The Logitech G512 X isn't an enthusiast's magnetic keyboard, but it could makes sense for beginners

I'll get it out the way first, the Logitech G512 X is one of my favorite gaming keyboards of the magnetic age. It doesn't offer the smoothest typing feel or break out a ludicrous number of actions per key. It doesn't use a wireless connection or a whole new form factor. In fact, the Logitech G512 X impresses me so much because it falls into none of those pitfalls, instead making smart investments with its features in order to undercut some of the more premium options on the market.

That's where some of the best gaming keyboards find their footing so, while you won't find a PCB stacked to the brim with high quality magnetic switches here, there's plenty nudging the G512 X into that top list. Another thing to get out the way before we start. Straight out of the box, this is a mechanical keyboard through and through. It's only when you take a look at the nine Gateron magnetic switches hidden along the top lip that the full customization options are unfurled.

This is a hybrid magnetic / mechanical deck, with 39 slots for those magnetic clackers to sit in and the ability to chop and change between analog and mech whenever you need to. In essence, it doesn't charge you for the premium magnetic switches you're unlikely to use on the right-hand side of the board.

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What I love

Smart magnetic implementation makes for an easier price tag

The Logitech G512 X starts at $179.99 / £169.99 for the 75% version, but it's probably more useful to look at the 98% model. That's because this not-quite-full-sized design is where a lot of the more premium Hall effect keyboards are finding themselves these days, with the best two I've tested being the Corsair Vanguard Pro 96 and Asus ROG Azoth 96 HE.

Both of these are more expensive than the Logitech G512 X (at full price, anyway - more on that later), with Corsair's option coming in at $229.99 / £209.99 and the Azoth sitting at a whopping $359.99 / £349.99. They both also feature magnetic Hall effect switches throughout the entire deck.

That means you're paying for analog customization where you might not need it. Logitech restricts its nine supplied Gateron switches to the left hand of the board, where you're more likely to be clustering your action keys around WASD. This is where most players actually utilize adjustable actuation points and rapid trigger - featuring the same switches across the rest of the deck can feel like a waste.

That's where Logitech plays its smartest card. While dropping down the number of usable magnetic switches may be a disservice to the ultra-competitive among us, the majority of more casual players are better served here.

It also achieves full hot-swappability between magnetic and mechanical clackers for far less cash than the only other keyboard I've tested with this tough-to-find feature; the Cherry XTRFY MX 8.2 Pro TMR at $249.99 / £209.99. Straight out the box, you'll find either Logitech's linear or tactile mechanical switches installed.

It's not just that Logitech has cut back on its magnetic keys so save us a few bucks. It's that this analog functionality has been implemented in a way that keeps things sensible while still allowing for the full customization experience. Each Gateron switch is capable of actuating at between 0.1mm and 4mm (the full range we typically see), with dual-step actuation points up for grabs.

You can look at the four-point actuations found in premium options like the Azoth or Glorious GMMK 3 Pro HE, but few players will actually take advantage of such a feature.

Plus, the added Second Actuation Pressure Point rings (included alongside your extra switches along the top of the deck) make this magnetic feature even better with their smart tactile bump. Applying these o-rings to a Gateron switch's face provides tangible feedback for your first actuation point. I'm just guessing and relying on muscle memory in other decks.

Rich typing feel

You can find cheaper magnetic keyboards, in the NZXT Function Elite Mini TKL that launched at $199.99 but is regularly found in double-figures these days, for example. These decks always carry a slightly woolly quality to their cheaper magnetic switches, though, upping resistance in the typing feel and adding extra fatigue.

While the G512 X's mechanical clackers are a little heavier in their actuation force than I would typically choose day to day, their mechanical design keeps this lower-budget magnetic stiffness at bay. If the supplied Gaterons then went and stomped all over that smoother typing feel, we'd have a problem - but Logitech went with TMR technology for its alternate clackers. That means we've got a much easier actuation even across those other switches.

