I’m a big fan of the full-size version of the Logitech MX Keys keyboard, so I was happy to see that Logitech makes a smaller version now as well. The MX Keys Mini drops the numeric keyboard and reconfigures the layout a bit, making the arrow keys smaller and shrinking the CTRL, FN, and other related keys, while keeping the letters and numbers at full size.

The keys are backlit and impressively light up as your hand approaches the keyboard, making it easy to see where your hands should “land” in a dark room. On the row of function keys are dedicated media and volume controls.

Performance

Like its larger sibling, the Logitich MX Keys Mini still has a satisfying feel when typing. It’s not “clicky” like a typical mechanical keyboard, but the keys do provide nice tactile feedback when pressed. I find the keyboard very comfortable for long typing and coding sessions.

Battery life seems to be very good as I’ve only had the keyboard for a few days, but I haven’t needed to recharge it yet, even with the backlight on.

Features 

• Wireless: Oddly, there was no Logitech Unifying Receiver included with this keyboard (although the full size keyboard did include one). Therefore, your only option of connecting the keyboard is via Bluetooth. The USB-C port appears to be “charge only” as I was not able to use the keyboard via a wired connection.
• Backlighting: As mentioned earlier, the backlight seems to sense that your hand is approaching and lights up before you even touch a key. There is only a white LED backlight, so there is no option to change between different colors.
• Multiple machine support: There are 3 dedicated buttons for switching between devices. So you can pair the keyboard via Bluetooth to your laptop, phone and tablet and then switch between devices easily.
• Emoji key: Maybe one of my favorite new features, there is a dedicated key for emojis on the F7 key that allows you to easily bring up iOS’ Emoji keyboard.
• Screenshot key: There is also a dedicated screenshot key that invokes iOS’ screenshot function.
• Dictation key: There is also a key for voice dictation that invokes iOS’ dictation feature. 
• USB-C Recharging: You can use the included USB-C to charge the keyboard, but not to connect it to your computer as a wired keyboard.

Logitech - MX Keys Mini Wireless Bluetooth Scissor Keyboard with Backlit Keys - Black

$99.99

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Last update was on: September 10, 2023 4:35 pm

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The most obvious aspect of this case is its size and weight.  It certainly takes the “Air” out of the iPad Air 3.  You’ll feel like you’re carrying a small (yet fat) laptop and will probably completely forget how thin the iPad Air 3 really is.

In my comparison picture, you can see this Logitech Combo Touch case on the right compared to Apple’s official Smart Keyboard and a cheap, plastic back cover I found on Amazon. You can see that the Logitech case is almost twice as thick.

However, with this extra size comes stability and protection. I feel like I could drop my iPad Air without worry (but I’m not going to try it) with the Logitech case on it. Apple’s official Smart Keyboard offers no protection for the back, so it definitely would take some dings or possible damage in the case of a fall.

Therefore, this Logitech case would be ideal for professionals or students as they can easily toss this case into their bag without worry, knowing this case offers substantial protection.  However, if you mainly use your iPad for reading or watching movies while holding it in your hand, you’ll find that your arm tires much faster with the added weight of this case, even with the keyboard detached.

The case also has a fold-out kickstand on the back that allows you to adjust the angle of the iPad, another thing that the Apple Smart Keyboard lacks.  There’s a small loop to hold your Apple Pencil as well (you won’t find a holder on the Apple Smart Keyboard).

Keyboard

As promised, the keyboard requires no batteries and is powered completely by the Smart Connector on the iPad.  Additionally, the keys are backlit, something the official Apple Smart Keyboard lacks. The case also has a trackpad, something only found on the newer “Magic” Keyboards from Apple, which are not available for the iPad Air 3.

I also like the “clicky” keys on the Logitech case better than the more “smushy” keys found on Apple’s Smart Keyboard.  I’m actually typing this review on the keyboard and really have no complaints.

