Logitech's Wave Keys tries to bend ergonomics without breaking tradition
(2023/11/28)
- Reference: 1701163810
- News link: https://www.theregister.co.uk/2023/11/28/logitech_wave_keys/
- Source link:
Review Logitech's latest take on ergonomic keyboards is a divisive device. It will delight users seeking palm rests but annoy key bashers more accustomed to chiclet or mechanical models.
Wave Keys is a wireless keyboard that can connect via Bluetooth or a wireless dongle, depending on your available options. It also features a built-in cushioned palm rest and a curved form designed to match where the user's hands are likely to rest.
Although Logitech sells other ergonomic keyboards – the Ergo K860, for instance, where the keyboard is split into two halves – the Wave is more compact and less visually intimidating. It seems as though Logitech is attempting to subtly incorporate ergonomics without the user noticing.
[1]
The keys themselves are chunky, with a good deal of travel. Initially, I was hopeful that this keyboard might feature mechanical switches. Unfortunately, it does not – a membrane operates behind the scenes, and while that might not bode well for longevity, it does mean that less effort is required to press the keys.
In use, I didn't really notice the lack of mechanical action, although the key travel, which is longer than the laptop-style keyboard I'm accustomed to, could be off-putting. More concerning is the lack of backlighting, especially on the graphite version of the Wave Keys.
[2]
The cushioned palm rest is a neat touch, and I would recommend the graphite version over the other colors since darker shades tend to hide more sins. An off-white version is available, and a rose edition is due in "select markets" in 2024.
[3]Logitech reports broad declines as pre-pandemic buying cycles return
[4]Logitech boss Bracken Darrell steps down, effective ASAP
[5]Logitech, iFixit to offer parts to stop folks binning their computer mouse
[6]What goes up must come down: Logitech sales tumble amid PC slump
However, although the Wave Keys is well designed and exudes quality, I did not personally like it – I prefer a flat keyboard. Conversely, members of my household thought the design was brilliant and dread the day it gets returned to Logitech.
The Wave Keys is available on Logitech's website for $59.99 (£69.99) and is compatible with Windows machines and Macs – I tested it on both. It also connects to iPadOS 14 or later, ChromeOS, Android 9 or later, and Linux.
[7]
I used Bluetooth for connectivity, which was reliable. The two AAA batteries that power the peripheral device should last for 36 months. Although the keyboard lacks general backlighting, there is a light for the caps lock key and a battery indicator. It also features legs that add a four-degree tilt and a proper on/off switch.
As a relatively compact ergonomic keyboard, the Wave Keys succeeds. It won't appeal to everyone, but its aim is clear: to introduce ergonomics into the workplace with a design that won't frighten the horses.
[8]
The absence of backlighting is unfortunate, and mechanical keyboard enthusiasts might be disappointed, particularly given the price point. Nonetheless, the design, palm rest, and build quality may make it an appealing option for those considering a more ergonomic keyboard. ®
Get our [9]Tech Resources
[1] https://regmedia.co.uk/2023/11/27/wavekeys2.png
[2] https://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/jump?co=1&iu=/6978/reg_onprem/personaltech&sz=300x50%7C300x100%7C300x250%7C300x251%7C300x252%7C300x600%7C300x601&tile=2&c=2ZWXIVI4sRQlouh2L3tdbngAAAEA&t=ct%3Dns%26unitnum%3D2%26raptor%3Dcondor%26pos%3Dtop%26test%3D0
[3] https://www.theregister.com/2023/07/25/logitech_nearly_all_product_divisions/
[4] https://www.theregister.com/2023/06/15/logitech_ceo_bracken_darrell_steps/
[5] https://www.theregister.com/2023/05/17/logitech_teams_up_with_ifixit/
[6] https://www.theregister.com/2023/01/12/logitech_sales_after_pc_boom/
[7] https://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/jump?co=1&iu=/6978/reg_onprem/personaltech&sz=300x50%7C300x100%7C300x250%7C300x251%7C300x252%7C300x600%7C300x601&tile=4&c=44ZWXIVI4sRQlouh2L3tdbngAAAEA&t=ct%3Dns%26unitnum%3D4%26raptor%3Dfalcon%26pos%3Dmid%26test%3D0
[8] https://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/jump?co=1&iu=/6978/reg_onprem/personaltech&sz=300x50%7C300x100%7C300x250%7C300x251%7C300x252%7C300x600%7C300x601&tile=4&c=44ZWXIVI4sRQlouh2L3tdbngAAAEA&t=ct%3Dns%26unitnum%3D4%26raptor%3Dfalcon%26pos%3Dmid%26test%3D0
[9] https://whitepapers.theregister.com/
Wave Keys is a wireless keyboard that can connect via Bluetooth or a wireless dongle, depending on your available options. It also features a built-in cushioned palm rest and a curved form designed to match where the user's hands are likely to rest.
Although Logitech sells other ergonomic keyboards – the Ergo K860, for instance, where the keyboard is split into two halves – the Wave is more compact and less visually intimidating. It seems as though Logitech is attempting to subtly incorporate ergonomics without the user noticing.
