bit-tech Shopping: Logitech G11 Gaming Keyboard with 2-Port USB Hub

• Black
• Silver

Rating: 10

Time with product: 2 Years

Strengths: Lots! In particular, the macros are portable and editable.

Weaknesses: USB ports are 1.1; too wide in certain instances

Summary: As a programmer, I like to keep my environment the same as much as possible. I hate having to accomplish the same task via separate key strokes in different programs, editors, or IDEs. The G11 has 18 configurable keys that can be set to program or hyperlink shortcuts, macros, a block of text, etc. Positioned above those are additional buttons (M1, M2, M3) that essentially triple the 18 keys to 54 custom settings. I work in several physical environments with different programming needs. For example, VBA, VB.Net, and SQL Server environments all have keystrokes that will comment code. Each of my M-keys are tagged to each environment so that when I need to comment code, I select the text and hit G4 and I don't think about it beyond that. Since the macros are a text file (XML-like), I can carry each on my flash drive to install when necessary. (A single file has settings for all 3 M-keys. Another file is required for additional M-keys.) Like a wood craftsman has a favorite hammer and chisel, programmers need quality tools to improve their craft. Get the tools that improve the quality of your work! This is one.

Rating: 10

Time with product: 1 Weeks

Strengths: Backlit keys, fullsize layout of the keyboard rather than compact. Works with Vista.

Weaknesses: The volume control button is smooth, if it had a texture to it, or ridges, it would be easier to use.

Summary: The backlit keys are great, and can be turned off. The keys have a nice soft touch to them, just the right amount of spring action. There is a switch for gaming mode so you can turn off the windows keys. I would buy this again

Rating: 10

Time with product: 2 Days

Strengths: nice individually backlit key, good feel, whole lotta buttons

Weaknesses: big, viewing angle on lit keys are not that great

Summary: overall this is the best keyboard ever has a great feel, adjustable backlight whole lotta extra key i primarily bought it because i do alot of late night computing and so far this is my 4th lit keyboard and by far the best. i dont play games and this is the perfect keyboard for me

Rating: 10

Time with product:

Strengths: programmable keys

Weaknesses: none!

Summary: This keyboard is great. It has programmable keys, a must have for a gamer! It doesn't have the LCD screen that the G15 has, which for me is a good thing. There is nothing that small LCD screen can tell me that my monitor can't.

Rating: 10

Time with product: 10

Strengths: programmable keys, keyboard lights up

Weaknesses: none, except a bit expensive for a keyboard

Summary: It was hard for me to spend over $60 on a keyboard, but I needed this. I developed repetitive motion injuries from my previous keyboard. The programmable keys on this one allow me to avoid the hand movements that caused me pain. I work at night in low light, so the backlight is wonderful. The volume control works great. The media keys feel a little cheap, but you don't use them much, so it is not a problem. The regular keys have a great feel, but it is taking me a little while to get used to them after 9 years on a different keyboard. (my fault, not the keyboard.) I am disappointed that there is no power/sleep/hibernate button, but I was able to program that into one of the G keys. I wanted to NOT use the Logitech software to program the G keys because I already have a keyboard programming tool I prefer (AutoHotkeys), but that was not possible. The G keys do not generate any keycodes that a 3rd party program can intercept. Again, not a big problem, just an annoyance. Overall, this is a great product that I am glad I bought. Plain keyboards are much cheaper, but I did not find any other keyboards with programmable keys and backlight for a better price than this. I highly recommend it if you are looking for a specialty keyboard with any of the features this has.