitive to coordinate 3 different chars. The 2x2 layout - I don't know. Maybe would come in handy when playing 4 chars.

[jettzypher]

Will then you are going to be horribly disappointed with the X6 since it only has 6 physical "X" keys....hence the 6.....incorrect...when game-mode is enabled, the keys on the keypad becomes macro keys. and just because i know ill be told im wrong:


Switchable key pad
Flexible design, choose right side or left side configuration. Switch between standard key pad and macro pad in gaming mode.

Macro keys
Up to 30 programmable keys that can allow up to 90 programmable options with an assigned gaming profile.

straight from microsofts website. maybe you should have fully read everything about it and maybe you wouldnt have hated it so bad...

on a lighter note...wanna sell it? i want one but most companies wont ship to APO/FPO addresses anymore.

[Herc130]

Maybe the keypad does that. My use doesn't really need much macro keys for my main account, I just need them to be able to toggle auto-repeat. X6 does not toggle to auto-repeat. It only allows me to hit the "cruise" key and while holding the "cruise" key down, hit the key I want to repeat. I need to be able to tap it into auto-repeat and forget about it. So far, G15's and n52 are the only keyboard/gamepad I have tried that does it. X-keys, X6, ideazone fang gamepad and keyboards do not. Just got the X13 pad in yesterday, pretty big compared to an n52, but looks and feels much more of a quality build. Will hook it up once I get around to it, but no doubt it will toggle repeat just like the G15. And no you can't buy my x6. I'd rather toss it out the window or give it to a friend then go through the hassle of cashing in what you send me and mailing it to you lol.

[Drizzit]

My opinion = extremely gimmicky.

I've got the original G15 keyboard - and the only thing I use on it is the backlit keys. The LCD is actually annoying most of the time.

Agree. Thank god i bought it when it had it's 3 rows of macro instead of 1 or 2. Granted i don't use then (at least for now), but why would they take out 1 or 2 rows? I love the backlit keys, the LCD is sometimes helpful, usually only helpful in solo play, but i only look at the LCD to see how my gear is (it give a percent of how much gear you have left).

I looked at the G13 and doesn't seem that good for me at least. I still love my Fang gamepad. I think the only thing bad about getting special keypads, gamepads and addons is that you get so use to it that you cannot play well with out it. I went on a training trip for work and brought my wife's laptop. OMG learning how to play on a laptop was a pain, having to use the wasd keys to move without the gamepad. The good thing is that i first learned how to play using no gamepad, a normal keyboard, no addons and a clicker so wasn't that hard.

[Hor]

I'm kinda on the fence about the G18, largely because of the price tag. And I want to actually get my hands on a G13 before I buy it, the main draw (for me) on the G13 is the movement pad. I've got a FANG now, but I don't really care for it. In the end I'd really just like some more programmable keys than the 6 on my G15.

[Caspian]

Logitech has the Old Style g15's in stock right now. They got a stack of them out of a wearhouse, all brand new.

I bought one and it works just fine, all in origional packaging and everything.

The only cool thing about the new G18 is the color's, and the volume adjuster... but no way is that worth $199 lol!Be careful with this, I ordered one of those on the 12th and just got one, with 6 G keys - not a happy camper right now.

And the 18 G key models are no longer on the site anyways :/


Maybe the keypad does that. My use doesn't really need much macro keys
for my main account, I just need them to be able to toggle auto-repeat.
X6 does not toggle to auto-repeat. It only allows me to hit the
"cruise" key and while holding the "cruise" key down, hit the key I
want to repeat. I need to be able to tap it into auto-repeat and forget
about it. So far, G15's and n52 are the only keyboard/gamepad I have
tried that does it. X-keys, X6, ideazone fang gamepad and keyboards do
not. Just got the X13 pad in yesterday, pretty big compared to an n52,
but looks and feels much more of a quality build. Will hook it up once
I get around to it, but no doubt it will toggle repeat just like the
G15. And no you can't buy my x6. I'd rather toss it out the window or
give it to a friend then go through the hassle of cashing in what you
send me and mailing it to you lol. And, not to be a prick or goody two shoes or anything but using the G keys or n52 to Auto repeat a key stroke(s) is against the WoW TOS. The reason I know this is because I specifically bought the N52te to do just that, then started doing some research into it and found multiple blue posts regarding the G15 and N52. The hardware themselves are fine to use but using the macro functions players are "warned" to be careful one keystroke = 1 action blah blah - you know the drill by now. Which is why I wanted an 18 G key G15, I want the extra G keys for straight hot keys in an easy to get to spot. So with the extra scrutiny boxers face, a GM looks at your account and sees that you you perform X action every Y seconds, exactly - you might have issues. I don't care if you do it now or if you have been doing it forever with no issues, that's cool, I am just tossing this out there so anyone who didn't know and reads the thread does know that there is the potential to get hit with the ban hammer for "fire and forget" macros on these devices.

[Hor]

Caspian's got a point, I got a temp ban because of this. Back when people were AFKing AV like mad, I got hit with the rest. I was later reinstated, having found a false positive (Had the keyboard, but hadn't been using it to click repeatedly, keeping me from AFKing in AV).

My main interest in the G Keys is for things like button combinations. Like I use Ctrl 1 for an assist/focus Polymorph macro on my Mage. Or, Ctrl 2 to Banish with my lock, etc. I have all 6 of mine set already on my keyboard, I need more though.

