Logitech’s Wild Gaming Keyboard, the G512 X, Mixes Analog and Mechanical

Logitech’s G512 X gaming keyboard is over the top and overdesigned, but in a good way. It’s the company’s first venture into analog Tunnel Magneto Resistance, or TMR keyboard technology, and the first keyboard to introduce a capability I’ve been waiting for: It lets you mix analog and mechanical switches rather than having to choose one or the other. 

And while it’s expensive at $180 to $200 (depending on whether you want the 75% G512 X 75 or 98% G512 X 98 sizes), it’s not nearly as pricey as some models, like the $250 Razer Huntsman V3 Pro.

I love the idea of the mixed technologies for a few reasons, notably because it allows you to customize the feel and responsiveness of the keys based on the in-game bindings and functions. 

Analog switches in general support variable actuation points — you can set the depth of the keypress at which it registers and resets, and you can set two actuation points, where the second is bound to another action. Logitech includes 5 Second Actuation Pressure Point rings, which provide more feedback for the second point.

So it can accommodate setups where you may need a light touch for speed but perhaps a deeper press where speed might make you overshoot, like when cycling through weapons. It can also help even out feel when you tend to strike some keys harder than others.

Like optical switches, magnetic switches can be more durable than mechanical, since they don’t experience the friction of moving parts in contact with each other.

But the feel of analog switches may need some getting used to, especially if you’re accustomed to clicky or tactile mechanicals, and linear mechanicals may feel a little more precise.

While it sounds great in theory if you need (or just want) that level of customization, it’s also possible that the mix of feels could be jarring or too perceptible.  

The G512 X has 39 hybrid switch beds, swappable between the formats independent from the PBT keycaps: It ships with nine Gateron KS-20 TMR switches in addition to the full complement of mechanicals, and is compatible with many three-pin or five-pin switches.

Storage at the top of the keyboard holds the SAPP rings and analog switches, and the bundled key pullers do double duty as the feet. With an RGB lightbar at the base — it illuminates the optional acrylic wrist rest — and the thick, old-fashioned profile, it’s all pretty wild.

Also, notable, the keyboard supports up to 8kHz polling, reporting and processing rates (0.125ms by the math).