Drop, charge, and lose the cordsLogitech Illuminated Keyboard
Manufacturer: Logitech Part number: 920-000914
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- The keys on the Logitech Illuminated Keyboard are comfortable to use and emit a satisfying click, but it lacks convenient features we've come to expect from a PC keyboard. Nevertheless, we think this Logitech is a practical, affordable, and convenient keyboard that manages to look sexy at the same time.
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Where to buy
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CNET editors' review
Logitech Illuminated Keyboard price range: $45.95 - $79.99
- Reviewed by: Justin Yu
- Edited by: Rich Brown
- Reviewed on: 09/23/2008
The good: Comfortable; minimalist design; convenient backlit keys; strong tactile feedback; easy to install.
The bad: Lacks wireless support; no USB ports; fixed wrist pad attracts fingerprints.
The bottom line: The keys on the Logitech Illuminated Keyboard are comfortable to use and emit a satisfying click, but it lacks convenient features we've come to expect from a PC keyboard. Nevertheless, we think this Logitech is a practical, affordable, and convenient keyboard that manages to look sexy at the same time.
The Logitech Illuminated Keyboard is about as simple as it gets, so you get no built-in USB ports, scroll dials, or any of the other features in more expensive devices such as the Logitech G15. Instead, for $80 it offers a sexy, quiet keyboard with a very minimalist design that looks just as good as it performs. If you're a night owl gamer or just want an attractive, comfortable input device, the Logitech Illuminated Keyboard is an outstanding choice.
The keyboard has a very subtle, professional appearance; aside from the extremely thin 9.3mm profile, the entire keyboard is black with a small clear plastic border that doesn't serve a purpose other than to highlight the flat surface of the keys. A built-in wrist rest fixed beneath the keys is covered in a soft rubber material to prevent your hands from slipping while you type. After using the keyboard for a few days, the natural oil on our hands made small prints on the wrist rest, creating blotches that marred the otherwise clean design.
Underneath the keyboard, you'll find two small plastic feet that extend from the base, letting you slightly angle the keyboard forward. Finally, as the title says, the keyboard comes with embedded microlens reflectors under each individual key that produce a light-blue backlit effect. You can adjust the intensity of the light to three predetermined settings; you can also turn it off, if you so choose.
The keyboard is plug-and-play, so you don't have to install drivers, but if you want to specify macros or customize any of the 12 shortcut keys, you need to install Logitech's SetPoint 4.6KB software. The included CD lets you designate each key to perform a variety of functions including opening a Web page, showing a custom menu, opening a specified file, or launching a program. The SetPoint desktop software also includes a help center that contains tips on how to get the most comfortable experience out of the Logitech keyboard.
Similar to Logitech's higher-end diNovo Edge, the Illuminated Keyboard features Logitech's PerfectStroke key design. PerfectStroke allows for 3.2mm of space between each key and uniform tactile feedback across the entire flat key surface. In practice, the key response is similar to that of an IBM Thinkpad laptop. If you're used to typing on a regular keyboard with concave keys, the Illuminated Keyboard will be an acquired taste. Your accuracy might suffer in the interim, but we found ourselves typing significantly faster after less than a week of using it.
Although it is undoubtedly attractive and works well, the Logitech can use some improvement in the hardware design. First, the keyboard lacks the extra USB ports that we typically see on keyboards at this price. We complained about the Logitech G15's outdated USB 1.1 ports, so we have to ding Logitech again for not even including one port into this design. Granted, the keyboard's slim profile doesn't allow for much room for hardware extensions, but we'd sacrifice a slightly thicker housing for the increased functionality. We're also disappointed to see that the keyboard uses USB 2.0 instead a wireless RFID transmitter for connectivity. The clean aesthetic of the keyboard is almost spoiled by the unsightly gray wire protruding from the top, but if you're a closet gamer you'll appreciate the accuracy you get in a wired set up.
For your consideration, the Saitek Eclipse II Illuminated Keyboard is another illuminated keyboard that came out two years ago for $70. Its price is now down to $45; the Logitech is almost double the price, and we're quick to complain about its lack of features, but we think the higher price is justified by its elevated comfort and modern style.
