Customer Ratings & Reviews

I inevitably accrue keyboards for various reasons. I have a solid, heavy, wireless keyboard for work, with nice heft so it won't slide around my desk. I have a multitude of gaming keyboards that I've amassed over the years. The G513 is a wired keyboard, with a nice svelte feeling aluminum body. It's nice and matte, so it could be used for more professional settings if desired. The GX has 3 types of switches, linear, tactile, and traditional (clicky). I love clicky gaming keyboards because they definitely feel more traditional and durable, but sometimes you don't want the entire house having to listen to you frantically smash keys. Even more so if you're trying to use the keyboard for work typing. That's why the GX Brown seems to me like a nice middle ground. Slightly clicky but mostly with a nice tactile bump to let you feel when you've hit the key. Not obnoxiously loud like the traditional clicky switches either. As I get older, a sole gaming keyboard becomes less and less viable, so this lets me scratch my gaming itch with precision while still being usable for other uses outside of simply gaming. Well done.

The Logitech G513 mechanical key board is an amazing keyboard. I have been playing Apex and Fortnite using it and it has performed wonderfully. It is very easy to set up and customize using the Logitech G Hub. You can set up your lighting scheme, program macros and keys, update firmware etc. The palm rest is very comfortable too. Other items in the box include additional gaming key caps and a cap puller if you want to switch out the most commonly used gaming keys. This is very simple to do and is a cool feature! The only negative is that the space bar is noticeably louder than all the other keys, and the aluminum edge is a bit sharp. Other than that, this is an excellent keyboard for you gamers out there who want a quality keyboard.

The Logitech G513 Carbon RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard is a high end gaming keyboard with very responsive keys and flexible lighting. It also includes a USB port for charging phones and other devices. In use with several games, the keyboard seemed very accurate and offered discernible feedback. I’d recommend this keyboard for gamers looking for a high quality and good looking keyboard.

