The Creamy GUI Center Hardware Edition: Logitech G series keyboard
by Matthew Porter 
Aug 9th 2008 at 10:00PM
Each week Matthew Porter contributes The Creamy GUI Center, a column aimed at helping you enhance your WoW experience by offering an in depth guide to addons, macros and other tools we use to play WoW, along with commentary on issues that affect how we all play.
I've been teasing you all with a surprise topic for a little while now, and here it is! OMG a hardware review in The Creamy GUI Center! That sound you're hearing are minds being blown across the planet! Ok, well maybe it's not that radical of a topic; keyboards, mice, and other peripherals are a vital and often overlooked part of the user interface. So this week I decided their time has come as we take a look at the Logitech G series keyboard. And who knows, maybe I'll sneak in an addon or two for good measure. I can't stray too far from my roots can I?
I've been teasing you all with a surprise topic for a little while now, and here it is! OMG a hardware review in The Creamy GUI Center! That sound you're hearing are minds being blown across the planet! Ok, well maybe it's not that radical of a topic; keyboards, mice, and other peripherals are a vital and often overlooked part of the user interface. So this week I decided their time has come as we take a look at the Logitech G series keyboard. And who knows, maybe I'll sneak in an addon or two for good measure. I can't stray too far from my roots can I?
The three flavor flavs
Yeah boy! The Logitech G series of keyboards comes in 3 different varieties. The G11 which features 18 special macro keys, multimedia controls, and back lighting. The G15 which includes everything the G11 has and a flip up little LCD screen which you can show a variety of different information on. And a redesigned version 2 of the G15 which has a sleeker look where the screen is integrated into the chassis instead of flipping up, different colored lighting, and unfortunately a reduced number of macro keys scaled back to 6. While the v2 "G15 Refreshed" model (as Logitech calls it) has a sleeker look, many gamers felt it was a step backwards due to the reduced number of macro keys. Apparently Logitech's reasoning was that the extra macro keys made it difficult to fit on some user's desks. (See my commentary below on this issue.) Unfortunately the v1 G15 has been discontinued, but can still be found on some retailer's shops until supplies sell out, leaving the G11 model the only one widely available with the full 18 macro keys.
The G11 model without the screen is the version I own and used for this review, so unfortunately I don't have first hand experience with the LCD screen. I did do a little research on what kind of information can be displayed on it though. Beyond the typical "widget' style information such as email notices, your system's resources, and instant messaging information, Logitech allows people to extend the functionality by writing little programs for it. A good repository of user written programs can be found at G15 forums and G15 Mods. As far as WoW related stuff, I found programs for it that shows your character's stats, whisper tracker, auction updates, and the handle of who is currently talking in your Teamspeak or Ventrilo server. That's about the extent of my knowledge on the LCD screen given I don't have access to it. I encourage my readers who do to share in the comment sections on useful WoW oriented applications they use.
Using the macro keys
The main feature of this keyboard is the bank of 18 macro keys. Using the included software Logitech packs in with the keyboard is a relatively straight forward affair. It gets the job done by creating profiles that each game uses. You assign a profile to associate with a game or program, and in this way the profi
le becomes active when that application is launched. This is great for setting up unique functions to these keys for multiple games and programs. however I had my first road block when the profiles weren't switching on their own. As it turns out, the software needs to be run in administrator mode on Windows Vista. I'm not sure if this is a bug in Logitech's software or Vista quirkiness, but running it in admin mode solved the problem.
le becomes active when that application is launched. This is great for setting up unique functions to these keys for multiple games and programs. however I had my first road block when the profiles weren't switching on their own. As it turns out, the software needs to be run in administrator mode on Windows Vista. I'm not sure if this is a bug in Logitech's software or Vista quirkiness, but running it in admin mode solved the problem.
So after linking a new profile to WoW, the next step is assigning key bindings to the actions your want them to perform in WoW. Using the in game key binder in conjunction with the keyboard's software and some addons that bind your spells, abilities, and macros to a key (see below) is a powerful combo that allows a completely customized tailored WoW user interface. And yes, you can make repeating key presses and macros, but don't abuse this power. A lot of discussion has been had on the legality of keyboards and game pads and if they violate the EULA. (That big legal paragraph you agreed to when logging on to WoW.) From what I gathered on the subject, the use of these tools are perfectly fine as long as you're at your keyboard. But the split second you go afk with a macro repeating itself you're considered botting and can be banned. We've all heard it, but it bears repeating here: With great power comes great responsibility.
