Logitech G613 review: The best wireless gaming keyboard you can buy

Over the years, wireless technology has been questioned by gamers for its latency and battery life constrictions. Logitech, however, has other ideas. Indeed, it markets the “Lightspeed” technology in its G613 wireless gaming keyboard as wireless faster than wired.

Combined with mechanical key switches and programmable buttons the Logitech G613 is, in theory, a fully-fledged gaming keyboard. The question is, is it any good?

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Logitech G613 review: What you need to know

The layout of the Logitech G613 is pretty standard. It’s a full-sized QWERTY keyboard with separate cursor and navigation blocks plus a number pad to the right. The build is all-plastic but all the features you need are present and correct. There’s a built-in, non-removable wristrest, which adds extra depth and comfort. A pair of foldout legs tilt the keyboard forwards making it more comfortable to type on and rubber pads prevent it from sliding around. And, in another nice touch, the keyboard is supplied with a pair of AA batteries, so it’s ready to roll right out of the box.

This is a gaming keyboard, though, so the layout isn’t entirely standard. To the left side of the main section of the keyboard are six programmable “G” keys that grant access to shortcuts and macros (you can customise these through the Logitech Gaming Software). And, in the top-right corner, is a collection of dedicated media controls, a Win-lock key (for disabling the Windows key so you don’t press it by accident while gaming), and Bluetooth and Wi-Fi buttons.

As for the keycaps, Logitech opts for pad-printed characters instead of harder-wearing laser-etched or engraved keys. That’s a touch disappointing, as is the choice of switches beneath them. The G613 uses Romer-G Tactile mechanical switches, which are Logitech’s alternative to the popular Cherry MX Brown. The Romer-G Tactile is technically proficient. With an actuation point of 1.5mm, 3.2mm of travel and an average operating force of 45g, it’s the fastest keyboard switch around and certainly faster than the Cherry MX Brown, which has a 2mm actuation point, 4mm travel and the same average operating force of 45g.

Despite its impressive numbers, the G613’s keys feel a bit on the mushy side to me; I prefer the more clunky, mechanical feel of a Cherry MX Brown-equipped keyboard. Your mileage may vary, of course, and – if you prefer a softer, easier-to-press switch – you might fall in love with the Logitech G613.

As for wireless performance, the Logitech G613 is remarkably good. The keyboard connects via its very own “Lightspeed” 2.4GHz Wi-Fi link using the bundled USB dongle, and I found keystrokes were instantaneously picked up with absolutely no perceptible delay from the moment you actuate a key to the result appearing on your screen. 

The wizardry doesn’t stop there, though. With the press of a button, you can switch to Bluetooth mode, which opens up the possibility of connecting the keyboard to more than just your gaming PC. This connection works with devices running Chrome OS, Windows 8 and up, macOS X 10.12 or later, iOS 10 or later, and Android 3.2 or later; Logitech even includes a smartphone stand in the box. Flicking between wireless modes is seamless. In fact, I’d go as far as saying it’s the best experience I’ve ever had on a peripheral that supports different connectivity options.

Where battery life is concerned, the Logitech G613 scores highly once again lasting up to 18 months on two AA batteries. The keyboard gives you plenty of warning, too, when your batteries are about to run out, blinking an LED on the keyboard and notifying you via the software when there’s 15% left and counting.

That’s just as well because the G613 has no fallback connection, which means when your batteries run out, you can’t simply plug in until you get some new ones.

To add to the very minor list of moans, there’s also no USB port on the keyboard for plugging in other peripherals and the keys aren’t backlit, either. I’d have preferred to have been given the option of disabling the lights, rather than having that option taken away from me.

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Logitech G613 review: Price and competition

For all that, these are relatively small complaints and feel especially so when you consider the Logitech G613’s price. At the time of writing it’s available for around £94; the only other wireless mechanical gaming keyboard that comes close is the Corsair K63 Wireless, which costs £115. The latter has Cherry MX Red switches, blue backlit keys, a “tenkeyless” layout (no number pad) and can be connected via USB cable when its 15-hour rechargeable battery is depleted.

If wireless connectivity isn’t something you’re that bothered about, it’s worth considering the incredibly well-built HyperX Alloy Elite RGB at £116, the Fnatic Gear Rush Silent at £80 with Cherry MX Silent switches or the £61 Logitech G413, which uses the same Romer-G Tactile switches as the G613.

Logitech G613 review: Verdict

The Logitech G613 has its flaws. It uses pad printed keycaps (which will wear over time), its Romer-G switches are somewhat soft, it lacks a backlight and you can’t connect it via USB cable.

Nevertheless, if you’re in the market for a wireless mechanical keyboard, I’d lean towards the Logitech G613 over the Corsair K63 for its superior battery life, dedicated macro keys and Bluetooth connectivity.