If you are into gaming and haven’t used a mechanical keyboard before, then you’re missing out. Or, you might be missing out because purchasing a mechanical gaming keyboard can be an expensive exercise.
This is where Logitech excels and has done so for nearly 50 years. They always manage to offer high-quality, functional, and competitive products at an affordable price. That’s why we’ve decided to take a closer look in our in-depth Logitech G413 review and see how it stacks up.
Could this be an entry-level keyboard that can also keep enthusiasts happy? Let’s find out…
Contents
Design
You might be surprised when first removing this keyboard from its packaging by the lack of plastic. Even though this is an affordable product, Logitech has used a matte black brushed aluminum metal platform to house the raised keycaps.
The other thing that you might not have been expecting is the size. It’s a full-sized keyboard measuring 17.5 x 4.1 x 1.4 inches (44.45 x 10.41 x 3.56 cm). While it’s not massive by any means, it’s certainly not compact either.
More than meets the eye…
There are exactly 104 keys, with no additional buttons for shortcuts or media controls. That is until you look on the bottom side of the F keys along the top row. It’s then you’ll notice there are some additional markings lurking there.
The standard options are available when pressed in combination with the function key. Play/pause, stop, skip, email shortcut, open browser, backlight brightness, plus gaming mode. This disables the Windows key to avoid unnecessary trips to the desktop.
Respect the management…
When you flip the keyboard over, there are some groves cut out to create a channel for routing the cable through. This is an excellent help with cable management and is something often only found in more expensive models.
The other welcome cable addition is the USB 2.0 pass-through located in the keyboard’s top right corner. This is perfect for connecting a mouse or headset, even a storage drive, or your phone charging cable.
Romer-G Switches
(4.6 / 5)Our review of the Logitech G413 would not be complete without talking about the mechanical switches. Logitech has created their own set of mechanical switches they call Romer-G. Most gamers will go for a keyboard with Cherry MX mechanical switches installed. These little beauties are comparable and offer just as good a performance.
They are a tactile switch, which means that after each key press, you’ll feel a satisfying bump as feedback. Operation is extremely quiet, too, so as not to interfere with your gaming and cause a distraction.
The nitty-gritty…
You don’t need to press the key too far for it to register. In fact, only 1.5 mm of actuation is required, offering super-fast responsiveness. The overall total travel distance is 3.2 mm when you’ll be greeted with a discernible bump.
The force required to activate these tactile switches is 50 gf (gram-force). Average force after initial activation then reduces to 45 gf. These switches are ideal for competitive and FPS gaming due to their quietness, speed, and precision, making it one of the Best Gaming Keyboards you can buy.
Seeing Red
Each of the keycaps is constructed from PBS plastic. They are comfortable and follow the standard shape on most regular keyboards. Logitech does provide you with 12 keycaps and a puller to change these over, though.
Included are keycap replacements for the Q, W, E, R, A, S, D, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 keys. They have a smoother texture but also have a different concave design, like a shovelhead. This makes them easier to locate and also harder for your fingers to slip off.
Shining light…
Every individual key has its own red LED light that provides bright and clear illumination. The lighting shines through both the regular and changeable keycaps precisely, making them easily recognizable in low-light situations.
Although the red is striking and attractive, it can come off as a little aggressive. We wish there was another backlighting option in either blue or white; then, this keyboard could easily fit in at both home and office.
Gaming Software
To take full advantage of this keyboard, you will need to download the software package available from Logitech’s website. They call it LGS (Logitech Gaming Software), which isn’t all that original, but that’s not what really matters.
This same software package can be used for most of Logitech’s gaming accessories range. When you purchase a new product, you simply add it to the software, and then you will have a range of customization options become available.
Keyboard customization…
Options with the G413 include being able to record and program macros, as well as key remapping. You also gain more control over the backlighting with a broader choice of brightness options.
You can even assign particular profiles to specific games that the software automatically recognizes as being installed on your system. The software performs rather well and is more limited by the product’s limited options rather than the program itself.
Performance
This keyboard is gaming-specific in its design, and it becomes even more apparent during use. The Romer-G switches are shallow and still offer a discernible click as they are pressed.
They aren’t too loud, and having an audible response to confirm your action has registered is pleasing. Combined with the tactile bump felt at the bottom of each press gives a feeling of confidence with each and every input.
During gameplay…
We certainly noticed a difference during gameplay, particularly when playing FPS games. You can get to cover quicker, swap weapons more efficiently, along with moving around the screen with accuracy and precision.
A considerable advantage noticed when using this keyboard was when repeated, or alternating key presses were required. This action can be performed extremely quickly, with every input registering, while still providing noticeable feedback.
Logitech G413 Review Pros and Cons
Pros
- Amazingly solid build quality.
- An affordable product.
- Aircraft-grade brushed aluminum top panel.
- Bright, accurate, and even backlighting.
- Well-designed and easy-to-use software.
- Incredibly responsive Romer-G mechanical switches.
- Great gaming keycaps included.
Cons
- Two USB ports required for PC operation.
- No dedicated media controls.
- Red backlighting is too aggressive for the work environment.
- Limited customization for macros and key mapping.
Are you looking for more customization?
If so, check out a few of Logitech’s other offerings to compare capabilities in our in-depth Logitech G Pro Keyboard Review, the Logitech G910 Orion Spectrum Review, or our Logitech G810 Orion Spectrum Review. Or, if you need full customization, head straight to the Steelseries Apex Pro Review to read about its superior customization options.
You may also be interested in our Best Gaming Glasses Review, our Best FM2 CPU for Gaming Review, our Best Motherboard for i5 4690K, our Best CPU Coolers for i7 9700K Review, our Best Static Pressure Fans Review, our Best Micro ATX Motherboards Review, our Smallest Micro ATX Cases Review, or our review of the Best Computer Speakers available on the market in 2023.
OK, back to today’s review…
Logitech G413 Review – The Verdict
There are some features missing, like dedicated media controls and extensive customization options. This can be forgiven with how affordable this keyboard is, along with the quality of the build and materials used.
Where this keyboard really shines is with its performance, especially when gaming, which is what it was designed for. The lack of Cherry MX switches could put some off, but needn’t be, because the Romer-Gs are fantastic.
While they might miss some of the bells and whistles we’re used to, any enthusiast would be more than happy using this keyboard.
Happy gaming!
