Logitech K380 Multi-Device Bluetooth Keyboard Review

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Logitech K380 Multi-Device Bluetooth Keyboard Review

After having a great experience with the Logitech K480 keyboard, I have decided that I need a replacement for my Motorola Wireless Keyboard for XOOM. For the most part, the XOOM keyboard works great with my Windows computer. But there is a one second lag between pressing a key and the computer responding to it. Given that the Logitech K480 has no lag, it would definitely make me more productive on my computer. The only drawback is that the Logitech K480 takes up too much space on my desk. I need something smaller. Seeing that the Logitech K380 is much smaller, but practically the same keyboard as the Logitech K480, I just know it would perform just as well in the response time department. Therefore, I have purchased one and am reviewing it in this article.

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Keys

The most important aspect of a keyboard is the keys. A keyboard may have all sorts of bells and whistles. But if the keys aren't responsive and tactile, then the keyboard is as good as paperweight.

The Logitech K380 Bluetooth Multi-Device Keyboard have chiclet-like keys. But each key is in the shape of a circle. Most keys are slightly concaved downward for your to rest your fingers on them, while the special keys are concave up for you to touch sense. The keys have short length travel. The travel is even shorter than most laptops that I have used before. Because the key travel are so short, it almost feel like I'm tapping on cardboard while using it. It does take a while to get used to this keyboard, but over time, I have became proficient on it.

In most cases, the Logitech K380 keys work as expected for a compact keyboard. You can use function key (fn) with the arrow keys for HOME, END, PAGE UP, and PAGE DOWN. The only thing that takes a little getting used to is the Windows key that is actually labeled as "start", rather than with the familiar Windows logo. Also, Logitech has chosen to move the menu key to the "F3" key location and implement both ALT and CTRL next to the arrow keys.

Another important aspect of the Logitech K380 response rate is that I can feel no lag. As soon as I press the key, it immediately registers with my computer. This response is extremely important for gaming and doing work efficiently. I learned the importance of this response rate when I recently used the Motorola XOOM keyboard on my comouter with an approximate 1 second lag. I could do work on the Motorola XOOM keyboard, but gaming is no go.

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Function Keys

Similar to other keyboard on the market, Logitech K380 places priority with its multimedia keys over function keys. Therefore, to activate a F1 through F12 key, you have to hold down the function key (fn).

I am on the fence with whether this is good or not. I have gotten quite used to pressing any function key with one hand. The function key I use the most is the F5 key. It is a shortcut key for refreshing a window. With this keyboard, it's a little awkward to activate the F5 key with one hand.

Logitech K380 Multi-Device Bluetooth Keyboard Review

Keys

Function Keys

Bluetooth Pairing

Battery Compartment

Power Switch

Battery Indicator

Comparing K380 to K480

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