Logitech G Pro X Review: Gaming Customization at Your Fingertips
From hot-swappable switches to low-latency performance, the Logitech G Pro Keyboard is a gaming companion that demands attention. Its strengths lie in customization and game-centric design, but it's not without its weaknesses. Dive into our thorough analysis to see if it fits your gaming needs.
Welcome to this in-depth review of the Logitech G Pro X keyboard! In the world of gaming peripherals, Logitech is a name that needs no introduction. Their products often strike a balance between stylish design, robust performance, and user-friendly features. Today, we'll put the Logitech G Pro X under the microscope. Will it uphold the company's reputation? Let's find out.
As you may know, the G Pro X is a keyboard that’s turning heads in the gaming community. It's compact, feature-rich, and sports a striking design, but we won't settle for just that. In this review, we'll cover every aspect of this gaming marvel, from its sleek aesthetics to its sturdy construction.
By the end of this blog post, I hope to give you a detailed understanding of the G Pro X's strengths and weaknesses, making your buying decision as informed as possible. So, without further ado, let's dive in!
The product is aimed at avid gamers, particularly those involved in tournament play. It is also suitable for those who prefer the customization of their keyboard switches and lighting but do not require a multi-device setup.
- Strong and customizable RGB backlighting
- Hot-swappable, short pre-travel distance key switches
- Compatible with Windows and macOS
- Low latency, ideal for gaming
- Programmable function keys
- Fairly quiet, suitable for office use
- Lacks wrist rest, might be uncomfortable over prolonged use
- No brightness settings for backlighting
- Not suitable for multi-device setup
- Programming is limited to function row only
- ABS keycaps prone to shine and slip
Overall, the Logitech G Pro keyboard is a solid choice for gamers, offering excellent performance with low latency and customizable key switches. However, due to its lack of multi-device support and wrist rest, it might not be the best fit for multi-taskers or those requiring extended use. Its ABS keycaps might also be a potential issue for some. Nevertheless, it's a good pick for tournament players and those who desire keyboard customization.
Test Results
Design
The design of the Logitech G Pro X has been crafted with both style and utility in mind. Let's dissect each aspect to give you a clearer picture.
The Logitech G Pro X adopts a compact TenKeyLess design, saving precious desk space. However, it's slightly thicker than usual, creating a noticeable elevation from the desk. Also, the absence of a wrist rest might be perceptible to some users, particularly during extended use.
The keyboard stands out with its sturdy and solid build, exhibiting no flexing of the main plate. It's constructed with an all-plastic chassis, giving it a fairly durable feel. The stock GX Red Linear switches have a short pre-travel distance and light actuation force. The board is also hot-swappable. However, care must be taken while changing key switches, as the metal contacts may bend if mishandled. Additionally, the ABS keycaps tend to shine over time and show slight wobbling.
Despite the absence of a wrist rest, the keyboard doesn't feel uncomfortable even during prolonged periods of typing or gaming. However, the lack of wrist rest might become noticeable over time. Also, the ABS keycaps are a bit slippery, potentially affecting users seeking a tactile typing experience. The keyboard offers two incline settings, which may help with typing comfort.
The G Pro X boasts clean and strong RGB backlighting, with almost no light bleed around the keycaps. The full RGB lighting offers ample customization via the G HUB software. However, it lacks brightness settings, which could be a minor inconvenience to some users.
The keyboard offers wired connectivity through a detachable USB-A to Micro-USB cable. This feature enables users to easily replace it with their own cables. Nevertheless, the cable retains kinks from packaging, and the keyboard's wired nature makes it less suited for mobile devices or multi-device setups.
The G Pro X comes with dedicated buttons for Game Mode and RGB toggle. It also has programmable F1 to F12 keys with an additional layer of G Shift functionality. Another notable feature is its hot-swappable PCB that accepts 3-pin switches. However, the macro capabilities are limited to the function keys only, and care must be taken while disabling keys to avoid disabling essential ones inadvertently.
Typing Experience
Any keyboard's worth is ultimately judged by its typing experience. So, let's dive into the nitty-gritty of the G Pro X's typing feel and performance.
The keyboard offers a choice of three different key switches: GX Reds, Browns, and Blues, each contributing to a unique keystroke experience. The GX Red Linear switches have a short pre-travel distance and are light to actuate, although they may provide a slightly scratchy feel. Despite this, they offer a snappy and crisp keystroke experience, with few accidental presses during gameplay.
When it comes to typing quality, the keyboard fares decently. However, the ABS keycaps might feel cheap to some, and the lack of a wrist rest could potentially make typing uncomfortable over long periods. Despite this, the keys, albeit stiffer and more resistant compared to Cherry MX switches, are still comfortable.
The typing noise varies based on the chosen key switch. While the GX Reds and Browns offer a fairly quiet typing experience, suitable for office use, the GX Blues generate a distinct clicking noise, which may not be to everyone's liking.
The keyboard exhibits exceptionally low latency, making it an excellent choice for gamers. In-game tests showed that the keys were quick and responsive, with no mention of latency issues. It holds up well in terms of latency, even against newer models.
Software
The software experience can make or break a gaming keyboard. Let's examine how the Logitech G Pro X stands in this arena.
