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Logitech Craft keyboard review

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I’ve been writing about and reviewing products for over 20 years now and in that time, I’ve come to learn that the most important tools for my job are a camera, a mouse, and a keyboard. Today I want to tell you about a new keyboard that I’m testing (and typing on right now). It’s the Logitech Craft keyboard and it’s a stunner.

What is it?

The Craft keyboard from Logitech is a full-sized premium wireless keyboard that’s been designed to be used on your desk when paired with a laptop, desktop computer, phone or tablet.

Hardware specs

Connection support: Logitech Unifying 2.4GHz wireless technology Bluetooth Low Energy technology
Power: Rechargeable with USB type C cable (included)
Size: 5.87 x 16.93 x 1.26 in

Design and features

The keyboard has low profile non-mechanical keys that are more like a laptop keyboard than a traditional desktop keyboard. You can click the image above to get a closer look at the QWERTY layout which includes a dedicated number pad on the right side and a row of function keys along the top.

The keys have a comfortably rounded depression on top of each key and the matte finish of the plastic feels great under your fingertips.

Even though the Logitech Craft keyboard does not have mechanical keys, I really really like the feel of the keys. I’m a touch typist, so I’m picky when it comes to keyboards, and I enjoy typing on this one.

The Logitech Craft keyboard has a power switch on the back and a USB Type-C port beside it which is used to charge the keyboard’s internal batteries. According to the Craft product page on Logitech’s site, the keyboard’s batteries should last for a full week on a charge. That has to be a mistake because I’ve been using this keyboard for several weeks and it’s still going strong.

There’s a small LED in the upper right corner of the keyboard will glow red to indicate that the keyboard needs to be recharged.

One of the notable features of the Craft keyboard is the Crown input dial in the upper left corner. This smoothly turning knob provides a different function in a variety of applications and can be customized in the Logitech application that you can install on your Windows or macOS computer.

If you don’t install the application, turning the Crown will adjust volume levels up and down on your computer, while pressing the dial will play or pause music, and pressing and turning the dial at the same time will adjust screen brightness.


When you install the Logitech Options application, it will detect the applications that you have installed on your computer and will allow you to customize what the Crown can do in each of these apps when each detected app is in focus.

For example, if you are working in a web browser like Chrome or Firefox, turning the Crown will let you switch between tabs.

In Photoshop, the Crown can do different things based on the tool that you have selected. If you have the cropping tool selected, rotating the Crown will zoom in and out on your image, if you have a paintbrush selected, turning the Crown will change the size of the brush, etc.

Once you can train yourself to use the Crown, it becomes very useful.

You can also add other applications not detected by the Logitech Options app to add Craft Crown capabilities to other apps on your computer.

In addition to customizing the function of the Crown knob, you can also customize the function of the F-keys.

Unfortunately, you can’t setup macros for the F-keys. You can only choose from a list of features.

By default, the function keys already offer features that will let you set screen brightness, media controls including next, previous track, play/pause and volume. But you can also use it to show open windows or show all apps.

The Logitech Craft keyboard also has backlit keys. You can adjust the brightness of the keys using the function keys and built-in proximity sensors will cause the keys to light up to “welcome” you when your hands get near the keyboard after it’s been idle and then the backlight will fade in intensity depending on ambient lighting. I have the backlight turned off to save battery life, but the “welcome” feature still works even with that setting.

This keyboard can be paired with up to 3 devices using Bluetooth and/or the unified USB dongle that is included with the keyboard. Switching between paired devices is easily accomplished using the dedicated 1, 2, and 3 device switch keys next to the number pad.

I did all my testing of the Logitech Craft keyboard with my 12″ MacBook and a Pixel 2 XL smartphone. Switching between devices was fast and effortless.

What I like

This keyboard has a premium look and feel. It’s heavy which is a good thing. It stays put and won’t slide around on your desk.

The feel of the keys and the sound of the keystrokes has a perfect level that’s not too loud or too soft.

I like using the Crown knob mainly for adjusting volume and sometimes find that I forget to use it in other apps because I’ve used my mouse or keyboard shortcuts for various functions for so long that it’s tough to break that habit and use a different way of doing things.

