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Logitech launches its shiniest keyboard yet

by Scott Bicheno on 18 August 2010, 12:11

Tags: Logitech (NASDAQ:LOGI)

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Logitech has announced the launch of the K800 illuminated keyboard. It adds a twist to the illuminated keyboard concept by introducing ambient light sensors to judge the amount - if any - of backlighting needed, and motion sensors to turn off the lights when the keyboard isn't being used.

"The Wireless Illuminated Keyboard K800 is perfect for someone who values both form and function," said Denis Pavillard, Logitech VP of product marketing. "The Wireless Illuminated K800 keyboard includes features that make it a standout  - smart backlighting, Logitech Unifying technology, our PerfectStroke key system and Logitech Incurve keys - and presents it all in a very stylish and sleek package that's sure to please."

The latter features are aspects of the physical design of the keyboard, designed to make typing more comfortable, and the keyboard recharges via a microUSB lead. The unifying technology means you only need one dongle for all compatible wireless products. Finally Logitech is claiming the letters won't wear off, which we can confirm does happen on one of its cheaper keyboards.

But here's the catch: the K800 - which will be on sale from September - is expected to cost 90 quid. We're not questioning the demand for premium peripherals - the vibrant gaming mouse market attests to that - but Logitech is asking for some serious investment for all this extra shininess.

 

 

 

HEXUS Forums :: 14 Comments

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Posted by this_is_gav - Wed 18 Aug 2010 13:40
There's no reason to skimp on the bits you interact with (mice, keyboards & monitors) the most - especially us techies and those using PCs constantly. Indeed this is where you should spend and if needs be save on the internal hardware.

Their Illuminated keyboard (the wired predessecor to this no doubt) is stunning. Simple but fantastic. It's so good I bought another for work out of my own money. Indeed the only keyboard I've owned which can rival it is the Logitech Media Desktop 2.0. The excellent keyboard on my Dell XPS M1530 still manages to fall in a distance further back. The Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000 which I've still got somewhere is very good too, but was too big for my desk at home, otherwise I'd still have that.

The Media Desktop 2.0 was £100+. The Illuminated Keyboard cost £45 or so when I bought my two, but it seems it's up to around £60 now.

I don't mind paying for the most important aspects of a PC. I'm sat behind one most of the day, so if it treats you right, it'll more than pay you back in the long run.

That said, if you don't need the wireless functionality of it, get the wired Illuminated Keyboard - it looks to be exactly the same (save for the motion sensors and automatic backlighting).
Posted by directhex - Wed 18 Aug 2010 13:51
That's a huge premium for wireless, compared to the existing Logitech Illuminated
Posted by GheeTsar - Wed 18 Aug 2010 14:57
this_is_gav
That said, if you don't need the wireless functionality of it, get the wired Illuminated Keyboard - it looks to be exactly the same (save for the motion sensors and automatic backlighting).

+1. I have the wired illuminated keyboard and I've been extremely pleased with it - comfy to type on and looks great IMHO.
Posted by joel_spencer - Wed 18 Aug 2010 16:59
Yes and no on saving on internal hardware and spending on external. Depends on your preferences really, if you want a PC to ergonomic or aesthetically pleasing you spend more on the peripherals but if you want your games to run better you skimp on the rest and pick them up when you can. Equally well you should buy within a budget e.g. for me £150 is about what I spend on graphics cards as based on the previous generations and my gaming preferences (eye candy and resolution, etc) this represents the best performance and longevity though there may be cards with more bang for the buck.

I've bought some garbage peripherals before from companies like trust so again it's worth spending a bit more but my cut off point for a keyboard is £50 and for a mouse £30-35 as much as I would like the logitech g19 it's too expensive for a gimmick. My current mouse the sharkoon rush fireglider is a buget gaming mouse but with the quality of a mouse several times more expensive so it pays to do research.

Some things though like speakers it would be senseless to spend money if you cannot tell the difference, I'm no audiophile so I run an audigy 2 (still one of the best value and sound quality cards for the price and it's a proper hardware card unlike the x-fi xpress music) and a 2.1 phillips 50w speaker set. But 2.1 sets have zero support in games, its either surround or stereo so the bass often goes unused, that being said neighbours still have complained about moderate bass.
Posted by Funkstar - Wed 18 Aug 2010 18:36
I'm tempted by this.

I'd like a new keyboard, to replace my classic Dell one (I like physically compact designs, but with proper keys), and a new mouse, to replace my Microsoft Tackball.

I had been looking at a MS set, Wireless 300 keyboard and Natural wireless Laser mouse. Will give the Logitech alternatives a look too.

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