Logitech G PRO X TKL RAPID review: ultra-fast magnetic keyboard for gamers and more

Logitech has a well-known series of gadgets for gamers called Logitech G. It is in this line of devices that the new Logitech G PRO X TKL RAPID keyboard was released. It is important to emphasize the last word here, which means «fast», or its variations. Because here we have a keyboard for gamers with magnetic switches, hot-swap function, and many interesting features. Will it suit everyone? Yes, but probably not for everyone. Is it suitable for gamers and eSports players? Definitely yes because it was created for them, especially for the latter. Details, as always, are in the review below.

Technical specifications of Logitech G PRO X TKL RAPID

Type	Wired, compact TKL
Number of keys	87 + 6 multimedia + volume wheel
Switches	Magnetic analog
Change the angle of the body	Yes
Built-in memory	Yes
Macros	Yes
Connection	USB Type-C
Keystroke	0.1-4 mm
Pressing force	35g
NKRO anti-hosting	Yes
Illumination	Yes, RGB+Lightsync
Cable	Detachable, without braid, 1.8 m
Compatibility	Windows 11, MacOS 10.11 and higher
Housing material	Aluminum and plastic
Software	Logitech G HUB
Dimensions	357×150×38 mm
Weight	1.1 kg

Packaging and contents of Logitech G PRO X TKL RAPID

The Logitech G PRO X TKL RAPID comes in a classic, in this case, rectangular box with a keyboard pattern.

Inside we can see the peripheral itself, a 1.8-meter USB-C cable and documentation. There are no remote controllers or other tools for removing and replacing keys or switches. I was also surprised by the surprisingly thin cable without nylon braiding.

Design, ergonomics, and functionality

The name of the Logitech G PRO X TKL RAPID keyboard already contains information about its form factor because TKL means that there is no number pad, which means that the model has slightly reduced dimensions of 357×150×38 mm. Its weight is — 1.1 kg. The latter is due to the massive metal plate on the front, on which all the keys are mounted. The rest of the keyboard body is made of matte plastic.

We reviewed the black version (Black), and there are also white and pink (Magenta) versions.

I should also note that the Logitech G PRO X TKL RAPID case is made in the Skeleton format. This means that the switches are not covered by anything and stick out from the case.

The keyboard has an ISO layout. That is, there is a two-story Enter key, and the Shift keys have different lengths. The F1-F12 function row starts exactly above the 2 key. In total, we have 87 keys plus six multimedia keys and one wheel.

There are two layouts here: English and Ukrainian. True, the latter does not have laser engraving, which means it does not glow when the RGB backlight is active. But this is a common practice in general, but there are exceptions. For example, Hator Rockfall 3 TKL Wireless, which we recently reviewed.

On the front panel of the case we can see a bulging part with various additional buttons. On the left, in the corner, there is a G logo. To the right of it are two physical buttons for switching between normal and gaming modes, as well as for controlling the RGB backlight level. In the middle is the Caps Lock light indicator, and to the right of it are four multimedia keys. On the right corner we see a physical «roller» for volume control, and this, in my opinion, is one of the most convenient controls.

On the right side of the inner end of the model we can see the PRO engraving.

On the outer end, but now on the left corner, there is a USB-C port.

Magnetic candles work because of the Hall effect, which is often used in gamepads. In fact, they do not have physical contact with the board surface, which means they do not wear out. Instead, magnetic switches use a sensor and a magnet. The latter changes its position when a key is pressed, and the sensor sees this and records the change in the magnetic field. This is why you can set different pressing depths in such candles.

Such a tool makes it easy to play a wide variety of games, especially online shooters or MOBAs. For example, in the first case, you set a quick but convenient depth of press for WASD and other keys you need. It will be super convenient to do the same strafing with this. And for some, on the contrary, you make a longer depth. In the case of MOWA, this works with QWER and other similar keys for superfast skill and ulti presses, for example.

But that’s not all. Logitech G PRO X TKL RAPID is equipped with Rapid Trigger technology. This means that when you activate it, the key will be pressed again immediately after you start releasing it. In other words, for one full key press, a player will get two presses — the first one when pressing the key and the second one when releasing it. It turns out that this feature makes the player twice as fast in certain use cases.

Yes, of course, you will need to get used to all of this and adjust it to your needs, sometimes more than once or twice. But at last, such technologies will literally make a player faster without the use of cheats.

And after that, PBT double-casting keycaps and the Hot-swap switch function no longer seem like something incredible, but still, it is here and it is good.

To the list of available features, let’s add RGB backlighting and the Lightsync function. The latter means that the keyboard not only has customizable backlighting through the buttons and the app, but can also adapt to Windows and other devices connected to your PC. Of course, if they also support this function. That is, Logitech G PRO X TKL RAPID can glow in unison with other devices, in the same or different colors, with the same brightness, and so on. Nevertheless, of course, there are different brightness modes without Lightsync, many RGB backlight options, manual settings, and more.

