Logitech has unveiled the G515 Lightspeed TKL Wireless, a new low-profile gaming keyboard that features enhanced low-profile switches now compatible with Cherry MX-style keycaps, increasing its customization potential.
The G515 serves as a notable upgrade to the Logitech G915 Lightspeed Wireless keyboard, which was first introduced in 2019. This new model adopts a TKL (tenkeyless) design, similar to the G915 TKL update from 2020, but with further modifications. The G515 eliminates not only the number pad but also the wide volume wheel that was positioned above it on the G915.
Removing the physical volume wheel has allowed Logitech to price the G515 at $139, making it significantly more affordable than both the $249.99 G915 and the $229.99 G915 TKL. While this is not as inexpensive as the $104 Keychron K1 Max QMK wireless low-profile keyboard, which offers similar functionality, Logitech is also planning to release a wired-only version of the G515 for $99 later this year, providing an even more budget-friendly option.
The G515 continues to utilize Logitech’s low-profile GL mechanical switches. When these switches first appeared on the G915 almost five years ago, they were found to be modified versions of Kailh’s Choc V1 low-profile switches, which complicated customization and the swapping of keycaps. For the G515, however, Logitech has introduced an updated design for its GL mechanical switches featuring a “polyoxymethylene (POM), cross-style stem.” This design change makes the keyboard compatible with low-profile Cherry MX-style keycaps. It is not yet confirmed if the new G515 uses Kailh’s Choc V2 low-profile switches, which have a 1.3mm actuation distance similar to Logitech’s updated GL switches, or if they are a proprietary version.
Unlike the G915 Lightspeed Wireless keyboard that offered three switch types — linear, tactile, and clicky — the new G515 is available with only two quieter options: tactile and linear, requiring 45g and 43g of actuation force, respectively. The keyboard comes in either a white or black finish, with matching double-shot PBT keycaps, each featuring individual RGB lighting that supports 16.8 million colors, customizable through the Logitech G HUB app.
The G515 offers three connectivity options: Bluetooth, USB-C, or Logitech’s proprietary 2.4GHz Lightspeed technology. The Lightspeed connection provides a more reliable performance and improved wireless connectivity. Although it requires a USB dongle, only one is needed to connect two Logitech Lightspeed devices, potentially saving a USB port.
When used wirelessly with the Lightspeed dongle, the G515’s battery life is rated up to 625 hours with RGB lighting turned off. This decreases to up to 120 hours with RGB lighting set to 50 percent brightness and up to 36 hours with the brightness at 100 percent, which is a significant reduction for users who prefer bright lighting effects on their keyboard.
Overall, the Logitech G515 Lightspeed TKL Wireless keyboard offers a blend of affordability, enhanced customization, and reliable performance, making it a strong contender in the market for those seeking a versatile and user-friendly gaming keyboard.