User reviews
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Exceeded Expectations
by mgibboni on April 16, 2009
Pros: Illumination, Custimization of Function Keys, Keystroke Feel
Cons: Price, not an ergo-keyboard
Summary: I was really weary of purchasing this keyboard since I was afraid I would miss my "sleep" and "calculator" buttons on my current Microsoft Multimedia keyboard. Silly, I know, but ...
Summary: I was really weary of purchasing this keyboard since I was afraid I would miss my "sleep" and "calculator" buttons on my current Microsoft Multimedia keyboard. Silly, I know, but still a worry I had. I was also afraid that I would have to hold down the function key in order to use the customized buttons (again, which I don't have to do with my current keyboard). Fortunately, the included software solved both of my concerns! Not only does the keyboard come with a button designed to bring up the calculator, but the customization allowed me to set any of the "function" keys to put my computer into sleep mode. As for the other concern, there was a button in the software I was able to check off that allowed for "one-touch" command of the customized function keys...meaning I only have to hold down the function key if I want to use F1-F12, which I rarely have a need to. Sweet!
The illumination of keys is perfect, and each light setting (there are three) has it's place. The light is pure, even, and really make the keyboard - dare I say - beautiful. The key action is very nice and truly does feel like a laptop keyboard, which I happen to like. It is, of course, spaced out like a typical keyboard. There are a few keys arranged in a configuation some people may not be used to, but it's not a big deal at all.
I have also read some complaints that the keyoard doesn't recognized the key combination of "n't" if typed too quickly, but I tried my darndest to replicate the problem to no avail - works perfect for me.
I wish the keyboard was a little cheaper and possibly a little more ergonomic (like the Logitech Wave), but when it comes right down to it I'm extremely pleased with my purchase.
4.5 stars!1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Keyboard for writers more than gamers
by zithrob on November 17, 2008
Pros: "Keytouch" - feel is excellent. Took a day or so to adjust, but now I like it so much, other keyboards feel inferior. Lit keys are terrific, especially in low lighting situations. Clean, sharp looking design.
Cons: Requires USB 2.x - forced me to buy a new KVM. Since it's pulling that much power, it should have at least one USB port on board.
Summary: This keyboard is about performance, not gimmicks. It does one thing extremely well - provides an excellent typing experience. If you're a writer, blogger or other type of wordsmith, ...
Summary: This keyboard is about performance, not gimmicks. It does one thing extremely well - provides an excellent typing experience. If you're a writer, blogger or other type of wordsmith, this is an excellent choice.
Its classic, clean lines also make it a nice desk accessory in pretty much any office decor.
I do wish they would have included at least ONE USB port on the unit - I prefer to plug in my thumb drive in the keyboard. Perhaps they felt if they yielded to that temptation, others (audio in, audio out, Firewire, etc.) would follow, and Logitech has keyboards that offer those options.
It's a bit expensive - I'd rather pay closer to $50 than $75, but like other objects of great design - iPhones, BMW's, B&O stereo equipment, etc., it's as much about the form as the function.
A nice splurge for yourself or the writer in your life.1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Illuminated in the dark?
by sergiom80 on October 9, 2008
Pros: slim, and sleek design
Cons: Confidence in logitech is diminishing after owning several products from them and having them fail.
Summary: I would have really liked to see how the illuminated keys look in the dark in front of a monitor. I have the original Logitech G15 with the blue illuminated ...
Summary: I would have really liked to see how the illuminated keys look in the dark in front of a monitor. I have the original Logitech G15 with the blue illuminated keys and they don't seem bright enough especially when looking back and forth from my LCD to the keyboard.
Update-
Updated on Oct 9, 2008
Just picked it up and I'm really liking it so far. The keys light up much better than my blue g15. the illumination is very even on all the keys and the white color is very easy to see in the dark. I don't know what the first reviewer is talking about the N ' T problem, mine seems to be working just fine... n't n't n't
Updated on Oct 9, 2008my pics of the keyboard in the dark
http://www.ashzero.com/pics/logitech_illuminated_keyboard1.jpg
http://www.ashzero.com/pics/logitech_illuminated_keyboard2.jpg1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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nice looking keyboard but locks up tech support no help
by tjunga on November 6, 2009
Pros: good looking when it works it works great. great for my app working in a dark room
Cons: keeps locking up every time my computer goes to sleep. Have to restart computer or unplug and let it sit for a minute than plug back in. Called and e-mail tech support. No response to e mail tech support could not speak english.
