In the Logitech G512 mechanical keyboard, new GX Blue switches are used. Connection and Apple iOS

Genius announces GX Manticore - a new generation of professional keyboards for games of all categories. This is an optimized controlled backlight, completely new sensations with mechanical keystrokes, and confidence in victory.

With a palette of 16 million shades, you can choose your favorite backlight color within 3 cluster areas, as well as adjust the brightness using 4 different levels. Combined key backlight gives you a tactful advantage in low light conditions.

Increase the number of "fast" commands will help 8 side macro keys. Allowing to assign 24 macros, they will help you quickly and without unnecessary actions switch to the game mode. Tactile sensations from keystrokes are so sensitive that they allow to play blindly.

User interface Scorpion includes 3 game profiles for various gaming categories with the ability fast switching Between them.

GX Manticore has built-in memory to prevent command delay. 6 separate media control keys will allow you to quickly manage audio / video content. The Anti-Ghost function allows you to press 20 keys at the same time without the effect of command execution delay.

With two additional uSB portsLocated directly on the keyboard, you can connect USB peripherals: headphones, mouse, columns, etc.

Dispute that choose - "Mechanics" or "Membrane" exists already for a long time, Each solution has a huge fan camp. But in modern models, mechanical keyboards are ever less common. Genius GX Gaming Manticore is aimed at advanced gamers, here the developers have tried to convey the sensations from using the mechanical keys.

What are so good mechanical keyboard? They love them for durability, the smaller risk of breakdowns due to spilled liquids or falls, as well as the ability to clamp a large number of buttons at once. What do you need from the product, which is aimed at advanced gamers? This is a speed, the presence of additional buttons for macros and sensible software to configure. Pleasant additions are appearance And the possibility of customization, the latter is often solved by backlight. All this is in the Genius keyboard. But whether everything is so good in practice, let's see during testing.

Video Review Genius GX Gaming Manticore

Accessibility Genius GX Gaming Manticore

At the time of testing, the average cost of Genius GX Gaming Manticore, according to Yandex.Market service, is 3175 rubles.

Equipment

The keyboard is supplied in a massive, brightly decorated packaging made of soft cardboard. Inside the keyboard is fixed in a separate block. On the edges of the box placed information on technical characteristics and branded technologies for this model.

The buyer receives a disk with software and warranty card.

Appearance

Representatives of the GX Gaming line are noticeably allocated from model Row Genius. We have already tested a series of mice from this series. This is also manifested in the design of elements, and in the size of the hull.

Beveling angles, additional buttons, differentials on the plane, inserts around the edges - all this makes a pleasant impression.

Plastic is based on, there is a combination of matte and glossy coating. Square of gloss, unfortunately, is quite large, so there remains a lot of traces from the fingers.

Genius GX Gaming Manticore is installed full set Traditional buttons. Here are the full-size ENTER and SHIFT buttons. The keys of the standard size they have a big move.

The first time the buttons are pressed with a little effort, there is not a very pleasant creak. In the course of use, this effect disappears.

But there are noise of clicks on the keys, here we have a reference to mechanical keyboards.

The housing accommodates the blocks of additional buttons. In the area on the left - eight programmable G-keys. An additional software is required for their setup. Not a very convenient solution in terms of location of the buttons - here they are located in pairs, with unusual to determine the necessary problematic.

Another unit from the bottom under the key - space. These are P1, P2 and P3 buttons, they are responsible for switching the setup profiles. In order not to get confused in the active profile, you can make your color backlight for each.

Another useful button is placed in the upper zone, it is responsible for launching macros recording. Thus, the necessary macros can be shot down right in the game without switching to the branded utility.

In the upper zone of Genius GX Gaming Manticore, it is also worth highlight the buttons to control the media player and the backlight change button.

At the bottom face there are five rubber legs, well fixing the keyboard on a flat surface. Two folding legs are provided for changing the angle. The angle of inclination is not so big.

