At a look
Knowledgeable’s Score
Execs
- Revolutionary solar-power tech
- Snug, responsive keys
- Full-size keyboard, with numeric keypad
- Helpful app for reprogramming Fn keys
Cons
- A wired keyboard could be less complicated
- No backlight
- Can’t alter angle or peak of keyboard
- LightCharge tech provides to the value
Our Verdict
Logitech’s LightCharge tech is progressive, however it provides to the price of what’s in any other case a reasonably typical Bluetooth keyboard. It’s nicely constructed, although, and comfy to make use of, and Logitech’s Choices+ app will enchantment to enterprise customers who wish to reprogram the varied Operate keys.
Value When Reviewed
This worth will present the geolocated pricing textual content for product undefined
Finest Pricing In the present day
Value When Reviewed
£99.99
Finest Costs In the present day: Logitech Signature Slim Photo voltaic+ (K980)
£99.99
There have been loads of rumours on the internet lately predicting some large updates to Logitech’s MX vary of keyboards and mice. Nevertheless, the corporate took a swerve in an surprising path when it introduced the brand new Signature Slim Photo voltaic+ keyboard (which additionally goes by the mannequin quantity K980).
Because the identify suggests, the Slim Photo voltaic+ is a solar-powered keyboard that, in accordance with Logitech, means “you by no means have to fret about charging once more”.
There are three variations of the Slim Photo voltaic+ obtainable, beginning at $99.99/£99.99 for the ‘Common’ model that we evaluate right here, which is designed to be used with most kinds of computer systems and cellular gadgets. You can too pair it with three totally different gadgets and rapidly change between gadgets as required.
Logitech additionally plans to launch a ‘For Mac’ model on the similar value, though this may solely be obtainable in North America, together with a ‘Enterprise’ model that features Logitech’s Bolt USB wi-fi adaptor to supply an alternative choice to Bluetooth, for $109.99/£109.99. For different choices check out our Finest Mac Keyboards spherical up.
The highest part of the Slim Photo voltaic+ homes a sensor that may take in mild.
Photo voltaic Energy
The Slim Photo voltaic+ appears pretty typical at first look, with a low-profile design just like the corporate’s MX vary of keyboards and Apple’s personal Magic keyboards. It’s a full-size keyboard with a high row of Operate keys, separate Navigation keys and numeric keypad.
Its plastic casing doesn’t really feel as sturdy because the metal-clad MX keyboard, however it’s stable sufficient to deal with basic day-to-day use sitting in your desk in an workplace.
The keys on the Slim Photo voltaic+ additionally use a scissor-switch mechanism reasonably than the lifeless plastic membranes utilized in some low-profile keyboards. Consequently, the keys really feel agency and responsive when typing, and so they journey nicely, so the Slim Photo voltaic+ will assist you to sort up a storm if you’re dealing with a deadline.
Our solely criticism in regards to the design is that the keyboard lies very flat in your desk – the again edge is raised barely, however there’s no option to alter the angle of the keyboard for folks (like me) preferring the keyboard to be raised a little bit greater off the desk.
However, in fact, the star of the present is Logitech’s photo voltaic power tech, which it calls LightCharge. There’s an additional part to the keyboard, simply above the Operate keys, that homes a light-absorbing sensor. This mild strip is recessed a little bit, and appears like a holder for a pen or stylus, however Logitech prints a warning on the field to not place something on this strip as it’s going to have an effect on the sensor’s capacity to soak up mild.
As you’d anticipate, the sensor can take in power from direct daylight, however it’s additionally delicate sufficient to cost the keyboard from synthetic lighting too, equivalent to lamps or over-head lighting in an workplace.
The sunshine power is saved by a chargeable battery contained in the keyboard, and Logitech says that when the battery is totally charged it could actually energy the keyboard for 4 months even when it’s utilized in full darkness.
The Slim Photo voltaic+ is a full-size keyboard with navigation keys and numeric keypad.
Seeing The Mild
You possibly can test the sunshine degree in your workplace utilizing Logitech’s Choices+ app, and the app did initially inform me that the small lamp that sits on my desk wasn’t sturdy sufficient to cost the keyboard on a dismal September morning.
Nevertheless, turning the overhead mild on in my workplace was sufficient to begin charging the keyboard once more, so that you don’t must blind your self with a highlight with a view to high up the keyboard’s inside battery.
As with Logitech’s MX keyboards, the Choices+ app additionally lets you reprogram the varied Operate keys with a view to carry out instructions equivalent to opening particular apps if you begin work within the morning.
The Slim Photo voltaic+ does have some limitations, although. There’s no backlight on the keyboard – since, in fact, it must be utilized in a reasonably brilliant atmosphere for the photo voltaic charging to work.
There’s no choice to cost it up utilizing a USB connection both, or to make use of it in wired mode if the battery does run flat, so some folks may nonetheless desire to spend a little bit additional on one of many extra versatile battery-powered MX keyboards.
The Choices+ app allows you to monitor the lighting in your workplace to guarantee that the keyboard can cost correctly.
Ought to You Purchase The Logitech Signature Slim Photo voltaic+?
If having to recharge your keyboard bugs you that a lot then I’m tempted to recommend that you possibly can simply purchase a superb old style USB keyboard as a substitute – which might in all probability be cheaper too. Alternatively, some folks may desire to pay a little bit additional for the extra solidly constructed Logitech MX keyboard. However, for those who like the thought of utilizing sustainable photo voltaic power, together with the flexibility to pair the keyboard with a wide range of totally different gadgets, then the Slim Photo voltaic+ will earn its preserve.