Power is nothing without control

+++ = Programmability
+++ = Game profiles stored in the instrument
++ = Processing
++ = Value / quality
+ = Display when used
O = Ergonomics (specifically: Thumb controls and keys G1, G8, G7 and G14)
- = Key "in" sidestick very stiff and so unwatchable

For information on risks and side effects the fine print:

5 years ago I stumbled upon the Saitek Pro Gamer Command Unit, the predecessor of the Saitek gamepad FPS Pro Gamer Unit (another name, same technology) and found the principle of a separate Gameboards very appealing. Back then there was only one previous version of the Razer Nostromo Gaming Keypad as an alternative and because of the price and relatively good recessions I then selected the Saitek. A year later, the Logitech G13 came on the market - but as I was supposedly well served, I continued my to stop caring. A quarter of a lot but the left column of buttons Saitek completely. Meanwhile, I had however already accustomed to the principle Gameboard and have therefore been looking for a successor. By unsightly buttons failure and other shortcomings (mainly the programming software) should be more but in no case a Saitek.

I play role playing games like Sacred 2 or Divinity II, no shooter. Therefore, I put less emphasis on precise control of the avatar with the Gameboard, but on many macro keys whose functions must be freely programmable. I run a lot of effort in accordance with the macro programming and profiling.

Since I have used over the years many Logitech products (. Eg Logitech G35 PC gaming headset with cord), with whom I was very happy or am still, I decided despite the price for the G13 - as far as I could test it , after all, the most expensive product in the not very large Gameboard selection.

The G13 is - consuming packaged - as with the other gamers Logitech products. The contents of the package is nonetheless clear and hardly worth mentioning. In addition to the G13's are still a few Faltblättchen and the usual DVD, but which ends up unnoticed in the corner. Drivers are drawn exclusively from the website. Speaking driver: Anyone who uses a product from the G-series, now usually installed the Logitech Gaming Framework, in which the drivers are integrated. In the system tray then you have only an icon, can be addressed via the all compatible devices.

The Gaming Framwork therefore eats pretty resources (about 40 MB for the actual process) and still brings all sorts of sub-processes (especially for the LCD display) with. On my W7 alone run for the Gaming Framework six processes with about 80 MB. No worries - resources we have without end. Nevertheless U. could stuff like u. Program also slimmer.

Very positively surprised me the key assignment or macro programming of G13, especially when compared to the Saitek Command Unit. What was a complicated and unintelligible retching at Saitek, is child's play with the Logitech and intuitively understand. The Intricate m. E. actually researching only the keyboard or cheat codes on the Internet, programming or editing of existing macros or profile goes almost without saying. I could anyway everything I wanted to program, realistically implement. Absolutely exemplary is m. E. the opportunity to take the individual game profiles in the G13 itself. However, the space is limited to. Who has a lot of macros to the buttons, no longer brings as two or three profiles under the integrated memory. I think that now only secondary importance.

Another plus point is m. E. the fine workmanship and the quality appearance - again in direct comparison with Saitek, but you can expect that at the price difference also. The metal plate on the bottom gives the Gameboard considerable weight and contributes to the positive overall impression. And, well, the display .... If you can use it, then it may well be really helpful. For my applications there is no support and to write me applet itself, I was far too lazy schichtweg. I do not need it and noted it thus not at all.

A discussion worthy point is the ergonomics: the also leads therefore to star deduction. Actually, I have big hands, but the keys G1, G8, G7 and G14 (left and far right, both upper rows of keys) I come not ran really, if I have the fingers on the WASD keys. In this position, I have my hands full with the two thumb buttons next to the sidestick. The bottom is still, but the top I never meet without looking. This is stupid, if you want to use the drive as a mouse and just the upper thumb button to emulate the left mouse button. But no evil is the button, which is integrated in the side stick, is therefore triggered by pressure on the stick. He goes so heavily with my G13 that I always verreiße the stick and one of the stop commands views before I manage to push the stick in the middle. Therefore, I do not use the button (z. B. as a middle mouse button).

Conclusion:
A massive and valent Gameboard with strikingly good programming and an astonishing range of functions, which in the ergonomics but affords weaknesses. Basically, it can but what I expected: I am therefore very happy with it.

Thank you for reading and your patience.