Let me cut to the chase in saying, the Logitech G513 Carbon with GX Brown switches is an excellent keyboard. If you’re looking for brown switches (which feel rare these days, but are a good middle ground between red and blue), a minimalistic design, solid backlighting/control, and a full 104 key keyboard this is a great option. Sure you don’t get some of the niceties found on other boards (one glaring omission is a volume spinner), but this board has the makings of a true classic by removing the unnecessary cruft. So let’s cover the high and low points so you know what you’re getting yourself into. If you’ve never done a mechanical keyboard before, I recommend starting with brown style keys. These offer a tactile bump to signal you’ve activated the key, and they generally are one of the quietest keys. The GX Brown switch stands as close clone of the original MX Brown switch. These are made by a company called Kailh (printed on the keycap), and have become a close Logitech partner as of late. Compared to the Cherry MX Brown key, there is a slight increase in actuation force from the Cherry originals by 5 cN, which is discernible if you’ve used Cherry switches long enough. I have the K95 brown, and a Pok3r clear (Cherry MX Clear are a heavier version of brown switches at 65 N of force), and this switch stands as a decidable middle ground. The board’s materials offer a different overall sound that is more subdued than almost any of my Cherry MX brown boards. Another specific thing about this switch variant is that it feels tighter and more accurate than brown actuation, so I find myself bottoming out less, like when I used the MX Clears, but without the fatigue of the aforementioned switch. All in all, I feel like Logitech is on to something with this version of a brown switch - offering a bit of a goldylocks feel for me between the classic cherry brown, and overbearing weight of the clears. Now, if you’re looking at this board, but are cross shopping the other excellent switch types, here are some universal things between each board: they offer a classic 104 key layout which will be familiar to any office worker. If you’re tired of gaming keyboards looking gamery - this keyboard offers a quite subtle aesthetic. Much like it’s forbearers of the G513 and G512, the style is clean and to the point. The board is topped with a solid aluminum plate with surface mounted switches. There is no illuminated G logo here, so office users rejoice! The keycaps are ABS material, but are decent quality and should last for years. The keycaps have a pretty non-obtrusive font, avoiding the over exaggerated fonts of say the G810/910 predecessors. Interestingly, it does come with extra keycaps that follow the design of the old G910 keys, offering a trapezoid design that dips in the center to keep your finders aligned with the WASD cluster, and find numbers 1-5 quickly and easily. YMMV here depending on if you are playing FPS games solely or use the keyboard in a mixed mode of typing and gaming. I play both RTS games and FPS games besides a significant amount of typing, so I found them to be more of a distraction to use. Other universal truths about the G513 Carbon are its USB pass through, which appears to be limited to USB 2.0. This is fine if you plug your mouse or other 2.0 device. But a faster USB thumb drive, stream deck or other USB 3 device will not work to its full potential through the pass through. Another oddity of course is the non-standard caps lock, and 1.5 key sized CTRL keys (as opposed to the ANSI standard 1.25 key sized). This means that alternative keycaps may not come with the right size control, and almost invariably don’t come with a replacement caps lock that fits the Logitech interpretation of the caps lock. Space bars may be hard to find as well. That said, I actually prefer the larger control keys and the dip between the ‘a’ key and caps lock, but it is something to keep in mind if you start getting into custom keycaps. On a more positive note, the included wrist rest is a highlight feature of this board. It’s super comfortable, robust and large. It doesn’t connect to the keyboard at all, instead offering flexible placement based on your typing style. There is a handy channel on both the keyboard and wrist rest that allows you to put a wired headset or other cable underneath the keyboard. Also the lighting is quite excellent on this keyboard, offering a plethora of options, and even a marketplace of profiles contributed by the user base. The software is a big upside, and Logitech has come leaps and bounds with the newer G Hub software. The G Hub software lets you customize your keyboard per application, record macros, assign system commands and more. Its feels more modern than the Gaming Software that preceded it, and in many ways is some of the best vendor specific peripheral software on the market. I had some early concerns about the application around the original release and even as late as the G Pro release, but things have gotten much smoother since then. So is the G513 Carbon right for you? Probably. Logitech combines a solid switch, subdued aesthetic, classic layout, comfortable experience (thank you wrist rest) and great lighting in a solid package. The increased weight and material of the board minimizes key sound even further than the nature of the brown style, so you get a keyboard that could offer a solid office typing experience, but with the flexibility of the G Hub software to fit any gaming needs you have. Sure there aren’t any dedicated macro keys, but most can live without them. The wrist rest makes for such a comfortable typing experience you won’t want to go back to anything else. The largest complaints I can lob at the G513 Carbon are its USB passthrough limitations, non-standard control/caps lock/space bar key size - which may be little concern to none-boutique keyboard shoppers. Even those looking for something to grow and customize with will find the G513 a willing companion now with its GX keys, this is much more possible than with the previous Romer-G switches. The only other question is price. Coming in at a $150 MSRP makes this board on the more expensive side. That said, unlike the more boutique keyboard manufacturers, Logitech does run sales that make this board a good if not excellent deal. It's still a fine board at its asking price though. Overall the G513 Carbon is a worthy if minor update to the G513/G512 design. The updates under the hood are more significant. The switch from Romer-G to Kailh based GX (MX clones) brings Logitech’s offering into the larger market of customization and flexibility. The G513 Carbon is a true consideration if you were turned off by Romer-G, and the GX Browns offer more than just a straight clone of the MX Brown key. I highly recommend checking this keyboard out!

I want to clarify this review is for the brown switch version of this keyboard, meaning it has no audible click. I have tested this keyboard now for about three weeks or so as my daily driver. I game nearly daily, playing all sorts of games, and I'm also a full-time college student. I have written a few essays on this keyboard now as well. This keyboard with the brown switches is an incredible workhorse that does it all. It has the perfect actuation to allow it to be useful for gaming but still be silent enough to type on it doing work late into the night, not annoying anyone. The build quality is phenomenal, and that is to be expected from a high-end Logitech product. I have owned many Logi's, and they have never let me down. I like the design of this keyboard where the keys sit on top of the board, rather than sitting inside the board. The design makes cleaning the crumbs and hairs that love getting under the keys incredibly easy. Overall, this keyboard with brown switches is a serious workhorse ready for more than one task.

