Silent, sharp, and precise are the best words to describe the Logitech G512 Carbon keyboard, equipped with the Romer-G Tactile switches. I’ll admit it, I am a fan of the satisfying “clicky” sound that would come with the GX Blue for this product, but I was pleasantly surprised that I didn’t miss it all that much. However, it did feel like the strokes were registering a bit faster, so you might need some time to adjust to it if you’re coming from the clicky Cherry MX, Razer Green, etc.

It’s important to note this change from the get-go because the G512 Carbon gives you a choice between three switches: Romer-G Tactile, Romer-G Linear, and GX Blue. In short, the Romer-G Tactile are silent and have a slight bump so they can’t be accidentally pressed, the Romer-G linear provide a more fluid and seamless keystroke, and the GX Blue comes with the satisfying “clicky” feedback. You can even hear the difference in noise between the mechanical switches, so at the end, it comes down to preference.

For me, the G512 Carbon is an excellent choice, although a bit on the pricey side. I would highly recommend it if you want to create a high-quality, professional gaming setup, but are not restricted by a tight budget.

What we played: Overwatch, Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey, Frostpunk

*This item was not provided by Logitech. It was purchased by Unleash The Gamer for review purposes only.

COMFORT

The sharp edges might be a bit of a hindrance to some. While they add to the design of the keyboard, they can become a bit uncomfortable when simply moving or accidentally bumping into them. However, it’s a small nitpick that shouldn’t take away too much from the G512 Carbon’s quality and it’s far from being an all-out deal breaker. It’s neither bulky nor does it take too much space on your desk. It’s perfectly balanced without compromising comfort for the sake of design.

The Logitech G512’s feet flip toward the sides instead of toward the back, but I haven’t found it unstable. It elevates the keys to a comfortable angle, without giving off the impression that it might falter with the slightest movement.

DESIGN

The edges are sharp and have a sleek and slim aspect to it, further proving the “blade”-like feel Logitech was talking about. The aluminum-magnesium alloy across its surface mixes nicely with the matte finish on the keys. It seems to reflect the style Logitech has been going with lately, which is playing with textures instead of playing with colors. The G512 Carbon has that perfect blend between comfortable simplicity and sleek complexity when it comes to its design.

The keyboard features LightSync technology with full RGB customization. This means it can sync up with compatible devices in an array of colors and color modes, programmable through the Logitech Gaming Software or the new G Hub Software. It has all the basics, but what I enjoy is the subtlety of the font across its keys. It makes the backlight very subtle, just enough so it will be noticeable, but won’t distract you in a darkened room. You can have any RGB color mode set without feeling like you’re at a light show.

The Logitech G512 Carbon also features a USB 2.0 passthrough on its top side. It could be useful if you’re running out of space and want to plug in your mouse, headphones, or even charge your phone. Given how close it is though, it would be a better fit for a wireless adapter for another device. Otherwise, your mouse pad might become a little cluttered with cables if you’re right-handed.

The cable is rather thick and wrapped in fabric. It definitely has that sturdy feel to it. The standard 6-foot length is enough for any sort of gaming setup.

COMPACTNESS

The G512 is very slim and doesn’t take up too much space on your desk. However, this depends on your preference. For me, it’s perfect, as I don’t really enjoy bulkier keyboards that have a flashy design or a hand rest. It can easily be said that the keyboard doesn’t have anything that’s not necessary and makes great use of a narrow space.

STURDINESS

The Logitech G512 Carbon is a bit heavier than what you would expect for its size. It’s definitely sturdy and the aluminum-magnesium alloy adds to that aspect. It won’t be easy to accidentally move it around your desk, especially with the rubber pads on its bottom. The only things that could be a little worrying are the feet, which, as mentioned above, go toward its sides instead of its back. It’s difficult to say how that will last against “gamer rage”, but as always, I would not recommend you test it. Violence and technology don’t mix, so be nice to your hardware and don’t let out your frustration on it.

CUSTOMIZATION

The Logitech keyboard features programmable macros, even though it doesn’t have specially designated buttons for it. It’s all for the better, as it adds to the compactness of the G512 Carbon. However, you can customize macros according to your preference. In addition, it features multimedia buttons on the row between F9 and PAUSE, as well as Game Mode and several others to adjust your settings on the fly.

NOISE

As previously discussed, the noise entirely depends on your choice of switches, as the G512 Carbon comes with three options. However, for this particular keyboard, with the Romer-G Tactile, I can definitely say it lives up to its name. It’s incredibly silent, even if you hit the keys instead of lightly tapping them. To note is that the Romer-G Tactile feature a very subtle bump that makes it entirely responsive to your strokes. It’s perfect for FPS games where you need full control and any move can put you out of position.

CONCLUSION

This concludes our Logitech G512 Carbon review. It’s a sturdy and reliable board that will serve you faithfully through many a gaming sessions, with the programmable macros and the diverse customization options ensuring that it offers something for everybody.