Logitech Prodigy G213 Keyboard Review: The Classic Starter

POSITIVES

✓ Overall solid experience

A very serviceable gaming keyboard

✓ Comfortable wrist rest

Nice to have a wrist rest included

✓ Dedicated volume and mute controls

Convenient for media consumption

NEGATIVES

✘ Lack of "gamer flare" as an RGB keyboard

The illumination keys aren't glaring

✘ Hollow typing sound

It just doesn't sound sexy

✘ Feels cheap overall

You can pick up other better sounding mechanical keyboards

Retail Price: $39.99

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While mechanical keyboards are by far the darlings of the PC gaming community, many quality membrane keyboards can be had for a fraction of the price. The Logitech G213 Prodigy is a prime example of a keyboard that offers a tempered but solid experience for only $40.

Standard Features, Cheap Build

I’ve had Prodigy accessories from Logitech for years now and while nothing substitutes a premium mechanical keyboard, I’ve found myself content at various points of my gaming career using some of Logitech’s more affordable products. This particular keyboard is a full sized layout with a bevy of RGB combinations controllable through Logitech’s software. The illumination of these keys aren’t the most glaring nor do they provide that super “gamer flare” many RGB keyboards have as a signature piece. I’d say the lighting here is merely a requirement more than a feature as it’s quite subdued compared to most of the competition out there nowadays.

The Prodigy G213 is attached to a very capable and sturdy braided cable that connects to a USB-A port. Pretty standard stuff here, although I wish Logitech would have given a little more slack on the cable as it is a bit short. Right underneath the cable slot are two adjustable feet that slide outwards. There are only two positions the keyboard can rest down on. I prefer it elevated and am quite satisfied with the one preset angle the G213 can hit. My fingers comfortably wrap onto the surface of the keys and the input of the keystrokes feel satisfying enough. However, the sound emitting from the typing sounds a bit hollow. After using a bevy of mechanical configurations, it was a bit jarring going back to a membrane keyboard like this. It just doesn’t sound right.

I feel like the sound actually illustrates my actual view of this keyboard in that it feels a bit cheaply made. The whole thing is constructed from plastic (which is to be expected), but there isn’t any weight behind this typing machine. The frame consists of this glossy black plastic material that screams cheap and unfortunately, it is blatantly noticeable, especially if you’ve ever used a really good bang for your buck mechanical keyboard. It isn’t as if the G213 is priced to undercut the budget gaming market either. In this $40-60 range, you can pick up a very solidly built gaming keyboard of varying designs that offer a more “wow this is so much better than what I expected” mentality. 

A Comfortable Layout

Positives of this keyboard include the spacious full sized layout. My fingers feel extremely comfortable throughout all three segments as I’m very attuned to using the numpad and media playback controls. It’s understated and only recognized when it’s missing on your keyboard, but dedicated volume and mute controls are so convenient for media consumption. Located in its own little section at the top right corner, these media controls have a rubber texture that makes playing and pausing YouTube videos so simple.

While I can live without a wrist rest, the one angled onto the G213 is rather comfortable. Once again, it’s plastic and unremovable, but as far as comfort level goes for a full sized keyboard, this one feels good to type on.

Overall Thoughts

Overall, while I don’t necessarily think the Prodigy G213 offers tremendous value, it’s still a serviceable gaming keyboard from a big named company. That Logitech name brand definitely helps increase the accessibility for consumers to purchase the G213 as it’s offered everywhere from Amazon to Target. There certainly is a market for that.

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