The Logitech G512 X 75 marks exactly a year since I last reviewed a 75% keyboard, the last one having been the ASUS ROG Falcata. Fortunately, it’s not a keyboard of the split design variety, making this review considerably easier to deal with.

What Am I Looking At?

This G512 X model is the 75% version, as indicated by its name. It’s small, compact, and a bit tight for typing, but nothing one can’t get accustomed to. It’s also available in two colourways, Black and White. The unit I have is the latter.

At the spine, you’ll find the USB-C port for the wired connection, storage for the nine linear magnetic switches, a button that scans for when the switches have been replaced, and a Game Mode button that prevents certain buttons from being active while gaming. Oh, and with regards to the storage space, there are silicone O-rings for if you wish to set secondary actuation points in specific switches.

Logitech also provides the keycap removers that also double as the G512 X’s risers, elevating the keyboard ever so slightly. It’s a simple yet common-sense design that makes use of the provided tools.

There are also two knobs at the top right of the keyboard, which are programmable via G Hub. By default, though, the left knob controls the brightness of the keyboard’s RGB LEDs, while the other allows you to adjust the volume. And before you ask: Yes, it does have RGB, and yes, that is a massive RGB Strip at the base.

What’s Good About It?

The dual hot switch option is ingenious, especially if you’re all about control. And the keycaps? They’re PBT, which translates to better durability and more resistance to the oils on your fingers sticking to the patina, thus developing a shine to it.

The best part of the G512 X, though, is the 8,000Hz polling rate, and over a wired connection, offering one of the best reductions in input lag. Couple that with its unique key switches and the adjustable key executions, and it just makes typing all that more comfortable over long articles and reports, as well as gaming sessions.

I can’t emphasise enough the comfort of it: thanks to the very low resistance and fluidity, and the linear key switches that my unit has, my fingers do not get as fatigued as they would with other keyboards. Then again, TMR key switches tend to be more sensitive than other key switches.

Focusing on the build, the G512 X 75 isn’t quite as heavy as most “custom” keyboards of this category, although to be fair, I’m not one of those fans who are obsessed with carrying them around wherever I go. That said, it feels durable and can withstand some flexing and finger smashing. I can vouch for the last part, considering how hard I take it out on the poor peripheral on some days.

What’s The Catch?

Again, my own personal gripe with this G512 X 75 keyboard is the size of it. Personally, I’m not a fan of the form factor, as I prefer a slightly bigger keyboard.

Another issue I have is the limited analogue hot-swap outs being offered here. Rather than giving it on tap, the change-out is only for a handful of keys, although it can be argued that since it’s a gaming keyboard, you don’t really need more than said number of switches.

My other issue with the G512 X 75? Its asking price of RM799 and, more to the point, the fact that it only comes in a wired option. Honestly, its feel like Logitech was making a choice on what to save money and decided not to provide wireless connectivity with it.

Seriously, if they could give the Pro X TKL both options, I don’t see why they had to skimp on the G512 X 75. Also, the acrylic wrist rest doesn’t come together with the keyboard and is a separate purchase, costing RM169.

There’s also a slight learning curve with the G512 X 75, due to the space constraints, especially if you’re used to having dedicated media keys. With this keyboard, my fingers must conduct the extra gymnastics to skip, repeat, play, or pause a track.

Should I Buy It?

Personally, I wouldn’t purchase the 75% version of the G512 X, and I would opt instead for the 98% variant, just because I prefer the extra real estate. For that matter, RM799 is a pretty steep asking price, and that doesn’t even include the acrylic wrist rest, but honestly, that’s a luxury I can live without; I’m a user of a TKL, and I don’t even have a wrist pad for it.

And while I do appreciate the fast-polling rate, it’s also a little bit of a missed opportunity that Logitech didn’t bother giving it a wireless option. Logitech, if you’re reading this, maybe that’s something for you to consider with the next generation.

Photography by John Law and Ian Chee.