Summary: junk, locks up tech suppot no help (e mail or phone) recieved second keyboard from amazon with same problem. Have downloaded all the software. need to have tech support that ...
Summary: junk, locks up tech suppot no help (e mail or phone) recieved second keyboard from amazon with same problem. Have downloaded all the software. need to have tech support that speaks english or return e mails. only way to get keyboard to work again is either restart computer or unplug usb and wait. great keybord as long as your computer does not go into sleep mode
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Very good but...
by extremecrazydude on October 26, 2009
Pros: Quiet, illuminated, media controls
Cons: On the 2nd version of the illuminated keyboard bad enter and shift key.
Summary: I love the original version of the Logitech Illuminated keyboard, but the new one not. For anyone looking for the menu of scroll lock key, you just have to press ...
Summary: I love the original version of the Logitech Illuminated keyboard, but the new one not. For anyone looking for the menu of scroll lock key, you just have to press FN (function) print screen (for menu) or pause break (for scroll lock) This is really OK because no one really uses these. They made a new version of this keyboard with a different key setup. It is not as good as the original Logitech illuminated keyboard. they have a different enter key and a shift key (main differences) the pictures here are of the original version. I really like the illuminated level, really nice to type on once you have used it for a week, and the FN media controls and shortcuts are really nice.
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You missed the main benefit - noise reduction
by DoubleFelix on October 2, 2009
Pros: This is among the QUIETEST keyboards on the market. Its key feel is outstanding. Anybody working in an office environment will appreciate the noise reduction. I just bought a load of them for my call center.
Cons: No cons for the professional office environment. You keep talking about USB ports. That's the LAST THING I want anybody having on my workstations. Ever hear about security?
Summary: Noise matters. This keyboard completely eliminates the click-click-click that can be so annoying to my phone customers. I would have paid twice as much for this product.
Summary: Noise matters. This keyboard completely eliminates the click-click-click that can be so annoying to my phone customers. I would have paid twice as much for this product.
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SAVE YOUR RECEIPT!!!
by ThePegasys on June 1, 2009
Pros: * Its illuminated. How cool is that?
* Great looking keyboard.Cons: * No scroll lock key. Can't be used with KVM switches.
* Non-standard key arrangement.
* Wastes gasoline on the trip back to the store to return it.Summary: This keyboard is all about looks... and function be damned. If your computer is more of a desk ornament as opposed to a useful tool you use everyday... then this ...
Summary: This keyboard is all about looks... and function be damned. If your computer is more of a desk ornament as opposed to a useful tool you use everyday... then this is the keyboard for you. Otherwise... forget about it.
Without a doubt... one of the best looking keyboards I have ever seen. And the illumination of the keys, with a 4-step dimmer key... is just awesome and exactly what I needed.
But all the praise for the aesthetics can not overcome the basic flaws in the design of this keyboard. There are only two, really... but they are biggies. Definite show stoppers.
1. NON STANDARD KEY ARRANGEMENT
Most keyboard manufacturers know better than to mess with the standard QWERTY key arrangement. But that common sense seems to stop when laying out the function & navigation keys.
For the same reason that we need the QWERTY keys to have the same arrangement on any keyboard we use, we also need the other basic keys to be in a standard arrangement as well. There are few things as frustrating than having to always pause... and scan for... the DEL/INSERT/HOME/END keys that have become as instrumental to typing as the ENTER key and Space Bar.
Eventually, you can adapt to a new key arrangement. But if you use more than one keyboard... such as one at home and another at work... a keyboard with an non-standard arrangement will drive you nuts and reduce your productivity.
2. NO SCROLL LOCK KEY
For some reason, Logitech has decided that we no longer need a Scroll Lock key and has removed it from most, if not all, of their new keyboard designs. And although this function key may (or may not) be possible to assign to another key or key stroke combination via the software, this generally will not work as most software and hardware that require use of the Scroll Lock, intercept the keystroke before the keyboard software can reassign it.
