Link: But it on Amazon.com
I’ve always been a fan of simple keyboards. I would take a basic $4.99 CompUSA special without a single unnecessary key over the latest and greatest keyboard any day. Unfortunately (or fortunately?) my keyboard died on me recently and I had to find a replacement. I decided to take some time, do my research and find a worthy replacement.
After some thought, I came up with a couple of requirements for my new keyboard. I definitely spend more time actively working (coding mostly) on my home PC these days and need a keyboard that was quiet, preferably back-lit and with a minimum number of extra keys/functions to get in my way. My search led me to the Logitech Illuminated Ultrathin Keyboard and it has yet to disappoint.
The Logitech Illuminated Ultrathin Keyboard met my specific requirements based on the myriad reviews that I trudged through. It was quiet, back-lit (must not look like a spaceship,) had just a few extra function keys which were out-of-the-way and the overall design was pretty sexy IMHO! As a bonus, the keyboard was ultra-thin with a 9.3mm profile and keys that were very close to the keyboard on my work laptop. From the screenshots, I was worried about the soft-touch palm rest that comes built into the keyboard, but I have actually really enjoyed it as a feature and it hasn’t gotten in the way at all like most palm rests I have ever seen.
I have always been a fan of Logitech gaming mice, but this was only the 2nd Logitech keyboard I have ever owned. The 1st was a wireless Bluetooth keyboard and was fairly disappointing due to extra function keys and volume sliders that were always getting in the way. This keyboard was different. The minimalist design of the keyboard itself was great and the software was pretty awesome (just the the gaming mice I’d come to love.) The function keys were completely customizable and there was a section for Keyboard Inactive Keys which lets you completely disable certain keys that are prone to getting in the way. I disabled Caps Lock, Scroll Lock and the Insert key. I don’t think I’ve EVER really used any of them and it was nice to not worry about accidentally turning one on.
My only problem with this keyboard so far is that the front two pads on the bottom of the keyboard have come off when I slide my keyboard forwards or backwards on my desktop without lifting it. I think this is due to the hot weather and friction loosening the adhesive. The pads go right back into place for now, but I assume there will be a time in the not-so-distant-future where they will have to be removed or replaced completely. Other than that, the keyboard has been amazing.
Other Features
- Bright, laser-etched, backlit keys that let you type easily--even in the dark
- Cutting-edge, ultra-thin profile (9.3 mm) that adds an elegant touch to any desk
- PerfectStroke key system for typing that's silent, natural and fluid
- Sleek, minimalist design for the ideal combination of form and function
- Soft-touch palm rest and full-size key layout for enhanced comfort
- Convenient one-touch controls for volume and media playback are easily within reach.
The Logitech Illuminated Keyboard is a solid minimalist keyboard. There are function keys, but they definitely don’t interfere with every day use. The back-lit keys are great for working in less than optimal lighting or when gaming in the dark. The keyboard is thin, stylish and closely resembled a laptop keyboard (which is great if you are already used to it.) If you’re looking for a keyboard that looks great and performs even better, this might just be it.
Pro’s
- Quiet!
- Illuminated without looking like a spaceship
- Minimalist Design
- No crazy function keys that get in your way.
- Thin form factor
- Laptop Keyboard like keys
- Software/Drivers
- Front pads on the bottom of the keyboard can come off if the keyboard is pushed forwards or backwards.
2 comments:
Hi Paul, I'm a hypnotherapist, and I currently write notes with a pen during client sessions.
I need a super quiet keyboard to type up notes during client sessions, since typing is much faster than writing by hand.
Here's my concern: would the clicking of the keys, especially the space bar, distract clients at all?
My question is this: is the space bar much louder than the other keys? And if you had a friend in the room typing on this keyboard while you were trying to take a nap, would the keys bother you?
Thanks!
William Song
William - While the keyboard is a bit more quiet than older keyboards that I've owned, I wouldn't consider it to be "super quiet."
To answer your question. I do believe that it would be bothersome to someone if you were typing on it constantly while they were trying to nap in the same room. I've never really see in a super quiet keyboard, but I've never really had the need for one.
Hopefully this helps.
-Paul
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