[Herc130]

And, not to be a prick or goody two shoes or anything but using the G keys or n52 to Auto repeat a key stroke(s) is against the WoW TOS

I don't play WoW.

I am not sure it is bannable in Everquest, but people have been using gamepads for years (before WoW even started lol) to auto-repeat archry before SoE made /auto-fire as a command, so I doubt it is. EQ is getting so low on players, I think if they are headhunting, it is for far more serious stuff then this. Not that I think it is illegal either as I rememeber before I bought my G15, we had a big discussion on the SoE boards on it and were told by devs that the use of the keyboard is not against any rules.

[Caspian]

And, not to be a prick or goody two shoes or anything but using the G keys or n52 to Auto repeat a key stroke(s) is against the WoW TOS

I don't play WoW.

I am not sure it is bannable in Everquest, but people have been using gamepads for years (before WoW even started lol) to auto-repeat archry before SoE made /auto-fire as a command, so I doubt it is. EQ is getting so low on players, I think if they are headhunting, it is for far more serious stuff then this. Not that I think it is illegal either as I rememeber before I bought my G15, we had a big discussion on the SoE boards on it and were told by devs that the use of the keyboard is not against any rules.That's cool, I wasn't sure if you played WoW or not since you didn't say. It's why I also specifically said WoW's ToS, because I don't know other game's rules. It is good info and any newer WoW boxers to consider though.

[Sam DeathWalker]

Ya I don't think its bannable for EQ. The ranger forum was using auto fire for years (top rangers in top guilds) ...

Ya its a no no in WoW though.

[d0z3rr]

Waste of money. I had a g15 and the lcd was buggy and the logitech software is useless. I hated the way the keys felt, and the sound it made.

I am thinking of getting one of these bad boys:

http://www.deckkeyboards.com/catalog/images/deck_toxic_large2.jpg

It's a Deck keyboard, not much cool features but cool as hell looking and has a cool clicky key sound to it! $119

[Herc130]

Maybe will get their new headphone as well. $99 bucks. 3 G-keys and volume control on the headset. I have yet to buy a logitech product I didn't like

http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-G35-Surround-Sound-Headset/dp/B001O5CCQK/ref=pd_cp_e_2?pf_rd_p=413863501&pf_rd_s=center-41&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B001NXDBI6&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=08N25J3Q5ZTKV8VMN0R3

[jettzypher]

I have yet to buy a logitech product I didn't like
i agree...never been disappointed by anything they come out with...idk about g-keys on a headset though, seems more like a waste imo...

[Herc130]

This is what the G-keys on the head set is for


3 Customizable G Keys
If you use popular chat clients such as Ventrilo or Team Speak, the G35 headset includes three G-keys on the left earpiece for one-touch command over voice morphing. If you want to sound like your World of Warcraft character or disguise your voice when gaming, you can install the included software to enjoy six voice-morphing options, including cyborg, giant, mutant, space squirrel, troll and alien.



I don't know what a space squirrel is supposed to sound like, but it's perked my interest lol

[jettzypher]

Idon't know what a space squirrel is supposed to sound like, but it's perked my interest think alvin and the chimpmunks.

[Tynk]

space squirrel

Must.... buy.... headset!

[Pippin]

I have the old style g15 which I gave to the wife and I have the new g15. I love the screen. I use it for vent, /tells, stopwatch and system performance. They only thing it doesn't do for me is my my arse, but I hear there is a plug in for that. :) I don't however use the g15 keys as I am still unclear what I can and can not get banned for. I have searched and seem to come up with different answers so just stay away till I better understand. The screen"makes" it for me. Love the keyboard.

I generally like logictec stuff and usually look at thier stuff first and then compare everything to that item and usually end up buying Logitech. I got the Revolution mouse (2 of them actually) and after one years use the battery died in one and the other is I believe is in the process of dying.

I hate headset's but I seriously contemplating getting it for space squirrel.

[Vyndree]

That headset sounds fun, actually... Suvega just broke yet another headset, so he ninja'ed mine.

I ordered some non-USB mic's as backups since we're all out, again, but I wouldn't mind trying something new. I've had a thing for plantronics headsets ever since I started having problems wearing behind-the-ear headsets for long periods of time. The plantronics ones had a very nice, comfy, light feeling and rested GENTLY on your ears rather than squashing them to your head and letting gravity feel like it was going to tear your ears off.



As for glowy keyboards... People honestly still look at their keyboards? The glow is for room ambiance, imo. ;) I don't look at my keyboard -- all muscle memory -- though I do remember being surprised one day when I noticed my "w" and "s" keys were blank after using them for so long. Haven't even had this keyboard for a year yet.

A friend urged me to get the Microsoft Reclusa keyboard, which is OK but I don't really use it for the programmable keys -- just the volume knob and the built-in skip/back/pause/play buttons for media player. I really prefer a split keyboard ever since I played GW -- makes the 7 button easier to find with the whole gap in the middle of the keyboard. I dunno why more gaming keyboards don't embrace ergonomics -- the candybar rectangle gets really uncomfortable if I don't tilt the whole keyboard sideways.


For those looking for the aforementioned blue quotes on the Logitech G15's/Nostromos/programmable key buttons with delays... it's in the wiki. ('http://dual-boxing.com/wiki/index.php/GM_Conversations#Regarding_Delays_.26_Timers_in_ou t-of-game_Macros') :)