Logitech K480 Multi-Device Keyboard Review
A Wireless Keyboard Designed for Tablets
The Good
- Affordable (currently $35 on Amazon — though this price may change).
- Function keys
- Windows and iOS support
- Can support 3 Bluetooth devices at once
- Built in phone/tablet cradle
The Bad
- Runs on AA batteries (to Logitech’s credit, they do come included)
- Keys feel stuck/hard to press if typed on at an angle
- Heavy and bulky
Full Review: A Budget Friendly Mixed Bag
The Logitech K480 does not feel cheap. The design looks very aesthetically pleasing, it has a good amount of weight to it, and comes with a lot of little features that you would not expect from such an affordable product.
The keyboard can connect to three different devices at once, and you can switch devices at will by turning a handy little knob in the corner of the device. It is a nice feature, but I would suspect for the typical user that this isn’t something that is going to be used very often. It doesn’t hurt, however, and I am sure that for the niche type of person this appeals to, it is a god-send.
This is a full-sized keyboard. It feels very natural to type on if you are used to working on a desktop or laptop, and the buttons feel (for the most part, more on that later) and sound very click-y. The downside of it being a full-sized keyboard is that this thing is HUGE. It is without a doubt bigger than any tablet you would be using with it, and the amount of bulk this keyboard and tablet equal is more than a typical laptop, which kind of defeats the portability aspect of tablets.
The keyboard is heavy too. This isn’t something you’re going to want to carry around with you all day. On the plus side, it does feel extremely sturdy when placed on a table and being used for its intended purpose. There are little rubber feet (similar to what many laptops have) that keeps the keyboard from sliding around everywhere.
The keyboard is powered by two AA batteries. It is a shame that it isn’t rechargeable, but Logitech claims that the two batteries will power the keyboard for two years AND they come with the keyboard! It would have been nice if it was rechargeable, but you really can’t complain since the batteries are included and will seem to outlast your usage for the device.
The built-in cradle that fits your tablet or phone is an amazing feature. You don’t have to worry about propping up your tablet with anything else and it is very easy to remove your device when done. I have not had any issues with my device falling out, and the angle that it keeps my iPad Mini in feels wonderful when sitting at a table. It is, of course, not adjustable so you may find it next to impossible to use on your lap, but that isn’t really the keyboards fault.
Many Bluetooth keyboards don’t include function keys, but this one does which is wonderful. They include buttons for both iOS and Windows, and they work exactly how you would expect. This is a very nice feature from such a budget device.
Now, if the only cons were the size and weight, then I would recommend this keyboard to anybody in a heartbeat. However, there is one big flaw that ruins the whole keyboard experience for me, and it has to do with the most important aspect of any keyboard: the keys.
The keys are big and feel great when they are pressed head-on, but if your finger doesn’t line up in the middle of the keys, they are much harder to press which makes me end up missing keystrokes when I am typing fast. The backspace button is especially suspect, as the place where my finger naturally goes to press it does not actually press the button down.
If you are typing emails and doing other small writing projects, then the keyboard might do the job for you. If you are purchasing this keyboard to be used for extensive, long-form writing projects, I would advise you to look elsewhere.
You can purchase this keyboard on Amazon here.
The links provided in this article are Amazon Affiliate links and I may earn commission if you purchase the product using the links.
