The Logitech K380 Keyboard: Why We Love It

8Expert Score
Awesome
Logitech’s smooth-operating and cheap K380 is one of the best multidevice wireless keyboards you can buy, with the ability to flip between nearly any smartphone, tablet, and most desktops.
Design
8
Features
8
Performance
8
THE GOOD
  • The Logitech K380 is a small, well-made wireless Bluetooth keyboard that can connect to up to three devices simultaneously and switch between them.
THE BAD
  • For users with large hands, the keys may be a little snug; Caps Lock is next to the “a” key and can be mistakenly hit.

People frequently use many devices, such as a laptop, a phone, and possibly a tablet, which is why Logitech continues to release “multidevice” Bluetooth keyboards. The K380, which I’m typing on, costs $40, £35, or AU$70 and is one of Logitech’s best tiny full-size wireless keyboards to date.

The first thing you notice about it is its weight — it weighs 14.92 ounces (423 g) with batteries — which makes it ideal for use with a desktop computer while remaining light and compact enough to slip into a bag and take with you on the move. The height is 4.9 inches (124 mm), the width is 10.9 inches (279 mm), and the depth is 0.6 inches (16 mm) (including feet). It comes in two colors: dark gray and blue, which I like.

k380-grey-gallery-01-ori


You can pair it with three different devices and swap between them by pressing one of the numbered “Easy-Switch” buttons in the top left corner of the keyboard. With my test devices, which included an iPhone 5S, iPhone 6, Samsung Galaxy S6, iPad Air, MacBook Air, Dell laptop, and an Asus Chromebook, pairing went easily.
The keyboard can recognize Mac and Windows computers, as well as Android and iOS devices, and map keys to compatible functions and shortcuts. It’s also compatible with Chrome OS and Apple TV devices.
The keys have a nice feel to them, and they’re spread out enough to prevent mistypes. Some people dislike round keys (as opposed to square keys), but I didn’t mind them at all. The keys may be tight for individuals with very large hands, but those with average-sized and smaller hands should feel at ease typing on the keyboard.


My only little quibble was that I occasionally pressed the caps lock key by mistake. It’s close to the “a” key, and if your finger slips off the “a” key (to the left), you might accidentally touch the Caps Lock. And you don’t always realize you’ve done it until you’ve typed a few letters.
Aside from multidevice compatibility, the K380’s main selling point is that Logitech claims the two supplied AAA batteries will last for two years. I’m not sure how much of that is based on, but even if it only did half of that, it would be useful.
The $50 K480 multidevice Bluetooth keyboard is also made by Logitech. That model is much larger and contains a built-in slot for holding phones and tablets. However, I like the K380 described here because most of the tablets I use have cases that convert to stands, so I don’t need the slot. I also prefer typing on the smaller K380 since the keys are quieter and have a smoother motion. Simply put, it’s a better keyboard.
Logitech’s Keys-To-Go, a superslim keyboard, and Microsoft’s Universal Foldable Keyboard, which folds in half and is even more tiny, are two more portable multi-device keyboard possibilities. Both of those devices are more pricey, but they’re good options if you’re searching for a portable keyboard. Their keys are flatter and less comfortable to type on.

Compare Logitech Keyboards

K380K480K580K780
K380K480K580K780
Dimensions0.6 x 11.0 x 4.9 in0.8 x 11.7 x 7.7 in0.8 x 14.7 x 5.7 in0.9 x 15.0 x 6.0 in
Weight14.9 oz29.0 oz19.7 oz30.8 oz
Connection typeBluetooth 3.0Bluetooth 3.0Unifying USB + Bluetooth SmartUnifying USB + Bluetooth Smart
Special KeysHome, Search, App-switch, etc.Caps Lock, FNHome, Search, App-switch, etc.Home, Search, App-switch, etc.
Indicator Lights (LED)Battery, 3 Bluetooth channelsBattery, Bluetooth connect2 connectivity channels3 Bluetooth channels
CompatibilityWin, Mac, Chrome, Android, iOSWin, Mac, Chrome, Android, iOSChrome OSWin, Mac, Chrome, Android, iOS
Battery life24 months24 months24 months24 months
Battery details2 x AAA2 x AAA2 x AAA2 x AAA
Layout SizeMinimalist layoutMinimalist layoutCompact layout with numpadCompact layout with numpad
Phone CradleNoYesYesYes
Layout CompatibilityWindows/MacWindows/MacWindows/MacWindows/Mac
ColorsGrey,Red,Blue,Off-White,RoseOff-White, GraphiteOff-White/Gray, Graphite/GrayOff-White, Graphite

Conclusion

This is a true desktop replacement keyboard, and I’d choose it over Apple’s $69 Wireless Keyboard, which is built just for Macs.

The Logitech K380 Keyboard: Why We Love It
8
Editor’s Choice
Logitech K380 Multi-Device Bluetooth Keyboard
  • Multi-device Bluetooth keyboard: Universal keyboard for typing on all your computing devices: Windows, Mac, Chrome OS, Android, iPad, iPhone, Apple TV 2nd or 3rd generation (Any Bluetooth-enabled computers or mobile devices that support external keyboards with HID profile. Check with device manufacturer for details.)
  • Easy-switch: Connect up to 3 devices simultaneously and switch between them at the touch of button. Wireless range 10 meter
  • Logitech flow cross-computer typing: Use as a regular keyboard or combine with a compatible Logitech flow mouse (sold separately) to type, copy, paste and move files seamlessly between computers
  • Compact mobile keyboard: Easy to carry around your home for familiar typing in any room and Logitech options for Windows (Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10 or later), Logitech options for Mac (OS X 10.8 or later)
  • OS adaptive: Automatically recognizes each device and maps keys to give you a familiar layout, including shortcuts. Battery life (not rechargeable) – 24 months. Connection type: Bluetooth classic (3.0)
  • 2 year battery life: Virtually eliminates the need to change batteries (Keyboard battery life calculation based on an estimated 2 million keystrokes/year in an office environment. User experience may vary.)


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KeWiki is an affiliate-based website that tests and reviews the best tech, appliances, gear, and more. You can trust our veteran reviewers and experts to find the best stuff just for you. KeWiki strives to be probably the most trusted product suggestion and service on the web. We obsessively test and report on thousands of things annually to suggest one of the best of all the things. We aim to save lots of you time and get rid of the stress of buying, whether or not you’re on the lookout for on a regular basis gear or items for family members. We work with complete editorial independence. Meaning nothing seems on the location as a suggestion until our writers and editors have deemed it one of the best by our rigorous reporting and testing.

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