Low Profile Design Meets Magnetic Switch Tech
The Logitech G515 Rapid TKL is Logitech's latest take on a low profile gaming keyboard, and this time it is all about speed. Instead of traditional low profile mechanical switches, the G515 Rapid TKL uses low profile magnetic analogue switches. That puts it in the same performance category as many modern Hall effect gaming keyboards, but with a slimmer form factor.
On paper, this is a compact, tenkeyless board aimed squarely at competitive gamers. You lose the numpad, but you keep a familiar layout, so there is no weird key reshuffling to relearn. It connects only via a detachable USB C to USB A cable, so there is no wireless mode at all. That is a noticeable step back from Logitech's own Lightspeed wireless models and a key point to consider if you like a clean cable free setup.
The build uses a plastic chassis with PBT doubleshot keycaps and RGB lighting controllable through Logitech G Hub. There is no aluminium top plate, no extra ports and no onboard storage for profiles, which feels a bit basic for a keyboard that sits in the premium price bracket around 170 dollars or 140 pounds.
Where the G515 Rapid TKL stands out is switch technology. The low profile magnetic switches give shorter travel than regular full height switches and can be tuned in software to behave exactly how you want. They are linear and very smooth, which makes them feel quick and consistent for rapid inputs in game.
Rapid Trigger, Adjustable Actuation and Powerful Software
The core appeal of the G515 Rapid TKL is how deeply you can customise the switches. Because they are magnetic, Logitech lets you set both the actuation point and the reset point in 0.1 millimetre steps in G Hub. Instead of a fixed depth where a keypress registers, you choose exactly how far you need to press before the key activates and how quickly it resets on the way back up.
This is where rapid trigger comes in. With rapid trigger style behaviour, the key can reset and be ready to fire again with far less travel than a normal mechanical switch. For fast strafing, counter strafing, tapping or spammy movement inputs in games like Counter Strike 2, that can translate into a very snappy feel and a genuine competitive edge.
In testing, configuring movement, weapon swap and crouch keys for aggressive sensitivity pays off. The low profile design already feels faster than full size switches because your fingers do not have to move as far. Adding rapid trigger on top makes every tiny movement count. The result is a keyboard that feels purpose built for twitch shooters and other titles where input speed matters.
Logitech layers more software features on top of the magnetic hardware. Dynamic keystroke lets a single key perform multiple actions depending on how far down you press. For example, a light press might walk, a deeper press might transition to a run or crouch. That gives you controller like analog style behaviour while still using a keyboard.
There is also SOCD handling, the same simultaneous opposing directional input logic that fighting game players and some competitive FPS players chase for fast side to side movement. Logitech openly warns in the software that using this kind of behaviour online can trigger bans in some games, which tells you exactly how aggressive this feature can be.
Key remapping is particularly flexible. Because of the analogue nature of the switches and the software layers, you can assign multiple functions to each key. Using base, function and G Shift layers and the ability to set different actions for first and second presses, you can effectively give a single key a whole cluster of roles. For macro users or players who like to optimise every millimetre of their layout, this is very appealing.
The downside is that while this hardware software combo shines in games, it is less pleasant for regular typing and productivity. The magnetic switches have a somewhat hollow feel for longer sessions. If you spend a lot of time writing or working between matches, you may find yourself preferring a more traditional mechanical board for comfort.
Build Quality, Competition and Value
Physically, the G515 Rapid TKL feels solid enough, despite being entirely plastic. There is no noticeable flex and the board has more heft than you might expect when you first pick it up. The textured PBT keycaps are a plus, especially for long term durability and resistance to shine. The two tone black design with silver accents and silver WASD keys gives it a classic gaming look that used to be common and has since become rarer.
However, when you look at the price, the compromises stand out. At around 170 dollars, this is an expensive wired only keyboard with a plastic chassis and no onboard memory. Rival boards in the magnetic switch space can offer more features, better materials or lower prices.
Competing options like the NuPhy Air60 HE bring similar or stronger rapid trigger performance, a higher 8000 Hz polling rate for ultra frequent input reporting and a more premium aesthetic, all while often costing 30 to 50 dollars less. Other heavy hitters like the Wooting 80HE deliver full height magnetic switches, controller like analogue inputs and a distinct look at roughly the same price point.
Even more challenging for the G515 Rapid TKL are keyboards such as the Keychron K2 HE, which offers full size magnetic switches, aluminium or wooden cases and wireless connectivity, all at a lower price. And budget boards like the Gamakay x NaughShark NS68 push rapid trigger and 8000 Hz polling into the 50 dollar range with PBT keycaps and compact layouts.
That is the real problem for Logitech here. The G515 Rapid TKL is a genuinely capable low profile rapid trigger gaming keyboard. It feels fast in competitive shooters, its software is approachable and powerful, and the layout is easy to live with for anyone used to tenkeyless boards. But when you factor in the lack of wireless, the plastic build and how crowded the market is around 150 to 170 dollars, it lands in an awkward middle ground.
If you are specifically looking for a low profile magnetic keyboard from a big mainstream brand and you do not care about wireless, the G515 Rapid TKL will absolutely do the job and then some in your favourite games. If you want the best balance of performance, build and value though, it is worth comparing Logitech's offering against the many Hall effect and rapid trigger rivals before you commit.
Original article and image: https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/gaming-keyboards/logitech-g515-rapid-tkl-review/