A block with two USB ports is displayed from one of the corners. Conveniently, if you want to connect the drive - it will not be necessary to reach system block. But it will have to use two USB connector on the housing at once.

Since the keyboard connects with two USB connector, optionally you can connect only one. The cable itself is sufficiently long and goes in the tissue braid.

Soft

In order to reveal the entire potential of the Genius GX Gaming Manticore keyboard, the branded software will be required. Download it from the official site or complete disk. With the site all currently problematic russian-language version There are no links to download, managed only to English.

Scorpion UI is divided into four main tabs. The lower part shows a block for selecting an active profile, including the possibility backup and downloading a finished profile. The last moment is useful if the keyboard takes with him on the LAN-party or competition.

The main window offers setting the G-keys block. The setting is in the form of a drop-down list. There is a pre-installed list of hot actions, but they are not so much as I would like. On each of the buttons you can install your macro.

With macros, Genius GX Gaming Manticore works in a separate tab. The tool makes it possible not only to record, but also edit the time interval between clicks.

In the third tab, you can block the WIN button. Block it for each profile separately. Immediately you can make an activation of the profile when opening a game or a specific program.

In the fourth tab, the backlight is configured. Each of the three zones is adjusted separately. There is an opportunity not only to select the color of the backlight, but also the inclusion of ripples. It is not enough in the utility to check the software update and the keyboard firmware.

Testing

Test stand used:

Model	Data
Housing	AEROCOOL STRIKE-X Air
Motherboard	Biostar Hi-Fi Z87x 3D
CPU	Intel Core i5-4670k Haswell
Cooler for processor	DeepCool Ice Blade Pro v2.0
RAM	Corsair CMX16GX3M2A1600C11 DDR3-1600 16 GB Kit Cl11
HDD	ADATA XPG SX900 256 GB
Hard disk 2.	WD RED WD20EFRX.
Power Supply	There are no problems in everyday tasks and a set of large texts. Although I did not really like the small area of \u200b\u200bthe seaming zone of the wrist. Because of this, the angle of inclination of the brush is not very comfortable. Genius GX Gaming Manticore Genius GX Gaming Manticore is a keyboard with good level Performances, it is quite capable of competing with proposals of more promoted brands in the price range from 3,000 to 5,000 rubles. Additional buttons are offered, setup profile system, macro recording, built-in memory, good assembly, three-zone backlight, USB connectors on the housing.

Noticed a mistake? Select the text fragment and press Ctrl + Enter!

Genius with his brand GX Gaming, it seems seriously decided to conquer the market of manipulators designed specifically for gamers. We have already managed to get acquainted with the mouse that left very favorable impressions.

Today we will get acquainted with a more overall "weapon" - the GX Gaming Manticore keyboard, among whose combat capacity you can find everything you need to be a serious cybegersport. Getting to meet.

Packaging and equipment

The keyboard is sold in a cardboard box of impressive sizes, which is decorated in dark colors. On the package, many icons telling about the basic "chips" located inside the device.

In addition to the keyboard, there is a user manual and a driver CD.

Design and ergonomics

The keyboard, as applies to the game devices, has a very aggressive design. The beveled corners, the combination of black matte and glossy plastic, as well as the scarlet inserts "for metal" on the sides - all this looks spectacular.

The main blocks of the keys are completely standard. ENTER large, both shift keys wide, backspace short. Keys have standard sizes and quite a big move. Pressing the middle elasticity, the level of the generated noise can also be described as the average. This keyboard It is suitable not only for games, but also for a set of texts.

That somewhat surprised in the Gamer keyboard - it absolutely in no way dedicated either visually nor a tactile block WASD.

On the left of the main unit are eight programmable G-keys having a somewhat unusual form expressing in the slope of each pair of the buttons to each other. Thus, they are pretty comfortable to the touch.

For each of these keys, three functions are available, the switching between the banks of which is carried out using the P1, P2 and P3 buttons. They are located in front of the Space button.

