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We've never been impressed with Logitech's previous headset solutions. The sound processors built into older USB 'sets were subpar at best, so we were very surprised to find that the G35 produced amazing audiophile-worthy results with the sound samples we tried. Maybe it's because this time, they've partnered with Dolby Labs to utilize second generation Dolby headphone technology -- the same special sauce that's in the new Astro Gaming and Plantronics headsets. Portable 7.1 surround sound may give the G35 an edge against the competition (provided your audio source outputs that many channels), but we were more wowed by the level of comfort provided by the smart design.
The fold-down microphone, for example, is wrapped in bendable rubber and reduces background noise on the fly to record crisp and clear voice commands. The closed-ear design felt extremely comfortable and blocked out any external noise from the room. Placing three macro command keys (ie. for swapping chat rooms in Ventrilo), volume scroll wheel, and mute buttons on the side of the left phone was also a stroke of genius. No more fumbling around with volume controls on a remote along the USB cable!
Like the G19 keyboard, this headset is geared toward the high-end gaming market, with a price to match. Check back for our full review when these products ship in March.
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steel_icon
January 08, 2009 at 8:08pm
http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/gaming/pc_gaming/mice_keyboards/devices/4956&cl=us,en#
Configureable backlight colours
http://www.logitech.com/repository/1268/jpg/11107.1.0.jpg
http://gearmedia.ign.com/gear/image/article/937/937810/new-logitech-keyboard-photos-leaked-20081211035759288-000.jpg
http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/gizmodo/2009/01/_MG_4845.jpg
Control
- Tiltable, color GamePanel™ LCD: The (320x240) display shows unprecedented levels of information—both in- and out-of-game—including game stats, system information, VOIP communication data, video playback, image slideshows, and many other items.
- User-selectable backlit characters: Personalize the keyboard to better fit with the rest of your computer and gaming equipment, and easily locate keys—even in the dark.
- Twelve fully programmable G-keys with three macros per key: Program up to 36 single keypresses or complex macros; use the MR key to record new macros on-the-fly.
- Multi-key input: Use up to five keys at once to perform multiple complex actions.
- Game/desktop mode: Disable the Windows/Context Menu keys so they won’t interrupt your game if pressed accidentally.
Convenience
- Two powered Hi-Speed USB 2.0 ports: Transfer data to and from peripherals—such as MP3 players and flash drives—while also charging battery-powered devices.
- Intelligent cable management: Keep mouse, headset, and other cords out of the way by routing them through channels on the underside of the keyboard.
- Instant media access: Use the convenient one-touch controls for volume and media playback.
killerxx7
January 07, 2009 at 5:14am
I have the gaming g15 and wille its nice its a bit smalle the keys are pretty cramped but i do love the screen
i use it all the time i couldnt go back to a standerd board now,and my bro has a pair of zalerman 5.1 cans that he loves so im sure he would be intreasted in 7.1 .
arkweld
January 07, 2009 at 2:40am
how does it feel? Some of us actually care about typing on these things and would like to see at least some brief comment in a "hands on" article.
In fact for me that's the most important part of a KEYBOARD. All these comments about how you an get cheaper keyboard that does the same basic thing are missing the point as well. Cheap keyboards feel like spongy crap and have little tactile response. I will happily pay more for a keyboard that actually feels good to use.The media stuff is just a fun extra in that case.
Keith E. Whisman
January 06, 2009 at 11:33pm
Hey Norm when your done with this keyboard can I have it? Just wondering.... ;) I mean it's ok but if you don't need it I'll take it.
