Logitech G Pro X TKL Lightspeed

I've always been a fan of smaller keyboards. The ability to have a device take up less space on your desk is a huge bonus, especially if, like me, you have a desk space that is cluttered with additional necessary gadgets and technology. But at the same time, while the small size of 60% keyboards is a plus, the lack of arrow keys and those few extra buttons can become a nuisance, and hence why tenkeyless designs have become so popular. In this very vein, I have been testing Logitech's brand-new G Pro X TKL Lightspeed as of late, which is essentially the slightly upgraded version of the tenkeyless G Pro keyboard, and so far, I have been very impressed by this device.

The TKL Lightspeed is slightly larger than your typical tenkeyless keyboard. It doesn't feature a number pad, but it does have defined arrow keys and a bunch of typical extra buttons such as page up and down. Where the TKL Lightspeed differs is in the extra buttons that sit above the keyboard, with these opening the way to a slate of backlighting options, playback mechanics, ways to activate Bluetooth and the Lightspeed connection, and so forth. These are a truly handy bunch of buttons that pave the way to extra ease of use, but they come at the cost of a much larger body, as the TKL Lightspeed, while being TKL, is still quite a bulky device.

That being said, the build quality of this keyboard is excellent. It feels firm and secure without being as heavy and dense as that of say HyperX's Alloy Origins line. The keyboard is mostly made of high-grade plastic but it has a silver metallic base plate that adds depth to its appearance and gives it extra structural strength. The keys are also well manufactured and are easy to remove so that you can clean the keyboard or perhaps place a spacer on the GX Switches (which can be either Tactile, Linear, or Clicky) to reduce their noise output. On the topic of noise, the keys and switches are noticeably clicky, so be ready to install a noise gate or strategically place your microphone further away from your keyboard if you don't want to frustrate your friends when in a party chat or Discord room.

Looking at the connection systems, the TKL Lightspeed can operate either as a wired system, wirelessly through regular Bluetooth, or wirelessly through Logitech's proprietary Lightspeed technology, which reduces input lag at the cost of a less efficient battery. Generally speaking, I haven't noticed a huge difference between the three options, aside from wired reducing your portability potential. What I will say however is that the battery life of the TKL Lightspeed is very impressive and will last you for around the promised 50 hours if you're not using Lightspeed.

Talking about portability, this is one of the areas that most surprised me with the TKL Lightspeed. As this isn't a small keyboard, you wouldn't expect for it to be an ideal portable option, but Logitech has leaned into doing just this. To ensure you never lose the Lightspeed adapter, the keyboard has a built-in cavity that allows you to safely store it. Then for when you're on the go, Logitech actually sells this device with its own very handy carry case, which to me is a huge bonus.

I will say that the keyboard isn't flawlessly designed. Due to the size of the keycaps (which are pretty much the regular gaming keycap size) and the angle that the keyboard sits at (even when elevated on its built-in legs), it's always a challenge to see the Caps Lock and Battery LED lights that are on the top, meaning you have to crane your neck to check them. This is also the case with the majority of the top buttons, but as the rest are larger and more visible, they are less of a problem.

Logitech has also looked to ensure that the TKL Lightspeed has plenty of support on the G Hub software application, as here you can really design and adjust the RGB to suit your style from a whole collection of options. You can also fiddle with macros and commands, and even set a Game Mode so that certain keys and buttons are disabled when you are mid-game - and the best part is that there's an option to turn on/off Game Mode on the keyboard itself with one of the defined top buttons. Between this and the volume scroll wheel, you really don't need to take your hands off this keyboard for too many reasons.

I am really impressed by this keyboard and have truly fallen in love with it. It's highly customisable, features tons of options, is well-built, feels great to use, has broad wired and wireless options, and is supported with a great portability offering. Its size can be a little frustrating for sure, but the bigger form is only present so that Logitech can include a list of additional and helpful buttons. The main thing about the G Pro X TKL Lightspeed is that it's a very expensive gadget, costing €229, but for that price point, you do get a keyboard that will rival some of the best on the market, as well as a carry case to take it on your travels. Need we say any more.