A few years ago, recommending a PC as a casual gaming system would have been unthinkable. Now, between inexpensive systems, simple digital downloads and a booming indie scene, a regular PC without a standalone graphics card is a perfectly viable alternative for those who want to go beyond simple...

Attractive design; Programmable keys and profiles; Good typing performance

So-so membrane keys; Dull lighting; Somewhat expensive

Logitech's entry-level gaming feature sacrifices too much in the name of simplicity.

Tall key travel; Spill-resistant design

Membrane design limits functionality; Flimsy construction; Little money saved over mechanical keyboards; Splotchy backlighting

This review is based on a retail version provided by Logitech. The Logitech 213 Prodigy will be available in retail in September 2016, for $69.99.

The Logitech G213 Prodigy Gaming Keyboard ($69.99) is an entry-level gaming keyboard with some of the bells and whistles gamers look for, but at a price that is more palatable to mom and dad.

Multiple lighting schemes; Syncs with other Logitech G products; Liquid resistant; Affordable

Mushy membrane keys; Demonstrates some flex; Lacks separate macro keys

The Logitech G213 Prodigy Gaming Keyboard ($69.99) is an entry-level gaming keyboard with some of the bells and whistles gamers look for, but at a price that is more palatable to mom and dad. It gives you some gaming specialization, though Logitech saves money by using conventional membrane switches instead of the snappier mechanical kind, and corners are cut in a few other areas. Think of it as a gaming keyboard with training wheels, and you're most of the way there. Design and Features The G213 Prodigy($46.99 at Amazon) looks like an office PC keyboard when off, with tall keycaps and a full keyset including offset arrow keys, a numeric keypad, and a separate row of F1-F12 keys along the top. A set of media keys and two more dedicated function keys (gaming and lighting) are the only additional keys you wouldn't find on a bare-bones keyboard. The G213 Prodigy measures 8.6 by 17.8 by 1.3 inches (HWD) and weighs 2.4 pounds. That's not insignificant, though it is (a bit) more compac...

Although priced reasonably with customizable lighting, anti-ghosting, and configurable function keys, the Logitech G213 Prodigy Gaming Keyboard falls short for the hard-core gamer.

Multiple lighting schemes; Syncs with other Logitech G products; Liquid resistant; Affordable

Mushy membrane keys; Demonstrates some flex; Lacks separate macro keys

Logitech have an enormous range of keyboards to suit almost every budget and demand. Indeed the chances are that most of the people reading this will have used a Logitech keyboard at some point. The Logitech K740 is the keyboard upon which 90% of the reviews for this very website have been typed.

The colorful G213 Prodigy benefits from Logitech's great Gaming Software, but it otherwise can't compete with similarly priced competition-even from within Logitech's own product ranks.

Relatively quiet key action; Large media keys; Feet unfold to the side for extra stability

Flimsy frame; Membrane; not mechanical; keys; Lighting customizable only by zone; Key reassignment works only on function keys; No pass-through ports or volume dial

To begin with, the 4 mm key travel and 50g actuation force makes the G213 feel almost like a mechanical keyboard. In fact, there were times that I forgot that I was on a membrane keyboard as I clacked away on CES news stories last month.

There is a sense though that the G213 lacks a wow factor. If you prefer your keyboards mechanical, and fully gaming orientated, then this is a clear downgrade. It's a solid offering and worth a look at the price.

This keyboard pretty much met my expectations. I love the simplicity of the design, the nice constant colour change and it just feels real nice to type with. It really just works.