I have been using Apple’s Bluetooth Keyboard pretty consistently ever since I made the move to Mac. I have used one with my various iMacs, and I also use one at home with my laptop, since I elevate the computer on one of a number of stands and use a separate keyboard and mouse. This arrangement is not only better ergonomically and puts less strain on my neck, but it also keeps the computer off the desk or countertop surface just in case something spills (I started doing this after I dumped an entire glass of Crystal Light into my MacBook air a few years ago.)
I have tried a number of keyboards to use with my computers, but I have always came back to Apple’s Bluetooth keyboard. I like the feel of the keys, I find it to be perched at a comfortable angle, and I like the fact that the look and functionality are specifically designed to work with Apple computers. I also tend to turn to Apple’s Bluetooth keyboard when trying to do any serious typing on my iPhone or iPad. I’ve tried different keyboards, but I keep coming back to Apple’s offering.
That ceased to be the case two days ago, when I received a Logitech Bluetooth Easy-Switch Keyboard that I had ordered from Amazon. Quite frankly this keyboard blows the doors off anything Apple has offered. There are a number of reasons for this; let’s run them down.
This Keyboard is Rechargeable
Apple’s Bluetooth keyboard requires a number of double a batteries. That means in the period of a year you can go through a significant number of them. The batteries, in turn, ultimately end up in landfills or, if you are conscientious, at a recycling station. Apple does offer a AA rechargeable battery system, but it is a pain to use. Trust me I’ve tried to go that route and it really is inconvenient.
The Logitech Bluetooth Easy-Switch Keyboard takes a different approach. It has a rechargeable battery that will last ten days or longer — depending on how much you use it and how often the backlight is on and bright it is. When the battery runs low, you simply plug in the included USB to micro USB cable, charge the keyboard for a bit, and then you are up and running again. It is convenient and a bit more environmentally friendly.
It Comes With Backlighting
Apple’s Bluetooth keyboard is great in good sunlight, but if you are trying to use it in the dark then you might as well be typing with your eyes closed. Yes, Apple has yet to put backlighting on their Bluetooth keyboard. The Logitech Bluetooth Easy-Switch Keyboard not only has backlighting, but it offers a number of ways for you to control the brightness of it. It works phenomenally well, but you will want to play around and determine where you want to set the backlight brightness — or you can allow it to automatically adjust the brightness. And how’s this for smart? The keyboard has built-in hand proximity detection. A motion sensor detects the approach of hands toward the keyboard and turns the backlight on/off to help save power when the keyboard is not being used. How cool is that?!
This Keyboard Can Multitask
Apple’s Bluetooth keyboard can work with any Apple Computer and any iOS device but, and this is a significant “but”, it can only be paired with one device at a time. If I’ve been using a keyboard with my laptop and want to type on my iPad, then I need to remove the computer pairing and repair the keyboard to the iPad. When I want to return to using the keyboard with my laptop, I need to reverse the process; it is a royal pain in the neck.
The Logitech keyboard takes a far more logical approach. Logitech realized that many of us are using multiple devices, and our mobile devices aren’t simply for content consumption any longer. In order to accommodate people like me (and you?), they made the keyboard available with three different pairings at any given time. That means I was able to pair the keyboard with my laptop, my iPhone, my iPad and even my Apple TV at the same time. To switch between them, I simply press the button corresponding to that particular device. It couldn’t be easier, and it works the way I work!
These Keys Feel Great!
One of the main attractions of Apple’s Bluetooth keyboard is it island key design. For me this design works quite well. I’m not a touch typist, but I have gotten pretty fast; this keyboard allows me to type with fewer mistakes than others I have tried. The Logitech keyboard takes this design approach and goes one better. It has nice curves on each key that allowed your fingers to rest comfortably. As the company explains:
Logitech Incurve keys: Type comfortably thanks to the unique Logitech keycap design. The concave key surface complements the natural profile of your fingertips and helps you better locate each key for an improved typing experience. The key edges are also softly rounded so your fingertips glide smoothly from key to key.
There is just enough play as you press the key, and it gives just enough resistance to be comfortable as you speedily type along. It is as good or better and experience typing on the Logitech keyboard as it is on Apple’s.
There are only two complaints I have about this keyboard. First, it is a bit more expensive than Apple’s offering. To me the extra expense is a no-brainer, but it is worth noting that it will cost you a few dollars to get this better experience. Second, this keyboard is terrific for use with your laptop or your mobile iOS device. That means it makes sense to bring it along for you when, for example, you are out and about the entire day as I am today. Unfortunately, Logitech didn’t see fit to include any sort of protective carrying case. That’s a drag since this is a great keyboard for use at home and on the go.
Those two minor complaints aside, this keyboard is a home run. This isn’t a review sample; it’s something that I purchased for my own use, and I’m glad I did. It is worth every penny and then some. Learn more here. Order it for less through our Amazon Affiliate Store.
MSRP: $99.99
What I Like: Rechargeable battery; Backlit keys; Keys great to type on; Pairs with three devices at once; Switches between devices with the touch of a button; Feels solid; Even works with an Apple TV
What Needs Improvement: No carrying case
Source: Personal purchase
Thanks for the review. I have been intrigued by this keyboard since I first heard about it. After reading your review, it is now on my wish list.
Mine, too! =)
Is the rechargeable battery user-serviceable? I know that when the battery in my Logitech K750 won’t recharge any more, I can pick up a $6 replacement to get the solar cells juicing it again!
So when it went on sale, I got the pc version of this. So far I am loving it. It pairs with my work pc, my iphone, and my macbook pro easily. Anxious to try it with my boy’s ipad, my kindle fire hd, and apple tv. The keyboard feels great and I love the backlighting. It’s so convenient to switch between different devices with a button.