Over the last month I've been using Logitech's G19 & G13. While a month may sound like a long time to come up with a review of a keyboard, I wanted to make sure that this review isn't just …

In the end the Logitech G19s was quite the spin on keyboards. It's not quite what Razer has with its touchpad screen, but it is quite fancy when it comes to just being a discrete screen.

It is gimmicky! The screen is neat and has lots of apps and the ability to make your own; Full RGB backlighting – get your dream color across the board; Nice discrete media keys and full number pad; 12 discrete macro keys and multiple profiles for all your games; Not mechanical; Powered USB ports

PRICE! $$$$; Not mechanical; Needs a power adapter to operate the LCD screen – find an open one; USB ports are 2.0 – new enough to have 3.0

Makers PC gaming peripherals are in the unenviable position of having to meet gamer's simultaneous demands for top-of-the-line products and innovative products that offer new and better ways to interact with technology. Finding the balancing point between these two concerns is a tricky business.

Built-in display for data, communication, and video; Customizable backlight; 12 programmable macro buttons; Integrated media and volume control; Multiple switchable profiles

Pricey; Membrane switches feel mushy and stiff; Plastic construction feels flimsy; Requires AC power

The G19 is a costly keyboard that relies on software installed on your system for most of its magic. With the drivers installed, and on operating systems for which the driver is not available its special features don't function at all.

Inbuilt LCD display; Macro keys can be programmed on the fly; Changable back-light colors; Windows-ley disable lock; Good software configuration interface; Support for Windows SlideShow

No support for Linux; Severely limited functionality without drivers; Limited support in Games; display is underutilized

Costing anywhere from $100 to $200, the Logitech G19s could be for any PC gamer or for someone that just needs a lot of extra key binds. Offering 12 extra "G" keys is a big advantage for MMO players. A tiltable color LCD display offers a variety of display options.

This keyboard is fantastic for many reasons, hardcore gamers will love it's G keys and LCD HUD, while the social gamer, like me, will enjoy pretty colours and being able to see what they're typing in the dark. Is it worth the $260 pricetag (as of December, 2013)?

lcd screen; lots of pretty colours; great look and feel

some colours hurt the eyes; lack of instructions; external power supply needed

Whether you spend your days hunched over a desk pounding out verbiage or prancing through Khaz Modan in search of Monkey Gauntlets , the tool you wield can make all the difference. Sadly, the science of keyboard design seems to have fallen by the wayside in recent years.

More customizable than a box of Legos; Two self-powered USB ports; Dedicated D-pad and menu keys let you control LCD directly from the keyboard; Convenient cable management lanes carved into bottom of unit lessens clutter slightly; Choose-your-own-color adventure with adjustable backlighting.

Limited desktop space? This is NOT your keyboard; Price tag to match gargantuan footprint; Requires power brick to run; After it's novelty wears off, built-in LCD becomes more of a distraction than a useful tool

I Have been using computer for years now for gaming, when I use to go to graphic arts school, and computer engineering tech. It's smooth, most comfortable keyboard I've owned, compared to the Logitech wave, and Microsoft ergonomic, keyboards I've owned in the past. Love the lights and LCD screen.

Comfortable Design; Great Features; Highly Compatible; Quiet; Reliable Performance

Difficult To Clean

Once you get past the sticker shock, the Logitech G19s is a premium keyboard that delivers a white-glove gaming experience. It offers a generous number of macro buttons, a sturdy build quality, and a built-in LCD panel that's more useful than gimmicky.

Useful LCD Panel; Look Ma; No Fingerprints!; Sturdy Build Quality; Lots of Macros; Built-In USB Hub; Automatic Profile Detection

Bulky Cable; Rigid Keys; Price

One hobby I've always enjoyed has been video games. In fact, as I've mentioned before, the only way my mother claims to have been able to calm me down when I was an infant was to put me in her lap and play the original Super Mario Bros. for the Nintendo Entertainment System for 2-3 […]

Many features; fun to use

Need for a power supply; lack of precise CPU/RAM monitoring tool; macro keys may seem awkwardly placed to some