One feature that I was really surprised to have with the Craft keyboard is a Windows-style delete key that even works when paired with my MacBook. If you’re familiar with macOS computers, you’ll know that the delete key is really a backspace key which removes the character to the left of the cursor but we don’t have a dedicated key to delete the character to the right of the cursor like Windows computers. I am excited that the delete key on the Craft keyboard lets me have the best of both worlds.

What needs to be improved

If battery life is really only supposed to last 1 week per charge, then that would be at the top of my improvement list.

As I mentioned above, I’ve been using this keyboard for 3 or more weeks every day for at least an hour and it’s still running on the initial charge, so I can’t complain about battery life until I’ve had a lot more time with this keyboard.

Look for an update after the first of the year when I am able to get a better handle on battery life expectations.

Another improvement I’d like to see is the ability to program macros for the F-keys instead of only being able to choose from a pre-set list of functions using the Logitech Options app.

Final thoughts

I enjoy using the Logitech Craft wireless keyboard. The keyboard is very well made and I find it comfortable to type on. The Crown knob adds a new way to interact with my apps that is fun and intuitive.

If the $200 price tag doesn’t frighten you away, the Logitech Craft keyboard is worth checking out.

Source: The sample for this review was provided by Logitech. Please visit their site for more info and check Amazon for lower prices.

 

Product Information

Price: $199.99
Manufacturer: Logitech
Retailer: Amazon
Pros:
  • Can be used with up to 3 devices
  • Comfortable keys and layout
  • Programmable knob and function keys
  • Delete button for macOS devices
Cons:
  • Expensive
  • Possible battery life limitations (I will need to revisit this)

Filed in categories: Reviews

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Logitech Craft keyboard review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on December 3, 2017 at 3:00 pm.

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iClever Tri-Folding Wireless Keyboard review


Pairing a Bluetooth keyboard with your phone or a tablet turns it into a pseudo laptop for those times when an on-screen touch keyboard just won’t cut it. Add the ability to fold the keyboard into a smaller form factor and you have a perfect accessory to keep in your gear bag. What if I told you that there’s a folding Bluetooth keyboard that also has a built-in touchpad? Sounds like a match made in heaven right? Let’s see if the iClever Tri-Folding Wireless Keyboard earns a spot in my gear bag and my favorite gear page.

What is it?

The iClever Tri-Folding Wireless Keyboard is a portable Bluetooth keyboard with a built-in touchpad that folds for easy travel.

What’s in the box?

The iClever Tri-Folding Wireless Keyboard
Travel pouch
micro USB charging cable
User manual

Design and features

The iClever Tri-Folding Wireless Keyboard has a brushed gray aluminum alloy shell on the outside, and a black plastic keyboard on the inside.

The keyboard easily unfolds to reveal a full QWERTY-style key layout that includes a number row with function keys and media control keys along the top edge and the touchpad with left and right “mouse” buttons below it. You can click the image above to see a larger view of the keyboard layout.

Two small feet fold down on each end of the keyboard to allow it to remain flat and stable on a table when in use.

Unfolding the keyboard doubles as a power switch that turns it on and pairs with your device. Fold it back up, and it powers down.

Size compared to other small Bluetooth keyboards

When folded, the iClever Tri-Folding keyboard is about the same size as a large smartphone like my Nexus 6P shown next to iClever Tri-Folding keyboard in the image above.

In the image above, there’s an Apple wireless keyboard at the top, the iClever Tri-Folding Wireless Keyboard in the middle and the Jorno folding Bluetooth keyboard on the bottom which looks almost identical to the iClever minus the touchpad.

Using the iClever Tri-Folding keyboard

The iClever can pair with 3 devices simultaneously with easy switching between the devices by pressing the Fn key with the 1, 2, or 3 key above the touchpad.

I tested the iClever Tri-Folding keyboard with my 12 inch MacBook, an LG G6, and a Nexus 6P. Pairing and switching between these three devices was quick and easy.

