Logitech G11

The G11 comes with media keys on the top, plus an extra control or two. The centrally located buttons are used for skipping, stopping and playing/pausing tracks, while the centre wheel controls volume. The use of a wheel for volume is great, much better than having buttons like on the Razer Tarantula, and gives plenty of precise and quick control.

To the right of this are two buttons, for muting all sound and cycling the backlighting between Off, Dim and On modes. On the left hand side, these are balanced by a switch that flicks between the keyboard between gaming and computing modes.

When in gaming mode a few n00b problems are disabled, with the Windows key being shut off and things like Sticky Keys being automatically disabled also.

Without the LCD screen to fold down and cover the media buttons, the glowing buttons are forever on view. The lights can be turned off or down for those times when you feel guilty about using too much power, though. We also found that the little recess housing the media buttons makes a great tray for holding paper clips or spare change when gaming.

The G11 retains the twin USB ports of the G15 design, located on the top of the keyboard and just out of sight, though they are indicated by USB symbols so that they can easily found without fumbling about.


The G11 has its problems though. It's still a massive keyboard which could be a little too big for some desks and it isn't exactly the type of thing you toss in a bag for a LAN tournament. The gaps between the keys are pretty massive too and, speaking as a long-time G15 owner, I can warn potential users about how dusty the keyboard can get at times.

These aren't major problems though and a simple desk re-organisation and a brush off or wipe now and then goes a long way towards solving them. The real problem facing the G11 is simply that it looks so intimidating and styled that a lot of casual gamers wouldn't want it on their desks in the first place. Unabashed hardcore gamers though won't face such qualms though and it's to those few that the G11 keyboard really appeals.

Conclusions

When you get right down to it, the G11 is a rock solid keyboard though. Tough, sturdy and reliable, it even comes with carry handles incorporated into its gargantuan frame. The G11 boasts the same fantastic feature set as its bigger brother, incorporating plentiful macro keys and a few other little treats for those who want a decent gaming keyboard.

Best of all, because it's lacking the LCD screen the G11 has come down in price massively to around £38, or $55 in the USA. It means you don't get the joy of looking after a simple virtual pet through your keyboard, but it does mean that you can save enough for a night out if you want.

For the overall balance of features, build quality and value the G11 comes out as a clear prince of peripherals. Lacking a sweet LCD screen and a headphone port, it may not be a king, but it sure comes close. If you're looking for a new keyboard and want to walk the fine line between value and performance, the G11 should be your first and only choice.

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What do these scores mean?