The ‘Mech-Dome’: Real Deal or a Marketing Stunt?
Knowing what to look for in a gaming keyboard is essential when you are on a hunt for one. If you want something that is packed with features but still with a budget-friendly price tag, read on because the Logitech G213 is a strong contender in this category. It’s quite a deal with its fully RGB backlit keys, dedicated media controls, and user-friendly software.
There is one important detail, though: this is a membrane keyboard. However, Logitech’s claim that it is ‘tuned’ for gaming, equally gave rise to my skepticism and curiosity. I had to check if the G213 is indeed a deal.
- Prodigy Series Logitech G keyboard for advanced gaming-grade performance up to 4x faster than standard keyboards so every keypress is near instantaneous from fingers to screen
- Brilliant Color Spectrum Illumination lets you easily personalize up to 5 lighting zones from over 16.8 million colors to match your style and gaming gear
- Tactile performance keys tuned for gaming with responsive and more. LCD Display: No
- Dedicated media control let you quickly play, pause, skip and adjust the volume of music right from the keyboard
- Easily customize key lighting, 12 Function keys with custom commands, and more with free Logitech Gaming Software
Ergonomics and Design
At a glance, the G213 is a well-built keyboard that, however, looks a bit large. The reason it is chunkier than usual is the un-removable wrist rest located at its base. If we put aside the visual effect of a huge frame, I like how the wrist rest is built. It has a comfortable slant that gives proper support.
The top part is equally huge, thanks to another inch of space above the keys. On the bright side, this keyboard is spill-proof. So, if you are rather clumsy and have been thinking about researching spill-resistant keyboards, the G213 may interest you.
Keys and Switches
Of course, you will not find any mechanical switches on the G213, as it is a membrane keyboard.
While Razer has named their membrane switches that feel like mechanical switches ‘mecha-membrane’, Logitech has coined a term called ‘mech-dome.’ Allegedly, this rubber-dome keyboard mimics the feel and performance of its mechanical counterparts.
During testing, I was glad to see that Logitech has managed to shed off the mushiness that is normally associated with membrane keyboards. Instead, the keycaps have the tactility inherent to mechanical keyboards. It’s not the exact same clicky feel, but similar enough.
And though the keys have a certain solid feel that is akin to mech keys, it will not fool trained gamers’ fingers, though it will pass for gaming newbies.
Performance
We all know that non-mechanical keyboards have their strengths and weaknesses. They are quieter and much cheaper than most mechanical keyboards, though you won’t get the premium sensation that accompanies gaming-grade mechanical switches. So, to give the ‘mech-dome’ keys a proper trial, I ran the G213 through different gaming genres.
In Titanfall 2, the keypresses still had a bit of the expected soft feel, but the actuation did feel swifter than an average rubber-dome keyboard. The G213 performed decently in Heroes of the Storm; the keycaps were pleasant to use, though they did not measure up to mechanical switches in terms of response. On the positive side, I didn’t detect any sloppiness during gaming. And the anti-ghosting worked just fine during fast-paced gaming.
Sadly, for MMORPG players, there are no dedicated macro keys. Such a waste because the Logitech software makes setting up macros a breeze thanks to its capability to customize setups that are specific to your installed games. However, you can still assign those to function keys.
Software and Lighting
Logitech’s Gaming Software works extremely well on the G213, and setting it up is quite easy. The software has a pre-configured custom setting for select game titles. For example, if you have Battlefield 1 on your PC, Logitech’s software will detect this and will allow you to have game-specific customized lighting and key presets.
The G213 also supports Overwolf, and the software will allow you to further customize the in-game HUD and more features in compatible games. In terms of RGB backlighting, Logitech has limited the light show to the iconography and the keycaps.
Final Verdict
Should you buy the G213? Well, that depends. If you like a quiet operation during gaming and you are not really into the clicky, tactile feel of mechanical switches, then this keyboard will work for you. Entry-level gamers might also enjoy testing the waters with this nice looking RGB keyboard.
However, despite the attractive price, the customizable lighting, anti-ghosting, and configurable function keys, the Logitech G213 Gaming Keyboard most probably will not impress hard-core gamers.
- Prodigy Series Logitech G keyboard for advanced gaming-grade performance up to 4x faster than standard keyboards so every keypress is near instantaneous from fingers to screen
- Brilliant Color Spectrum Illumination lets you easily personalize up to 5 lighting zones from over 16.8 million colors to match your style and gaming gear
- Tactile performance keys tuned for gaming with responsive and more. LCD Display: No
- Dedicated media control let you quickly play, pause, skip and adjust the volume of music right from the keyboard
- Easily customize key lighting, 12 Function keys with custom commands, and more with free Logitech Gaming Software