[1]
The keys themselves are chunky, with a good deal of travel. Initially, I was hopeful that this keyboard might feature mechanical switches. Unfortunately, it does not – a membrane operates behind the scenes, and while that might not bode well for longevity, it does mean that less effort is required to press the keys.
In use, I didn't really notice the lack of mechanical action, although the key travel, which is longer than the laptop-style keyboard I'm accustomed to, could be off-putting. More concerning is the lack of backlighting, especially on the graphite version of the Wave Keys.
[2]
The cushioned palm rest is a neat touch, and I would recommend the graphite version over the other colors since darker shades tend to hide more sins. An off-white version is available, and a rose edition is due in "select markets" in 2024.
[3]Logitech reports broad declines as pre-pandemic buying cycles return
[4]Logitech boss Bracken Darrell steps down, effective ASAP
[5]Logitech, iFixit to offer parts to stop folks binning their computer mouse
[6]What goes up must come down: Logitech sales tumble amid PC slump
However, although the Wave Keys is well designed and exudes quality, I did not personally like it – I prefer a flat keyboard. Conversely, members of my household thought the design was brilliant and dread the day it gets returned to Logitech.
The Wave Keys is available on Logitech's website for $59.99 (£69.99) and is compatible with Windows machines and Macs – I tested it on both. It also connects to iPadOS 14 or later, ChromeOS, Android 9 or later, and Linux.
[7]
I used Bluetooth for connectivity, which was reliable. The two AAA batteries that power the peripheral device should last for 36 months. Although the keyboard lacks general backlighting, there is a light for the caps lock key and a battery indicator. It also features legs that add a four-degree tilt and a proper on/off switch.
As a relatively compact ergonomic keyboard, the Wave Keys succeeds. It won't appeal to everyone, but its aim is clear: to introduce ergonomics into the workplace with a design that won't frighten the horses.
[8]
The absence of backlighting is unfortunate, and mechanical keyboard enthusiasts might be disappointed, particularly given the price point. Nonetheless, the design, palm rest, and build quality may make it an appealing option for those considering a more ergonomic keyboard. ®
Get our [9]Tech Resources
[1] https://regmedia.co.uk/2023/11/27/wavekeys2.png
[2] https://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/jump?co=1&iu=/6978/reg_onprem/personaltech&sz=300x50%7C300x100%7C300x250%7C300x251%7C300x252%7C300x600%7C300x601&tile=2&c=2ZWXIVI4sRQlouh2L3tdbngAAAEA&t=ct%3Dns%26unitnum%3D2%26raptor%3Dcondor%26pos%3Dtop%26test%3D0
[3] https://www.theregister.com/2023/07/25/logitech_nearly_all_product_divisions/
[4] https://www.theregister.com/2023/06/15/logitech_ceo_bracken_darrell_steps/
[5] https://www.theregister.com/2023/05/17/logitech_teams_up_with_ifixit/
[6] https://www.theregister.com/2023/01/12/logitech_sales_after_pc_boom/
[7] https://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/jump?co=1&iu=/6978/reg_onprem/personaltech&sz=300x50%7C300x100%7C300x250%7C300x251%7C300x252%7C300x600%7C300x601&tile=4&c=44ZWXIVI4sRQlouh2L3tdbngAAAEA&t=ct%3Dns%26unitnum%3D4%26raptor%3Dfalcon%26pos%3Dmid%26test%3D0
[8] https://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/jump?co=1&iu=/6978/reg_onprem/personaltech&sz=300x50%7C300x100%7C300x250%7C300x251%7C300x252%7C300x600%7C300x601&tile=4&c=44ZWXIVI4sRQlouh2L3tdbngAAAEA&t=ct%3Dns%26unitnum%3D4%26raptor%3Dfalcon%26pos%3Dmid%26test%3D0
[9] https://whitepapers.theregister.com/
Re: The absence of backlighting
John Robson
Could be backlit when the cable is plugged in, assuming that they didn't put the charging cable in an apple location.
Re: The absence of backlighting
Steve Button
I agree about the battery life.
Not sure about the backlighting. I've just removed all the keycaps from my mechanical custom keyboard (not my main one) and put blank ones in, and I'm also "at an age"... but still fighting.
Tat
elsergiovolador
Logitech these days in my opinion is an overpriced Chinese tat.
Their products seem to have planned obsolescence built in. Not exactly green.
For instance, every mouse I buy, gets its outer coating disintegrate within a year or two. It becomes sticky and unpleasant to work with.
They don't seem to be offering replacement casings either.
Why I buy this carp then? I understand Logitech has a patent for flywheel mechanism and so no other company can make such a mouse.
I have Logitech in contempt, because if they can't make a proper mouse, they shouldn't be sitting on that patent and let other companies, who actually can make quality products make a proper mouse.
The absence of backlighting
Um, it's a wireless keyboard. You state that its two batteries should last 36 months. If it had backlighting, I'd wager you'd be complaining that the batteries last only 3 weeks.
Personally, I am at an age where backlighting is now a requirement for me to properly see which key I am bashing. As such, this keyboard is out of the question for me, but I do have to admit that it looks nice.