The keys on the iClever are small, but I was able to touch type without too much effort. That said, I did notice a few issues while using this keyboard to type this review. I had no problem typing letters A through Z, or numbers 1 through 9 without having to look down at the keys. Most punctuation symbols were not a problem either except for  ?, ‘, “, \, and /, which were located in non-standard locations and require a Fn key press to access them.

The single quote tripped me up the most because I have the muscle memory to press it with my pinky on my right hand. When I try that on the iClever, my pinky presses the enter key which means I’ll start typing on the next line… which just happened while typing this sentence. Grrrrr. Having to stop mid-sentence to press a Fn key combo to get an often used character is really frustrating when you’re a touch typist.

I also had a problem with the – character which I use a lot when typing the URL of The Gadgeteer. I would almost always press the = character instead.

Using the iClever Tri-Folding keyboard touchpad

Having a built-in touchpad means that there’s no need to add a mouse to your gear bag. The iClever’s touchpad works fine as long as you are using the keyboard with a Mac, Windows or Android. However, it will not work with iOS devices. Sorry about your luck iOS fans.

The touchpad not only moves the cursor around on the screen, but it is also capable of gestures like two finger scrolling up and down, pinch/zoom, two finger click for right mouse button and more.

The only problem I had with the touchpad was accidentally touching it when I didn’t mean to. If you find that this happens too often for your liking, you can turn off the touchpad by holding the Fn key and 3 key above the touchpad.

Final thoughts

The iClever Tri-Folding Wireless Keyboard with Touchpad has a lot going for it. It’s well made, pairs with 3 devices, and has a built-in touchpad.

I like the keyboard a lot except that it drives me nuts to use it due to the issues typing ?, ‘, “, -, /, and \ characters. I could deal with having to press a Fn key to access the -, /, and \ characters, but ?, ‘, and ” characters are a deal breaker for me.

If you’re not a touch-typist, this keyboard is great. But if you ARE a touch-typist, it will most likely frustrate you like it has for me.

Source: The sample for this review was provided by iClever. Please visit their site for more info and Amazon to order.

 

Product Information

Price: $79.99
Manufacturer: iClever
Retailer: Amazon
Pros:
  • Has a built-in touchpad
  • Can pair with up to 3 devices
  • Built-in foot stands keep keyboard balance
Cons:
  • Have to use function key to access certain often used keys like ?/'"

Filed in categories: Reviews

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iClever Tri-Folding Wireless Keyboard review originally appeared on on April 17, 2017 at 6:47 am.

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Kanex MultiSync Foldable Travel Keyboard review

If you can touch type on your mobile device faster than you can tap type (I just made up that new term), then a Bluetooth keyboard is a useful productivity tool when you have a lot of text to enter. There are already eleventy billion different travel sized Bluetooth keyboards on the market, so let’s look at another one. It’s the MultiSync Foldable Travel Keyboard from Kanex. Let’s take a look.

What is it?

The Kanex MultiSync Foldable Travel Keyboard is a universal folding travel sized keyboard that is compatible with iOS, Android, and Windows devices. It uses Bluetooth 3.0 to wirelessly connect to and switch between up to four devices.

Design and features

The Kanex keyboard is the perfect travel sized keyboard because it’s only 4.0″ x 6.5 inches when folded. For scale, I show it in the image above next to a Nexus 6P.

It has a dark gray soft touch plastic cover that is a dust magnet. And speaking of magnets, the two halves of the keyboard are held closed with one.

The keyboard opens into a unique V shape that’s 4.0″ x 13.0″ inches. You might be wondering about the big gap between the two halves of the keyboard. Do touch typists have to stretch their fingers to type? No, they do not. The left-hand types the letters on the left side of the keyboard and the right-hand types the right keys. There is no obvious learning curve if you’re already a touch typist other than just getting a feel for the key spacing. The gap in the center of the keys is actually kind of nice because it makes this keyboard feel roomy and comfortable unlike some cramped travel keyboards that I’ve tried in the past.

The keys are made of hard plastic and are slightly smaller than the keys on a full-sized keyboard like the Apple Wireless Keyboard. The keys are nicely spaced, have good travel and good tactile feedback.

