Logitech G213 Prodigy  Keyboard Review

Reviewed Aug 14, 2020 at 10:45am
Test bench update Nov 29, 2023 at 09:32am
Tested using Methodology v1.3.1 
Logitech G213 Prodigy

Track

0.0
Gaming 
0.0
Office 
0.0
Mobile/Tablet 
0.0
Programming 
0.0
Entertainment / HTPC 
0.0
Raw Performance 

Track

 4

The Logitech G213 Prodigy is a decent entry-level gaming keyboard with rubber dome switches. It has a simple plastic frame that bends easily and is fitted with ABS keycaps that feel rather cheap. Its zone-lit backlighting lacks brightness control,  and customization can only be done through software. Thankfully, G HUB has a good amount of customization options and is available for Windows and macOS. The keyboard is comfortable enough to type on all day due to its low actuation force and built-in wrist rest; however, the typing experience is unremarkable and doesn't feel much different from your typical membrane keyboard. There are dedicated media controls, but only a very limited number of programmable keys.

Our Verdict

0.0
Gaming 

The Logitech G213 Prodigy is a decent gaming keyboard. The rubber dome switches have a low actuation force that makes typing feel very light, but their high pre-travel distance makes the keyboard feel less responsive overall. It doesn't feel well-built and the backlighting is zone-lit instead of per-key. The function keys are macro-programmable, but there aren't any dedicated macro keys for MMO games.

Pros
  • Acceptable ergonomics.
  • Programmable keys.
  • Light actuation force.
  • Dedicated media controls.
Cons
  • Zone-lit backlighting.
  • High pre-travel distance.
  • No dedicated macro keys.
  • Mediocre build quality.
0.0
Office 

The Logitech G213 Prodigy is decent for office use. It doesn't generate a lot of typing noise and it's fairly comfortable to type on due to the included wrist rest and light actuation force. However, the tactile feedback feels a bit mushy. The board flexes easily and the ABS keycaps can develop a shine with oil buildup. On the bright side, there's software support for both Windows and macOS.

Pros
  • Acceptable ergonomics.
  • Quiet typing noise.
  • Light actuation force.
  • Dedicated media controls.
Cons
  • Mediocre typing quality.
  • Mediocre build quality.
0.0
Mobile/Tablet 

The Logitech G213 Prodigy is a wired-only keyboard and can't be used with mobile devices.

0.0
Programming 

The Logitech G213 Prodigy is a mediocre keyboard for programming. Even though it's comfortable to type on for long periods, the typing experience itself feels unremarkable and similar to most generic membrane keyboards. It isn't particularly well-built, as the board flexes easily and the ABS keycaps feel cheap. It has macro-programmable keys and backlighting; however, the latter is zone-lit and there's no brightness setting.

Pros
  • Acceptable ergonomics.
  • Programmable keys.
  • Light actuation force.
  • Dedicated media controls.
Cons
  • Mediocre typing quality.
  • Zone-lit backlighting.
  • Mediocre build quality.
0.0
Entertainment / HTPC 

Pros
  • Acceptable ergonomics.
  • Light actuation force.
  • Dedicated media controls.
Cons
  • Mediocre build quality.
0.0
Raw Performance 

Pros
  • Acceptable ergonomics.
  • Light actuation force.
  • Dedicated media controls.
Cons
  • Mediocre build quality.
  • 0.0
    Gaming
  • 0.0
    Office
  • 0.0
    Mobile/Tablet
  • 0.0
    Programming
  • 0.0
    Entertainment / HTPC
  • 0.0
    Raw Performance
  • Changelog

