Logitech G19 Keyboard: Who is it for?

I used to have the Logitech G15 Rev. 1 keyboard. With 18 custom assignable macro keys, a monochrome screen and built in USB 1.1 ports. It also sported 2 brightness settings for the blue backlit keyboard while also being fully usable with the lights off in full daylight. The key action was the best I personally had ever used for gaming and it was seemingly indestructible. So after having to sell it (many reasons…) I have always been on the lookout for something better.

The Old Logitech G15 V1

I really got used to the separate LCD panel, using it to monitor stats within games and also as a system monitor, with the large clock being very useful to make sure I got to work on time, so for me the replacement was going to have to be another Logitech as other companies (quite rightly you might say) don’t see the need for a screen on a keyboard. The other day I got to play with the G19 in a shop.

What was this thing? The keys on my old G15 were something that felt more natural than anything I had used before, or since. The new G19 keys are narrower on top and tilt back and forth a little under use. I’m sure I could get used to this but why should I have to when they had it perfect before? The option to change the backlight colour scheme to anything I want is nice, but they have done away with the 2 brightness settings. Now if you want to reduce the brightness you have to change the colour scheme to a darker colour altogether. Not impressed. And if you want to turn the backlighting off? You have to turn the screen off too (at least I didn’t find a way to keep the screen on).

Yes, the screen is full colour, has its own operating system (so hundreds of programs can be written for it down the line), and can be used to watch films while playing games, but it is also power hungry. To use this keyboard as intended you need to plug it into the wall. I have never heard of something so ridiculous. In an age of USB powered monitors this seems a major oversight. Surely they could have done away with the full USB 2 powered hubs and used 2 USB plugs to power the keyboard?

I’m unconvinced. I don’t understand who needs this keyboard. I love gadgets and toys but even for me this seems like an over the top novelty keyboard. I would much rather have a cheap plastic normal keyboard and spend my money on the G13 Advance Gameboard. In actual fact, I may just get back on eBay and buy my old keyboard…