We reviewed the Logitech K480 Bluetooth multi-device keyboard few months back and we absolutely love the quick device switching feature of the keyboard. It is the perfect Bluetooth desk keyboard for users who often type on multiple devices.
What we have in our labs today is the little brother of the K480, the Logitech K380 Bluetooth multi-device keyboard. Read on to know more about this little keyboard.
Retails for RM149.00.
Specifications Overview
General
- Dimension: 279 x 124 x 16 mm (10.9 x 4.9 x 0.6 in)
- Weight: 423 g (14.92oz)
- Connectivity:
- Bluetooth Classic 3.0
Under the hood
- Battery: 2 x AAA
Software Support
- Windows: Windows 7 or later
- Mac: OS X 10.8 or later
Packaging
Minimalist packaging design.
Straightforward and simple explanation of the product features.
Open box reveals the K380 keyboard in clear wrapping.
What’s included is just the keyboard and some paper documentation.
In the box:
- Logitech K380 keyboard
- 2 x AAA (pre-installed)
- Product guides and warranty
A simple pictorial guide for pairing the keyboard with your devices.
- Hold the device selection button for 3 seconds until the LED start flashing.
- Search for Logitech K380 keyboard from your device.
- Type the pairing code from the keyboard and press enter.
2x AAA batteries are included and remember to pull out the seal before using the keyboard.
Although the included batteries are non-rechargeable but Logitech claims that it could last for 2 years with moderate usage.
Before jumping into conclusion in regards of the battery life, I have to first point out my own experience with Logitech’s wireless product’s battery life, where they have been consistently meeting its expectations. For instance the affordable M185 wireless mouse which the battery life did last for 1 year as what Logitech claimed.
Hence for K380, even if the battery only lasts for 50% as claimed, that’s still a solid 1 year battery life right there. That certainly don’t require recharging ability as the keyboard don’t need to be recharged that often.
Design & Hardware
The K380 is designed to be a 70% keyboard sans extra bells and whistles in order to achieve the minimal footprint. That ultimately differentiates itself from its bigger brother – the K480. Thus, the K380 is more suitable for portable usage which you could easily pack into your bag.
Four rubber foot holds your keyboard in place while you’re typing.
Power switch at the side.
We have the blue unit in our lab. Logitech also has the grey model where the device switching button is in bright yellow.
You guess it right, switching between Bluetooth devices could be any easier with just a press of the button. The switching process is seamless and you really won’t feel any gap in between.
As mentioned, due to the reduced footprint, the keyboard does not come with the standard numpad nor the control pad, just like the small iMac keyboard.
Standard function row is still around albeit it now primarily serves as multimedia and shortcut buttons.
Notice that F4 to F7 are actually catered for mobile OS usage, particularly Android and iOS.
The keyboard supports Windows and Mac OS X. Hence the crossover of Start, Alt button with Option, Command button.
Final Thoughts
Typing on the K380 is quite unique because there is a difference in feel when you type on rounded buttons…. and you don’t see them often. The keys are contoured to cup your fingertips while typing. But since the key travel is pretty limited due to the low profile design, you don’t get that much of feedback and there’s nothing much we can do about it. This definitely not the keyboard for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
This keyboard is all about portability and versatility.
As seen on the photos at Logitech K380’s product page, we can clearly see that Logitech is positioning the K380 as a “everywhere” keyboard. You can use it at home with your desktop, or you can bring it with you and use with a mobile phone or tablet.
That actually means a lot because as opposed to the K480 which designed to have built in phone/tablet stand, the K380 is more suitable for portable use while leaving the K480 on your desk. With the price difference of RM30 between K380 (RM149) and K480 (RM179), the K380 would certainly cannibalize its own brother.
Pros:
- Clean packaging
- Light weight
- Good build quality
- Simple setup
- Multi-platform support
- Seamless device switching
Cons:
- So-so key travel and feel
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