We already said that the G15 is not a new product per se, but a re-release. The previous version, dating from 2005, was bigger due to the 18 programmable keys in three different modes – which gave the user a total of 54 button options. That was way too much and nobody used them to their full extent. That made the keyboard too big a mess of keys. The new G15 is more compact, with only six programmable keys in three different modes (giving the player 18 options) arranged vertically on the left side of the keyboard. A game mode switch disables the Windows keys, avoiding the risk of them being accidentally pushed during gameplay.
click to enlarge Figure 2: Programmable keys.
The previously mentioned LCD display got smaller but is now integrated to the keyboard’s main body. The old model’s LCD lifted up and was prone to breaking if you were that kind of gamer who takes his keyboard and mouse to tourneys and lan houses. The new one is surrounded by the usual multimedia keys (play/pause, stop, back, forward, volume control) and also buttons to interface with the information displayed on the screen.
click to enlarge Figure 3: LCD display.
There’s also a pair of USB ports and some narrow trenches cut underneath the keyboard to route the wiring. The wrist rest is made of cheap plastic and makes the G15 even bigger. Due to lack of space in our test table and the wrist rest not being that comfortable, we ditched it.