For the record of macros, the MR key is responsible for F11. To the left of it is located four media player control buttons, as well as the button responsible for the backlight. With its help, sequential pressing you can change the brightness of the backlight with the minimum on the middle and then to the maximum, or it is completely disabled.

Lock modes indicators are in the usual location, the MR indicator has also been added to them, which is a flashing to the macro recording process.

The lack of one important for the game keyboard is noteworthy, the buttons blocking the Win key.

One more useful feature This keyboard can be the presence of two USB ports located in the rear end at its right edge. It is very convenient, because There is no need to lean to the system unit so that, for example, connect a flash drive.

Let's look at the bottom. Here we have five rubber linings that exclude any movement of the keyboard on the table, and two large folding legs that allow you to tilt the housing to yourself. Also in the back there are grooves that make it possible to put the cable in them and take it out of the housing in the place, in which you need: Want closer to the left edge, you want to right, or even in the middle.

The cable, by the way, has an impressive thickness and placed in the plated braid. At its end, two USB connectors, because For the keyboard, backlight and USB ports of one is not enough.

In work

With the help of the SCORPion UI, which is installed from the disk or downloads, you can configure and reassign buttons, save on a computer or in the keyboard memory up to three profiles, record macros. In the "Advanced" tab, it was discovered and the ability to disable the Win key in each of the profiles. IN latest tab You can configure the color of the backlight for each of the three zones.

As for the behavior of the keyboard as a whole, then, as already mentioned, it is quite suitable for a set of texts. But the game keyboard is what texts? Really. GX Gaming Manticore behaves with adequate, the keys are good feedbackTherefore, regardless of the style of clicking on the keys, there are no problems.

Everything additional features In the form of G-keys, profiles and recordings of macros are fully implemented and working as it should be.

It is also worth noting the backlight, which in the heat of night battles is very useful. It is not superfluous and the ability to change its colors, because the default combination of RGB is not entirely successful. But the yellow or orange backlight in the dark is very pleasant.

Conclusion

GX Gaming Manticore is a good alternative to more expensive gamer keyboards. She has everything you need for virtual battles: G-keys, the ability to change profiles, recording macros, built-in memory. Separately, it is worth noting the convenient control buttons of multimedia features and a qualitatively implemented backlight, the color of which can be changed at its discretion.

The backlight can be useful in the evening and night time, and at the same time you are not limited to the color that developers have chosen. It did not cost without annoying trifles in the form of the lack of a separate button off the WIN key, but it can be blocked in the profile settings, so this nuance can be forgiven.

Photos Made in TechLabs Studios, photographer Kirill Krucchinin

Logitech announced the release of the gaming mechanical keyboard Logitech G512. The novelty is the development of models G413 and G513. It is proposed in three versions that differ in switches. To the already known on other models, the TACTILE and LINEAR switches have been added new - GX Blue.

The TACTILE switch provides a pronounced tactile response, and Linear is smooth keystroke. The new GX Blue switch provides not only a tactile effect, but also a sound feedback in the form of a well-distinguished click.

Other Logitech G512 features include full-color backlit with four zones, programmable using Logitech Gaming Software (LGS).

Logitech G512 housing is made of anodized aluminum. Used built-in uSB cable. Connection done through, i.e., the keyboard is equipped with uSB port 2.0.

There is only a black version of the keyboard. It costs 100 dollars. In addition, the manufacturer intends to offer the version of the Logitech G513 model with the GX Blue switches at a price of $ 150.

NEKTAR keys are usually associated with users with DAW integration. Impact GX49 and GX61 - no exception.

Thanks to the compact design, it is convenient to place them in front of the computer, and in addition, they have a high functionality that other full-fledged controllers are not capable of. Impact GX 49 and 61 allow you to save your ideas at the moments of inspiration.

Compactness. Power. Control.

Impact GX Controller Keyboard

Impact GX49 and GX61 MIDI-Keypads are dynamic and expressive tools designed for both studio work and for performances. The interface is authentic and without frills.

