The keyboard connects to your computer via USB. A PS/2 adapter isn't included, but with the amount of USB ports today's PCs have this is no longer required. Some may want to see wireless on a keyboard like this, but I'm not sure if the battery life would be any good with all those LEDs that need to be powered for the key backlight system.
The characters of all keys are illuminated, and between the wrist rest and the numpad are the Caps, Num and Scroll Lock indicator LEDs.
Testing
First impression
While unboxing the Logitech Illuminated Keyboard I was impressed by its compact size and beautiful design. After installing it I immediately liked the backlighting, it looks very cool.
Typing experience
The Logitech PerfectStroke key system is somewhat similar to laptop keys, typing is very smooth and silent compared to regular keyboards. The keys are very responsive and have a great tactile feel. However, it may take a day or so until you're fully used to the keyboard because it has a rather odd layout. The first day I had some trouble locating the right buttons but after that my experience with the Illuminated Keyboard was very good. The Logitech Illuminated Keyboard wasn't really designed with gamers in mind, but there's no reason to worry because it does provide a good gaming experience.
Illumination
The Illumination of this keyboard was done very professionally, only the laser-etched key characters are backlit by white LEDs (orange LEDs in case of the F-keys) and there's little light leakage. It looks extremely good in the dark and can be dimmed or turned off by pressing the "light bulb" button on the keyboard. Illumination is one of the main features of this keyboard, and I have to admit that Logitech did a splendid job. It looks better than I expected, it's very bright but doesn't get annoying at all. The only flaw that I could find is that the F-keys aren't backlit, Logitech chose to light up the second functionality icon of these keys instead.
Software
The Logitech SetPoint software enables you to customize the keyboard a bit. On the first page you can remap the functionality of nine of the F-keys.
And on the second page you can disable the caps lock, Windows Start key, Scroll Lock, Num Lock and Insert keys. You can use this to prevent accidentally key presses in applications or games.
Extras
Besides the backlighting the features of the keyboard are very minimalistic. There are some volume buttons and all the F-keys have a second functionality, but that's about it. Most high-end keyboards have dozens of extra programmable buttons, USB ports, docking stations and other bells and whistles but that's not the case with the Logitech Illuminated.
Conclusion
I really enjoy using the Logitech Illuminated Keyboard, it provides a pleasant typing experience and has a beautiful design. The keyboard is very comfortably and the key backlighting works really well, it's functional and not just there for the fancy look. There are no bells and whistles on this keyboard, but it has about everything an average PC user needs. The biggest drawback is the high price, with an MSRP of $79.99 (89.99EUR) this keyboard is considerably more expensive than what most people are willing to pay for a keyboard.
The Good Stuff
- Smooth typing experience
- Adjustable backlighting
- Nice, sleek and compact design
- Solid feel
- Large palm rest
- Less noisy than standard keyboards
The Bad Stuff
- Expensive
- Very minimalistic
- Function keys aren't backlit
I give the Logitech Illuminated Keyboard a 9/10 and our Editor's Choice award.
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