Logitech's G513 Carbon RGB Wired is as premium as they come with a great feeling keyboard that leaves you feeling satisfying with every click or stroke. I never had any doubts when using this keyboard from first opening the package to using it on many games. I'm going to start by saying that the Brown mechanical switches are wonderful. Great ergonomics and the feedback kickback is done so well that you can't help but to feel good about using it. Not as clicky as Logitech's blue switches but they work well in an environment where you don't want to disturb most of the family members of the household. I notice this when playing "Control" with dodging the enemies. Audio clicks are not super loud but smooth to touch. More so overall the features, this is the one that I'm most amazed about. After years of trying Razer and Corsair keyboards, the premium feeling is just wonderful because so many been cheap feelings with all the plastics. In the box, it comes with extra "ASWD" keys for you to switch out with the included keycap puller and a nice palm rest that is plush to the touch. Overall this keyboard is a bigger better version of Logitech's own G PRO keyboard which is nice. Cool Aluminum alloy gives a great weight to the keyboard which old it in place on the desk if you get a little wild on CS: GO. The new G513 is crafted and constructed well so I have high confidence about the item. LightSync is the same as it is with most of the "G Pro" products. It syncs all the lighting from Logitech products that work with the "G HUB" software. Overall all my products work just fine with the software. The problem is that there isn't much in the software to work with but it gives you a lot of info about your RGB setup. RGB is as always amazing and they are bright without being over obnoxious in the room. I guess this is more of an "adult" oriented RGB where it's subtle but bright. regardless the G HUB gives more of the user experience controls. The keyboard has media keys with the use of "FN" keys but I wish Logitech would just simply give decided media keys on the right side of the keyboard instead of the logo. I get that the keyboard is somewhat made for compact spaces but it would have been nice to have it on there since Corsair provides these things. Also, the media keys or "FN", if you will, doesn't light up on the keyboard either in RGB which is a bummer as other manufacturers make it clear you can see them in the dark. One feature on this keyboard that I love is the USB pass-though because there are MANY possibilities you can use this port for. From Fingerprint scanners for Windows hello to just charging up your phone or just plug a USB fan right there. More USBs are always appreciated in my opinion and this keyboard put it in a spot that isn't in the way. I wish more companies did for RGB keyboards. At the end of the day gaming on the keyboard is fun, the product is solid, the software is good, the feeling from the keyboard is awesome, love the USB pass-through, and its just a great gaming keyboard. You can't go wrong with using this at all. I'm not sure if this adds any points but Logitech always been good about their warranty too. The only thing we can't wait for is a wireless version of this G153 GX. Game on!

Gaming keyboards continue to get very customized and tailored to a gamer’s individual preferences. The G513 Brown keys give a tactile ‘bump’ for feedback without the loud click of the blue keys or the totally smooth linear red keys. Again, this is an individual preference and fortunately the G513 has a choice of blue, red, brown, or Romer-G keys to suit the user’s needs. If you are new to the different types of mechanical keys, particularly for intensive gaming, it is a good idea to put your fingers on some display models to see what noise and tactile feedback levels are most pleasing to you. The investment in a good mechanical keyboard is well worth it, but be sure you get the keys that you can live with for a long time. The noise level of the keys can also be an important factor – for example I personally like the clicky blue keys, but they tend to be distracting or bothersome to significant others in the house, so a quieter key is needed to keep the peace. With your personal key preferences decided, the rest of the G513 features seems to be the same for the overall model. The board itself is compact in design and built like a brick! Logitech advertises the board as having a top panel of aircraft-grade aluminum, and in practical terms this means a keyboard that is amazingly heavy and no question this is an extremely durable build that can stand up to some heavy and long-term use. There are 2 USB cables (1 for keyboard and 1 for USB pass-through) which are heavy-duty with a woven fabric cover, and plenty of length to reach a case on the floor. Very convenient to have the pass-through for USB on the keyboard, although it does not support USB 3.0 – this is a little disappointing but not a deal breaker as you can use a 2.0 port on your case for the pass-through plug and leave a USB 3.0 port open. You can also choose to use the keyboard cable without the second pass-through if you have limited USB ports on your case. The USB 2.0 pass-through does just fine for headsets, mice, phone charging, and other peripherals – so this does not limit the capabilities of your accessories other than slower file transfer speed. The foam palm-rest is very comfortable and free-standing so it can be used or not (or moved out of the way) as needed. This is actually very handy, having used other keyboards in the past with snap-in or permanent palm rests can get in the way from time to time. Other nice touches are the footpads and textured bottom of both the keyboard and the palm-rest, as they sit tight and don’t tend to drift around during gameplay. Logitech included a set of gaming keycaps that are quickly installed using the included puller, and can give a little bit of a competitive edge when the gameplay gets intense. A matter of personal preference, but if you like the contrasting shape of the primary gaming keys, you are good to go. Logitech’s RGB lighting setup provides a very nice appearance, with the light passing up through the keys with minimum “spillover” underneath the keys – which to me is a better presentation and does not make the keyboard over-illuminated. An RGB keyboard is supposed to be bright and appealing but having so much light bleeding out from under the keys that you can’t see the keys themselves is too distracting for me – fortunately the Logitech RGB system doesn’t have this issue. The Logitech software (download from Logitech site) provides any degree of customization you would like, and custom lighting can be set up for each individual game. You can get lost for a while just taking time to set up lighting schemes, but the end result is highly customized keyboard lighting that makes the gaming experience that much more enjoyable. For non-gaming time on the computer, there are a variety of lighting pre-sets that can be quickly tweaked or customized. Logitech continues to update the lighting/gaming software for RGB keyboards, and the previous Logitech Gaming Software will upgrade to the “G Hub” software for the newer model G513. There are varying opinions on the G-Hub software, but it does provide customization for the G513 and Logitech is know to provide updates and improvements to software on a regular basis. As with any software, if you are used to one keyboard customization tool, then a different or updated system will take a little getting used to – which is to be expected. Depending on what you are already used to on a keyboard, you might notice some controls that are not on the G513. Most noticeable is the lack separate media controls keys, which requires a quick learning curve to get the FN keys sorted out – these can also be customized to meet your individual preference. Personally I am used to separate media controls, which I miss when using this keyboard, but if you are comfortable with using FN keys for your media, then you should be just fine. Overall, this is a very rugged keyboard with excellent lighting display and plenty of customization available to provide optimum setup for individual games. It’s hard to go wrong with Logitech keyboards, and this is a safe bet. Be sure to get a “hands on” with the different types of keys before making your final decision – as you will be using the keyboard for a long time!

I am not accustom to gaming keyboards and decided to give this one a try. Before I even tested this for gaming I used it as a general every day keyboard and my gosh this thing is an absolute pleasure to type on. The key travel is fantastic and the tactile feedback is extremely satisfying. I set up the G-Hub suite and it is really simple to use and fantastic. Gaming on this keyboard is also a pleasure. I HIGHLY recommend this keyboard to gamers and every day computer users who want to significantly enhance their keyboard experience.

THE GOOD -Available in clicky, tactile, and linear mech switches -Clean, utilitarian layout -Solid construction -Comes with nice wrist rest -Includes keycap puller and alternate gaming keycaps. -USB pass-through port THE BAD -No dedicated media playback or calculator keys -Shift symbols are displayed below key labels -Shift symbols are not backlit -No NumLock indicator -Wrist rest isn't attached -USB pass-through port is only 2.0 -Bluish hue to the RGB lighting colors -A lot more expensive than the almost identical G512 THE TL-DR The G513 is a solid basic layout keyboard in a variety of mechanical switch types. The minimalist design means no dedicated media or volume buttons, though you do have per-key RGB and a USB 2.0 pass-through port.. The G513 is significantly more expensive than the identical G512, with the exception the G513 comes with a nice wrist rest and extra gaming-focused keycaps for the WASD key area. THE DETAILS I'm not a fan of complicated, over-designed keyboards. They add extra programmable buttons I don't use and just take up extra space on my desk. In that light, I like the G513 for its straight-forward design and layout. Construction is very strong and durable, and it's available in three switch types: clicky, tactile, and linear. Logitech calls their switches GX Blue, GX Brown, and GX Red to play off the familiarity of Cherry MX naming convention. However, the GX Browns do not feel the same as a Cherry MX Brown. It's very similar, but the Logitech GX tactile bump is much more subtle than a Cherry MX Brown. Whether the milder bump is a game breaker to you is completely subjective. I was a little put off at first, but after a few weeks it isn't so bad. Having only a GX Brown keyboard, I can't speak to the Blue or Red versions of course, but I would expect the GX Blue to also be a slightly different feel than a traditional Cherry clicky switch. I'd imagine the Reds are indistinguishable from each other due to their linear nature. Due to the basic layout, features are likewise pretty basic. You get no dedicated keys/buttons for media playback, volume control, calculator, or anything else. The Function keys up top double for those controls using the Fn key at the bottom right. Being as the Fn key is to the right of the space bar and the double function buttons run from F5 through Print Screen and Pause, nearly all of the keystroke combos fall under the right hand alone, which can make activating them awkward. A nice addition is the USB pass-through port on the top right of the keyboard. The pass-through has its own cable as well so you don't need to worry about a built-in USB hub slowing down key response rates. However that also means using a very thick, stiff cable and two separate cables to connect it to your computer. Each connector is clearly labeled whether it's the keyboard or pass-through connector, however the pass-through is USB 2.0 only. Also in the box is a very nice wrist rest and extra keycaps and keycap puller.. The rest doesn't attach to the keyboard, but both it and the keyboard are wuite grippy and don't move on the desk, so it's a minimal complaint. The extra keycaps are for the WASD area of the keyboard ( specifically 1-5, QWER, and ASD ) and have a recessed center with higher ridges on the top and sides. While a nice addition, I wonder why the R cap is included but F is not. Also, as these are clearly focused on WASD gamers, it means the ESDF players are ignored. The Logitech G Hub software for programming the keyboard lighting and macros is still very easy to use ( I prefer Razer Synapse a little more, but G Hub is far better than Corsair's iCUE ). The lighting is per-key RGB of course and the keyboard can store one basic profile on board. The keycap labels are clear at the top for the lighting to show through. However Logitech put the shift symbol BELOW the main key label ( meaning the 1 key has "1" at the top and "!" on the bottom ). This odd labeling scheme won't affect skilled typists of course, but the less experienced crowd might be confused on some of the less used keys. Also the secondary labels are just inked on; the RGB lighting does not shine through. All in all, the G513 is a very competitive and compelling product. Be aware the keyboard itself is identical to the much cheaper Logitech G512. Same design, same construction, same switch options. The only difference is the G512 doesn't come with the wrist rest or the extra keycaps. If those two options don't matter to you, the G512 can sometimes be had for half the price.

The brief time in which I have been enjoying the Logitech G513 gaming keyboard has been a primarily positive experience. For full disclosure, while I am an avid video gamer, I generally do not use a “mouse-and-keyboard” setup to play my games (which are mainly on the Xbox suite of consoles). Even on my PC games, I tend to use an Xbox 360 or Steam controller, rather than a mouse. Thus, I will be reviewing this keyboard primarily as a typing-duty machine. My particular keyboard is equipped with the “Brown Tactile” key switches, which gives a little more “feel” to the keys when pressed than a purely “Linear” switch setup would. While this is definitely an improvement in “feel” over my old Logitech K330 wireless keyboard, I feel like the other device in the G513 line, equipped with the “Blue Clicky” key switches, would better suit my needs. I find that such sharp, discernable clicking noises are much more satisfying, and allow for easier manipulation, than the muffled, vague sounds that traditional keyboards produce. If it is possible to convert the buttons on my keyboard to “clickers”, I will certainly be doing so. My only other real complaint about this keyboard is that the secondary functions of certain keys (such as the “!”, “#”, and “<”/“>” symbols) aren’t backlit like the rest of the buttons. This can make it confusing when one wishes to use these functions. That being said, it is really, really nice to have a backlit keyboard (I have never owned one before), which makes the symbols much easier to see. The ability to customize the colors, patterns, and general behavior of the lighting is just “icing on the cake” for me, though I will likely rarely use these functions. The other big feature that I admire on this device is the “USB pass-through” accessible through a port at the top right of the keyboard. This allows me to plug and unplug USB-dependent accessories directly from the keyboard, rather than having to run an extension cable from the back of my desktop “box” (which is tucked into a corner and rather difficult to reach) in order to utilize the auxiliary ports. The aluminum casing on the G513 is quite attractive and gives the machine a premium look and feel. This is probably my favorite aesthetic feature of the device. Furthermore, the vinyl wrist pad is not only comfortable and good-looking, but is made of an easy-to-clean material (an absolute must for a “clean freak” like myself. Overall, the plusses definitely outweigh the minuses of the G513 Lightsync keyboard. I would recommend it to both keyboard-biased gamers, as well as to typists in general. It should be noted, however, that I would first and foremost endorse the “GX Blue Clicky” variant, ahead of the quieter “Tactile”, and far before the “Linear” varieties in the G5134 lineup.

