Logitech G316 X98 Review: Solid gaming keyboard with hot-swap, but without analog keys
Logitech charges around 110 francs for the G316 X98. In return, I get a purely mechanical gaming keyboard, while the competition has long been offering TMR or Hall-effect switches for just a little more.
By 2026, analog gaming keyboards with TMR or Hall effect switches are the standard. Nevertheless, Logitech G is launching a new, purely mechanical model with the G316 X98. It wouldn't be a problem for a budget keyboard to lack Rapid Trigger. However, the G316 X98 costs around 110 francs. In this price class, you can find full-fledged analog keyboards today.
No accessories included
Logitech only includes the bare essentials. In the box, there is the keyboard and a 1.8-meter USB-C to USB-A cable. The cable is therefore detachable. Neither a wrist rest nor a puller for keycaps or switches is included, even though the model supports hot-swapping. Anyone who wants to change switches must buy the tool separately.
Design: 98 percent keyboard, zero percent premium
The G316 X98 uses a 98 percent layout. The number pad, function row, and arrow keys are retained. Only the block above the arrow keys is omitted. This creates more space for mouse movements. The keyboard is available in black or white, each with a Swiss or German layout. The Swiss version costs about ten francs more at around 110 francs (as of September 30, 2026).
Visually, the model remains simple. The housing is made entirely of plastic. Accordingly, the keyboard offers little resistance in the flex test: it can be noticeably twisted when pressed. This is not a problem in everyday life, but it is noticeable when unpacking.
A narrow RGB strip under the function row and colored accents on the Escape key and volume wheel provide some variety. The wheel is located above the number pad, next to a small dot-matrix display. By default, it controls the volume. If I press the switch next to the display, the function changes, for example to music control, polling rate, or RGB brightness. The display shows matching animations for this. Nothing can be customized here. Custom texts or animations are not possible.
The double-shot PBT keycaps are a positive feature. They last longer than ABS plastic, the lettering does not fade, and fingerprints hardly stick.
On the underside, five rubber feet provide grip. By default, the housing stands at an angle of 4 degrees. Folded-out feet increase the angle to 8 degrees. I would still find a wrist rest nice, as my hands get tired over time. The connection is exclusively via cable using USB-C on the back left.
Software: solid foundation, but no web client
The keyboard is configured via Logitech G Hub. Even in 2026, the brand does not offer a web client. Even cheaper Chinese manufacturers are further ahead in this regard. At least the keyboard saves profiles in the onboard memory. My assignments therefore also work on a foreign computer without software installation.
I can create profiles and load them automatically depending on the game. Logitech lags behind with RGB effects because multiple effect layers cannot be combined. Key mapping, on the other hand, has three layers: a base mapping, one via the FN key, and a third via G-Shift. I can also trigger G-Shift with a Logitech G mouse. Multiple commands with modifiers can be stored per key. For macro fans, this is a decent foundation.
A final tab controls the gaming mode and the polling rate. Up to 8000 Hertz are possible. Logitech advertises this value aggressively. In practice, as an amateur, this does nothing for me. I don't notice any difference to 1000 Hertz. There are no input errors due to ghosting.
Switches: the biggest problem of the G316 X98
My central criticism concerns the technology of the switches. For around 110 francs in 2026, I expect analog switches, whether Hall effect or TMR. Instead, the G316 X98 remains purely mechanical. This means: no freely adjustable actuation points and no Rapid Trigger. Both provide a noticeable advantage in competitive shooters. SOCD options are also missing, even though they have long since ceased to be reserved for analog keyboards only.
The installed switches themselves also do not convince me. Logitech uses its own tactile switches. They actuate after 2.2 millimeters. The total travel is 3.3 millimeters, which is slightly shorter than I am used to. The actuation force is 55 grams. With this, Logitech provides more or less the standard. However, the switches feel scratchy and sound that way too.
In addition, there is the stated lifespan of 20 million keystrokes. Cherry and most competitors promise 50 to 100 million. For a keyboard that promises longevity with high-quality keycaps, this is a strange contradiction. Thanks to hot-swapping, the switches can at least be replaced without soldering.
Sound: Logitech has invested here
The base is the best part of the keyboard. Logitech uses a gasket-mount construction with a snap-fit connection. The circuit board is spring-mounted between damping layers instead of being rigidly screwed. This dampens keystrokes and takes the harshness out of the typing feel. In this price class, this is not a matter of course.
The G316 X98 sounds accordingly good: deep and rich. Although the stabilizers are lubricated, they still rattle a bit when typing. The keyboard is not quiet. In an open-plan office or with an open microphone, it becomes a topic of conversation.
In a nutshell
Not enough for a gaming keyboard in 2026
Pro
- Gasket-mount with good insulation, rich sound, and a pleasant typing feel
- Double-shot PBT keycaps
- Hot-swappable, switches can be replaced
- Onboard memory for profiles
- solid mapping options in G Hub software
- 98% layout saves space without sacrificing the number pad
Contra
- too expensive for a mechanical gaming keyboard in 2026
- no SOCD for fast direction changes
- scratchy switches
- cheap-looking plastic housing
- no accessories included
- wired only
- no web client for the software
- Display not freely configurable
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