Buying a keyboard has never been more complicated than it is today. I remember the simple days when the biggest decision was if you were going wireless or not? Or at the extreme have some LED lighting on them. Come today, mechanical keyboards are the buzz word everyone talks about and most sort after by professional gamers. Today we take a look at a mechanical keyboard from an industry giant, the Logitech G512 Carbon (Tactile version).

Regardless of the manufacturer, there are 3 distinctive mechanical keyboards one could buy based on the behavior of the keyboard switches.

Tactile switches – These type of switches have a distinctive bump in the middle of travel, around the actuation point.
Linear switches – Provides a fluid consistent smooth keystroke.
Clicky switches – Provides an unmistakable “click” sound when pressed

Logitech have decided to disrupt the market by not going with Cherry MX switches seen in most mechanical keyboards. Instead they have opted for their own switches popularly known as Romer-G and GX Blue. The Logitech G512 Carbon is offered in 3 switch types, namely Romer-G Tactile, Romer-G Linear and GX Blue which represents the Clicky type switches.

Logitech provides a dedicated page that explains the different types of keyboard switches they provide. You get a audio sample of what to expect during a key press for each type of switch type offered.

Specifications

G512 ROMER-G TACTILE/LINEAR

Length: 132 mm
Width: 445 mm
Height: 34 mm
Weight (w/o cable): 1150 g
Cable Length: 1.8 m

G512 GX BLUE

Length: 132 mm
Width: 445 mm
Height: 35.5 mm
Weight (w/o cable): 1130 g
Cable Length: 1.8 m

ROMER-G TACTILE/LINEAR MECHANICAL SWITCHES

Durability: 70 million keypresses
Actuation distance: 1.5 mm
Actuation force: 45 g
Total travel distance: 3.2 mm

GX BLUE MECHANICAL SWITCHES

Durability: 70 million keypresses
Actuation distance: 1.9 mm
Actuation force: 50 g
Total travel distance: 4.0 mm

Connection Type: USB 2.0
USB Protocol: USB 2.0
USB Ports (Built-in): Yes, 2.0
Indicator LIghts (LED): 2
Backlighting: Yes, RGB per key lighting

SPECIAL KEYS

Lighting Controls: FN+F5/F6/F7
Game Mode: FN+F8
Media Controls: FN+F9/F10/F11/F12
Volume Contros: FN+ PRTSC/SCRLK/PAUSE
Programmable FN keys via Logitech G HUB

REQUIREMENTS

Windows^® 10, Window 8.1, Windows 8, or Windows 7
USB port (for keyboard)
Second USB port (for USB passthrough port)
(Optional) Internet access for Logitech G HUB Requires G HUB 8.98 or higher for advanced settings.

PART NUMBER

Tactile : 920-008763
Linear : 920-008762
GX Blue Switch : 920-008949

WARRANTY INFORMATION

2 – Year Warranty

Table of contents

1. Introduction

2. The Design

3. Performance and Conclusion