Logitech G512 X 98 Analog Mechanical Gaming Keyboard Review - An Innovative Two-in-One

TweakTown Rating: 93%

Our Verdict

The Logitech G512 X 98 Analog Mechanical Gaming Keyboard blends the two switch styles with in-depth and commendable customization options that go above and beyond. And it arrives with a stylish and intuitive physical design that stands out from the pack.

Pros

• Hot-swappable support for mechanical and magnetic switches
• Impressive and stylish physical design
• Comprehensive and intuitive customization options
• SAPP rings give dual-action keystrokes tactile feedback
• Vibrant lighting

Cons

• Palm rest is an optional accessory
• Control dial customization can be confusing
• Only the left half of the keyboard supports both magnetic and mechanical switches

Should you buy it?

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Introduction & Specification Details and Close-up

The Logitech G512 X represents something new in the brand's gaming keyboard lineup, delivering functionality and customization that go beyond its stylish, eye-catching design. The most notable feature is something we haven't really seen before: hot-swappable switches with support for both mechanical and TMR analog/magnetic options. This hybrid of analog and mechanical performance makes the Logitech G512 X stand out from the pack, whether it's in black or white, 75% or 98% size, or in Tactile or Linear form. After spending considerable time with the keyboard in recent weeks, it's quickly become something we've grown to admire precisely because it delivers a blend that works, with some of the most impressive and detailed customization and software support currently available.

Now, the reason why gaming keyboards with magnetic switches have grown in popularity over the past couple of years comes down to their unmatched customization. Not only can you adjust the actuation point, which you can do in 0.1mm increments on the Logitech G512 X 98 Analog Mechanical Gaming Keyboard reviewed here, but you can also assign multiple actions to a single keystroke, enable Rapid Trigger for near-instantaneous resetting, and SOCD, which allows you to set key priorities for two specific keys. For competitive gaming, these features can improve your performance, as they provide enhanced control over strafing, movement, and triggering abilities.

So then, you might be wondering why not simply go full magnetic? Well, the answer is pretty simple. As magnetic switches excel at customization for PC gaming, traditional mechanical switches often feel better and are more comfortable to type with, whilst also delivering a more tactile feel that is hard to replicate with a magnetic system without physical moving parts. This is why only a portion of the Logitech G512 X's keys support this Dual Mode functionality, and why it comes pre-installed with mechanical switches, with nine magnetic switches conveniently housed on the rear of the keyboard so you can pick which keys you want to, well, magnetize. This naturally opens the door to switching out popular movement and ability keys from mechanical to customizable magnetic ones, and thanks to the Logitech G512 X's design, features, and software support, it's a solution that lives up to its promise.

Specifications & Close Up

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Kosta's Test System

Design & Software

Design

Although the outer shell is made of plastic, the Logitech G512 X 98 Analog Mechanical Gaming Keyboard's build quality is durable and robust. That said, it's the culmination of its various design touches that makes it a standout and a looker. Beyond the two-tone, premium-feeling, double-shot, shine-through PBT keycaps, the Logitech G512 X, reviewed in the 98% form factor, also includes two programmable dials, each with its own button, and a dedicated Game Mode button on the top/rear. This is where you'll also find the compartment for the nine included magnetic switches (Gateron). And since swapping out switches is a core feature of the Logitech G512 X, the included keycap and switch pullers also double as the keyboard's tilt feet, which you can quickly remove or snap on whenever you need to make that change.

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Of the 81 keys on the Logitech G512 X 98, 39 are what Logitech calls 'Dual Swap TMR Analog Switch Beds.' This covers the left half of the keyboard, plus the arrow keys and the spacebar, but excluding the Function row keys. These 'Dual Swap' switch beds support analog or magnetic switches plus any standard 3- and 5-pin mechanical switches. The rest of the switches are still hot-swappable, but limited to mechanical options. In addition to housing the nine magnetic switches (and you can add more to fill out all 39 slots), the top/rear of the keyboard also houses five Second Actuation Pressure Point (SAPP) Rings. Similar to O-rings, their inclusion here is specifically for dual actuation on the magnetic switches, adding tactile feedback for both actions or triggers assigned to a single keypress.

Rounding out the physical design, visually, you've got a big RGB lightbar on the front of the keyboard that acts as its own distinct "lighting zone." When paired with the shine-through keycaps and the detailed customization that includes per-key lighting and adjusting the various points along the lightbar, you've got one impressive and stylish keyboard, arguably Logitech's best-looking board in a while. In addition to its looks, the Logitech G512 X is built to deliver a pleasant-sounding typing experience. Under the hood, you'll find a silicone gasket mount for damping, which does a great job of reducing pings and rattle across the mechanical and magnetic switches.

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Although the price point puts it in the upper-mid or premium category of gaming keyboards, the Logitech G512 X is wired-only, so its versatility is relatively limited due to the lack of wireless or Bluetooth support. As a gaming keyboard, the Logitech G512 X supports 1,000 Hz and 8,000 Hz (8K) polling rates for low-latency, premium performance. For this review, Logitech also sent us the translucent G512 X PALM REST add-on, which costs an additional $44.99 USD for the 98% variant. It's a shame it's not included with the base keyboard, as it creates a pretty stunning profile and improves overall comfort when connected to the RGB lightbar.

Software

As a Logitech G device, it uses the intuitive and modular G Hub app for Windows to handle all customization. There's no web customization option here, but based on the sheer customization options you've got, the dedicated G Hub app was definitely the way to go. As far as customization tools and apps go, G Hub is not only one of the most intuitive in terms of its UI but also in how it approaches onboarding users when they connect a new device. For the Logitech G512 X, you get not only a quick overview of its features but also links to video tutorials on topics like swapping out switches and making the most of its customization options. Everything is laid out cleanly and explained, too, so if you're unfamiliar with magnetic switch features like customizable actuation points, Rapid Trigger, and SOCD, G Hub offers quick explanations for everything to get you up to speed.

