NON-gaming Logitech Illuminated Keyboard, any better?

[bonheur]

I use my computer for: Word, Excel, Photoshop Elements, DivX, web, e-mail, IM, Google Earth, etc. and NO games.

My current keyboard is a an PS2 multimedia keyboard model "Ixium SYNC Multimedia Keyboard" as it can be seen on here: http://www.ixium-int.com/en/computer-mouse-and-peripherals_IXIUM-SYNC-MULTIMEDIA-KEYBOARD_p25-1.aspx

A small picture for reference:

Its multimedia keys are: Home, E-mail, Back, Forward, Stop, Refresh, Search, Favorites, back 1 song, forward 1 song, play/pause, stop, -volume, +volume, Mute, Media, My Computer, Calculator, Sleep, and Power.

It's an el-cheapo keyboard that actually works rather well for my current needs. But the keyboard layout has started to fade and several keys lack identification at all. My typing skills have never been any good.

Now I would like something that makes less noise when typing and somehow provides a better typing experience.

Browsing the Internet seems like this Logitech Illuminated Keyboard has very good reviews.

Reference link: http://www.logitech.com/en-us/keyboards/keyboard/devices/4740

Picture of the Logitech keyboard:

So for those of you who got it, here's a few questions for you:

#1: Do you have any complains about it?
#2: Is the lighting only on if I push a key?
#3: Does the computer boot with the illumination on?
#4: Does the typing really improve with that "laptop keyboard"?
#5: Is it comfortable to use the "F#" keys and the multimedia shortcuts?
#6 Are all the multimedia shortcuts useful? If not, are they easy to program with the Logitech driver to do whatever I want?
#7: Does it have keys for "Sleep" and/or "Power"?

A question for everybody: Would any of you guys advice me to look at any other keyboard other than this Logitech Illuminated Keyboard before commiting to buy?

 

[bonheur]

There seems to be a good review of the Logitech Illuminated Keyboard on here: http://www.tamurajones.net/LogitechIlluminatedKeyboard.xhtml

Apparently, it is a very solid keyboard with a great typing experience, but as the reviewer said there's way better multimedia keyboards out there and it lacks a "sleep" key.

While I don't really need this illuminated-keys thing I find it a nice feature and I certainly like the engraving of the keys being laser etched over the usual paint engraving that wears off rather quickly.

 

[Beebu]

1. Yes. It has ghosting, which is why I returned it and ordered a G110. You don't seem to want to play games with it, so it most likely won't be an issue for you.
2. There's one button that controls the backlighting settings for the keyboard. If you leave the backlighting on, you don't have to always keep turning it on/off. There's a few levels of intensity and toggling it completely off that you can cycle through.
3. If you leave it set with the backlight on, yes.
4. Not sure? I typed with it just like I'd type on any other keyboard. It was really quiet and the keyboard didn't slide around on my glass desk at all. The wrist rest was alright, but I think I would have preferred it to be slightly bulkier to provide more of a support to the wrist area.
5. Didn't really use them, so couldn't tell you.
6. Once again, no idea. Sorry.
7. Didn't really care or bother to look while I had it.

I would have kept the keyboard if I was using it for the same functions that you're using it for. However, I wanted to use it for normal use + gaming, and using it for gaming didn't work at all with fps games.

 

[corkyg]

I have two of these Logitech 4740's. Best keyboards I have ever had. Will answer your questions - and am not a gamer.

#1: Do you have any complains about it?
No, none.

#2: Is the lighting only on if I push a key?
No. There are three levels of brightness and one off. The illumination is even.

#3: Does the computer boot with the illumination on?
Yes, if that is how you left it. I leave mine on 24/7 and just turn the illumination OFF when not using it.

#4: Does the typing really improve with that "laptop keyboard"?
It is not a laptop keyboard. It is a full size, and quite thin board. It is very quiet.

#5: Is it comfortable to use the "F#" keys and the multimedia shortcuts?
Yes. The F keys are illuminated with a different color and each has a symbol of its function.

#6 Are all the multimedia shortcuts useful? If not, are they easy to program with the Logitech driver to do whatever I want?
Can't say - never had a reason to do that.

#7: Does it have keys for "Sleep" and/or "Power"?
No. At least not that I am aware of - something else I would never use.

Here is a picture of mine.

 

[cever89]

Hi Bonheur,

I've owned this keyboard for a while now, and it's really the best one I've ever used. Here's my take:

#1: Do you have any complains about it?

Nope!