With regards to programming, the keyboard does have some limitations. While it's true that the function keys are fully programmable, the inability to program the entire deck might disappoint some users. This appears contradictory to the G Pro X's emphasis on physical key customization. Users should note that macro programming is confined to the function row only.
Compatibility-wise, the keyboard is versatile. It is compatible with both Windows and macOS, covering a broad range of gaming scenarios. This adaptability is particularly beneficial for tournament players. However, those looking for a multi-device setup might be disappointed as this feature is not supported. Moreover, it's worth noting that the keyboard lacks certain additional features offered by competitors.
Customer Reviews
Diving into the sea of user feedback, we discover a myriad of opinions, experiences, and sentiments about the Logitech G Pro X keyboard. While the vast majority of users shower the keyboard with praise, a handful do have a few gripes. We will explore both sides of the coin to give you a balanced view.
Benefits
One of the standout features of the keyboard that users seem to appreciate is the aesthetic design, which includes an appealing key light system with vibrant coloration. Users commend the keyboard for its brightness settings and highly customizable light effects, enabled through the software.
Another highlight is the tangible typing experience. Customers praise the smoothness, responsiveness, and pleasant sound of the keys. The keyboard receives high marks for its typing accuracy and speed, even from fast typists. Users also appreciate the sturdy, somewhat heavy build, adding a sense of durability and stability to the keyboard.
Users also highlight the keyboard’s utility in gaming, attributing improved game scores to the keyboard's seamless use and low response time. The keyboard's functionality extends to everyday productivity tasks too, suggesting a fine balance between gaming and typing applications.
Complaints
However, not all feedback is rosy. Some customers expressed disappointment with the height of the keys, which they felt were a bit too tall, leading to an initial feeling of strangeness that needed some time to get used to. Additionally, a couple of users expressed dissatisfaction with the tactile feedback from the GX Brown Tactile keys, arguing that it felt closer to a linear switch than a true tactile switch, making it less satisfying to use for those seeking distinct tactile feedback.
Another area of concern lies in the lighting system. While most users praised the brightness and customizability, some noted that the special characters atop the number keys didn't receive any light, making them difficult to spot in darker environments. This might be a minor setback for users who often work in dimly lit conditions.
Lastly, a handful of users found the G-HUB software used for customization to be complicated and less intuitive than the previous Logitech Gaming Software, which might pose a learning curve for some users.
Customer Conclusion
Overall, the Logitech G Pro X keyboard seems to be a crowd-pleaser with its aesthetic design, satisfying typing experience, and gaming-centric features. However, potential buyers should be aware of some drawbacks such as key height and software complexity. Depending on individual preferences and use cases, these factors may or may not be deal-breakers. The general consensus seems to be that the keyboard provides excellent value, especially when it's on sale. Its robust build, excellent typing experience, and versatile use make it a strong contender in its price range.
Customer Questions/Answers
Can I replace the switches on the keyboard?
There are two versions of this keyboard. The older version comes with proprietary, soldered-in-place 'roamer' switches. The newer version comes with swappable switches. You need to check which version you are buying to confirm switch replaceability.
Does this keyboard have customizable RGB lighting?
Yes, the Logitech G Pro X Mechanical Gaming Keyboard has customizable RGB lighting, which can be adjusted using the Logitech G HUB software.
Is this keyboard compatible with PS4 and next-gen consoles?
Yes, the keyboard works with PS4 and should work with next-gen consoles. The on-board memory retains your settings when switched between devices.
Conclusion
After a thorough exploration of the Logitech G Pro X, let's round up what we've discovered.
On the bright side, this keyboard delivers a solid gaming and typing experience. It's thanks to its sturdy build, responsive keys, and swappable switches. The RGB backlighting adds to the visual appeal, and the dedicated 'Game Mode' offers an added advantage for serious gamers.
However, it's not without its drawbacks. The lack of a wrist rest and the somewhat slippery ABS keycaps might be discomforting over prolonged use. And while the customization possibilities are good, they could be better. The restriction on programming to the function keys alone might be a letdown for those seeking complete control.
All in all, the Logitech G Pro X makes a compelling case for itself, especially if you're a competitive gamer who values performance and build over extra features and comfort. It may not be the perfect keyboard, but its strengths indeed shine bright enough to overshadow the minor setbacks.
Whether you decide to go with this keyboard or continue your search, remember that the best choice is the one that caters to your specific needs and preferences. Happy gaming!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the G Pro X worth it?
The value of the Logitech G Pro X Keyboard largely depends on the user's needs and preferences. It offers a compact, tenkeyless design, solid build quality, and customizable key switches, which make it an attractive option for gamers. However, its lack of wrist rest and limited key programming capabilities might not suit everyone. It's best to weigh these features and trade-offs against your personal requirements.
How long does G Pro X Wireless last?
The Logitech G Pro X Keyboard is a wired model and does not have a battery life.
What are the switch options for the Logitech G Pro X Keyboard?
What are the key programming limitations of the Logitech G Pro X Keyboard?
While the Logitech G Pro X Keyboard does offer programmable function keys, it does not allow for the programming of the entire key deck. Only the function keys (F1 to F12) can be reprogrammed using the Logitech G Hub software.
How is the backlighting of the Logitech G Pro X Keyboard?
The Logitech G Pro X Keyboard features strong RGB backlighting that's customizable using the G HUB software. However, it does not offer adjustable brightness settings.