Logitech G512 X Review: Mechanical Meets Magnetic

The Logitech G512 X, unveiled in April, is a true innovation. The manufacturer’s new gaming keyboard combines the precision of modern TMR sensor technology with top-of-the-line features and the ability to easily use both analog and mechanical switches—even simultaneously. The result is surprising, as it presents a concept I haven’t seen in this form before. Read more in our Logitech G512 X review.

Logitech G512 X: Technical Specifications

Product Name	G512 X
Switch type	Mechanical / Magnetic
Available Switch Types	Tactile
Switch replaceable	Yes
Replaceable keycaps	Yes
Material	Plastic
Dimensions (L x W x H)	330.2 x 155.2 x 46.6 mm (75 percent)
Weight	850 grams
Onboard memory	1 profile
Connection	USB Type-C; 2.4 GHz
Rollover technology	N-key rollover
Keycaps	PBT double-shot
Operating modes	Typing; Gaming
Polling rate	8,000 Hz
Price	€ 219.97 *

Stylish design, compact or spacious

Sometimes it’s the little details that make all the difference. That goes for the Logitech G512 X, too. Switch and keycap pullers included? Standard fare. But that these serve as ergonomic feet for raising the keyboard? I haven’t seen that anywhere else.

Even a rotary knob, used for volume control for example, is no longer a rarity these days. Even low-profile keyboards like the Corsair Vanguard Air 99 Wireless (our review) have something like this. But two rotary knobs? On a 75% keyboard? That’s a first for me, too, and it shows just how much thought Logitech put into the G512 X. Hats off!

Visually, the Logitech G512 X features an eye-catching yet cohesive design. My review unit comes in white with light blue accents; alternatively, the keyboard is also available in black. It’s available in two sizes: as a full-size 98-key version for around 220 euros and as a 75-key variant for about 190 euros. Even upon unboxing, it’s clear that Logitech prioritizes sustainability; apart from a few adhesive strips, the packaging consists entirely of FSC-certified cardboard and paper.

The chassis itself is made of plastic but feels surprisingly high-quality. When tapped, there are no hollow sounds, and the build quality appears flawless overall. Weighing in at about one kilogram, the keyboard has substantial heft, ensuring it sits securely on the desk. You can move it intentionally, but it won’t slip away accidentally.

I particularly like the well-thought-out details: On the back, there are small storage compartments for nine additional analog switches as well as five SAPP (Second Actuation Pressure Point) rings, which can be optionally placed under the keycaps to create an additional actuation point.

The PBT keycaps feel pleasantly grippy and shouldn’t start to shine as quickly as cheaper ABS caps often do, even after prolonged use. An RGB light bar with 33 individually controllable LEDs is located along the bottom edge of the keyboard, which, together with the key backlighting, creates a cohesive look.

Logitech offers an optional acrylic palm rest; it costs around 45 euros for the 98-key version and about 40 euros for the 75-key variant. It doesn’t snap firmly into place but simply rests beneath the light bar, through which it shines, thereby enhancing the RGB effect. It’s a shame that this isn’t included in the package; I would have liked to take a look at it.

A minor drawback for Mac users: The G512 X comes exclusively with Windows and Alt keys; Command and Option keys are missing. While this can be added via software, the keyboard is clearly designed for Windows systems out of the box.

Logitech G512 X Review: Specs and Features

The heart of the Logitech G512 X is the so-called “Dual-Swap” function. In the 75-key version, 39 switch sockets can be swapped between mechanical and analog TMR switches. The package includes nine analog Gateron KS-20 switches, which are based on TMR sensors and are known for their high precision. In practice, this means: If you want to benefit from Rapid Trigger and free actuation point adjustment on the WASD keys, the spacebar, or the arrow keys, you can install the analog switches exactly there, while the rest of the keyboard remains mechanical and retains its familiar typing feel. Actuation points can be freely defined between 0.1 and 4 millimeters, and Rapid Trigger ensures that a key can be triggered extremely quickly in succession.

The SAPP rings mentioned earlier are a nice little feature. They are placed under the keycaps and create a second, tactile pressure point. This allows two different actions to be assigned to a single key, such as walking with a light press and sprinting when the W key is fully depressed. This is literally a double-edged sword: On the one hand, it’s a clever idea for games like shooters or survival games; on the other hand, it takes some practice to reliably hit the second pressure point, and the keys feel slightly less tactile with the ring in place. If you forget about the ring, you’ll quickly end up typing capital letters unintentionally.