Before getting this keyboard, I had another very similar one from the other big manufacturer of gaming keyboards like these. Right out of the box you can tell this is a very well built keyboard. The aluminum case gives it a "built like a tank" feel. Definitely not cheap or plastic at all. I love the memory foam wrist wrest that comes with it. I find it to be quite comfortable even after sitting at my computer for long periods of time. Hopefully it will always maintain that cushy feel and not get flat over time. Hooking up the keyboard was very easy. Just plug the 2 USB cables into open USB ports on your computer and that's all you have to do to hook it up. Then just download the Logitech G-Hub software and you can customize the keyboard and lights to your heats content. The interface is really easy to use and I have ho doubt even novice users would be able to figure it out. Overall I found the keyboard to perform very well. Using it for gamin I didnt really notice any problems at all. But when I went to type with this keyboard, it gave me a little bit of trouble. I think the best way to describe it is to say the keys are almost too stiff. I find that when I am trying to type really fast, I have to sloe down because it feels like there is a little extra effort needed to press down the keys. I am hoping that in time they will loosen up a bit and that wont be an issue. But right out of the box that is something I had a problem with. One other thing that bothers me on not only this keyboard, but all gaming keyboards is that none of the symbols that are under the numbers light up. I don't have the best lit office and I always struggle when im trying to find a percent sign or a dollar sign because they arent lit up like the letters and numbers are. I really wish manufacturers would find a way to make that work, because I think its a feature that a LOT of people would love to see. Other than those 2 small problems I had, I am very happy with this keyboard. I found it to be amazingly responsive. I love the different customization options with the different lighting schemes as well. Hopefully I get many, many years of use out of this keyboard.

My very first though upon opening this keyboard was "Wow, this thing is heavy." The top of the keyboard is made out of a solid plate of aluminum, and you can feel every ounce of it. The second thought I had was "Wait, this needs to plug into 2 USB ports?" The keyboard is sturdy, and the key travel is great. The keyboard really is a joy to type on. The Logitech software has to be downloaded from their site (no installation disc - just as well as my computer doesn't have a DVD drive), and it gives you a lot of customization options to adjust things like the light pattern of the backlighting and the row of macro keys at the top of the keyboard. I'll warn you now, if you have a cat or dog, expect hair to get stuck in this keyboard. The keys are fairly deep, and a can of compressed air was not strong enough to get a stray bit of cat hair out from between the keys. If you have any OCD tendencies, this may drive you mad. The keyboard has a USB port for hooking up a mouse or other peripheral. I think this is great, but I'm not really taking advantage of it as this keyboard is taking up 100% of my computer desk's keyboard tray. There simply isn't enough room to plug a mouse in as well (my mouse is sitting on top of the desk and is plugged into my tower). Still, it may come in handy for plugging in something like a USB drive down the road. I really like this keyboard, and I would strongly recommend it.

I got this keyboard to use on a second computer in my office and got another Logitech due to being impressed with the G815 I got a few months ago. Overall this keyboard is very nice, heavy in comparison to every other keyboard I have ever owned and looks killer! I love the mechanical keys and the feel/responsiveness of them. I also like the fact that it came with a very nice palmrest and it does have an additional USB port on the top part of the keyboard. The case is made out of solid aluminum which adds to the weight and also gives it a great look. Pros: Looks awesome, very responsive keys, keys feel great if you like a mechanical feel, palmrest included, additional usb port Cons: Doesn't have any quick access buttons to change the colors via the software, lacking a quick access volume bar like my G815, weight, larger footprint with the palmrest Overall I like the feel of the keyboard and the quick access color buttons and lack of volume bar aren't deal breakers since I don't have as much of a need on the other computer. But if this is going to be your primary keyboard make sure these aren't deal breakers for you. The keyboard looks great and feels solid just those few shortcomings to keep it from 5 stars in my book...

I got the brown switch one with tactile feedback. It has a great feel for gaming and general typing. Well made, it comes with extra keytops and a keytop puller tool. I really like the feel of this keyboard. It feels like a quality keyboard and the tactile feedback is just right for me. It's fairly compact for a keyboard with ten key keypad. The G HUB software is great for customizing with macros and lots of awesome lighting effects. I especially like the one that responds to audio; it's great when listening to music on your computer. The best keyboard I've got yet (and I've had a few). Get one, you'll like it.