On the top edge above the 6 key are two status LEDs. One blinks blue during pairing and the other one will glow red while charging and green when charging is completed. The battery capacity can be checked at any time by holding down the FN and R keys. The right LED will then blink 1 to 4 times to signify if the battery is only 25%, 50%, 75% or 100% (4 flashes) full.

I could not find any information on Kanex’s site about battery life but I’ve been using the keyboard on and off for a few weeks and it’s still on the first charge.

You can click the image above for a larger view of the keyboard key layout.

I didn’t have any issues with the layout. I could type without looking at the keys and didn’t have problems pressing the wrong keys for characters like ;/@? etc.

Using the Kanex Multisync Foldable Travel Keyboard

The first thing you have to do before you can use this keyboard is to pair it with an iOS, Android, Windows, or macOS device. If you want to use this keyboard with more than one device, you’re in luck as it can pair and switch between up to four devices. I tested it with a Nexus 6P and my MacBook Pro (I’m typing on the Kanex right now as I am writing this review).

When you pair a device you assign it to one of four keys (Z, X, C, or B) by holding the desired key with the Fn key. Then you just check for the keyboard in the device’s Bluetooth settings to connect it. Pairing is easy and quick. But switching between multiple devices, which is done by pressing the Fn + the desired device key (Z, X, C, or V), is slower. It takes several seconds for the switched device to “wake up” when you press the Fn + the desired device key. At least I found this to be the case switching between my MacBook Pro and an Android phone. Switching to the MacBook is faster and only takes about 2 seconds for it to recognize a key press. With the Nexus 6P, it can take as long as 10 seconds for it to finally wake up.

Final thoughts

I like the Kanex Multisync Foldable Travel Keyboard because it has a nice form factor. It’s small and flat, so it easily fits in my gear bag.

There is one small gotcha though. You have to use the keyboard on a flat surface because it’s not designed to be used on your lap, which is a bummer. But this isn’t a huge issue since most travel keyboards have this limitation.

At $49.95, the Kanex keyboard is a little spendy. But I noticed when I was searching Amazon for the price, that iClever offers a version of this keyboard for $20 less on Amazon as long as you don’t need multiple device pairing capabilities and only plan to use it with one device.

If you need to be able to switch between four devices when you’re on the go, then the Kanex Multisync Foldable Travel Keyboard will do that for you and you’ll barely notice it in your gear bag.

Source: The sample for this review was provided by Kanex. Please visit their site for more info and Amazon to order one.

 

Product Information

Price: $49.95
Manufacturer: Kanex
Retailer: Amazon
Pros:
  • Compact folding design
  • V shape feels roomy
  • Pairs with up to 4 devices
Cons:
  • Switching between some devices is a little slow

Filed in categories: Computer Gear, Reviews

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Kanex MultiSync Foldable Travel Keyboard review originally appeared on on March 22, 2017 at 4:31 pm.

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DecaTxt one-handed Bluetooth keyboard review

What do all QWERTY keyboards have in common from the large clickity clackity USB keyboards to the smaller wireless keyboards? They all have dozens of keys. But less is more right? If that’s your motto then I don’t think you’ll ever look at another traditional keyboard again once you see the DecaTxt one-handed Bluetooth keyboard.

What is it?

The DecaTxt is a one-handed Bluetooth keyboard that has only 10 keys, but those 10 keys provide all the same letters, numbers, punctuation symbols, function keys and even some media control keys that a full-size traditional keyboard has, but in a form factor that is about the same size as a deck of cards.

Design and features


The DecaTxt keyboard looks like some sort of game or puzzle device with all the letters and graphics printed on it. But it’s really a fully functioning keyboard that has a total of only 10 keys.

There are 8 hard plastic keys on the front. Each key has good travel and tactile feedback. Printed on the keys are two letters. The top letter is what you get if you press the key all by itself and the bottom number is what will be typed if the number lock is enabled. Below each key are two more letters in red and blue. The red letters will be typed when the E key on the top edge is held while the key is pressed and the blue letters will be typed with the F key on the top edge of the DecaTxt is held down while a key is pressed. Then there are even more characters printed next to each key.

The E/6 and F/5 keys are used to switch to the second and third set of alphabet keys and are also used like a shift button if you press them at the same time, let go and then press the desired letter.