Controllers have keyboards for 49 notes (4 octaves) or 61 notes (5 octave), Pitch wheel, modulation wheel and socket for the pedal connection. Two octave switches with color indication allow you to shift the keyboard range -3 / + 4 octaves with a change in the color of LED indicators showing the actual status.

Selected transpose buttons allow you to shift the keyboard range to +/- 12 halftone. Buttons can quickly reassign to change Global Midi Channel or software messages. In addition, the appointed fader provides control over any MIDI parameters, by default, adjusting the volume of the mix.

The NEKTAR DAW Integration feature for most of the most frequently used DAW makes it easy to set synchronization. With the Impact GX49 keyboard of your controller becomes part of your system and gives you the freedom of creativity, execution and games, without having to constantly distract the mouse.

Transport - expands the possibilities!

Eight buttons designed to manage DAW are located in the center of the Impact GX. With other keyboards, it often happens that the main tasks of the type of activation of transport or navigation along tracks are often repeated and each time is forced to be distracted by the use of the mouse. With Nektar Daw Integration, eight buttons expand functionality, including transport management and many other important DAW functions directly with IMPACT GX.

Buttons can also be assigned to a MIDI command when used with any MIDI software that is not supported by the NEKTAR DAW Integration. Primary and secondary commanders can be programmed for each of the 7 buttons, providing overall 14 programmable options.

NEKTAR DAW INTEGRATION - all functions available

NEKTAR DAW integration is carefully thought out to best use your Nektar equipment. It gives freedom of creativity, without constant search for a mouse when you are in the creative process.

With the integration of Nektar Daw, heavy work has already been completed, so you do not have to do it yourself. After completing the installation, the Impact GX offers an extended set of functions commonly inaccessible on a compact controller.

Transport control with the possibility of transition and installation of locator, tracking navigation, volume control, running windows and navigating via patches is available directly from the IMPACT GX.

MIDI controller and setup functions

Impact GX is a MIDI controller and a DAW controller. If you are using software MIDI, which is not supported by the NEKTAR DAW Integration, you will be available for many options for self-control MIDI.

Each of the 14 MIDI nominated buttons, the modulation wheel, foot-switch and, of course, a large fader can be assigned to send MIDI CC messages. The assignable buttons (14) can, in addition, be configured to send a program message or MMC transport control. MMC (MIDI Machine Control) is often supported by the DAW versions that do not provide advanced integration, so with this option IMPACT GX covers all areas of work.

The Setup menu also allows you to quickly send Program messages, Bank LSB / MSB, as well as select the settings for one of 4 speed curves, installing Global MIDI CHANNEL and assign transpose buttons.

Connection and Apple iOS

As a low-powerful USB device IMPACT GX works with all USB devices with the Class Compliant MIDI driver. All are supported windows version From XP and above, Apple OS X 10.5 and above, as well as Linux (provided that the USB MIDI driver is installed).

If you are often traveling, you can easily connect the IMPACT GX keyboard to iPad Apple.Using an additional USB Camera Connection Kit for iPad (USB Camera Connection Kit is acquired additionally). Impact GX is fully compatible with iPad, so you can work as long as your iPad is charged.

Included Bitwig 8-Track

The IMPACT GX package includes a specialized BitWig 8-Track software, so you can immediately start professionally create and execute music. Bitwig 8-Track provides you with access to more than 50 software tools and effects for using a maximum of eight sound or MIDI project tracks. You can also use any third-party VST plugins. The Bitwig Essentials Package package containing a universal set of loupes, clips and samples is also included. Together it is a powerful system for the embodiment of musical ideas, which includes the famous Bitwig Studio technology.

NEKTAR DAW Integration supports Bitwig 8-Track, so the joint use of Nektar Impact GX and Bitwig 8-Track will become a fantastic combination. For beginners, this is the perfect way to make the first steps in the world of creating digital music. And professionals will be amazed by the width of the possibilities of Bitwig in working with Nektar Impact GX!