When the original G513 was released in early 2018, it was heralded as the “upgrade” the G413 needed. The wrist wrest was improved (leather-like surface, and memory foam), and Logitech’s own ‘Romer-G’ switches were quite good. Moving forward almost two years, Logitech has “revived” the G513 Carbon, by replacing those Romer-G switches with a “new and improved” version, called ‘GX’. In my case, I’m reviewing the GX Brown version, which should be equivalent to the Cherry MX Brown switches. UNBOXING AND INITIAL IMPRESSIONS: Logitech has greatly improved their packaging over the years, but the G513’s packaging is LESS environmentally-friendly than other recent Logitech releases, as it is not completely free of plastic. There is a relatively-large piece surrounding the keyboard, another (smaller) piece surrounding the wrist rest, and a third enclosing the “accessories”. While the third piece is understandable, and acceptable, the first two are NOT – shame on you, Logitech. Moving past Logitech’s “step back” in being environmentally-friendly, and getting to what matters for those reading this…the keyboard…the G513 Carbon is a nice piece of hardware. The entire bottom is plastic, but the top is brushed aluminum. Logitech claims it to be “aircraft grade”, and, while it is to a certain extent, such is not entirely the truth. The 5052 aluminum used for the keyboard’s top piece is, technically, considered “marine grade”, and NOT “aircraft grade” (that would be 2024, 6061 & 7075). While I don’t foresee any class-action lawsuits brought against Logitech for this lie, to those reading this, just know that the 5052 aluminum used as the keyboard’s top plate is NOT “aircraft-grade”. Thankfully, the keyboard is nice-looking enough that I can forgive this lie…but, at the same time, this is one ‘strike’ against the G513 Carbon, and against Logitech. The keyboard uses a nice, albeit slightly-stiff, braided cord, and even has a USB ‘pass-through’. However, as fast as USB 3.x is, I just don’t understand the need to continue using a second USB port on the keyboard…a single USB plug should be more than enough to power, and pass along data, for the keyboard, as well as any attached USB device (such as a mouse). The truth is, this is nothing more than a “money-saving” act on the part of Logitech – in order to use a single USB plug, manufacturers would need to include a USB controller chip inside the keyboard. While this would slightly increase a keyboard’s cost, the reality is it would be very minimal (manufacturer’s costs on USB controller chips is less than $5/unit). This I find to be another ‘strike’. SETUP: Basic setup is as simple as plugging the keyboard into any available USB port on your computer (two USB ports, if you plan on using the “pass through”). However, if you want to use all the glory of the RGB lighting, then you’ll also need to install (if not already installed) the ‘Logitech Gaming Software’, which allows you to program your lighting setups. Unlike higher-end G-series keyboards, the G513 does NOT include any “profile” buttons, so you are unable to save any color schemes to the keyboard’s internal memory (of which the G513 also doesn’t have). One of the great things about Logitech’s Gaming Software is that, while not as powerful as Corsair’s iCue software, it is a LOLT easier to use. ACCESSORIES & FEATURES: Starting with the ‘accessories’, Logitech has included several “replacement” keys, as well as a “tool” for pulling keys off the switches. Instead of having a gentle ‘concave’ curve to their tops, they are still concave, but very “angular”. The replacement keys consist of the 1-5 keys, as well as Q, W, E, R, A, S & D. This allows you to customize your keyboard to match your gaming “type”. For those who play multiple game genres…or, for those who just want their keyboards to look “cool”…you can use all the replacement keys. While the G513 doesn’t have dedicated lighting & media keys, Logitech didn’t leave us without these – the F5-F8 also functions as lighting keys, and F9-F12, as well as ‘PRTSC’, SCRLK’ & ‘PAUSE’, functions as media keys. Another ‘addition’ is the inclusion of “LIGHTSYNC”, enabling your keyboard’s lighting to automatically change according to what’s on the screen and/or to changes in audio, as well as data received from your game (for example, get killed, and all keys can automatically turn red). I’ll be honest, and admit that I have yet to use this feature. It’s not because it doesn’t sound “interesting” (it does), and it’s not because I couldn’t be bothered (I don’t get ‘bothered’ easily), but because I haven’t been playing games recently, and LIGHTSYNC does support Photoshop, Premiere, or any of the other productivity applications I’ve mostly been using of late. However, once my gaming pick back up (or, should I say, ‘returns’), I’m sure the LIGHTSYNC feature will be fun to play-around with. CLOSING THOUGHTS: Logitech has done a “very good” job with the G513 Carbon. While I’m not completely satisfied, I like it enough. It is smaller than the G915 