mikemckay
January 06, 2009 at 10:38pm
some screen apps are pretty useful actually....having fraps draw a graph of fps is nice so you can look at it AFTER the action to see what your frames were
its nice having movie information like time elapsed/left etc on the keyboard when the full screened movie or show is the only thing on your monitor :)
i wont replace my old school G15 anytime soon (blue backlit keys and the ability to TILT THE SCREEN ftw), but it would be nice if they sold a keyboard that could change its backlight colors...like a button to cycle through red, green blue or something....seriously how much money could that add to a keyboard thats already $200? why would anyone care what their headphones LOOK like?? unless you are wearing earbuds, most headsets make us look awesomely nerdy and its the performance/comfort that counts right? Id wear one of the helmets from star wars if it sounded and felt much better than my sennheisers
Keith E. Whisman
January 06, 2009 at 11:28pm
The Saitek Cyborg Gaming Keyboard $79 dollars at Frys.com has three colors that you can cycle through and check this out I think that you can use all three at the same time on different areas of the keyboard. I was actually going to buy this keyboard but decided on the Logitech Desktop Wave keyboard because I loved the feel of the keys and the shear classy looks and out right awesomeness of the Wave. It just feels great to type with my keyboard and it's only $49bucks at the Frys Store. Here's the URL for the Saitek at Fry's http://shop4.frys.com/product/5611371?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG
strykyr
January 06, 2009 at 8:30pm
I won't be replacing my Gamecom777 anytime soon. Am looking for a new keyboard and mouse setup tho. But it won't be this one for $200..That's just too much for a keyboard and the display is kinda too much for me.
Keith E. Whisman
January 06, 2009 at 7:03pm
Norm he's right it's all dirty... What did you do with this keyboard huh? Tell me your not back at your licking thing again please?
BTW great article. You deserve a pat on the back and a few clean dust cloths.
Dunimas
January 06, 2009 at 6:14pm
Every piece of hardware has a market. This one may not fit me to a tee, but it sure is interesting.
::.Dunimas.::
jediken21
January 06, 2009 at 6:00pm
...if they made one with low profile keys. I can't stand those giant bulky nose makers.
Columbia747
January 06, 2009 at 5:43pm
Seems odd that the backlight is still orange, I would have much perfered something like blue or red or several differnt ones, the orange is just a turn off for me
funkyp56
January 06, 2009 at 4:54pm
to bad the headphones are hella UGLY! yeah I said hella, cuz I am from the bay area!
Muerte
January 07, 2009 at 8:06am
The macro keys are invaluable to gamers, one key does the work of 3. The LCD screen is useful for MMO,s and vent, its nice to see who's talking.
Plus they really did make the keys feel good. Just enough rebound to keep you from the feel of banging the keys.
The G15 is a really nice keyboard plus they are giving back the macro keys they took away from the revamped G15 gamer. Which was a huge complaint by people who used the old G15. So they get those back plus a color LCD for 100 bucks more.
Sounds like sound marketing to me.
Keith E. Whisman
January 06, 2009 at 4:43pm
Not really there are alot of people that go after the bling such as case modders and the like. Just because I don't have a use for it other people may enjoy and have a use for the features here. Although this keyboard still does the same thing as a $10dollar keyboard does you know like make it possible for you to type words and stuff.
t3e871
January 06, 2009 at 4:28pm
I'm using an old G15 with 18 Macro buttons x 3 modes ( they went down to 6 buttons I think on later g15s). So this keyboard may have a nice color screen, but not enough macro buttons for my addiction.
Muerte
January 07, 2009 at 7:59am
Actually 36. 12 buttons each can have 3 different macros attached to it via 3 function buttons.
Keith E. Whisman
January 06, 2009 at 4:04pm
So this is why the G15 is only $40 bucks at Wal-Mart now. When my still new Logitech Desktop Wave keyboard get's old and the palm rests that your not supposed to use (that's what my 9th Grade typing teacher told us anyhow with a long yard stick) start to crack and rot I'll get one of the G15's or something else as I type by touch. Why build a keyboard that requires you to take your eyes off the screen anyhow? Why bother learning to type by touch then if you have to look down at the keyboard. This is stupid.
Keith E. Whisman
January 06, 2009 at 11:20pm
Since I am no longer capable of editing my post I will post a note that I have discovered that there are two G15 Keyboards. One is the G15 gaming keyboard that costs lots of cash. Then there is the G15 keyboard that costs $40bucks at Wal-Mart. I discovered this just now as I downloaded the latest Mouse/keyboard setpoint software from Logitech.com. It does appear that the G15 keyboard has fewer features than the Gaming G15. But both have LCD screens but the G15Gaming keyboard has a larger LCD. Not that that matters to me. But I'm sure others love it and to those I say Goody goody.
Velcrow
January 06, 2009 at 4:26pm
Not sure I'd call it stupid. But it certainly seems impractical. Especially for gamers. You're right, taking your eyes off the screen is counter-productive. Except maybe to watch a 15 second clip during load times. Otherwise it's just a fancy gimmick.
