Logitech Bluetooth Illuminated Keyboard K810 Review

Our Review by Rob LeFebvre on December 21st, 2012
Rating: starstarstarstarhalfstar :: BRILLIANT
Share This:

Logitech Bluetooth Illuminated Keyboard K810 is the best mobile keyboard I've used with iOS devices, beating out the Apple bluetooth keyboard handily, despite being labeled for Windows machines.

Developer: Logitech
Price: $99.99
Device Reviewed With: iPhone 5, iPad mini

Usability Rating: starstarstarstarhalfstar
Integration with iPad/iPhone Rating: starstarstarstarhalfstar
Hardware Design Rating: starstarstarstarblankstar
Re-Use Value Rating: starstarstarstarblankstar

Overall Rating: starstarstarstarhalfstar

When I received the Logitech Bluetooth Illuminated Keyboard K810, I was excited. HEre was a keyboard that I could use with my iPad and iPhone, as well as my Macbook, on the go. I end up hanging out in quite a few places where I need to write, and a fuller sized keybaord makes that possible with the iPad mini I seem to be carrying around, as well. I've taken my Apple wireless bluetooth keyboard around with me, so wanted to see how this K810 illuminated model would do in comparison.

As a typing platform, the K810 shines. Pun intended. It's solidly built, feels well-engineered and produced, and is a delight to type on. the keys are spaced far enough apart that it feels comfy to use in any configuration; even on my lap (which is how I'm typing this review right now: iPad mini on the arm of my recliner, Logitech keyboard in my lap). The battery is rechargeable, another leg-up on the Apple keyboard, via a micro USB port on the left hand side of the unit. The power toggle switch is on the right side of the unit on the vertical face. It's a solid-feeling toggle, too; very well put together.

Where the keyboard really blasts past my previous favorite Apple bluetooth keyboard is in the three-device switching ability. ONce the keyboard is initially paired to one device, it can then be paired with up to two more at the same time. Switching between devices is then handled via the F1, F2, F3 keys. I was able to pair the Logitech Illuminated Keyboard to my iPad, my iPhone, and my MacBook Air all at once; pressing the corresponding F key allowed me to type first on the iPad, then the MacBook Air, then the iPhone in a text message, then back to the iPad. It's no muss, no fuss configuration and wow is it useful.

The illumination is a nice extra, even in low light. It doesn't seem to affect the battery life too much, as I've only charged this bad boy once in a two week period. I'd say it has aa much if not more battery life than the Apple keyboard, though I didn't measure the specific times each needed a recharge or new batteries (in the Apple keyboard's case).

My only niggling issue is the Windows-centric labeling on the bottom row--Alt for Option, Windows symbol instead of an Apple Command key symbol. If Logitech makes a version of the K810 with Apple symbols on it, then it would be my perfect keyboard. THey do, however, make something similar for the Mac, called the Easy Switch keyboard, but I was not sent that unit to review.

For now, the Logitech Illuminated Bluetooth Keyboard K810 is still my go-to keyboard for all applications: writing on the iPad, using my MacBook Air with an external monitor and mouse, and for answering text messages on my iPhone wile working on the computer at the desk, or using the iPad in my armchair. My accuracy and speed is not affected at all, especially since I'm used to using the smaller format of the Apple wireless keyboard.

Share This: