Reveiw: Portable Gaming with the Compact Logitech G Pro Keyboard
Gaming keyboards and peripherals seem to be getting bigger and more complicated. With rows of extra programmable buttons, digital dials, and multimedia control hubs, many gaming keyboards on the market are larger than life. But, Logitech has decided to go in a completely different direction with the G Pro Keyboard. Designed for serious gamers who love to play on the go, this compact, tenkeyless mechanical keyboard forms part of Logitech’s ‘Pro’ lineup, a range of eSports tournament-tested gaming gear fit for the pros.
But should you invest in a compact tenkeyless mechanical keyboard like the Logitech G Pro Keyboard? I put the keyboard to the test for a few weeks to see how it measured up.
Small size, No compromises
Opting for a smaller keyboard might seem like a trade-off, but there are no sacrifices to be made with Logitech’s compact G Pro Keyboard. The RBG keyboard has many of the bells and whistles we all love about gaming keyboards at a greatly reduced size. It feels like a high-tech, pro keyboard, yet it doesn’t take up too much valuable desk space and is designed to be portable for easy gaming when travelling.
The G Pro Keyboard is super comfortable to use, whether you’re gaming or working. The non-slip rubber feet ensure there’s no slipping while you’re clack-clacking away at the keys and two adjustment feet enable you to prop up the keyboard at either 4 or 8 degrees, helping you find an adjustment that’s the most comfortable for you.
Speaking of clack-clacking away, the G Pro Keyboard features Logitech’s pro-grade GX Clicky switches, which have been engineered for performance, responsiveness, and durability. The keys are sturdy, feel great underhand, and are very responsive no matter what game you’re playing. You get an immensely satisfying click and tactile feedback with each key press and while the keys are loud (it is a mechanical keyboard after all) it’s not obnoxiously loud. Optimised for precision during gameplay, the G Pro Keyboard is a gamer’s dream and a pleasure to type on for everyday work.
To further save space, Logitech has scrapped the usual macro function keys and has instead assigned these to the function buttons with the use of the Fn key. There are 12 programmable F-Key macros that enable you to program intricate, timed actions or commands to F1-F12 using the Logitech G Hub. The keyboard also features a super handy ‘Gaming’ key on the top right. You can set up this key so that when it is activated, the alt, tab, and windows keys are all blocked to make sure you don’t accidentally quit during a gaming session. If you’ve ever done this then you know it can be rage-inducing. which is why I absolutely loved this feature. It really is the little things in life that make the difference.
Light it up
The keys on the G Pro Keyboard also support full RGB Lightsync backlighting through Logitech’s G Hub software. The RCB lighting features allow you to light up important keys, so that they’re easy to find in the dark. You can also customise lighting and animations, and even save static lighting designs to onboard memory, using the G HUB software.
Creativity is the name of the game here, with a multitude of options available to users. You can set up each key with any colour light you like, create your own animated transitions, or simply go with one of the seemingly endless preloaded themes. Using the G Hub software you can selectively illuminate only important keys on your keyboard, depending on what game you’re playing. The keyboard will also allow you to store one profile on it, so you can plug it into a PC even without the G Hub software running, and it will recall your lighting preferences.
If RGB lighting isn’t your thing, there is a dedicated button on the top right that allows you to toggle it off and on. But, keep in mind, the keyboard has been designed to always be backlit (why else would you have bought an RGB keyboard?) so the keys can be difficult to see with the lights turned off. Rather than turn them off completely, you can also choose to dim the lights, so they’re not as bright.
Game anywhere
The keyboard’s portability proved to the most useful feature for me during my time with the Pro G as I could easily unplug it from my laptop, slip it into my laptop backpack and plug it in again at my destination. I don’t have often play games when I’m travelling because I like to have my proper setup with me, but the Pro G Keyboard made it easy for me to fit in a few quick gaming sessions in my hotel room when travelling for work.
The sturdy braided detachable cable has a microUSB connector with a three-pronged design to ensure the cable is properly supported when you remove it or plug it into the keyboard. The detachable cable makes it so much easier to carry around, as you don’t have to worry about the connector being damaged in your bag when travelling. It may seem like a minor detail, but the cord is often the first thing to break on a keyboard if you’re moving it around a lot, so it’s nice to see it easily replaced and designed for frequent travelling.
Should you invest in the Logitech G Pro Keyboard?
I absolutely love the look and performance of this keyboard. Its sleek, compact design means you don’t have to battle your mouse for desk space at home, and it’s so easy to carry around with you for gaming on the go. The Logitech G Pro feels excellent underhand, is easy to type on, and is responsive in games, making it the perfect companion for your gaming and everyday PC needs.
Plus, the customisable RGB lighting features add an element of fun to the experience of using a super-serious gaming keyboard. You can spend hours playing around with all the different settings. If you love the idea of a small gaming keyboard that packs a big punch on the features front then I’m certain you will love this portable gem from Logitech.
The Logitech G Pro Keyboard is available from Takelot at R1,739 as well as from Incredible Connection, and EveTech. Visit the Logitech G South Africa website for more information.
