Whether you’re a casual keyboard user, gamer, coder or writer, a keyboard should not only look cool but also give you as much comfort as it offers functions.
After testing two new Logitech keyboards, we wanted to share the results with you and explain where exactly each one of these excel in comparison. We tested the Logitech K480 and the K780, which are both Bluetooth-based multi-device keyboards.
What is a multi-device keyboard good for?
Both of these keyboards from Logitech are built to connect to several devices, not at the same time, but when you need to. You can place them in front of your computer (or not) and also put your smartphone and tablet in the holder of the keyboard. If you don’t use a tablet, you can connect several smartphones or any other device that supports Bluetooth keyboards.
Logitech K780 on Amazon
After you’re done with the initial pairing of the Bluetooth-enabled devices, each device is assigned to a “port” of the keyboard, and you can switch devices with a single press of a button. This is useful for switch-tasking.
The keyboards also have function keys as you know them from any other modern keyboard really. Yet, the great thing here is, they work well no matter if you’re connected to Windows, Android, Mac OS or iOS. If you buy a keyboard like this, they already come with batteries included, and as per tech specs, one set of batteries last up to two years for an average user.
Logitech K480 on Amazon
Both the Logitech K480 and the K780 have a great feeling and design. As a person who writes a lot, I feel that the haptics can make a huge difference to whether it feels good to work on the device or not. I felt that it was quite fun to type on these keyboards and I felt that I could type very fast and long time without any pain in my arms, hands or fingers.
So what makes these two different?
The Logitech K480 is a mobility master
The K480 is a little smaller than the K780, and the overall design is focused on mobile use. For some proper testing, I took the K480 on a train ride and was able to comfortably write several articles only with two connected smartphones placed in the holder of the keyboard. Switching to other devices is done via potentiometer which is kind of cool.
https://twitter.com/ChristopherIsak/status/902768938253246468
I didn’t even need to unpack my laptop to do some proper work, and when you’re not hammering the keys, you’re also not making much noise that could disturb others in the train. It also fits really well in the keyboard compartment of my laptop backpack. Of course, you can also just as well use it at home on the couch, desk, or anywhere else.
The Logitech K780 is a gem in the office
I felt that both K780 design and function was centered around the modern workplace and office use. You have a proper numpad and all buttons you need to do your work without compromises.
On the K780 the keys are actually circles with a little dent in them which makes it really comfortable to press. Some might be reminded of classic typewriter button designs from the past, but it doesn’t feel like forced retro, it just looks and feels right.
https://twitter.com/ChristopherIsak/status/910922191721713664
From a subjective point of view, I also felt that the key press sound on the K780 is more silent than the K480. This further makes the K780 a fit for business use even in an open office environment with many people hitting those keys all the time without building a wall of sound.
Could they have done anything better?
Nobody is perfect, and no device is. Yet, I wanted to share my thoughts on what could have been useful features perhaps. I believe the K480 should have been shipped with an integrated smartphone charging option. When you’re working on the go, you can easily empty one or two batteries depending on the age of your phone. When writing in portrait mode, it is not even possible to hook up an external battery charger as the port would usually be on the bottom of the phone and blocked while standing on the keyboard.
I also think that an option to alter the angle of the smartphone/tablet holder would have been great. Depending on what device you place there, it could be that you can’t see the display at a right angle. To avoid such issues, a flexible holder would have been an excellent idea. Other than that, I didn’t really have anything else to complain about.
Which keyboard should you get?
My personal opinion would be that road-warriors, who work from all kinds of locations and travel a lot, grab the Logitech K480. People working in offices and just want a keyboard with more functions and options should get the Logitech K780.
Here’s the comparison from Logitech:
| Logitech Multi-Device Keyboard K480 (for PCs, Mac, Tablets, Smartphones) | Logitech Multi-Device Keyboard K780 (for PCs, Mac, Tablets, Smartphones) | |
| Bluetooth connection type | Classic Bluetooth | Bluetooth Smart technology |
| Easy-Switch between three devices | ✓ | ✓ |
| Windows compatibility | Windows 10, 8, 7 | Windows 10, 8, 7 |
| Mac compatibility | Mac OS X 10.2x or later | Mac OS X 10.10 or later |
| Smartphone and tablet compatibility | iPad or iPhone with iOS 5 or later, Android tablet or smartphone with Android 3.2 or later, Bluetooth capable tablet or phone with keyboard profile (HID) | iPhone or iPad with iOS 5.0 or later, Android tablet or smartphone with Android 5.0 or later, Bluetooth Smart ready PC, laptop, tablet or smartphone with keyboard support required (Bluetooth HID) |
| Chrome OS compatibility | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Receiver | – | Logitech Nano-Receiver included |
| Price (RRP) | $ 49.99 | $ 79.99 |
| Style options | White or Black | White or Speckless |
What do you think? Get both? Get one of them? Grab another similar keyboard that you like more? Share your thoughts below in the comments. Thank you! 🙂
YouTube: Unboxing Logitech Keyboards (Gaming and Multi-Device)
Photo credit: Christopher Isak / Logitech
Editorial notice: We have been provided with Logitech test units and worked on them for several weeks to make sure the review is thorough.
