Logitech G512 X 98 Review: A Hybrid Mish-Mash

The change from analog switches to mechanical is also not perfect. When you plug in the normal switch and press the “Scan” button to reset the board, multi-input functionality is still maintained semi-Functional. In my testing, where I set WASD half-press to normal character and full press to normal character [Shift + WASD]Pressing any of those keys and pressing another key immediately afterward will combine the next input with the Shift input, resulting in randomly capitalized words! The strangest thing is that the G-Hub app knows when a mechanical switch is plugged in, and alerts you that multi-input won’t work with a standard switch, but it doesn’t default to the standard input of the key to avoid problems.

The fatigue of switching switches, scanning and changing keymaps every time you start a game is not ideal. I found myself groaning at this prospect, and only using mechanical switches for gaming. Like glasses with transition lenses, a BMW i8, or a McRib, this keyboard creates a hybrid version of two things that is worse than its individual parts.

A nice touch is that the removable angled feet on the bottom of this keyboard also act as keycap and switch pullers. If you’re traveling with this keyboard, these tools will always be with you. But it also means, if you No Like using your keyboard at an 8-degree angle, you’ll have awkwardly designed switches and keycap pullers on your desk. The lightweight extra feature of part-time storage isn’t as practical as the standard flip-out feet and separate keycap/switch pullers that most keyboards include today. It’s not as practical as SteelSeries’ silicone flap for hiding the keycap puller.

internal meeting

Photograph: Henry Robbins

If you’re expecting a complex internal assembly in a keyboard of this caliber, you’re right on the money. Taking it apart involves removing the bottom feet and back sticker, removing a few screws, removing the back panel, unscrewing another dozen screws, then separating the front and middle sections, leaving you with four major components: the top shell, the main assembly of PCBs and plates, the middle shell (which houses the LED bar, as well as the daughterboard containing the USB-C port back button), and the bottom shell. Although disassembly is quite lengthy, I actually quite like the assembly. Apart from the sticky feet, everything internally feels incredibly rugged and well-designed. The only real improvement would be to replace the plastic screw posts with heat-set metal threads.