A major specialist in computer peripherals, Logitech is expanding its range of ergonomic keyboards with the Wave Keys, a compact and clever model which is very comfortable on a daily basis thanks to its original design.
Changing the keyboard is not a trivial operation. Spending several years using this inseparable accessory from the computer on a daily basis inevitably leads to the acquisition of habits. We thus know by heart the stroke of the keys, their spacing, their location, the shortcuts, even the noise caused by the keystroke. Also, when it comes to switching to a new model, there is always a little apprehension about the adaptation time needed to find your feet again. Even more so when it comes to swapping a completely ordinary keyboard for an ergonomic model such as Logitech offers with its Wave Keys.
The Swiss is not his first attempt in the field. For quite some time now, it has been offering keyboards and mice intended to provide more comfort to all those who spend most of their days using a computer. What is most surprising in general is the wavy shape of the chassis on which the keys rest. It has something to impress with its originality. If it was taken to the extreme with the K860 model, a large curved keyboard where the keys were even separated into two zones to improve typing, the curve, still present on the Wave Keys, is intended to be much more sensible. What reassurance without disturbing typing comfort? We were able to test the Wave Keys for several weeks. Here is our verdict.
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Logitech Wave Keys: an original design but one that you quickly adapt to
Logitech touts the Wave Keys as an ergonomic keyboard, so much so that upon unboxing, we are not surprised to find it has a unique shape. This model is first of all quite compact. All the keys look tight together. And yet, this is not the case. On the right there is even a numeric keypad. So much so that it feels like you have a 17-inch laptop keyboard in your hands. Even the Fn key commonly found on laptop keyboards is present.
Ergonomic mention obliges, the keys follow the wave-shaped curve (Wave in English) initiated by the chassis. It is present mainly in the center, enhancing a little over twenty keys including the space bar. The effect is successful and, although it may surprise you at first glance, it ends up being forgotten.
At the bottom of the keyboard, Logitech has placed a wrist rest. This is inseparable from the rest of the accessory. So you’ll have to deal with it even if you’re not used to it. This wrist rest, which also has a slight bulge to follow the curve of the chassis, is made of memory foam which is initially quite comfortable.
Under the keyboard, two plastic feet allow the device to be raised if desired. The small hatch nestled at the bottom of the device hides two AAA batteries (included) for power as well as the Logi Bolt USB dongle which we will come back to later.
Overall, this keyboard, made entirely of recycled plastic, rather inspires confidence. It takes up less space on a desk and is light enough to be moved easily.
Logitech Wave Keys: undeniable typing comfort
With the Wave Keys, Logitech is focusing everything on comfort. And it’s quite successful. The keys, first of all, offer a sufficiently deep but firm stroke to provide good typing comfort. Their spacing is also well adjusted. It only took us a few minutes to adapt, switching from a ten-year-old Apple keyboard to the Wave Keys. Noise is also well controlled. The membrane system used here is very effective in guaranteeing good discretion. We appreciate its flexibility without exaggeration. Real comfort. As for the wave layout, it seemed neither restrictive nor extraordinarily more comfortable to us. Certainly, the curve makes it easier to reach the keys grouped towards the center. Fingers rest there naturally. But this subtlety depends on the duration of use. We will not hesitate to come back to this test after several months of use to indicate whether we have noticed a real gain in comfort. As for the wrist rest, we also got used to its presence quite quickly. Its thickness can be unsettling during the first hours of use but ultimately, it proves appreciable after a long day spent typing texts.
Logitech Wave Keys: well-thought-out multiple connectivity
Not jealous. Logitech’s Wave Keys keyboard offers screen printing for Windows and macOS. It is also possible to define in the settings whether you systematically want the keyboard to be configured by default for one or other of the systems.
And if you use both environments, the Wave Keys adapts. In fact, the keyboard can associate with three different computers and switch from one to the other by simply pressing one of the function keys designated for this use. A good point for keeping only one keyboard on the desk to operate two PC and/or Mac computers.
The Wave Keys also comes with an application allowing you to play on several parameters. It is thus possible to reprogram several function keys to define shortcuts to applications or actions to be carried out in the system. Furthermore, thanks to Smart Actions, it is also possible to develop a sequence of actions defined for the system or for particular applications, such as automatically launching Chrome then opening a series of predefined tabs. To use Smart Actions, you must first open a (free) account with Logitech. These Smart Actions are saved in the manufacturer’s cloud and can be found on all computers to which the keyboard connects. Practical.
Small disappointment however on macOS. Although the minimum requirements list compatibility with macOS 10.15 (Catalina) and higher, the Options Plus application for managing the many keyboard settings is not supported on this version. We experienced this on an Intel Mac powered by Catalina and for which a simple Bluetooth keyboard connection is accepted. If the accessory works well, all the subtleties of adjustments are not taken into account. Damage.
For connection to the computer, the Wave Keys offers several possibilities: simple Bluetooth or a Unify or Logi Bolt USB dongle (the latter is supplied with the keyboard). It is not essential but allows, for example, for professionals, to secure wireless exchanges between the computer and the keyboard. No wired connection with a USB cable, however. If the batteries run out, you’ll need to find more to finish what you’re doing.
Logitech Wave Keys: apparently exceptional autonomy
Logitech announces a three-year battery life for this Wave Keys keyboard powered by two AAA batteries. Difficult to evaluate this prediction with a few weeks of use but the fact remains that with daily use for 8 hours per day (and without necessarily thinking about turning off the keyboard with its little switch during the night) for two weeks , the battery level stuck at 100%. Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) is therefore well exploited. So much so that we would have liked Logitech to add backlighting of the keys for those who like to work in the dark. Even if it meant activating and deactivating it manually, it probably wouldn’t have affected the autonomy that much.
Logitech Wave Keys: should you go for Logitech’s ergonomic keyboard?
With the Wave Keys, Logitech once again demonstrates its seriousness and know-how in the field of peripherals. This keyboard is very comfortable on a daily basis. We greatly appreciated the behavior of its keys, which were both soft and firm, and the well-controlled noise when typing. As for the ergonomic side, if it did not jump out at us (or our fingers) immediately, it probably promises good prospects of comfort after a few months of use. To be confirmed over time. All the adjustment options offered through the Options Plus app also represent an undeniable bonus as long as the system is compatible. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, we had no difficulty switching from our good old keyboard that had been mastered and abused for ten years to the Wave Keys. The very rapid adaptation proves that Logitech designers have succeeded in their challenge of offering a keyboard with a different appearance and comfort from traditional models without disrupting the user’s habits. Admittedly, the asking price of 80 euros is still a bit expensive. But a keyboard cannot be changed every two years. Despite all the plastic it is made of, this Wave Keys seems built to last. Especially since Logitech has not chosen to power it with a non-removable battery but with simple AAA batteries. However, a USB port would not have been too much in the event of a power outage.