Logitech has released a new slim gaming keyboard, G515 Lightspeed TKL Wirelessfeatures upgraded low-profile switches that are compatible with Cherry MX-style keycaps, making the keyboard more customizable.
The G515 is an upgraded version of Logitech’s G915 Lightspeed Wireless Keyboard, which was released in 2019. The new G515 features a TKL (tenkeyless) design similar to the smaller G915. Logitech G915 TKL Update Starting in 2020, this model completely removes not only the G915’s number pad, but also the wide volume wheel that was above it.
Ditching the physical volume wheel, the G515 keyboard is due to go on sale today for $139, significantly cheaper than other keyboards. $249.99 G915 And small $229.99 G915TKLThat’s not right very As cheap as $104 Keychron K1 Max QMK The wireless thin keyboard offers many of the same features, but for those looking for a more affordable entry-level model, a wired-only version of the new G515 is also on the way, due to launch later this year and retail for $99.
The new G515 continues to use the company’s low-profile GL mechanical switches that debuted on the G915 almost five years ago. It turns out to be a revised version Kailh’s Choc V1 low-profile switches made it difficult to customize or swap out for alternative keycaps.
With the G515, Logitech is introducing the latest design of its GL mechanical switches, with “Polyoxymethylene (POM) cross-style stems” that make the keyboard compatible with low-profile Cherry MX-style keycaps. We reached out to Logitech to see if the new G515 uses them. Kailh Choc V2 Low Profile SwitchesWe’ll see if this is the same 1.3mm actuation distance that Logitech’s latest GL switches boast, or if it’s a customized, proprietary version.
Unlike the G915 Lightspeed wireless keyboard, which offered users three switch types – Linear, Tactile, and Clicky – the new G515 only offers quieter Tactile and Linear options with 45g and 43g actuation force respectively. It also comes in a choice of white or black finishes with matching double shot PBT keycaps, each with individual RGB lighting that supports 16.8 million colors and can be customized with the Logitech G HUB app.
The G515 supports three ways to connect to computers and other devices: Bluetooth, USB-C, or the company’s proprietary 2.4GHz Lightspeed technology. Opting for the latter will give you better wireless performance and a more reliable connection. You’ll need to use the included USB dongle, but you only need one to connect two Logitech Lightspeed devices, potentially freeing up a USB port.
If you use the keyboard wirelessly with the Lightspeed dongle, battery life is rated at up to 625 hours with the RGB lighting turned off. That drops to up to 120 hours with the RGB lighting set to 50% brightness, and up to 36 hours with the brightness set to 100% – a big blow for anyone wanting a bright light show under their fingers.