You can assign a variety of functions to the macro keys. At its simplest you can assign it a keystroke or combination of keystrokes, but the complexity ramps up from there. You can assign key macros, launch a program, have they key type a block of text on one button push, or even get complex by writing functions in the script editor. You can assign your keystrokes or macros two different ways. You can use the software when you want precise control on delays between key presses and assigning how long the pause is in between repeated macro loops. You can also press the record key (MR key) to record your macros on the fly in game. If 18 of these special keys aren't enough you have 3 banks you can flip through using the selector keys above the macro keys. All of this is plenty enough reason for purchase if you're in the market for gaming keyboard/pad, but the functionality skyrockets when combined with a few addons.
Complimentary Addons
Two addons I found that really work well with gaming keypads are OPie and Bindpad. Actually these addons work great without a special gaming keyboard or peripheral, but really shine when paired with one. Bind pad allows you to bind a spell, ability, or macro directly to a key (or key combination) allowing yo
u to bypass having to put the action on a hot bar. There's a few addons that do that, but to me Bindpad distinguishes itself from the others with its graphical layout. You can quickly see every action you have bound to keys all in one place, so you won't accidentally use the same binding twice. Bindpad also has a tab for general bindings used for all your characters, and a tab specific to a character. And it you run out of the macro slots that Blizzard provides you, Bindpad lets you make more using its own slots.
OPie was featured in an Addon Spotlight not long ago, so I won't go into a detailed review (but chances are high I will at a later time as I love this addon). It's easy to see how OPie in combination with a gaming keypad is a winning combination. On my Shaman for example, I have a macro key devoted to each element which brings up a totem selection ring. Totems that I need to quickly plop down in the heat of battle get their own key. I adore this setup as I can get to everything quickly and efficiently. This is what we interface fanatics live for!
Conclusion
Overall I really like the G11 keyboard. It's made me a better player as it's even easier to access all my spells and abilities. And with more on the way in WOTLK, hot bar space is getting limited so having the extra keys is handy. I don't understand Logitech's reasoning behind scaling back the amount of macro keys on the G15 Refreshed model. Sure the keyboard takes up more room than an average sized one, but when you factor in the size of a gaming keypad paired with a normal keyboard the space taken by the G11/15v1 is less. Also with having the macro keys being part of the keyboard instead of another peripheral means you have to move your hand less distance to hit the keys, resulting in faster reaction time.
So all in all did you like seeing hardware being featured in today's column? Would you like to see more? I do have several gaming keypads available to me, and if you guys are interested in them being reviewed in the future, let me know in the comments! See you next week!
You can assign a variety of functions to the macro keys. At its simplest you can assign it a keystroke or combination of keystrokes, but the complexity ramps up from there. You can assign key macros, launch a program, have they key type a block of text on one button push, or even get complex by writing functions in the script editor. You can assign your keystrokes or macros two different ways. You can use the software when you want precise control on delays between key presses and assigning how long the pause is in between repeated macro loops. You can also press the record key (MR key) to record your macros on the fly in game. If 18 of these special keys aren't enough you have 3 banks you can flip through using the selector keys above the macro keys. All of this is plenty enough reason for purchase if you're in the market for gaming keyboard/pad, but the functionality skyrockets when combined with a few addons.
Complimentary Addons
Two addons I found that really work well with gaming keypads are OPie and Bindpad. Actually these addons work great without a special gaming keyboard or peripheral, but really shine when paired with one. Bind pad allows you to bind a spell, ability, or macro directly to a key (or key combination) allowing yo
u to bypass having to put the action on a hot bar. There's a few addons that do that, but to me Bindpad distinguishes itself from the others with its graphical layout. You can quickly see every action you have bound to keys all in one place, so you won't accidentally use the same binding twice. Bindpad also has a tab for general bindings used for all your characters, and a tab specific to a character. And it you run out of the macro slots that Blizzard provides you, Bindpad lets you make more using its own slots.OPie was featured in an Addon Spotlight not long ago, so I won't go into a detailed review (but chances are high I will at a later time as I love this addon). It's easy to see how OPie in combination with a gaming keypad is a winning combination. On my Shaman for example, I have a macro key devoted to each element which brings up a totem selection ring. Totems that I need to quickly plop down in the heat of battle get their own key. I adore this setup as I can get to everything quickly and efficiently. This is what we interface fanatics live for!
Conclusion
Overall I really like the G11 keyboard. It's made me a better player as it's even easier to access all my spells and abilities. And with more on the way in WOTLK, hot bar space is getting limited so having the extra keys is handy. I don't understand Logitech's reasoning behind scaling back the amount of macro keys on the G15 Refreshed model. Sure the keyboard takes up more room than an average sized one, but when you factor in the size of a gaming keypad paired with a normal keyboard the space taken by the G11/15v1 is less. Also with having the macro keys being part of the keyboard instead of another peripheral means you have to move your hand less distance to hit the keys, resulting in faster reaction time.
