Logitech G513 CARBON - CARBON

Product Information

Like nearly all of its gaming peripherals, the G513 Carbon utilizes Logitech’s Gaming Software for lighting customization and recording macros. I used an updated version of the client to review the G513, and while there’s little in the way of changes from recent iterations of the software, it’s fairly easy to use. Most notably, the G513 takes advantage of Logitech’s LIGHTSYNC functionality, which is similar to Razer’s Chroma or Alienware’s AlienFX. This system allows for deep customization of lighting animations synced to games and other compatible Logitech devices. There’s even an applet within the software that changes the colors on the G513 in-time with on-screen color changes. The new Logitech G560 speakers use the same tech to sync lighting with in-game action. On paper, the Logitech G513 Carbon is a typical 101-key typer, with 12 additional keycaps available in the box (replacements for the WASD and function keys); these have angled tops for your fingers to distinguish by feel. But don't judge this keyboard by its key count and specs alone—the G513 Carbon pulls off a sophisticated look with a unique set of key switches that don't quite parallel anything in Cherry's portfolio. The Romer-G switches aren't as sharp or snappy in their key-press response, but they feel sturdy and make the G513 Carbon a lot quieter to type on than most mechanical keyboards.

Advanced GX mechanical switches—engineered and 100% tested for performance, responsiveness, and durability. The G513 is a very comfortable keyboard; compact, yet with a pleasing angle and a wrist rest deep enough to support even larger hands. I spent multiple hours playing PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds and never felt any wrist strain or general fatigue while using this keyboard. The G512 and G513 gaming keyboards feature onboard memory to store lighting effects. This comes in handy if you need to use a computer that does not have LGS installed. At the time of release, you can only store one Freestyle, Zones or Effects (except Star Effect and Key Press) Lighting Mode layout on the keyboard’s memory. For more information, read Access On-Board lighting effects on the G512 and G513 gaming keyboard s. Convenience and speed are directly within reach. The additional, dedicated USB cable connects the USB passthrough port to its own input for full power throughput and data speed. Plug in a device to charge or plug in a mouse to charge your adversaries, without missing a beat.Color Wave — Select this option to set the colors to change horizontally, vertically or from the center out. Use the slider to set the speed at which the color wave cycles. Zones: Group keys together into color zones. You can only assign an individual key to one zone at a time. Notably absent from the mix are the dedicated macro/media keys and controls found on many gaming keyboards in this price range. An equivalent to the Corsair K95's volume roller, for one, would have been appreciated in a board at this price.

Your Effects: create and manage your own animated lighting effects. Choose from one of the 16 presets or read Create and manage lighting effects with Logitech Gaming Software to learn how to create your own. Of course, the G513 Carbon being a gaming keyboard and the year being 2018, there would simply have to be an RGB lighting angle.That said, the key-lighting colors appear a bit dim versus other RGB keyboards on the market, especially the K95 RGB Platinum. Even Logitech's own G810 Orion Spectrum seems to shine brighter. While I prefer the subtlety of the G513 Carbon, some gamers tend to enjoy splashier keyboards—the more ostentatious the lighting, the better. For those folks, I'd have appreciated the option to crank up the intensity, even if I would have left the level at my review unit's default.

Second to the right, the Zones lighting mode is more convoluted. Using the Lighting Zones panel at lower right, you can create "zones" (groups of keys to be lit), labeling each with a title of your choosing before selecting a group of keys to assign to that zone. This process helps alleviate the tedium of per-key assignment, but the process isn't immediately obvious; you have to create a zone before selecting keys to have the keys become part of that zone. Selecting the keys first won't work. The lighting customization options universally affect the G512 and G513 gaming keyboards by default. However, you can also configure lighting settings to be set on a per profile basis. A couple of excellent features that make the G513 even better are the inclusion of a USB passthrough and two cable channels underneath. Per-key lighting customization is available, as is a decent amount of lighting presets such as color wave, breathing, ripple effects, and a really cool animation that makes it appear like an ocean wave is lapping across the keyboard. As mentioned above, you can also create your own animations, either from scratch or by copying a pre-existing one and customizing it. Creating anything worth looking at definitely has a learning curve, but it’s kind of neat if you’re looking to make your keyboard truly stand out.title=More%20Expert%20Tech%20Roundups&type=articles%2Cvideos&tags=tech-roundup&count=6&columnCount=6&theme=article G513 can be customizable per key with approximate 16.8 M colors. Create your own animations or choose from a selection of preset effects. And with LIGHTSYNC technology, lighting is driven by games, audio, or your screen to deliver the most immersive RGB experience ever. G513 is crafted from incredibly strong and durable 5052 aluminum-magnesium alloy which allows for both a minimal design and a beautiful aesthetic. The rigidity of 5052 alloy also provides a sturdy, non-slip chassis that houses a full suite of features for an unbeatable gaming experience. The only slight negative I found with the G513 is that it does not have a detachable cable, and although it is not a necessity, it’s a nice feature to have if you regularly transport your keyboard around, providing more longevity to your keyboard’s life.