Now this is what I look for in a keyboard! As soon as my fingers touched the Logitech G316 X, I knew I liked it. And it’s a combination of things. It’s the feel and sound of the mechanical switches. It’s the somewhat compact size. But ultimately, it’s the overall package that makes me want to use this keyboard time and time again.
Table of contents
- First impressions
- Specifications and price
- Design
- Key and switch customisation
- Performance
- Lighting and software
- Who is the Logitech G316 X for?
First impressions
When I unboxed the G316 X, I was instantly taken aback. It was a gorgeous-looking new keyboard while also reminding me of one of my first-ever keyboards back in the 90’s. Although my first keyboard was actually cream and the Logitech G316 X is white, I couldn’t help but feel the nostalgia, and couldn’t wait to use it. Make no mistake, they are nothing alike in terms of performance. I have just used so many black keyboards over the years that this white colour with a touch of green instantly takes me back.
Tapping on the keys for the first time did not disappoint. I am a sucker for a loud and satisfying keystroke on a mechanical keyboard, and the G316 X was right on the money. As a gaming keyboard, of course it has to have some RGB lighting to brighten your gaming desk. Also, following in the theme of nostalgia, the G316 X comes with a little screen with pixel animations on it. More about that later.
Logitech G316 X specifications and price
| Dimensions | 384 × 140 × 40 mm |
| Weight | 920 g |
| Connectivity | Wired USB connection |
| Cable length | 1.8 m |
| Switches | Two options(Linear and Tactile) Tactile Actuation distance: 2.2mm Switch actuation force: 55 g Switch total travel distance: 3.3mm |
| Polling Rate | Up to 8,000 Hz |
| Lighting | LIGHTSYNC RGB with per-key lighting |
| Anti-Ghosting | Yes |
| Price (RRP) | $199.99 |
| Warranty | 2-year limited hardware warranty |
| Official website | Logitech G Australia |
Design
The Logitech G316 X is a compact full-sized keyboard which I love. It’s a great size to fit into your gaming setup as it won’t take up the whole desk, yet it still maintains full-sized keyboard functionality. It’s a huge benefit, especially for those that like to use a full number pad. There is certainly no wasted space, though, and this keyboard has a premium look to it.
A white keyboard is not something I have used for my gaming setup in a very long time, yet it looks fantastic. It stands out against my dark desk and desk mat. The G316 X also comes in black, if that’s more your speed. It comes with a rather unique-looking translucent aqua-coloured accent keys for Esc (with Logitech G branding) and dial. A nice touch that gives this keyboard some character.
Very quickly, my attention is drawn to the top-right of the keyboard, where the onboard controls and dial live. It’s a black section with a dot-matrix LED display that animates as I adjust settings with the dial. It’s a clever little panel that has that retro Tamagotchi style to it. With only four different symbols available that represent which setting the dial is controlling, it’s super easy to use. These include volume, brightness, media and report rate (or polling rate). And I can’t forget the smiley face to keep you in a happy mood. Next to this is a Gaming Mode key, which by default disables certain keys while you game. This can be configured in the Logitech G Hub software.
Around the back of the keyboard, it’s fairly simple at first glance. Yet, as Logitech likes to do, they have included one little hidden trick. The top two rubber pads are actually reversible, allowing the angle of the keyboard to be adjusted from four degrees to eight degrees. My only downside is that the G316 X is a wired keyboard, adding another cable to my gaming setup. Not a deal-breaker, but worth mentioning.
Key and switch customisation
Customisation has become a big thing with Logitech keyboards of late; I also recently tested the Logitech G512 X 98, which includes modular analog switches. Now, although the Logitech G316 X is a complete product in its own right, there is some flexibility. No replacement keys or switches are included in the box, yet they are hot-swappable to allow for complete customisation.
Essentially, you have full control over which switches and keys are changed out so that this keyboard fits both your style and gaming needs. I should point out that you would have to buy replacement keys or switches separately, and I hope Logitech release a kit sometime soon. Personally, I would keep all of the switches as they are, and look to change out some of the keys. I love the idea of a completely unique-looking keyboard.
Performance
When it comes to performance, a big part of how I judge a keyboard is based on how it feels. And, as I mentioned earlier, the G316 X has a rather satisfying sound and feel to it. For me, this brings with it a level of confidence when using the keyboard that makes it a joy to use. Pair that with an exceptional 8,000 Hz report rate, and we have a recipe for success. A report rate is essentially how frequently a keyboard sends input data to your computer. Meaning it’s a measurement of how responsive your keyboard is to your button presses.
To put this into perspective, many keyboards have a polling rate of around 1,000 Hz, which translates to one report per millisecond. Meaning the G316 X is eight times more responsive than most, perfect for gamers wanting any advantage they can get. Through my time testing the G316 X, I couldn’t fault it. Not only was it incredibly responsive, but it also left me with a smile on my face every time.
Lighting and software
As I mentioned earlier, the Logitech G316 X has some fantastic RGB lighting. We have come to expect RGB on basically all of our gaming peripherals these days. Logitech has added something a little special to this one though: a light bar running the full width of the keyboard. Not only does this add some cool lights, but it also reacts to the dial adjustments, giving you feedback on your changes. Made up of 30 zones, the light bar animates from left to right as you turn one of your settings up. And right to left as you turn a setting down. This makes for a great user experience.
This keyboard comes with per-key LEDs, meaning each key has its own individual light. This is evident when playing with the different lighting options. The effects and animations are rather spectacular, and lots of fun. Each gives the keyboard a completely different look. And with per-key lighting, the animations look as smooth as you could hope for. My personal favourite is called ‘Ocean Wave’. It’s a sand colour initially, with blue (water) gradually taking over before dispersing again.
Logitech G Hub, the software that manages everything, is simple and easy to use. The software mostly focuses on the keyboard’s lighting. You also have control over things like the polling rate and Game Mode settings.
Who is the Logitech G316 X for?
The beauty of this keyboard is that it would suit basically anyone. From your work or daily driver all the way to your hard-core gamers, this keyboard slots right in and will perform well.
But if I had to be more specific, I would think the Logitech G316 X was made with the gaming millennial in mind. Being one myself, I appreciate the merging of modern, high-performance specs with a somewhat retro vibe.
The fantastic performance and visual appeal make this a great keyboard, yet the small touches of the past add character that sets it apart. Priced at $199 in Australia, it’s not horribly expensive either.
GadgetGuy occasionally uses affiliate links and may receive a small commission from purchased products.
The post Logitech G316 X keyboard review: Retro charm done right appeared first on GadgetGuy.
0 comments:
Post a Comment