So you can not in anyway use a KVM switch with this keyboard. No way to use the keyboard with two or more computers. That's probably not an issue for most home users... but its a show stopper for me.
It saddens me as I just purchased this keyboard last night and as I write this review with it, I am really getting to like the feel of the keys. But I'm also just killing time as I wait for the store to open so I can return it. -
Just what I was looking for.
by SmartyPants23 on April 28, 2009
Pros: The key action is great. Regular keyboards feel klunky. It has a very high cool factor with the slim design and the lighted keyboard.
Cons: Wireless would be better but I don't do anything that needs a wireless keyboard so it's a non-issue for me.
Summary: It's the perfect office keyboard.
Summary: It's the perfect office keyboard.
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best key action on the market and not a battery eater!
by Tsais on February 27, 2009
Pros: best key action you can find, a pleasure to type.
Backlighting only the letters instead of the entire keyboard.
No wireless! A high quality keyboard without battery tax.
Comfortable wristpad shape, not too big.
Backlighting brightness is adjustableCons: The F1 through F12 keys have only the special functions backlit,
the plexiglass rim is a superfluous design element and prone to getting scratched.
a USB port would have been nice, instead of a useless plexiglass strip.Summary: expensive at $80, but worth every penny.
I don't know if the C-Net reviewer is just one of those guys with constantly sweaty palms or if he forgets to ...Summary: expensive at $80, but worth every penny.
I don't know if the C-Net reviewer is just one of those guys with constantly sweaty palms or if he forgets to wash his hands occasionally, but I had no problems with smudges on the wrist rest. I know sometimes you shake someone's hand and its so sticky, you wonder if you'll be able to disengage... if your hands are like that, I guess you'll just have to clean it from time to time.
Further, I think the C-Net reviewer is wrong for listing "no wireless support" as a con, simply because all the other high quality keyboards from Logitech are already wireless. Furthermore, I'd hate to see how fast the backlighting would eat up any batteries or rechargeables in this keyboard.
So, the design is perfectly logical for Logitech to expand their product line in this direction. -
Thumbs up for me!
by paragon2 on December 26, 2008
Pros: I love the sleek design and the quietness of this keyboard. My computer is in a very dark room. The illumination comes through the letter as well as around the keys with 3 settings of intensity. The function keys are handy as well. Very cool!
Cons: I don't have any cons as of now.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Logitech
- Part number: 920-000914
- Description: You've just gotten home. It's dark but you still have e-mails to write, people to chat with, blogging to do. While everyone else is in the dark, you're getting ready to shine. Don't you deserve a keyboard that shines with you? The Logitech Illuminated Keyboard provides precise illumination that can be adjusted to suit your needs. Only the characters are illuminated, so you get just the right amount of light. It makes a bold statement and adds an elegant touch to any desk. The ideal combination of form and function, the Logitech Illuminated Keyboard gives you exactly what you need from a keyboard.
General
- Device Type Keyboard
- Form Factor External
- Localization English - US
- Localization English:United States
Input Device
- Interface USB
- Connectivity Technology Wired
- Features Backlit, Palm rest, PerfectStroke
- Key/Button Function E-mail, Multimedia, Internet browsing
Expansion / Connectivity
- Connections 1 x USB - 4 pin USB Type A
Miscellaneous
- Cables Included USB cable
- Microsoft Certifications Compatible with Windows 7
Software / System Requirements
- Software Included Drivers & Utilities
- OS Required Microsoft Windows Vista / XP
Manufacturer Warranty
- Service & Support 3 years warranty
- Service & Support Details Limited warranty - 3 years
Cable(s) / Peripheral(s)
- Cable(s) Included USB cable Integrated
Interface(s) Required
- Port(s) / Connector(s) Required 1 USB 4 pin USB Type A
Warranty
- Service / Support Details Limited warranty 3 years
Manufacturer info
- Logitech
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Logitech products on Shopper.com
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- Website: http://www.logitech.com/
- Address:
6505 Kaiser Dr., Fremont, CA 94555
