Logitech has been struggling to maintain its position in the gaming keyboard market in recent years. The rise of competitors like Asus with the ROG Strix Scope II and affordable enthusiast-grade options like the Melatrix BOOG75 has challenged Logitech’s premium offerings. However, the new G515 Lightspeed TKL seems to be a step in the right direction.
The G515 can be seen as a more affordable version of the G915. It features a low-profile design, measuring just 22mm thick, and utilizes Logitech’s low-profile switches. Users have the choice between linear and tactile switches. The tactile model, which I personally used, is great for typing, while the linear switch is more suitable for extended gaming sessions.
Despite being $90 cheaper than the G915, the G515 boasts several improvements. The switches come factory-lubricated, and Logitech has incorporated sound dampening within the keyboard. Although it may not be considered enthusiast-grade like the Keychron Q1 HE, it significantly surpasses the G915 in terms of out-of-the-box feel. Unlike the G915, the G515 feels broken in, eliminating the unpleasant crunchiness often encountered upon unpacking.
The switches now employ a cross-type stem, unlike the G915’s proprietary clip system. This allows for the use of any desired keycaps. I even tested full-sized keycaps, which worked surprisingly well. Considering the abundance of low-profile keycaps currently available, compatibility with the G515 is a significant advantage. The tri-mode connectivity, featuring Bluetooth, wired, and Logitech’s Lightspeed 2.4GHz connection, remains consistent with previous designs. Additionally, the wired version is available for $100 for those who don’t need wireless functionality. A notable addition is 2:1 pairing, which allows users to pair a Lightspeed mouse and the G515 to the same receiver, freeing up a USB port.
While Logitech has made improvements to the G515, it’s not quite the premium product that the G915 was. To achieve the lower price, certain compromises have been made. The most noticeable difference is the build quality. Unlike the G915’s aluminum construction, the G515 utilizes plastic throughout. Despite weighing 1.9 pounds, the plastic feels like a step down. However, it’s important to note that the G515 doesn’t feel cheap compared to the G915; rather, the G915 feels more premium. This is a subtle but important distinction for a keyboard that’s still priced at $140.
Another notable loss is the absence of dedicated media keys and the large metal volume wheel found on the G915. While the lack of these features is understandable considering the price point, it does represent a missed opportunity. The G515 now stands as Logitech’s most expensive keyboard without dedicated media controls, excluding the recent 60% G Pro X 60. Instead, media functions can be accessed through the remappable layers on the G515. Function button access to media keys is available, but further customization can be achieved through Logitech G Hub. This software allows users to assign a button to G Shift, unlocking a separate layer of macros, key assignments, and functions across the keyboard. The possibilities for customization are extensive.
For the past few years, Logitech has struggled to find a balance with its gaming peripherals. They’ve offered expensive premium options like the Pro X 60 and budget-friendly choices like the G213 Prodigy. The G515 fills this gap. It’s a premium offering with a low-profile finish, but it makes certain concessions to achieve a lower price. The main competition is the Asus Falchion RX LP, which is more expensive at $170. While Asus offers a better typing experience on its low-profile keyboard, the G515’s thinness and price make it a strong contender.