Frequently Asked Questions

TweakBot answers common questions about this review using TweakTown's own coverage from this page and related content from our archive. Tap a question to reveal the answer, or type your own below.

Question #1

Which keys on the G512 X 98 are Dual Swap TMR Analog switch beds and how many of them support magnetic switches?

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Question #2

Can I use standard 3‑pin and 5‑pin mechanical switches in the Dual Swap switch beds as well as magnetic switches?

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Question #3

How do the included Second Actuation Pressure Point (SAPP) rings work with magnetic switches and what do they add?

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Question #4

What actuation point range can I set for the magnetic switches in G Hub and how are magnetic switches detected for adjustment?

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When it comes to adjusting the actuation points on the optional magnetic switches, the process is impressively simple. First, scan to highlight the magnetic switches (the Logitech G512 X also includes a physical scan button next to the Game Mode button), then select one or more keys and adjust the actuation point. You can choose from anywhere between 0.1 mm and 4.0 mm, which is the full travel distance of each key. Only connected magnetic switches are highlighted and selectable when making adjustments, and all of these options are included in a single 'Analog Switches' section covering actuation, Rapid Trigger, and Key Priority (which is what Logitech calls SOCD).

In addition, you've got a section for detailed key remapping, which includes Logitech's G Shift function for adding a new layer of actions. Here you can also adjust the two dials; however, it's not all that intuitive to assign separate functions to left and right movements, which is a little strange. Hopefully this can be approved as it's the one area where remapping feels a little clunky. Outside of this, however, you've got options for various system and app triggers, macro recording, and even the ability to create custom triggers. This level of deep customization also extends to the lighting, with Logitech offering several impressive presets and modes that complement the keyboard's physical design.

Gaming and Productivity Performance

Gaming Performance

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For this review, the Logitech G512 X 98 Analog Mechanical Gaming Keyboard we were sent included the Tactile option for its mechanical switches, with Logitech also offering variants with Linear-style switches. Across both options, the accurate and efficient TMR (Tunnel Magnetoresistance) magnetic switches provided are Linear, so when paired with Tactile mechanical switches, you can feel the difference in actuation style unless you also install one of the five included Second Actuation Pressure Point (SAPP) rings. Thanks to everything being included on the keyboard, installing mechanical switches on the WASD, C, and G keys was simple, as were adjusting the actuation points, enabling Rapid Trigger, and configuring SOCD features.

For this review, we focused on competitive games and shooters, including Counter-Strike 2, Apex Legends, Battlefield 6, and DOOM: The Dark Ages. With or without 8K polling, responsiveness is impressive, and limiting magnetic switches to movement and ability keys definitely enhances the gaming experience when playing first-person or third-person shooters. Does it translate to better performance? Arguably, yes, and thanks to its deep level of customization and SAPP rings, the Logitech G512 X is one of the first gaming keyboards in which dual actuation (that is, assigning two actions to a single keystroke) feels like a selling point. Having that bit of tactile feedback is always great.

Productivity Performance

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With its mix of magnetic and mechanical switches, the Logitech G512 X is definitely, first and foremost, a gaming keyboard. However, with the deep customization on offer and the inclusion of two programmable control dials, there's an argument to be made that it's also an all-rounder and great for day-to-day productivity. However, one little thing I did notice when playing around with the control dial and using it for various things like scrolling was that the printed dot is pointless and doesn't really line up with any setting. Chalk it up to OCD, but seeing the two dots always out of alignment gets a little annoying. Outside of that, the vibrant lighting and colorful design might not be suitable for an office-like setup. Still, when I used the Logitech G512 X to write various stories and articles for TweakTown, it quickly began to feel like the sort of keyboard I could use for both gaming and productivity. That said, I did swap the Del and Print keys because the default configuration felt off for some reason.

Keyboard Acoustics and Sound Level

Keyboard Acoustics

Here's a recording of the Logitech G512 X 98 Analog Mechanical Gaming Keyboard, with Tactile mechanical and magnetic switches. Thanks to the gasket mounting and sound damping, the acoustics deliver a satisfying, clicky tactile sound without unwanted rattles or pings. However, there is a notable difference in the acoustics of the two switch styles, with magnetic switches delivering a cleaner sound.

Keyboard Sound Level

To test a keyboard's overall sound level, we use the Ozito Digital Sound Level Meter, capturing the sentence "the quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog" multiple times and recording the maximum dB level. This indicates how "loud" the switches used are for everyday usage. The following chart showcases where the Logitech G512 X 98 Analog Mechanical Gaming Keyboard sits.

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Final Thoughts

When you review a wide range of keyboards built for gaming, productivity, or a mixture of the two, when something like the Logitech G512 X 98 Analog Mechanical Gaming Keyboard arrives, it's hard not to get a little excited. Yes, it's different and not something we've seen before, but it's the execution, customization, build quality, and features that make it a standout. Having the option to swap out mechanical switches for magnetic ones is great, but having everything ready to go on the keyboard, from removable tilt feet that act as keycap and switch pullers through to a physical sync button that gives you a visual look at which switches are mechanical or magnetic, showcases the level of thought that went into the design.

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And when you pair the striking physical design with an excellent type feel across both magnetic and mechanical switches, with the intuitive and deep customization options, the Logitech G512 X is anything but a jack of all trades and master of none; it's a premium gaming keyboard unlike any other, and one that delivers impressive performance no matter if you're jumping into a competitive game or Discord. And best of all, it's available in different colorways, Tactile or Linear switch options, and different sizes.