The trackpad works well with iOS 13.4’s new trackpad/mouse support. However, one feature that is lacking is the ability to just tap the trackpad to “click”.  Taps do not register on the Logitech case; you must physically press down on the trackpad and make it click.  You can use the two-finger gesture to scroll and the three-finger gestures to switch apps and return to the home screen.

The top row of keys feature iOS-specific shortcuts, including a home button, brightness controls (for both the iPad and the keyboard backlight), as well as media and volume controls.

The keyboard is easily detached when not needed, but it can not be folded behind the iPad.  It also seems to fall off more easily than Apple’s Smart Keyboard, perhaps due to the heavier weight.  Finally, I do find that occasionally the keyboard is not detected when I unlock my iPad, which requires removing the keyboard and reattaching it. 

Exterior

I much prefer the cloth-like exterior of the Logitech Combo Case compared to the silicone material found on the exterior of Apple’s Smart Keyboard (whenever I accidentally scrape my fingernail across the silicone material, it’s like nails on a chalkboard to me).  This makes the Logitech Combo Touch Case comfortable to hold, aside from the heavier weight.

-4%

Logitech - Combo Touch Keyboard Case for Apple® iPad® Air 10.5" (3rd Gen 2019) and iPad® Pro 10.5" - Graphite

$142.99 $149.99

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Last update was on: October 6, 2023 12:37 am

Designed for use with Apple® iPad® Air 10.5" (3rd Gen 2019) and iPad® Pro 10.5"; integrated comfortable keyboard with iOS shortcut keys; protection from bumps and scratches; type, view, sketch, read positions

The post Logitech Combo Touch for iPad Air (3rd Generation) and iPad Pro 10.5-inch Keyboard Case with Trackpad Review appeared first on Technically Well.

CORSAIR K57 RGB Wireless Gaming Keyboard - <1ms Response time...

$97.99 $109.99

October 6, 2023 1:12 am

× Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com (Amazon.in, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.de, etc) at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

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CORSAIR - Gaming K57 RGB Bluetooth Keyboard with RGB Back...

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Design

The first thing that surprised me about this keyboard is the fact that it is not a mechanical keyboard; it’s actually a membrane keyboard. Therefore, while the keys have a good, tactile feel to them as you type, you won’t hear that satisfying “click” that would you typically get with mechanical switches.

This makes the keyboard much quieter and would be well suited for the office if you want a keyboard with some LED bling but you don’t want to distract your coworkers. The keys have a bit of a “squishy” feel to them and may not be preference for all gamers.

Features

Wireless USB: The included USB dongle utilizes Slipstream wireless to greatly reduce latency typically associated with wireless connections. There is a spot on the backside of the keyboard to store the dongle when it is not in use.

Bluetooth: If you’re using the keyboard for non-gaming purposes where latency is not a big deal, the keyboard also has built-in Bluetooth as a second wireless option.

LED Lighting: You can adjust between 10 different lighting patterns by holding down the FN key and pressing a number from 1 to 10 (or type 11 for no lighting). The speed can also be adjusted for many of the patterns by holding down the FN key and pressing the up and down arrows.

1. Spiral Rainbow
2. Rain
3. Rainbow Wave
4. Visor
5. Type Lighting
6. Type Lighting Ripple
7. Color Shift
8. Color Pulse
9. Color Wave
10. Static

iCue software: Corsair’s configuration software allows you to setup the 6 macro keys located on the left-side of the keyboard, as well as adjust the LED lighting. However, the software is not necessary to utilize the RGB lighting effects or to program macros directly on the keyboard.

Dedicated media buttons: There are buttons for muting, volume up and down, stop, play, skip and rewind. These keys work without the need to install the iCue software; in fact, they even work on my Mac computer.

Battery Life

When using wireless, you can achieve up to 175 hours of battery life when the lighting is turned off. At its brightest setting, battery life is reduced to a maximum of 8 hours. Keeping the lighting at its dimmest setting can net up to 35 hours of battery life.

The included Micro USB charging cable allows you to use the keyboard as a wired keyboard while it is charging.

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