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t3ch Review - Logitech Wireless Illuminated Keyboard K800
Jason Tsay
When we first heard about the Logitech Wireless Illuminated Keyboard K800, we were shocked at how many of our gripes from the original Logitech Illuminated Keyboard were seemingly fixed. So when Logitech gave us the opportunity to try out the new version for ourselves, we jumped at the chance. What I expected to be the sole addition of a wireless feature turned out to be a completely redesigned product.
Product: Logitech Wireless Illuminated Keyboard K800
What they say it does: The sleek, comfortable keyboard that delivers a brilliant typing experience-day or night.
My Experience
Let’s start with the packaging; it’s very similar to most Logitech products, especially to the older Illuminated Keyboard. The image on the packaging may be a little misleading though, and can cause you to think that keyboard is a lot smaller than it really is. Let’s get this misconception thrown out of the window right away. What I thought to be a Microsoft Arc-sized keyboard is actually the exact same size as the original Illuminated Keyboard, which is by all means a good thing! We’d take a full sized keyboard over one of those small, dingy wireless keyboards any day.
So we pulled a simple black cardboard box out of the green exterior packaging, revealing the contents - a keyboard wrapped in clear plastic, a stack of manuals, the Unifying receiver, and a two nondescript black cables. One of these cables acts as a hub/extension for the Unifying receiver, which is extremely useful if the mess of cables behind your gaming rig ever gets in the way of wireless peripherals. The other is simply a USB charging cable, which we will get to later.
Upon initial use of the keyboard, I noticed that the keys are radically different from the previous generation. Instead of the sharp edged, slightly curved towards the middle keys, we’ve got some very round and ergonomic feeling ones. Logitech calls this feature Incurve. All the keys are indented this way, save for the backspace key and the bottom row, which are all slightly rounded. Speaking of the bottom row of keys, you may remember us complaining about how Logitech raised the bottom row of keys on the Illuminated Keyboard. In this reincarnation, they are still differentiated as I mentioned but not raised to a level of discomfort. This time around, they’ve got it right and the element actually makes it easier to type.
As for the look of the keys, there seems to be a opaque matte layer of sorts on the keys (particularly noticeably on the backspace key, which is rounded upwards). If you look closely at that key, the text may seem a bit blurred. We think this might be how Logitech achieves the perfect molded contour on its keys, but it doesn t bother us the slightest bit. Also, if you had carefully felt the keys on the previous keyboard, you would have been able to feel each indent where the letter had been laser etched, whereas this finish makes it completely smoothed over (still laser etched though). Another major design change is that the futuristic square shaped text has been replaced by a more rounded, easy to read font. The PerfectStroke technology has also been applied and adds to typing comfort.
For owners of the predecessor and heavy users of the Delete (not backspace) key, be aware that this key has shrunk down to half of its previous size. To clarify, it is now 1 of 6 keys on that grid instead of it taking up 2 spaces in that same grid previously. Not a big deal for most buyers but you end up constantly hitting “Ins” if you were used to the previous layout. A calculator shortcut key in the top right corner is a rather strange design element but I guess it makes sense seeing as it’s right above the number pad, which doesn’t intrude too much and is great for business users. Overall, the keys are much better in actual use and some of the best we’ve seen on a keyboard so far.
Let’s now talk a bit about the illumination. An ambient light sensor in the wrist-rest region of the keyboard automatically changes the level of brightness for you as expected. There are now 4 levels of brightness adjustment changeable by two buttons this time rather than having to cycle through all 3 options using one button, which was one of our gripes last time. The brightest setting on the keyboard also seems to be brighter that the maximum on the older keyboard. The older keyboard may have been affected by age but we’re pretty sure Logitech’s products don’t degrade so quickly even if the backlight was left on during everyday use. The unbalanced illumination of keys seems to have been fixed too, possibly by the glazed coating aforementioned.
