Since I reviewed the Logitech G915 around this time last year, it has been my go to wireless gaming keyboard. From its quality design, to its solid battery life and reliable low profile mechanical keys, it’s a board that I quickly fell in love with.
Throughout the year however, there have been instances where I wished the board was smaller, a reality that G915 TKL fulfills, stripping elements from the board such as the numpad in order to cut down on its overall footprint.
My experience with the G915 TKL has largely been the same as my time with its bigger sibling, and my thoughts and opinions in that review (which you can read here) also apply heavily to the G915 TKL.
The smaller size present on the TKL model is great for those wanting more free space for their mouse to roam, or simply want their keyboard to occupy less real estate on their desk. The G915 being wireless made it a portable option for a wireless gaming keyboard, but the ability of the TKL to more easily nestle into a backpack for example (as I’ve done for trips to work), makes it a much more viable option to take out and about with you.
While it’s clear to see that the G915 TKL is largely just a smaller variant of the full size G915, there are some differences other than the smaller footprint.
Unlike my G915 keyboard which has the Clicky white switches, I opted this time for the Tactile brown switches (Linear red switches are also available for both the G915 and its TKL variant). The brown switches took me a little bit of time to get used to seeing as the majority of mechanical keyboards I’ve used have been clicky and loud, but once I was acclimated, I loved my typing experience. They still provide a satisfying press similar to the clicky switches, but are also nowhere as loud, which for me is a big plus.
The G915 TKL is also said to last roughly 40 hours at full brightness, 10 hours more than the 30 hours expected from the G915, which is a nice bonus.
Another cool feature present on the TKL is the inbuilt USB receiver holder located on the underside of the board, a simple yet appreciated addition that further amplifies the board’s portable nature.
While the inbuilt dongle holder and larger battery life are some benefits that come from the G915 TKL when compared to the G915, the reduction in size also has a drawback other than the loss of the numpad, with the five programmable G-keys on the G915 also lost. Custom assignment of keys can still be done in the Logitech G HUB software, but the loss of dedicated custom keys is a huge let down.
Available in Black and White colourways, the Logitech G915 TKL is an extremely expensive keyboard, with the price fluctuating wildly across retailers.
Logitech’s own website has the keyboard priced at AUD$399.95, while most Australian PC retailers have the keyboard priced between AUD$235 and AUD$279 at the time of this review posting. When on special, the G915 TKL is available for as low as AUD$219, a steal in comparison to what you may otherwise need to fork out.
If you can get your hands on one for a discounted price, or are willing to splash some cash for one of the nicest gaming keyboards on the market, the Logitech G915 TKL serves as a worthy investment. Its build is sturdy and sleek, its low profile keys are a pleasure to type with, its media controls are fantastically convenient, and the smaller size and ability to toggle between Lightspeed Wireless and Bluetooth makes it inherently more portable.
If you’re after a smaller wireless gaming keyboard, definitely consider the G915 TKL, and if you need something with a numpad, take a look at the G915.
#gameonAUS
Written by: @GrumpyGoron