So all in all did you like seeing hardware being featured in today's column? Would you like to see more? I do have several gaming keypads available to me, and if you guys are interested in them being reviewed in the future, let me know in the comments! See you next week!
Matthew will continue spending more time building the ultimate UI than actually playing his Hunter and assorted alts in his quest for usability nirvana. Need more for your addon and interface fix? Check out my past columns in The Creamy GUI Center's archives and our other addon features Addon Spotlight and Reader UI of the week.Filed under: Add-Ons, Features, The Creamy GUI Center, Hardware
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Jones Aug 10th 2008 5:08PM
Little off topic but how do you make the screen display different things, such as WoW stats? Been trying to figure that out since I got that keyboard almost two years ago...
Andrew Welch Aug 10th 2008 1:48AM
http://www.artlebedev.com/everything/optimus/ >> G15
Blayloch Aug 10th 2008 9:55AM
~$1900 keyboard seems a little indulgent to me =P
theRaptor Aug 10th 2008 9:55AM
Except it costs $1500+ USD as opposed to about $80 for a G-15. For OLED keys that will probably be dead or damaged in a year or two. Give it a few years before OLED technology is mature enough for a real product.
Oh, and I don't even look at my keyboard when using it, so the OLED key thing isn't even useful if you can touch type.
Feinel Aug 10th 2008 1:50AM
I definitely liked this review, and hope to see more. :)
Might finally start to use my G15 functionality a bit more, and since I use OPie as well I'm familiar with both.
Xtek Aug 10th 2008 2:00AM
G15 macros are ok as long as ONE PRESS = ONE ACTION, using a button to use multiple macros is AGAINST THE RULES.
Tekkub Aug 10th 2008 2:19AM
Nostromo n52 >> G15 :P
Loco Aug 10th 2008 3:09AM
CAN SOME ONE PLEASE TELL ME IF USING THE MACROS WITH THE G15 KEYBOARD TO LOOP AND TIME YOUR CAST SPELLS IS LEGAL OR NOT!!! SOME PEOPLE SAY YES AS LONG AS YOU ARE AT YOUR KEYBOARD, OTHERS SAY NO. I WANT TO PURCHASE ONE, BUT IF IT OPENS DOORS TO GET MY ACCOUNT BANNED THEN FORGET IT!!! I HAVE LOOKED ALL OVER WOW FORUMS AND IT SEEMS TO BE A REALLY BIG GREY AREA WHEN IT COMES TO MACROS WITH DELAYS...
CAN I GET A CLEAR ANSWER PLEASE!!
THANK YOU
Andrew Welch Aug 10th 2008 3:22AM
pretty much anything using in-game macros is fine. If you press a button and your character does something (e.g. cast a spell) that's cool. If you press this button and it casts and spell or another depending on something, that's ok. If you press a button and your character does things after a while (e.g. auto-chaincasting) that is automating.
You can time spells in the sense of a casting rotation, like hitting it every time the gcd is up will cast a different spell, but if you hit it and it casts 4x fireball that is automating.
Loco Aug 10th 2008 3:58AM
Okay am a warrior tank.
Example of Threat cycle
Devestate
Devestate
Devestate
revenge
shield slam
etc etc. etc
What you are saying is that if i create a macro that automatically performs all these functions over and over again with just pushing the button once is a violation.
But if i time the macro to perform the next available cast and keep pushing the same macro button, that is okay??? Am i correct?
Thanks for your help in advanced.
Demgar Aug 10th 2008 4:59AM
To Loco:
NO! Do NOT add timing to your macros! If Blizzard wanted to allow timed macros, they would have. People have been banned for G15 Keyboards for stuff simple as /cast /wait2s /cast Just don't do it! I rarely use the macro keys at all on mine.
I have a G15(old version with 18 buttons) and the LCD plug in that comes with it (yeah!) for WoW scrolls through your ability scores and shows the names of incoming whispers. Totally useless, just read the whisper? The 2 features that actually make this Keyboard stand out (that the OP totally missed) are a "windows" key that you can lock out for gaming, and light up keys. so-so really.
If you are going to spend $100 on a hardware peripheral, don't get this. Get an MX100 Laser mouse. 5 extra bindings for your RIGHT hand. Way more useful. Would be nice if you could bind the mouse wheel side-to-side scrolling on it, but the software doesn't allow. That's my only complaint with it.
Another gadget that blows the G15 out of the water is the Egrodex (www.ergodex.com - I think these are being made under another name right now, but can't recall the new brand name. Look around if you wanna buy one) I had one of these shipped to me (get the extra 25 buttons) Makes any other game pad obsolete. Totally reconfigureable, moveable buttons. Link below is a pic of my setup, you will notice the G15 is MASSIVE. I'm gonna toss it and get something sleeker.
http://i43.servimg.com/u/f43/12/53/83/57/pic-2011.jpg
Xoshe Aug 10th 2008 11:06AM
It's really simple to know if what you're doing is allowed.
