Should you’re on the lookout for Apple-like high quality with out paying Apple-like costs, Logitech’s merchandise are sometimes a sensible choice. The corporate’s new keyboard – the Pebble Keys 2 K380S – is a compact affair with lots of the cautious touches you’d count on from Logitech. However is it sufficient to make it value your money?
Logitech Pebble Keys 2 K380S: Worth and availability
The Logitech Pebble Keys 2 K380S begins at $39.99/£44.99 (costs fluctuate primarily based on the structure you select). It’s obtainable straight from Logitech or from third-party retailers.
Logitech Pebble Keys 2 K380S: What I really like
Like most Logitech keyboards, the typing really feel on the Pebble Keys 2 K380S is excellent. The keys are comfy and springy whereas remaining quiet in use (aside from the area bar, which is noticeably louder).
On the prime are three buttons for connecting to completely different units, and doing so is fast and straightforward. Whereas that is removed from a novel function, it’s nonetheless good to have.
Subsequent to the device-switching buttons is an ordinary row of perform keys. These come into their very own if you open up Logitech’s Choices+ companion app, which may assign new actions on a per-app foundation. You’ll be able to arrange shortcuts for any put in app, and it even contains Steam video games within the checklist of suitable apps (though there are not any game-specific choices, so the utility of including video games right here could be very restricted).
Nonetheless, there’s a powerful checklist of obtainable controls, from altering the enter menu or maximizing a window to shifting to the subsequent browser tab and even the mysterious “do nothing.” Like with the Logitech Pebble Mouse 2 M350S mouse, there’s the power to create Sensible Actions, that are multi-step shortcuts that may be assigned to a key. Arrange a number of of those and your keyboard turns into a fast motion management centre.
Elsewhere, it’s clear that Logitech’s keyboard is designed for journey, and its compact form, affordable weight, and spectacular battery life (it’s powered by two AAA batteries, which final ages) make it good for engaged on the go. On the similar time, it doesn’t really feel flimsy because of its sturdy plastic body. Logitech has managed to retain a sense of high quality that’s typically lacking from transportable keyboards.
Logitech Pebble Keys 2 K380S: What I don’t love
Logitech has opted to make use of round keys as a substitute of the extra conventional sq. selection, and this isn’t nice for contact typists. The round form makes every key smaller than chances are you’ll be used to, so errors weren’t rare in my testing.
I take advantage of a mechanical keyboard in day-to-day use, and it’s far simpler to place my fingers in the proper place with out wanting down because of its chunky keys. Positive, nowadays I battle for some time on just about all low-profile keyboards, however Logitech’s alternative of round keys exacerbates the issue as a result of there’s simply that a lot much less to your fingers to land on.
The arrow keys are additionally completely tiny – much more so than these on Apple’s Magic Keyboard, which at the very least makes use of full-size left and proper keys. These had been most likely the keys I had probably the most bother with, and so they had been an actual ache.
I additionally wasn’t enamored by the keyboard’s low angle. This might be forgivable if you happen to might regulate it, however you may’t, that means you’re caught with propping it up utilizing a e book if the angle is just too shallow for you. There’s no backlighting both, so that you would possibly battle to search out the proper keys in dim lighting.
Logitech Pebble Keys 2 K380S: Competitors
Apple’s Magic Keyboard is the obvious rival to Logitech’s machine, providing a reasonably comparable typing really feel and compact measurement. Apple makes use of customary sq. keys and likewise presents a Magic Keyboard with Contact ID, however costs much more for the privilege. Even the bottom Magic Keyboard is double the worth of Logitech’s providing, whereas the Contact ID selection prices $100 extra. Until you’re determined for Contact ID, the Logitech Pebble Keys 2 K380S could possibly be the higher alternative.
One other various that is designed extra for the skilled is MX keys for Mac, additionally from Logitech. It is much less rounded and enjoyable, however it’s obtained some glorious low-profile keys.
Logitech Pebble Keys 2 K380S: Must you purchase it?
You can purchase this if…
- You desire a well-made keyboard to your travels
- You’re on the lookout for keys that keep quiet
- You want a keyboard that may hook up with a number of units
You shouldn’t purchase this if…
- You don’t like round keys
- You need to have the ability to regulate your typing angle
- You want backlighting
Logitech Pebble Keys 2 K380S: Verdict
The Logitech Pebble Keys 2 K380S is a good journey keyboard and outclasses most of its transportable rivals. However as a each day driver, there are higher choices on the market. It is a well-made keyboard with good connectivity, however round keys and the awkward typing angle let it down, particularly if you happen to do not want the portability.
Backside line: Logitech’s keyboard might be a contented camper in your travels, however don’t count on it to work wonders again at residence.