#2: Is the lighting only on if I push a key?

You've got three modes and you can also turn the lights off. It is lit whether you push a key or not.

#3: Does the computer boot with the illumination on?

Yes, if the lights were already on before.

#4: Does the typing really improve with that "laptop keyboard"?

I certainly think so. I can type a lot faster with this type of key than the traditionally higher key caps. This is something you should try yourself to see how it feels.

#5: Is it comfortable to use the "F#" keys and the multimedia shortcuts?

Never had a problem with these keys, but then again I don't use them all that much.

#6 Are all the multimedia shortcuts useful? If not, are they easy to program with the Logitech driver to do whatever I want?

The Logitech drivers are pretty limited in terms of what you can program the keys to do, but I'm sure there are macro programs out there that will help you.

#7: Does it have keys for "Sleep" and/or "Power"?

Nope.

Hope that helps you out!

 

[bonheur]

Thank you Beebu and Corkyg for reporting back!

Corkyg, I see now thanks to your picture that the layout of the keys can be clearly seen with the illumination turned off. Good!

One more question about this Logitech Illuminated keyboard, if the computer goes to sleep with the illumination turned on, can I turn the illumination off without the computer waking up?

 

[corkyg]

...One more question about this Logitech Illuminated keyboard, if the computer goes to sleep with the illumination turned on, can I turn the illumination off without the computer waking up?

Dunno. I never use Sleep. Since the illumination turns on via a keystroke (uppermost key on right side) I would say "no."

BTW, in my photo, illumination was ON.

 

[bonheur]

BTW, in my photo, illumination was ON.

Ouch, I thought it was off.

If it's not too much of a hassle, could you please take another picture of your keyboard with the illumination turned off?

 

[bonheur]

Does anyone know how the Logitech Illuminated keyboard compares to the Mad Catz Eclipse Slimline keyboard?

Picture:

Link: http://www.eclipsetouch.com/slimkey.htm#img/slim/slim2.jpg

I have the hunch that the Logitech Illuminated keyboard is of a superior quality, but I'd preffer to have feedback from someone who's had them for a while.

I'm also thinking of a different set up for my next keyboard, let me explain it to you:

I'm considering the possibility of a corded non-extended keyboard coupled with a wireless keypad. As for the wireless keypad Logitech has them among many other brands, but I have absolutely no idea where to look for that quality corded non-extended keyboard--if possible, with multimedia keys. Any ideas?

 

[bonheur]

I've just discovered the Saitek Slim keyboard, apparently it's something similar to the Apple keyboard, but for the PC architecture. I've heard a lot of positive comments about that style of keyboard, but I don't know whether that was for the looks or the functionality.

Could you guys, please, tell me what do you think about this keyboard compared to the above two? Specially compared to the Logitech Illuminated.

The official link: http://pcperipherals.saitek.com/prod/slimkey.html

A picture I grabbed from the Internet:

A link to a rather nice pic of this keyboard: http://www.edhewitt.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/IMG_20110309_133718.jpg

They make this keyboard in several colors, but I haven't been able to find pictures for them. Also, I could not find the user's manual for this keyboard. Apparently, it doesn't need a driver.

This keyboard seems to have a sleep key next to the keypad which worries me a bit since I could potentially hit that key way too many times during the day. Also, this seems to me a cramped up keyboard, would it be easy to type on it?

Some Enermax keyboards look interesting as well, but they don't have any multimedia keys--at first I hated multimedia keys, but I came to appreciate the utility of some of them like mute, next song, pause/play, calculator, sleep, e-mail, etc.

Another keyboard that tickles my interest is the Microsoft Comfort Curve keyboard 2000. Link: http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/mouseandkeyboard/ProductDetails.aspx?pid=040

So far, I think the Logitech Illuminated is the best deal. Maybe some of your are able to rate them in quality, easy to type in, etc.? I must mail order my keyboard so it's a bit difficult for me to judge them only by looking at their pictures.

 

[corkyg]

Not familiar with that model. Anyway, my Logitech 4740's replaced a Saitek. As you requested, here is the 4740 with illumination OFF - just the camera flash externally.

And, it has 7 multimedia keys. 4 of them are Fn+ combos. According to Logitech, some keys are programmable using Logitech Setpoint software. And, apparently, they have a trade in deal for older Logitech keyboards.

 

[bonheur]

Thank you very much, Corkyg! The layout looks like it can be clearly seen with the illumination turned off, that's great!

It seems like the palm rest on the Logitech keyboard was a bit too small for your hands? Do you think it's a good one for large hands?