Technically, the G512 X is at the forefront: both the mechanical and analog switch beds support a sampling rate of up to 8,000 Hz, combined with an end-to-end response time of 0.125 milliseconds. That’s high-end performance and ensures an extremely direct input feel—it’s especially noticeable in fast-paced shooters like Counter-Strike 2.

The keyboard itself features two rotary controls, one for RGB brightness and one for system volume; both can be remapped in the software. There’s also a “Scan” button that allows the keyboard to automatically detect which switches are currently installed and highlight them via RGB, as well as a separate Game Mode button that disables unwanted key combinations during intense gaming sessions.

The G512 X connects exclusively via a wired USB-C to USB-A connection. There is no wireless version, which is understandable given the 8,000 Hz polling rate, as this sampling rate would be a significant drain on battery life via wireless. Those looking for a wireless keyboard will have to look elsewhere.

App Integration via G-Hub

The Logitech G512 X is configured entirely via Logitech’s G-Hub software. During initial setup, a detailed tutorial launches immediately, explaining all the keyboard’s features—it feels like one of the longest intro videos I’ve ever seen for a Logitech device. If you don’t feel like going through the step-by-step guide, you can skip it entirely and start configuring right away.

In practice, G Hub has a clear layout. The software allows you to customize the key lighting and the RGB light bar, including various lighting effects and even a few playful presets. You can also adjust the polling rate between 1 kHz and 8 kHz, macros, and the entire key mapping here. For the dual-swap switches, G Hub clearly displays which keys are currently assigned to mechanical and which to analog modes, and allows you to define individual actuation points and Rapid Trigger settings per key. The SAPP Ring function with its two pressure points is also configured here.

One minor criticism concerns the Windows startup: G Hub takes a little time here for all mouse and keyboard settings to fully load. This isn’t a dealbreaker, but it’s noticeable, especially if you want to start gaming right after booting up. Overall, however, G Hub has improved significantly in recent years and works reliably in everyday use without constantly causing problems, as was sometimes the case with older Logitech generations.

Logitech G512 X Review: Practical Use and Feel

In daily use, the Logitech G512 X is a real joy. While writing this article and during hours-long sessions in single-player games, I’m particularly struck by how pleasant the mechanical switches feel—rich, slightly springy, with a clear, “clicky” actuation that provides satisfying feedback when typing. Those coming from a high-end custom mechanical keyboard will notice that the G512 X doesn’t quite reach that level, but for a keyboard in this price range, the typing feel is absolutely impressive.

The true added value of the keyboard becomes apparent when switching to the analog switches on the WASD keys and the spacebar. In Counter-Strike 2, the freely selectable actuation point and Rapid Trigger allow for noticeably more precise and faster stopping and acceleration; the feeling of having immediate control over movement is significantly more pronounced than with purely mechanical keyboards. For those who have never tried analog switches before, the nine included switches offer a low-risk way to test out the concept without having to buy a fully analog keyboard right away.

Changing the switches themselves is delightfully straightforward. Thanks to hot-swap sockets, you don’t even have to unplug the keyboard; the pullers built into the base make the swap a matter of just a few minutes. The only important thing is to insert the loose switches correctly, with the RGB LED facing the user, otherwise you risk bending the pins.

I have mixed feelings about the SAPP rings. The concept is clever and can be quite useful in certain games, such as survival or open-world titles with walking-and-sprinting mechanics. However, in the heat of everyday gaming, I’ve found myself forgetting which ring is active on multiple occasions, suddenly typing in all caps in chat without meaning to. Here, you should consciously decide which keys you want to permanently assign the rings to, rather than experimenting randomly.

Overall, the G512 X handles the transition between gaming and typing with ease in everyday use. It’s just as suitable for long typing sessions as it is for competitive matches, without requiring major compromises in either area.

Logitech G512 X Review: Conclusion

The Logitech G512 X is one of the most well-designed gaming keyboards I’ve had in my hands recently. The dual-swap concept combining mechanical and analog TMR switches works surprisingly well in practice and offers exactly the (to my knowledge) unique flexibility that many gamers desire, without sacrificing the classic typing feel. Clever accessory design, solid build quality, and a compelling look round out the overall package.

If you’re looking for a wireless keyboard or don’t plan on swapping switches anyway, you might not get the full value for the price with the G512 X. For everyone else who likes to experiment with technology and wants to customize their keyboard to their own gaming style, however, the G512 X is a clear recommendation.