As for the glossy indicator strip at the bottom, it has been replaced with a more traditional green spot on the caps lock key. Num lock and scroll lock both lack any physical indication of activation, which may be a problem for some users. The top row of F keys are now also illuminated in addition to the orange shortcut images, which was also previously a complaint. You can also check battery life status by hitting FN F7 which causes any combination of 3 green indicator lights in the top right corner to glow. To the right of those three vertical indicator lights is the power switch. The power switch could definitely have been built into a less obtrusive area but we believe Logitech positioned it here as a constant reminder to turn off the keyboard when not in use.
As for fit and finish of the keyboard, the wrist-rest now has a matte plastic finish rather than soft touch rubber. This may have been influenced by the addition of the ambient light sensor but is certainly a welcome change. The Logitech logo is now a three dimensional silver textured marquee rather than being etched on. The entire region around the keys is now made of a fingerprint inviting glossy plastic to balance out all the matte plastic used. It’s definitely a nice touch but not so much after some usage, as with all gloss plastic products. The clear plastic border is now much smaller and way less gaudy. Rather than two skinny sideways flipping legs, we now have two sturdy tabs/flaps that flip outwards away from the keyboard. The keyboard itself is slightly curved upwards as you move from the wrist-rest area to the top part. This slanted design is more ergonomic and allows for a more pleasurable typing experience. The thicker region also let’s you stand the keyboard on its side for more compact storage. The tubby two tone design of the keyboard is oddly reminiscent of the Motorola Defy ruggedized smartphone. Don’t get us wrong, we think the keyboard’s design is pretty darn awesome looking, but it has a totally different feel than the futuristic, flat, squared off edges look of the Illuminated Keyboard. If this is any representation of the direction Logitech is moving in terms of design, we definitely support them. It may not be as artistic but it’s definitely more utilitarian and a better product for actual use. As we mentioned at the beginning of the review, the keyboard is the exact same size as the previous model, but it feels smaller and more portable perhaps because of the smaller border and more rounded edge design.
The Unifying receiver actually does work quite well when you have one or more compatible Logitech products, in this case the Marathon Mouse M705. It works just as advertised and we quickly forgot about the receiver plugged into our laptop. We would have liked to see a receiver storage compartment somewhere on the keyboard but then again, it probably isn’t meant to be taken out of the USB port at all. Setpoint software has been greatly enhanced visually as well as in function. Pop-up’s mimic those in Mac OS X, which is definitely a good thing (volume adjustment, backlighting adjustment, and hitting caps lock will trigger an quickly fading onscreen box.) More information is now available in the menus and is definitely an upgrade you’ll want for your older Logitech keyboard/mouse, even if you aren’t planning on getting this keyboard.
The problem with wireless products is that they require charging and batteries. But you’ll be glad to hear the K800 requires no batteries of any kind, except for the proprietary built-in one. The included micro-USB cable lets you charge for up to 10 days of battery life. We’ve been cranking this thing for days, typing up long Word documents and it still has not given up. We had to plug it in to test even when the battery wasn’t completely drained. The keyboard is pretty smart as far as when to turn off backlighting when power is low. When your juice level hits a certain point, the lights just shut off completely and the software prevents you from cranking up the backlight. One other thing is that if the software has determined power too low to use backlighting, the keyboard will still keep going for quite some time until you actually need to plug in. While charging, the indicator lights pulse upwards and then all three remain lit when charging has completed.
T3ch H3lp Says
Although the former Logitech Illuminated Keyboard feels more elegant and expensive (it’s heavier too), I have to say the reenvisioned product is a better overall keyboard. It may not look like a piece of art, but it fixed many of our complaints and we’d much prefer something that works against something that just looks pretty. Now, is it worth the $20 premium? In a split second, I would say, yes. It’s not about whether you need wireless or not, but about the better keyboard. If you want a nicer looking desk ornament, tham the previous generation keyboard would be your pick, but those who actually want to spend their Franklin on a very functional and comfortable keyboard will want the Logitech Wireless Illuminated Keyboard K800. I think the better question asked should be: if you are already shelling out $80 for a high-end nongaming keyboard, why not spend an extra $20 and get the better product with wireless?
Pro’s: great redesign, comfortable, 3 year warranty
Con’s: rather expensive
Price: $99.99
Where to buy it: Logitech Amazon
This review was done by Jason Tsay, who was provided the K800 Illuminated Keyboard by Logitech.
