Not too long ago, I reviewed the Logitech G515 LIGHTSPEED TKL, a unique low-profile wireless gaming keyboard with enough personality to win me over. Now, Logitech is expanding the G515 family with a new member: the RAPID TKL.
The RAPID TKL is more expensive thanks to its magnetic analog switches and a healthy list of new features, but it loses any ability to connect to your devices wirelessly in exchange. It's an interesting peripheral with a standout design.
I've been using the Logitech G515 RAPID TKL for a couple of weeks now, and my overall feelings on this keyboard are largely similar to its wireless sibling. It's a solid addition to the Logitech G family, but the G515 RAPID TKL isn't turning the world on its head by any means.
This review was made possible thanks to a review sample provided by Logitech. Logitech had no input nor saw the contents of this review prior to publication.
A familiar design with some new tricks
I don't blame Logitech for re-using the G515 design once again. This tenkeyless layout is comfortable and clean, and the two-tone, low-profile chassis looks great in any setup.
• Switches: Linear, magnetic analog, 2.5mm travel distance
• Connectivity: Wired via USB Type-C
• Features: Adjustable actuation (0.1-2.5mm), rapid trigger, keystroke prioritization, per-key RGB lighting, three-stage shortcuts
• Weight: 800g (1.76lbs)
Put the G515 RAPID TKL next to the G515 LIGHTSPEED TKL, and the uninitiated would struggle to accurately tell the difference. This is the more expensive keyboard in the lineup, though, and it does feel slightly more premium than the LIGHTSPEED variant I previously reviewed.
Everything just feels a little more tightly put together, and I enjoy the subtle details like the WASD keys being a different hue. Considering the RAPID TKL costs $10 more than the wireless LIGHTSPEED version, though, there's obviously more going on underneath the hood.
So, what are you trading wireless connectivity and an extra $10 for? Logitech's low-profile, magnetic analog switches, which use a similar technology as Hall Effect thumbsticks in controllers. Unlike mechanical switches with a set actuation point, these magnetic analog switches can detect input across their entire range of motion.
Not everyone will need magnetic analog switches, but competitive gamers that demand the best performance will love them.
They're supposedly more precise and durable, but magnetic analog switches also allow for adjustable actuation, and the G515 RAPID TKL can handle 0.1mm intervals. You also get rapid trigger (key presses are registered the moment you begin pressing) and keystroke priorities.
Most people won't need these features, but competitive gamers that demand the absolute best performance from their keyboard can find a ton of value in magnetic analog switches and the features they bring to the table.
Logitech G Hub also gives you more software customization features, like various RGB lighting effects, the ability to assign up to two unique shortcuts per key, customizable onboard profiles, and more. It's a good experience, especially for gaming.
Great for gaming, not my favorite for typing
It's clear what Logitech's goal with the G515 RAPID TKL was: make a high-performance, low-profile gaming keyboard. That's it. To that end, Logitech very much succeeded. A tried-and-true design with new magnetic analog switches tackles that goal with much aplomb.
When gaming, the G515 is unerringly consistent and responsive, and it offers a degree of adjustability that hardcore gamers relish. This keyboard also demands that you want a low-profile keyboard specifically, though, and this form factor can't take full advantage of its magnetic switches.
Shallow travel and a low actuation force (the point is adjustable) diminish the G515 RAPID TKL's merits as a keyboard for typing, at least as far as I'm concerned. This keyboard just feels soft across the board, and that's worth noting when most gamers are also using their PCs for work, school, creativity, and a whole lot of other things that aren't strictly gaming.
Logitech's pricing for the G515 RAPID TKL also puts it within striking distance of something undeniably more premium, like the Razer BlackWidow V4 Low-Profile HyperSpeed I reviewed. That keyboard can't boast the adjustable actuation features of the G515 RAPID TKL, but as an overall package it delivers more (and it's wireless, which helps justify its added cost).
G515 RAPID TKL review: My final thoughts
✅You should buy this if ...
- You want a low-profile keyboard with adjustable actuation features.
- You don't mind being connected by a wire.
- You like the two-tone design of the Logitech G515 family.
❌You should not buy this if ...
- You need a wireless keyboard.
- You're looking for an undeniably great value.
I really enjoyed my time with the Logitech G515 LIGHTSPEED, but it didn't exactly blow me away. I feel the same about the G515 RAPID TKL, which pretty directly trades the versatility of wireless connectivity for the performance of magnetic switches (and a few extra bucks).
If you understand the value of magnetic switches and the features they enable, like adjustable actuation, and you're looking for a sleek low-profile keyboard that won't hoard your precious desk real estate, then the G515 RAPID TKL is an excellent option. It's not what I'd consider affordable, but this is a quality product.
If you'd rather have full-sized keys, though, I'd sooner suggest something like the Keychron K8 HE I reviewed, which is a better overall value in my opinion. That being said, I really like the Logitech G515 RAPID TKL gaming keyboard, and it does earn my recommendation as an attractive and performant low-profile option for the competitive PC gamer.
If you're interested, you can pick up the Logitech G515 RAPID TKL for $169.99 at BestBuy.com in both black and white colorways.
Logitech's latest low-profile gaming keyboard delivers stellar performance with magnetic analog switches, but you'll need to care a lot about the features those switches bring to justify the added cost (and the wire). If you fit in that category, though, this is a great keyboard.