This model can also use macros and onboard memory. The latter is enabled in the app and can record three user profiles on the keyboard. This is very convenient at esports competitions, when players come with their keyboards and are unable to install applications on their PCs, etc. And with memory, you just need to connect the keyboard, select the desired profile, and everything will be customized for you.

Connection, control, and software

The Logitech G PRO X TKL RAPID works exclusively via cable and synchronizes with the Logitech G HUB app. The keyboard works on Windows and macOS, but there are no duplicate icons on the keys for the latter.

The software has many sub-items and keyboard settings: RGB backlighting and its various variants, styles, synchronization, etc., creating and binding complex combinations to keys, creating macros and profiles for use from memory and for various games (the list is very long). Of course, the same customization of the magnetic switches takes place here, and I remind you that this can be done for each key separately, if necessary. We did not forget about updating the keyboard firmware, etc.

Logitech G PRO X TKL RAPID user experience

I liked the Logitech G PRO X TKL RAPID, but I’m definitely not its target audience. I’m not an esports player, but I am a gamer, and I play League of Legends. But it’s just for fun and nothing more.

Nevertheless, I tested the keyboard and its capabilities in this game and in some other non-online projects. After quite a few tests, I determined that in LOL I am comfortable with a pressing depth of 1.6 mm on the main keys. I tried to raise this value higher, or to make it 0.1 or 0.5 or 1, but in the first case, I could feel the delay, and in the other three, it was too fast and uncomfortable. At 0.1 and even 0.5, the keys were triggered literally by touching their surface. It seemed that you were touching the touchscreen instead of the button. Of course, this can also be used, but maybe not in MOBA, or maybe I’m not that fast, or I did something wrong.

At 1.6 mm, pushing skill and ultra was superfast, and most importantly, comfortable, and I could really control it. It definitely had a positive effect on the game. It works in regular games too. In S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 and Avowed, I have already set the value to 1.8 mm, and this is more than enough to really make literally all movements, actions, etc. faster.

In addition to the above-mentioned pleasures and the increase in the speed of my actions, add the moment of getting used to it. In LOL, it took me a few matches to get used to it, and in regular games, it took me about an hour. But, of course, it depends on the individual.

However, the main question remains. Does an average gamer need all this? In my opinion, no, but eSports players would definitely benefit from such a thing. I would say «masthead». Or if you have money and try to keep up with technology, then this is also for you. Logitech G PRO X TKL RAPID definitely speeds you up. You could call it a cheat, but it’s not.

Is this model suitable for work and typing? Yes, of course, why not. The timing is nice, the keystrokes feel like mechanics, and depending on the settings, it can be closer to «red», «blue», «yellow», or «brown» candles. I’ve printed various texts, including this one, on the standard 2 mm settings and was very comfortable. The keystroke is quick and easy, but at the same time there is no overreaction, and you can simply put your fingers on the keys to prevent them from working.

Is the Logitech G PRO X TKL RAPID worth the price? Definitely yes, but still, this is a narrowly focused model not even for all gamers. However, anyone can buy it and have a modern technological keyboard for literally everything. You just need to play around with it and customize it for yourself, separately for gaming, separately for work, etc. It will take time, but you will be pleased with the results.

And the price tag of the device is appropriate, so it’s up to everyone to decide for themselves whether they need such things or can do without. Moreover, there are competitors, but not with magnetic candles. Or rather, there is only one competitor, and it is pricier. The rest are just alternatives without the gimmicks of magnets. We will talk about all this in the section below.

Price and competitors

Logitech G PRO X TKL RAPID is sold at a price of UAH 6649, but in all major networks its price tag is UAH 8499. In my opinion, this is an adequate price for such capabilities, because we have a flagship model here and it is packed with so many features that it is definitely worth it. However, it will definitely be expensive for some people, and the main thing here is to understand whether this is all you need.

Because, for example, with a price tag of 6199, there areLogitech G Pro X TKL. That is, it is the same, only without magnetic spark plugs, but with mechanical ones and without all these funny settings. Also pay attention to another cool new feature Logitech G915 X Lightspeed TKL (price from 8199 UAH). Well, if you need something from the same brand, also gaming, but more affordable, there areLogitech G515 Lightspeed TKL (price from UAH 5080).

Among the competitors of other brands also in the TKL format, I would like to mention SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 (price from UAH 12,300). This is the only actual analog of the reviewed device with magnetic switches and similar functions. But, as we can see, the price is higher.

In the budget segment of this format, the following feel great Hator Gravity TKL with a price tag of UAH 2699 andHator Gravity X TKL (price from UAH 1629). As an option, there is probably already a classic of this segment, the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL, with a price tag of 3299 UAH.