My current keyboard has tall keys, will this Logitech Illuminated keyboard with shallow keys be more appropriate for typing? I was talking to this buddy that told me taller keys are prefferred by typists, is there any truth in that?

This may be a silly question, but does the Logitech Illuminated keyboard flex when typing?

Excuse me for asking so many questions, all these would be so easy if I could just try one out.

 

[corkyg]

1. It seems like the palm rest on the Logitech keyboard was a bit too small for your hands? Do you think it's a good one for large hands?

2. My current keyboard has tall keys, will this Logitech Illuminated keyboard with shallow keys be more appropriate for typing? I was talking to this buddy that told me taller keys are prefferred by typists, is there any truth in that?

3. This may be a silly question, but does the Logitech Illuminated keyboard flex when typing?

1. I always use an elevated pad as a wrist rest so as to allow my hands to attack downward. That helps prevent CTS.
2. Never noticed that. I do a lot of desktop publishing and doc typing/editing. But, I am not a touch typist.
3. No, not at all. The KB's thinness allows it to rest firmly on the desk tray with no bending or flexing. I keep mine anchored with velcro strips.

I got my first one at BestBuy - was able to try it out. Buying on line demands a lot of questions. Not a problem.

 

[bonheur]

Thank you again, Corkyg!

I rang the store I got my previous keyboard from and they're sending me a brand new Logitech keyboard for just $10--as it was still covered by the warranty. It's a cheap model with some multimedia keys, but I'm sure it'll be like night and day from my current keyboard. As soon as my new KB starts giving me problems I'll go for a Logitech Illuminated keyboard.

 

[banjoguy]

I've had this keyboard for several months now. I bought it because my HP laptop keys are unreadable - even after several applications of tape-on letters. This illuminated keyboard is excellent as I'm an old guy and my sight is not so sharp any more. With the illumination I can even read the keys without my glasses if I have to - although they are blurry.

I thought my keyboard failed as the illumination quit yesterday. So I Googled around to see if it was a common problem - and ended at this forum and thread. From reading the comments I discovered there's a key that controls the illumination. I had no idea. Now it's back on and life is good. Thanks

 

[bonheur]

Thank you for your review and I'm happy to hear that your issue with this keyboard has been solved.

Just one more question, how do you compare the feeling of your Logitech Illuminated keyboard to that of any other desktop keyboard? As I understand it, the Illuminated uses laptop keys (scissor switches).

 

[RadiclDreamer]

So for those of you who got it, here's a few questions for you:

#1: Do you have any complains about it?
#2: Is the lighting only on if I push a key?
#3: Does the computer boot with the illumination on?
#4: Does the typing really improve with that "laptop keyboard"?
#5: Is it comfortable to use the "F#" keys and the multimedia shortcuts?
#6 Are all the multimedia shortcuts useful? If not, are they easy to program with the Logitech driver to do whatever I want?
#7: Does it have keys for "Sleep" and/or "Power"?

A question for everybody: Would any of you guys advice me to look at any other keyboard other than this Logitech Illuminated Keyboard before commiting to buy?

I have the G110 which is very similar to this other than it having a volume wheel and some programmable keys, it appears to be identical. Well, that and it has adjustable light colors, from blue to red and all shades in between the two.

I have to say that it is a very comfortable keboard, very quiet and things are in the right places with no over/undersized keys.

It doesnt have keys for sleep or power, but if you can make a key combo do what you want you have 12 programmable keys that can either be set to launch a program or simply create a macro to press keys for you. I recommend it.

And yes, its lit @ boot unlike my Razer and has an on/off switch for the lighting

 

[bonheur]

That's seems like a feasible alternative, thank you for your suggestion!

Do you have any complains about the macro keys for non-gaming use?

 

[indiatechnewsco]

I happened to buy the CM storm Devastator bundle that has the keyboard and mouse combo
While the keyboard is not Mechanical, its a custom membrane that Coolermaster has used and the mouse is entry level gaming with adjustable DPI of 1000 - 2000.

Please do check my quick review of the same
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZO8k9LJ-ou4

Honestly a great buy for an illuminated keyboard and a decent mouse for under $60

 

[Virgorising]

Since having discovered them, I use Cherry KBs made in Germany. I get the low end ones on eBay for incredible prices. (Tho even mine have card readers.)

Made beautifully, quiet, good action and the keys are LASER imprinted. They also have some kinda of membrane for spills, tho have never tested the viability of that.