Logitech K480 wireless keyboard review

In an age where multiple devices share your desk, juggling between each one of them could be a big task in itself. If you're someone who uses all your devices for work and end up typing a lot, a hardware keyboard is a great accessory. While a lot of wireless keyboards that use Bluetooth technology to connect are interoperable, they're mostly designed keeping in mind a single device.
Enter the Logitech K480, a versatile wireless keyboard that lets you connect and type on up to three different devices simultaneously.

It supports Android, Windows, Chrome OS, Mac and iOS devices that can pair via Bluetooth. The best thing about this keyboard is a big, shallow cradle slot that can act as a dock and fit in devices of (mostly) all sizes with screens up to about 10-inches inches. This means it can act as a supporting stand for your phones and tablets converting them into a mini-laptop.



The K480 looks a bit plasticky, almost bordering on resembling those mini computers for toddlers. This is perhaps one of our major gripes with an otherwise competent keyboard. It looks and feels cheap. It's big (299X195mm)and bulky at 821grams but will easily fit in a bag designed for the 11-inch MacBook Air.

We've been using a white unit although it's also available in black colour. The white unit has grey coloured soft plastic inserts at the cradle slot and with the knob that lets you switch between devices. These two, along with the two connection buttons (one for Android, Windows and Chrome, the other for Mac and iOS) occupy the top half of the keyboard. The rest comprises of 79 keys including special function keys for tablets and mobiles. The labelling on the keys is done keeping in consideration use with Macs and Windows PCs.
The keys are well spaced and you'll have a good time typing long documents and big presentations. In fact this review has been typed with the same keyboard on an Apple iPad mini. The keys have good travel and you'll never miss a stroke. However, it's very noisy and you'll have to bear the constant clickety sound produced while typing on this keyboard, which is another annoyance.

But then you're getting a super versatile device. It's very easy to pair devices with the keyboard. Choose any on of the three positions with the knob, press the right connect button (depending on the OS of your device) and pair it via Bluetooth. Switching between devices was seamless and just a matter of a few seconds. We used Android tablets like the Xiaomi Mi Pad, an iPad mini, a Windows tablet, a MacBook Air and even an Intel HDMI PC Stick with Windows 10 and had no problems while trying to connect or use the keyboard.

Another good thing about the keyboard is that it runs on three AAA batteries that are easily available and eliminate the need for charging the device every few days. Logitech claims these will last almost two years for most users.

Launched at Rs 2,795, the Logitech K480 is a must-have accessory if you use your tablets and smartphones for work and type a lot.