Logitech G15

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Original version of the Logitech G15 Gaming Keyboard

Revised version of the Logitech G15 Keyboard

The Logitech G15 is a keyboard produced by Logitech designed specifically for gamers. The original version of this keyboard included 18 macro keys and a blue backlit monochrome LCD (Which can show helpful information from compatible applications to the user).

In 2007 Logitech released an updated version of the G15 calling it the Logitech G15 keyboard also known as the "Logitech G15 v2". (whereas Logitech refers to the earlier version as the Logitech G15 Gaming keyboard). This was partially due to the fact that the original design was too wide to fit in most keyboard trays. The new version has an orange scheme as opposed to the blue scheme of the original, 6 G keys each with 3 different states making a total of 18 macros available. There is also a button to record quick macros, and is the only button on the keyboard to feature a blue backlight. The screen is built directly into the keyboard whereas the earlier version separated the LCD with a hinge. Due to the change of LCD design, the media keys have also been redesigned and placed on either side of the screen, and the volume controls have been changed to +/- buttons as opposed to a wheel. Finally, the new revised G15 has been named "G15 Refresh", to differentiate between the two editions. With the release of the new version, the old design has been discontinued, and is no longer in production.

The Screen is the only difference (other than slight structural differences to accommodate the screen) between the G15 and its sister product, the Logitech G11 keyboard. Logitech distributes an SDK for the LCD panel on the keyboard's drivers disc which can be used to add application compatibility to the screen. Other features include a backlit logo, and a slider button to prevent the windows key from being activated accidentally.

[edit] Game and application support

Many different games have native support for the G15. For these games, information such as ammunition, health and items the player is currently holding can be displayed on the LCD panel. Some games and programs require patches to allow the G15 to be used with them. Current games and programs that are officially supported are shown in the list below:

[edit] Other features

Example of LCD Studio in use, showing various system properties.

• Ability to create hotkeys
• Ability to create macros without use of the included "Keyboard Profiler" application (e.g., while in a game)
• Ability to disable the Windows key with a switch on the keyboard
• Ability to display currently playing media on the LCD panel (For use with Windows Media Player, iTunes etc.)
• Keys backlit by blue (orange on revised version) LEDs with 2 brightness settings which can be turned on or off with the touch of a button.
• LCD has white (orange on revised version) OEL backlight.
• Media and volume control buttons.
• Built in USB 1.1 Hub, with 2 external USB ports located on the back of the device. Note: These ports are not powered separately, so some flash drives and such may not work.
• Folding LCD panel (for safe storage) (original version only - revised version does not fold)
• Cable routing beneath the case
• Ability to press more than 3 buttons at once.

[edit] Plugins

Example of two LCDSirReal screens.

There are many plugins for this keyboard including:

• MiniLyrics G15 plugin
• Weather Plugin
• Trillian Plugin
• aMSN Plugin
• File Browser Plugin
• Bandwidth Monitor
• Computer Status Monitor
• Email monitor
• LCD studio and myLCD have built in support allowing the user to display various different statistics about the computer the keyboard is connected to
• Buggy; a virtual pet that bounces around the LCD screen
• LCDSirReal - a multipurpose plugin with CPU, memory and bandwidth usage and more [3]

All of these plugins utilize the keyboard's built in LCD screen to display information. The Trillian and aMSN plugin also allows a user to chat directly from the keyboard to their friends without ever having to switch applications and having the game be interrupted.

[edit] Easter eggs

• By clicking on the "G Key" logo in the Help->About section in the "Logitech G-Series Profiler" Software, an easter egg of a beer mug with credits is displayed on the keyboard's LCD screen.
• Open the LCD manager under v1.04 and later, and click configure for the LCD clock. Hold Left Shift to expose some secret clock faces.

[edit] See also

• Logitech
• Logitech 'G' series
• Keyboard

[edit] External links

• Logitech.co.uk site entry
• Direct Logitech page for the updated G15
• G15 mods.com
• G15 forums.com
• myLCD library
• G15-France.net
• For Linux users
• G15 V1 G-Key & Keypad Overlays
• G15 V2 G-Key & Keypad Overlays
• G15 For Document Editing & Firefox Macros