I’ve been using (Logitech’s first wireless mechanical keyboard), but that would be due to not having the ‘G’ keys, lighting profile keys, dedicated lighting keys, or dedicated media keys. While I do really like the braided cord, I still think Logitech could have spent a few extra dollars to include a USB controller, and gotten rid of the “pass through” USB cable. What will it take for companies to stop being so cheap, and to just add the controller, and get rid of these second USB cables??? THE GOOD: • Compact size, for a ‘full-size’ keyboard • Incredibly-comfortable wrist rest • Although the bottom of the keyboard’s case is plastic, the keyboard is “hefty” enough to stay put THE BAD: • No dedicated profile, lighting, or media keys • Too much plastic used in the packaging • Price – could be lower (when Best Buy puts it on sale, for $129.99 (or less), then it’s worth it) THE UGLY: • No dedicated ‘G’ keys – a Logitech “gaming” keyboard without ‘G’ keys really isn’t a “gaming keyboard” • Lying to consumers about the “aircraft grade” aluminum FINAL VERDICT: There are a lot of things to like about the G513 Carbon…and, there are several things to dislike. I like the size. I really like the wrist wrest. I like the mechanical switch options. I like the weight of the keyboard. I like the braided cord. Although I haven’t actually tried it, I’m sure I’d also like the LIGHTSYNC technology. Unfortunately, I don’t like the lack of ‘G’, lighting, or media keys (especially the missing ‘G’ keys). I don’t like the dual-USB cable (come on, quit being so cheap, and include an on-board USB controller). I don’t like the excessive use of plastic in the packaging (especially considering other recent Logitech releases have used less, or no, plastic). And I REALLY don’t like that Logitech is LYING to consumers, by (falsely) claiming that the 5052 aluminum used for the keyboard’s top plate is “aircraft grade”. Overall, the G513 is a good…very good, in fact…keyboard. However, I am NOT going to recommend it, and I have only given it a 3-star rating. That being said, I will explain my reasons for both, here, so that that reading this will understand. Starting with the rating, while the quality of the keyboard is excellent, and everything else about the keyboard, itself, is extremely good, I can’t ignore several points. Lowering it to 4 stars would be the lack of the previously-mentioned keys, as well as the dual-USB cable design, combined with the excessive use of plastic in the packaging. Lowing it another star is Logitech’s lying to consumers. If they had used 2024, 6061, or 7075, then they could have claimed “aircraft grade”…but, 5052 aluminum is, most definitely, NOT “aircraft grade” (again, I don’t foresee any lawsuits against them for this, but outright lying to consumers is NOT acceptable in m y book). As for whether, or not, I would ‘recommend’ the G513, if the only “problems” had been the keys or the dual-USB cable, I would have still recommended it. Had it been both of these problems, I still would have probably recommended it. Likewise, had the only problem been the lie about the “aircraft grade” aluminum, I might have still recommended it. However, when considering all of these problems…especially the outright lying to consumers…then I am left with no choice but to not recommend it. I’m sorry, Logitech, as you do make outstanding products, you are a company that I have proudly supported for a great many years (and, will continue to support), and you are a company known to provide excellent customer support…but, I cannot recommend a product that’s targeting at gamming, yet is missing these features (especially the lack of ‘G’ keys), as well as a product that you are lying to consumers about one of its “key” features. By outright promoting this as a primary selling point, you are doing consumers “wrong”, and you are doing Logitech “wrong”. Disclaimer: This product was provided free, or at reduced cost, for the purpose of reviewing the product. Nevertheless, the above review, be it positive, negative, or anywhere in-between, is a 100% honest review, and the price paid played absolutely no part in my review.

Great functional gaming keyboard. This is my second mechanical type keyboard and like the other, they both are great at illuminating the main keys but less so the secondary keys...just a minor issue. The keyboard is easy to set up and the full length foam wrist support is nice to be included. After you customize it for various games, this thing really starts to shine. It is worth the money.

The Logitech G513 RGB Mechanical keyboard is a very well built keyboard, with a sleek aluminum alloy top case. The GX Brown tactile switches have a very distinct "bump" and have a distinct feedback sound to them. USB 2.0 passthrough, since you will need to use two ports from your computer to take advantage of all the features. RGB with LIGHTSYNC tech through the Logitech G HUB software. A nice touch is the included memory foam palmrest which is the icing on the cake of a really nice keyboard.