    1.  Updated Nov 29, 2023: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.3.1, which adds a new estimated PCB latency test to the Single-Key Latency section and a new Analog test to the Switches section of this review. You can see the full changelog here.
    2.  Updated Oct 27, 2023: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.3, which overhauls how key input is evaluated. We've added new tests for Single Key Latency, Multi Key Latency, Data Transmission, and Chord Split. We've also introduced a new Raw Performance usage and adjusted how the Gaming and Office usage scores are calculated. You can see the full changelog here.
    3.  Updated Jun 15, 2023: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.2. This update introduces new Backlight Features and Backlight Clarity test boxes. We've also added a new Switches test box, added additional test comparisons to our Hardware Customizability test box that we introduced with our last Test Bench. For an in-depth look at our changes, you can see our full changelog here.
    4.  Updated May 19, 2023: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.1. This update adds several new tests addressing Hardware Customization, Macro Keys And Programming, and Wireless Mobile Compatibility. We've also added new objective evaluations to the Typing Noise test, and we've simplified several tests and removed several others that were no longer relevant. For an in-depth look at all our changes, you can see our full changelog here.

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    Differences Between Sizes And Variants

    We reviewed the Logitech G213 Prodigy Gaming Keyboard and there are no other variants of this keyboard. It's the entry-level keyboard in Logitech's G Series lineup, which includes the Logitech G Pro Mechanical Gaming Keyboard and the Logitech G915 LIGHTSPEED, to name a few.

    Popular Keyboard Comparisons

    The Logitech G213 Prodigy is a mediocre gaming keyboard. It's decent for office use due to its light typing experience and higher pre-travel distance, but there are better options in this price range, such as the SteelSeries Apex 3. For more options, check out our recommendations for the best gaming keyboards, the best mechanical gaming keyboards, and the best RGB keyboards.

    Logitech G413

    Track

    Overall, the Logitech G413 is much better than the Logitech G213 Prodigy. The G413 is a mechanical keyboard with significantly better build quality, and its Romer-G Tactile switches provide a better typing experience. Also, the G413 has a USB passthrough, the backlight has brightness settings, and the keys are individually lit. On the other hand, the G213 comes with a built-in wrist rest, and it has dedicated media controls. The backlight on the G413 is limited to a single red color, while the G213 is multi-color.

    SteelSeries Apex 3

    Track

    For most uses, the SteelSeries Apex 3 is significantly better than the Logitech G213 Prodigy. The SteelSeries' build quality is much better, it has full RGB backlighting with brightness control, and every key is macro-programmable. The SteelSeries also provides a better typing experience, it produces less typing noise, and the included wrist rest is detachable if you don't want to use it.

    Razer Ornata Chroma

    Track

    The Razer Ornata Chroma is much better than the Logitech G213 Prodigy. The Razer has a better build quality, RGB backlighting with individually-lit keys, and every key is macro programmable. Its mecha-membrane switches provide a significantly better typing experience, but they generate a lot more noise than the rubber dome switches on the Logitech. The Logitech has dedicated media controls and better software support, as G HUB is also available for macOS.

    HyperX Alloy Core RGB

    Track

    Overall, the Logitech G213 Prodigy is much better than the HyperX Alloy Core RGB. The Logitech is more comfortable due to the built-in wrist rest, has macro-programmable keys, and software support for customization. However, the HyperX has a better build quality and brightness control for its backlighting.

    Show more 

    Test Results

    perceptual testing image
    Sort:
    RATINGS
    Category:
    All
    Design
    Dimensions
    Size
    LockedFull-size (100%)
    Height
    LockedLock" (Lock cm)
    WidthLockedLock" (Lock cm)
    Depth
    LockedLock" (Lock cm)
    Depth With Wrist Rest
    LockedLock" (Lock cm)
    Weight
    LockedLock lbs (Lock kg)

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    0.0
    Build Quality
    Keycap MaterialLockedLocked

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    0.0
    Ergonomics
    Curved/Angled
    LockedLocked
    Split Keyboard
    LockedLocked
    Key Alignment
    LockedLocked
    Minimum Incline
    LockedLock°
    Medium Incline
    LockedN/A
    Maximum Incline
    LockedLock°
    Home Row Height
    LockedLock mm (Lock")

