Logitech G413 SE mechanical keyboard review: Affordable, but not cheap enough

A standard grievance about mechanical keyboards is that they are costly, particularly if you happen to desire a longtime model. However Logitech challenges that with its new G413 SE, which is without doubt one of the firm’s least costly mechanical keyboards. At $80, it barely squeaks into the funds class, and there is additionally a $70 tenkeyless model.

Logitech comes by with a high quality, mildly uncommon typing expertise. The G413 SE’s conservative design can even win over customers who really feel mechanical keyboards, particularly gaming gadgets, have turn into too flashy.

Regardless of a repute for prime costs, $80 mechanical keyboards can nonetheless supply loads today. However if you happen to’re evaluating characteristic units amongst funds mechanical keyboards, the G413 SE does not appear low-cost sufficient.

Restricted options

I do not know why Logitech categorizes the G413 SE as a gaming keyboard as a substitute of only a keyboard for basic use. The machine lacks the spectacular characteristic units of the corporate’s different gaming clackers. Even the non-SE G413 provides extra whereas costing $10-$20 much less as of writing.

The G413 SE does not work with Logitech’s G Hub software program. So not like the non-SE model—which helps you to program the F1-F12 keys, together with with macros—there is no programmability in any respect.

Moreover, the non-SE G413 from 2017 has a USB passthrough port and cable administration meant for gaming mice and headphones. You too can get it with a crimson (as a substitute of white) backlight. Lastly, the keyboard claims to assist 26-key rollover, which lets the keyboard register 26 simultaneous key presses, in comparison with our evaluation topic’s 6-key rollover. It even comes with additional keycaps and a keycap puller.

We by no means examined the non-SE G413, which has totally different tactile mechanical switches (Logitech’s Romer G Tactile) than the SE and use ABS plastic keycaps. The G413 SE’s bump to PBT plastic appears to be the one apparent enchancment over the non-SE, though as upgrades go, it is nothing to sneeze at. That helps the G413 SE’s typing expertise stand out, however the pricier, particular version of any keyboard actually ought to return with a higher variety of advantages over the usual version.

Black and primary

Some mechanical keyboards mix placing, retro, or daring shade schemes with flashy, colourful lights within the keys, chassis, and even wrist relaxation. The G413 SE appears to take a unique tack: it does not need to be seen. In actual fact, earlier than you activate its white backlight, the darkish legends on its black keycaps are exhausting to see.

Customers who discover magnificence in subtlety or who need a glossy, black look to finish their setup can admire the G413 SE. However mixed with an absence of distinctive options, this general design can greatest be described as “plain.”

The keyboard’s flashiest facet is its white backlight. For the reason that keycaps’ legends have been illegible from my seated place, I at all times wanted the backlight. The G413 SE’s vibrant LEDs aren’t any RGB, however they shine by the darkish keycaps whereas making a glow between the keycaps that is seen from a top-down view.

This backlight is a step above primary. It has 5 results: in a single impact, the lighting fades out and in; in one other, keys illuminate brighter than the remaining for a second after pressed. Controls for results in addition to brightness (three ranges, plus off) are reached by urgent Fn and F12 and F1 and F2, respectively. Placing all of the lighting controls subsequent to one another could be extra intuitive, although.

Soulless, light-weight plastic with a mildly shiny end makes up the underside chassis. In the meantime, the aluminum prime plate brings extra creativeness. The highest’s refined brushed end offers the keyboard extra texture and weight—and the occasional fingerprint smudge.

One other sacrifice made for the SE’s low price? The cable. It is a plain rubber factor with no enforcement the place it connects to the keyboard (though its connector is relatively chunky). Price range keyboards typically really feel cheaper and poorly made, although, and the G413 SE’s two-year guarantee is longer than some costlier rivals.