Typing with both flavors installed isn't as disconcerting as I thought it might have been as well. There's a little giveaway that some of these things are not like the others, but it never translates into an uncomfortable experience, nor a less precise one. They smooth into each other nicely, and I never felt the need to adjust tension when hitting a magnetic clacker straight after a mechanical one.

All that's supported by a gasket mounted design that makes for a softer full press and keeps each clack suitably deep in sound and texture. I never heard a single rattle, ping, or echo in my entire testing time.

Functional cyberpunk design

Some could look at the glowing plastic grate at the front of the Logitech G512 X and call it garish. Others could see a cheaper-feeling piece of plastic holding switches and o-rings in place and think it naff. I might have been one of those people in another life, but the jazzy design has won me over.

We've got enough all-black monochrome keyboards relying on per-key RGB lighting, the aqua-cyan of the white G512 X I've been testing looks great on the desk and keeps things interesting in aesthetic. There's a serious impact to that glowing front edge - if Logitech decided to include the accompanying translucent wrist rest in the box, this would have been a 10/10 for style.

What to consider

Casing quality doesn't quite match competitors

Logi nailed the look of the G512 X in my opinion, but it's not quite following it through with a durable build. I've noticed in the last week or so of my testing, the casing itself doesn't hold up to as much pressure as you'll find elsewhere across the market. There's some notable flex in the lower bezel that even yields some creaks when really pushed to its limits. That's under direct force that wouldn't be applied under normal circumstances, but the Asus and Corsair decks mentioned earlier don't behave quite the same.

Logitech is using a thinner plastic for its top plate, and when that material overhangs the light bar running underneath the front edge it's significantly weakened. The same flexing and creaking can't be felt towards the top of the keyboard, but does betray itself in the thinner lines of casing between the main alphas and the num pad.

Full magnetic decks can meet this price point

It's not necessarily a con, partly because I'm celebrating the fact that Logitech is using magnetic clackers efficiently. However, it should be noted that you're not getting a full set of adjustable switches here - just in case you really do need all those customizations. Still, even that would be a non-starter if the G512 X was priced just a little lower. As it stands today, with sales taken into the equation, you can find full sweeps of Hall effect switches for about the same rate as this - and often less.

The Corsair Vanguard Pro 96, for example, launched at $229.99 / £209.99 but it's since tumbled to sit at between $160 and $190 day to day now. Whether you use all of those magnetic clackers or not, it's still the better deal.

Should you buy the Logitech G512 X?

If you're looking to dip your toe into the world of Hall effect keyboards, have a decent wad of cash to invest in the adventure, but want the flexibility to back out and return to your mechanical switches instead, there's no better gaming keyboard on the market right now.

That hot-swappability (and cheaper price than Cherry) is a real feather in this board's cap and makes for a seriously compelling reason to go team Logi for your next deck. Being able to swap and change between not just different mechanical feels, but switch types altogether is a real benefit considering the high prices of fully analog keyboards. Even if you decide you hate adjustable clackers, the G512 X will still serve you just fine.

If you're already on board with the magnetic revolution, there may be better value elsewhere. The Corsair Vanguard Pro 96 hasn't lost its throne to Logitech here. It's more efficient not to slot magnetic switches into slots where they won't be used, but it's also undeniable that the Vanguard provides more customization options for less cash (when it's on sale). Throw in that sturdier form factor and those looking for an all-out magnetic transformation will find better features elsewhere.

How I tested the Logitech G512 X

I've had the Logitech G512 X on my desk for just over two weeks now, and it's been running the whole show in that time. This has been my only keyboard for both work and play, save for a few direct comparison sessions with the Asus ROG Azoth 96 HE and Corsair Vanguard Pro 96. In that time I tested specifically on Apex Legends and CS2, but also let it run on High on Life 2, Mixtape, and Planet Coaster 2 sessions.

For more information on how we test gaming keyboards, check out the full GamesRadar+ Hardware Policy.

For more options, check out our guides to the best hot-swappable keyboards and the best wireless gaming keyboards available.