Did you make it using the built in macro editor? Did you assign the G keys to a button combo and then assigned that combo to trigger the macro? If both of these questions are "Yes", then what you did is allowed.
blitzkrieg999 Aug 10th 2008 2:10AM
I've been using the G15 since it first came out. My UI is based around its 18 keys. You can see it here:
http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/6681/wowscrnshot080208222445ln0.jpg
Phyalt Aug 11th 2008 4:52PM
mind telling me what mods you are using? especially the mod for the 18keys and the data below the map.
Cheers
Manoos Aug 10th 2008 2:10AM
Thanks for a nice review. I would definitely like to see more HW articles, since HW + SW = win.
I would particularly like to see a WoW player's take on Belkin n52te.
As a happy owner of Logitech G15 v1 (no offers to sell will be accepted :-)) I would like to add that you do not actually need to install any additional software to make the LCD work with WoW, since Blizzard has integrated this with one of their patches long time ago (at least for the basic things like character stats, whisper monitoring and BG info).
Cyanea Aug 10th 2008 2:30AM
I've got the G15. The keyboard supports WoW out of the box (not sure if that's the Logitech software or WoW itself, but it displayed the information the first time I ran the game with no other action from me)
It's pretty handy, but not gamebreaking. It'll show you stats, whispers from people, and for classes that "collect things" (Like a Warlock's shards and a Hunter's ammo), it'll display counts of them too. Handy, but not gamebreaking.
The macro keys along the side are the most handy for me. You can config them on the fly, and I use them for different things like attack/follow for pets, and to trigger Sacrifice/Seduction for my warlock, and Hunter's Mark for my hunter.
For a while, I used it to control Winamp and Trillian without minimizing WoW, but that went away when I got a second monitor.
I'd recommend a G-series keyboard to anyone who has the cash to throw down for one.
wodiin Aug 10th 2008 2:29AM
yay for opie and bindpad ... i can finally get a use out of my G15 v1 keyboard instead of useing the G keys as a lazy way from getting my lowbies from top of STV to booty bay
Baldoak Aug 10th 2008 2:53AM
I own a G15, and i must say... i never use the macro keys.
Ever.
They're in a very inconvenient spot for any finger to reach(unless you have been working on those pinky muscles) and so i have always had to move my entire hand to use any of the keys... which isn't great for PvP.
Just my two cents.
Finnicks Aug 10th 2008 5:52AM
I have the G11, because I wanted 18 keys not just 6, and I am completely opposite from you: all I ever use is the G keys now.
My index, middle, and ring fingers rest on G9, G8, and G7 respectively when at rest, with my thumb position for easy access to CTRL and ALT. My pinky hovers off the side of the keyboard. This way, with just the six middle keys I am able to access 18 different spells, abilities, macros, or actions easily and quickly. I move using the mouse or the arrow keys. (I also have the G5 mouse, thumb buttons FTW)
I use the topmost row for buffs, the second row for not-so-common spells like WotF, Banish, Enslave Demon, Spell Lock, Seduction.
I don't use SHIFT w/ my thumb because it's too awkward, and besides my G keys on the M1 set are programed to SHIFT+F1 through SHIFT+F12 for G1 through G12, then CTRL+F1 through CTRL+F6 for G13 through G18. I used CTRL for the lower set because it's very awkward to try and thumb CTRL while using the lower buttons, so I had no need for CTRL as an additional modifier down there.
Definately worth trying, although if you're the type that calls spells w/ your right hand (my friend uses the numpad) and uses the WASD keys for movement, the switch-off might be difficult to adjust to.
To give you an idea: G7 is Incinerate, G8 is Immolate, G9 is my primary curse (linked to my action bar so I can switch it around). CTRL+G7 is Conflagrate. CTRL+G8 is Fear. CTRL+G9 is my secondary curse (again linked to my action bar so I can switch it when needed). G10 is Lifetap, G11 is Drain Life, G12 is Drain Soul. SHIFT+G10 is Shadowburn, SHIFT+G11 is Howl of Terror, and SHIFT+G12 is Death Coil. And then it gets even more fun because ALT+G7 is Rain of Fire, ALT+G8 is Hellfire, and ALT+G9 is Seed of Corruption, so I have complete access to all my AoE just by stretching my thumb a bit to ALT. I also have G18 bound to a /stopcasting macro which is useful since Esc and Space are hard to reach w/ this setup.
Finnicks Aug 10th 2008 5:55AM
I totally just wrote a long comment on this, and now it's mysteriously vanished.