Logitech's new G series of PC gaming peripherals has a new entry: the G15 Gaming Keyboard. While other companies have tried some innovations to expand the capabilities of the basic keyboard, no one has made one quite like this.

For starters, the G15 is great for gaming in the dark, as the backlit keys are easily visible even with all the lights off. In addition, the backlight has three different settings, letting you find a level where you can locate the keys without getting any peripheral glare from your peripheral.

There's a unique LCD panel at the top of the keyboard. The panel folds down when not in use, and when open it offers a display for programming the G15 as well as showing in-game information. The LCD can also show a clock, which is a great thing to have available during marathon gaming sessions. The screen is programmable, so if you know your C++, you can make the LCD do whatever you want it to (within reason, of course), or you can download apps that other users have created.

Time will tell how successful the LCD can make the G15, as it depends on how many gamers will program for it and expand its functionality. For our use, we liked the clock and the fact that it makes a handy view screen during key customization.

And boy, does the G15 let you customize. In addition to traditional keys and multimedia controls, this keyboard offers 18 additional "G keys" that can be programmed to handle extended macros, like casting spells in online RPGs. There are three different shift states for the keys, giving you 54 commands per game. The keyboard features a Macro Record option that lets you easily add macro commands from within the game.

The G15 offers two USB ports at the top of the keyboard for connecting mice or headsets, and there are channels grooved into the bottom of the keyboard so you can keep the additional cables out of the way.

Logitech's G15 Gaming Keyboard retails for $80 and sells for under $60 at a variety of online retailers. Fans of massively multiplayer online RPGs will love the easy and extensive macro programmability, and all gamers will appreciate the backlit keys and LCD.

Pros: Extremely programmable, backlit keys and LCD.
Cons: A bit pricey, limited functionality for LCD.

Warranty
1 year limited