Yes, that’s a mini USB port that you see on the bottom edge of the DecaTxt keyboard and I was just as surprised as you probably are to see it. I had to scrounge around in my drawers to find an old cable because unfortunately, a mini USB cable is NOT included with the keyboard.

Fully charging the keyboard takes between 2 – 4 hours and will power the keyboard for about a week. During charging, a faint red LED below the D/0 key will light up.

On both sides of the keyboard are rough sandpaper-like strips that help you grip and hold the keyboard against your side, leg, etc while typing on it.

Using the DecaTxt keyboard

To use the DecaTxt with your computer, phone, tablet, etc, you first have to charge it using a mini USB cable. When charging is finished, you can then press a key on the keyboard to wake it up and then go into the Bluetooth settings on your device to search for DecaTxt in the Bluetooth devices. When you select that device, it will pair and vibrate 3 times to let you know it’s connected.

The DecaTxt is held in one hand, left or right with the E and F keys facing up and the rough edge resting against the fleshy pad of your palm below your fingers. The other side of the keyboard should then be pressed against your side, leg, hip, etc to anchor it.

In this position, you’ll easily be able to use your 5 fingers to press letters A through Z. A through J can be printed with a single finger press. To get K through R, you need to hold down the E button, press the key and then release both keys. S through Z uses the same procedure, but with the F key held down.

So, following that logic, if you wanted to type the word “cat”, you would press the C key with your ring finger, press the A key with your index finger, hold down the F key with your thumb while pressing the B key with your middle finger and then release both keys.

If I had wanted to capitalize one of the letters, I would have needed to press both the E and F keys at the same time, released them and the pressed the desired letter. If I had wanted to capitalize the T, I would have needed to press the E and F at the same time, released them, held down the F key and the pressed the B key.

With a little practice, I was able to type single words with little effort, but not with a lot of speed.

But things get infinitely more complex when you add numbers, punctuation and other symbols into the mix. Luckily, pretty much everything you need to figure what key to press to type the desired character or symbol is printed right on the keyboard itself. Notice the colored bars next to the keys and the colored symbols printed next to the keys? This is your built-in guide.

Can you figure out how to do that by looking at the image above? Give up? The # symbol is gray and there’s a gray bar next to the C key. So you hold the C key with your ring finger, press the D key with your pinky and voila!

See the $ symbol next to the I key? Notice how there are two $ symbols on top of each other? One is gray and one is pink. Do you know how to type it? You have to hold down the C and the D while pressing the I. Yes, it’s getting more complicated.

What about spacing, pressing enter, and backspacing? To insert a space you have to hold your thumb down on the E and F keys on the top edge of the DecaTxt and press the A key with your index finger. You can also hold down all three keys to continuously space. To backspace, you hold down the E and F and press the G key. The backspace will also repeat if you hold down all three keys. The enter key is typed by pressing the A and G keys at the same time.

Final thoughts

Using the DecaTxt keyboard is not physically difficult, but it could be considered mentally difficult because you need to remember the various key press combinations to type punctuation characters, symbols, numbers, etc. There is a definitely learning curve with the DecaTxt once you get past typing letters A through Z.

I can imagine that the DecaTxt would be really useful for someone with just one functioning hand or someone who needs to type while walking around. But for someone like me who is at a desk all day, it feels much slower and error prone compared to using a traditional keyboard. But then again, I don’t think a typical desk jockey is who the DecaTxt has been designed for.

Would you use a keyboard like the DecaTxt one-handed Bluetooth keyboard?

Source: The sample for this review was provided by DecaTxt. Please visit their site for more info and Amazon to order.

 

Product Information

Price: $125.00
Manufacturer: Decatxt
Retailer: Amazon
Pros:
  • Small
  • Can use with one hand
  • Can be used with either hand
Cons:
  • Expensive
  • Learning curve
  • Charges via mini USB and a cable is NOT included with the keyboard

Filed in categories: Bluetooth Gear, Computer Gear, Reviews

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DecaTxt one-handed Bluetooth keyboard review originally appeared on on March 6, 2017 at 6:30 am.

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