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    0.0
    Hardware Customizability
    Replaceable Cherry Stabilizers
    LockedLocked
    Stabilizer Fixation
    LockedLocked
    Spacebar Stabilizer Size
    LockedLocked
    Size Of Right Mod Keys
    LockedLocked
    Hot-Swappable Switches
    LockedNo
    Switch Stem Shape
    LockedLocked
    Switch PCB Socket
    LockedLocked
    North-Facing Cherry MX Interference
    LockedLocked
    0.0
    Backlight Features
    BacklightingLockedLocked
    RGB
    LockedLocked
    Per-Key Backlighting
    LockedLocked
    Effects
    LockedLocked
    Software Controllable
    LockedLocked

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    0.0
    Backlight Clarity
    Cable & Connector
    ConnectivityLockedWired
    Detachable
    LockedLocked
    LengthLockedLock ft (Lock m)
    Connector (Keyboard side)
    LockedLocked

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    0.0
    Wireless Versatility
    Bluetooth
    LockedLocked
    Bluetooth Multi-Device Pairing
    LockedLocked
    Proprietary Receiver
    LockedLocked
    Battery Type
    LockedLocked

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    0.0
    Macro Keys And Programming
    Dedicated Macro Keys CountLockedLock
    Onboard Macro Programming
    LockedLocked
    Macro Programming With Software
    LockedLocked
    Extra Features
    Media Keys
    LockedLocked
    Trackpad / TrackballLockedLocked
    Scroll Wheel
    LockedLocked
    Control Knob
    LockedLocked
    USB Passthrough
    LockedLocked
    NumpadLockedLocked
    Windows Key Lock
    LockedLocked
    Lock IndicatorLockedLocked

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    In The Box

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    Typing Experience
    0.0
    Typing Quality
    Key Spacing
    LockedLock mm (Lock")

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    0.0
    Typing Noise
    SAMPLE
    JOIN NOW

    for videos & test results

    Logitech G213 Prodigy Typing Sample Sample
    Average Loudness
    LockedLock dBA
    High Pitch Clicks
    LockedLocked

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    Switches
    SAMPLE
    JOIN NOW

    for videos & test results

    Logitech G213 Prodigy Wobble Video Sample
    Switch Name
    LockedLocked
    Switch Type
    LockedRubber Dome
    Feel
    LockedLocked
    Analog
    LockedLocked
    Keystrokes
    Operating Force
    LockedLock gf
    Actuation Force
    LockedLock gf
    Pre-Travel
    LockedLock mm
    Total Travel
    LockedLock mm

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    Performance
    0.0
    Single-Key Latency
    Best Connection
    LockedLock ms
    Best Connection Std DevLocked±Lock ms
    Wired
    LockedLock ms
    Receiver
    LockedN/A
    Bluetooth
    LockedN/A
    PCB (Estimated)
    LockedLock ms
    0.0
    Multi-Key Latency
    SAMPLE
    JOIN NOW

    for videos & test results

    Logitech G213 Prodigy Latency Video Sample
    Connection EvaluatedLockedLocked
    Key Press
    LockedLock ms
    Key Release
    LockedLock ms
    0.0
    Data Transmission
    Connection EvaluatedLockedLocked
    USB Polling Rate
    LockedLock Hz
    Effective Update Rate
    LockedLock Hz
    N-Key Rollover (NKRO)
    LockedNo
    Multiple Keys Per USB Report
    LockedLocked
    0.0
    Chord Split
    4 Chord Split Delay
    LockedLock ms
    8 Chord Split Delay
    LockedN/A
    Software and Operating System
    Configuration Software
    SAMPLE
    JOIN NOW

    for videos & test results

    Logitech G213 Prodigy Software Tour Sample
    Software NameLockedLocked
    Software Windows Compatible
    LockedLocked
    Software macOS Compatible
    LockedLocked
    Onboard Memory
    LockedLocked
    Profiles
    LockedLocked

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    0.0
    Computer Compatibility
    Windows
    LockedLocked
    macOS
    LockedLocked
    Linux (Ubuntu 22)
    LockedLocked
    Media Key Compatibility
    LockedLocked

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    0.0
    Wireless Mobile Compatibility
    Android
    LockedLocked
    iOS
    LockedLocked
    iPadOS
    LockedLocked
    Media Key Compatibility
    LockedLocked