Logitech Media Keyboard

Spent a little while choosing a keyboard and am very happy with this purchase. I've gone into much greater depth in this review than most simply because I there was a lot I wanted to know that most reviews don't really cover.

Ergonomics
The keyboard feels very natural. With the back feet out the keyboard rests lower than I'm used to but this made me me wonder if I'd put too much tilt on my previous boards. (NB: There are only two angle options, flat or with feet, some keyboards have three or more angles of tilt).

The keys themselves are very satisfying, with a mid-press tactile pop as each key engages. I find I can type just that little bit smoother with this than with older keyboards I have used. Key layout is standard UK with adequate space and not cramped. The home/delete/end/pgup/pgdown keys have a vertical arrangement (similar to microsoft standard) which I have previously avoided. Thankfully this works very, especially as the delete key is double size, making it much easier to hit while touch typing. Another nice arrangement is that the insert/prntscreen/pause-break keys are well away from the aforementioned keys; being positioned above the number pad. This took me a little while to adjust to but its main benefit is not pressing insert by mistake when reaching for delete.

Eye candy
The keyboard is smart with rounded edges and shiny 'glass' plastic flourishes that follow the media keys. One initially jarring visual feature for me was the central location of the letters and symbols on each key, but after a few days of use I barely noticed it. The board is also completely black (aside from the silver media keys) which does look quite cool. I wondered if this would be a problem in low light but have never had a problem.

Features
The keyboard is usable right out of the box. With addition of the Logitech Setpoint software (get the latest version straight from the web, don't bother with the cd version), most of the extra keys can be reassigned depending on your use (play/pause/skip etc buttons and volume controls cannot be altered). This was a great feature for me as it came in handy for games, web browsing and generally navigating my PC. However, the reassignment is not application specific so you will not be able to fine tune this feature for different programs. The smartest feature is a 'function mode' that instantly changes your row of function keys into pretty much anything you want, be it a selection of key presses, program execution, save, print etc. Normal keys cannot be altered.

Problems
The Setpoint software can need a reboot to make some changes (using Vista x64) and the use of media keys in games can temporarily cause graphical anomalies (but this is probably rig dependent. In the positive it did not actually crash my games and still lets me manipulate itunes/media player and volume controls without tabbing-out). In terms of limitations you cannot press more than 8 keys and still register the information. Again on the plus side this has never been an issue and the keys are actually very responsive. One other thing to note: this is a PS2 keyboard. If your motherboard does not have a PS2 slot (although most do) then you cannot use it.

Overall
Everything about this keyboard is functional, with simple extra features that only add positives to the package. Any problems it might have pale in significance to its usability. If you wanted a keyboard with that little bit extra for very little cost then this is definitely one to consider.

I really couldn't be happier with this product. It does everything I want it to do - from typing, to additional stuff like skip track, previous track, pause/play, volume up/down, mute, mail, home, and calculator - all with the simple press of one button at the top of the keyboard. It is aesthetically pleasing to the eye, and it feels very natural to type on. It's the perfect size to fit on my desk without looking like something that belongs on board an alien spacecraft, and the whole thing has worked perfectly for close to 6 months now. No faults, easy to use - plug in and use, no installation needed, and none of the letters have faded on the buttons. All of the buttons feel really nice, with a very natural feel to them. They don't take a lot of pressure, so it's easy for touchtypers (like me) to race on, but they require enough pressure so as to not make them feel cheap.

There isn't any reason why someone should spend more than this on a keyboard really - it has everything you need. One thing to bear in mind is that it does NOT have a USB connection avilable, so you must have a purple ps/2 slot - which almost ALL motherboards will have. Check before you purchase.

This keyboard is ok, the letters on each key are on the small size, which makes for spelling mistakes. I found the [F] mode key very useful (F9-F11 are programmable) and the two keys to the left of the the caps lock key, the top one has an X on it for closing any programme and even closing down your system. the other one has a back arrow on it, you can guess what that is for. Overall not bad for an low entry keyboard. Logitech Media Keyboard