The Logitech G316 X, also called the Logitech G316 X 98, is a wired mechanical gaming keyboard that supports a maximum polling rate of 8000Hz, which helps slightly reduce latency and improve latency consistency. It has a control knob for adjusting the polling rate, backlight brightness, and media playback. Its PCB has hot-swappable sockets, allowing you to replace the switches, and you can choose between linear and tactile switch options at purchase. It also has full RGB lighting with shine-through keycaps, and you can customize the backlighting and other settings using Logitech's downloadable software suite.
Our Verdict
The Logitech G316 X 98 is an excellent gaming keyboard with very low, highly consistent latency, making it more than suitable for casual or competitive gaming across all genres. It also has full RGB backlighting and clear shine-through legends so you can see in the dark. You can adjust the backlighting along with a host of other expected customization options using the software. That said, while its typing quality is impressive overall, it has some minor refinement issues, including inconsistent lubrication between keys and a somewhat rattly spacebar.
Superb single- and multi-key latency performance.
Clear shine-through keycaps.
Inconsistent lubing between keys and somewhat rattly space bar.
The Logitech G316 X is only a satisfactory office keyboard as it's primarily designed for gaming. Overall, the typing quality is excellent, but its major weaknesses are that it's fairly loud and wired-only, which can be an issue if you have a multi-device work setup. Its key layout does include a numpad, though it lacks dedicated Home and End keys. This may be a limitation for some workflows and require you to rebind them using the software, which you may not be able to download if your workplace restricts software installation.
Impressive overall typing quality.
Inconsistent lubing between keys and somewhat rattly space bar.
Typing noise is on the louder side.
Wired-only.
The Logitech G316 X is a wired-only keyboard that isn't suitable for use with mobile devices or tablets.
The Logitech G316 X is good for programming, though it's primarily designed with gaming in mind. That said, it delivers impressive typing quality and has RGB backlighting with clear shine-through legends if you prefer programming in dim lighting. The software also provides fairly in-depth remapping and macro support. Just note that the 96% layout lacks some dedicated keys found on conventional full-size keyboards, so you may need to remap functions such as Home and End if you rely on them heavily for your workflow. Unfortunately, there are some minor build-quality drawbacks, including inconsistent switch and stabilizer lubing and a somewhat rattly spacebar.
Impressive overall typing quality.
Clear shine-through keycaps.
Inconsistent lubing between keys and somewhat rattly space bar.
Typing noise is on the louder side.
Wired-only.
The Logitech G316 X isn't well-suited for use in an entertainment or home theater PC setup primarily because it's a wired-only model, so you'll need to sit fairly close to your device. It also has a fairly large layout that makes it pretty unwieldy to use from a seat unless you also have a desk nearby. That said, it does have RGB backlighting with clear legends that are easy to read in the dark, and while it doesn't have a full set of dedicated media keys, it does have a multi-purpose control knob you can use to control media playback.
Clear shine-through keycaps.
Lacks a dedicated set of media keys but has a multi-function rotary knob for media playback control.
Wired-only.
Too unwieldy for comfortable couch use.
The Logitech G316 X provides superb raw performance, with very low single- and multi-key latency that makes it well-suited for competitive gaming. It also supports an 8000Hz polling rate, which provides marginally lower latency but, more notably, much more consistent performance compared with competing options limited to 1000Hz polling.
Superb single- and multi-key latency performance.
8000Hz polling rate.
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Differences Between Sizes And Variants
The Logitech G316 X, also called the Logitech G316 X 98 in some listings, is available in Black or White and with either tactile or linear switches. We bought the White color option with tactile switches, and here's a photo of our unit's label.
If you find a different variant of this keyboard, let us know in the comments, and we'll update our review.
Popular Keyboard Comparisons
The Logitech G316 X is a solid choice if you want a mid-range gaming keyboard with mechanical switches, RGB lighting, and a nearly full-size layout with a numpad. This size has become rarer, as many dedicated gaming keyboards now use 80% TKL or smaller layouts to free up more desk space for mouse movement. This keyboard has a more gaming-focused look, shine-through legends, and slightly better raw latency performance than similarly priced mechanical keyboards like the Keychron V5 Max or the NuPhy Node Series. However, this advantage is much too small to notice in-game and won't make a meaningful difference for most people.
That said, many competitive gamers are increasingly choosing magnetic keyboards, such as the standout MonsGeek FUN60 Ultra TMR or the somewhat more expensive MonsGeek M1 V5 TMR. Both have more premium-feeling aluminum cases, wireless connectivity, and adjustable actuation features like Rapid Trigger, which can provide a small edge in some gaming scenarios. They also allow you to swap in either mechanical or magnetic switches. However, both are compact models, which may be a dealbreaker if you need a numpad. MonsGeek is also a relative newcomer with a shorter warranty period and a less-established track record in customer service. All things considered, the Logitech G316 X remains a strong option if you want a more conventional, nearly full-size gaming keyboard and appreciate Logitech's longer warranty period and multiple decades-long presence in the peripheral market.
For more recommendations, see our picks for the best keyboards, the best mechanical keyboards, and the best gaming keyboards.
The Keychron V5 Max and Logitech G316 X are mechanical keyboards with similar 96% layouts but different intended uses. The Keychron is a more versatile wireless model designed for everyday use, work, and gaming, while the Logitech is a wired-only, purpose-built gaming keyboard with slightly better raw performance, partly due to its higher maximum polling rate and shine-through keycaps. Comparatively, Keychron's layout retains more navigation keys and offers better build and typing quality, with quieter typing noise. It's also part of the much wider V Max lineup, which offers several other sizes, whereas the Logitech is only available in a single layout.
The NuPhy Halo96 V2 and the Logitech G316 X are mechanical keyboards with similar 96% layouts but otherwise quite different designs. The NuPhy is a wireless model with significantly better build and typing quality, along with slightly quieter typing noise. The Logitech, on the other hand, is designed more specifically for gaming and delivers slightly better raw performance. It also has shine-through legends, a dedicated Game Mode button, a dot-matrix display, and a multifunction control knob, all of which the NuPhy lacks.
The Logitech G915 X LIGHTSPEED and Logitech G316 X are mechanical gaming keyboards with different designs. The G915 X LIGHTSPEED is a wireless, low-profile full-size model with many extra features, including a full set of dedicated media controls, macro keys, and a volume roller. The G316 X, on the other hand, is a wired-only, standard-profile model with a more compact 96% layout that lacks some navigation keys. In terms of extra features, it has a Game Mode button, a dot-matrix display, and a multifunction knob. While both keyboards are more than suitable for competitive gaming, the G316 X delivers slightly better raw performance, aided by its higher maximum polling rate of 8000Hz.
The Corsair VANGUARD 96 and Logitech G316 X are wired mechanical gaming keyboards with 96% layouts, similar overall designs, and roughly equivalent gaming performance. Both have a multifunction rotary knob and a dedicated Game Mode button. However, the Corsair has a more elaborate customizable LCD display and a column of dedicated macro keys, while the Logitech has a simpler dot-matrix display and no dedicated macro keys.
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