Tech Olive

Logitech, leader in keyboards, mice, and pretty much any peripheral for the computer has graciously allowed us to review their newest in wireless keyboards. Dubbed the K340, Logitech has introduced a couple of new features and has taken away some important ones. See our entire review of the pluses and ultimate downfalls of the K340 after the break.

Aesthetically speaking, the K340 is something to marvel at. It’s smaller than most keyboards by a good few inches on the sides, making it more like a laptop keyboard. Alongside the size however, it still is a little hefty reaching in at 1.6 pounds, which isn’t a complaint, but you would think a smaller keyboard would be lighter. The edges are shiny — a nice twist compared to the usually bland keyboards, but the keys are still matte finished, that way the amount of finger prints is reduced. It should also be pointed out that there are no harsh corners — everything feels nice and smooth. The largest change is the red undercoat beneath the keys themselves. It really makes the keyboard stand out from the everyday and we rather liked it.

Logitech had three main goals with this keyboard. The first is “3 year battery life.” While we have no ability yet to travel into the future and find out if it actually has lasted this long, we can tell there are significant cuts in design to try and reach this goal — more on these later. The second goal is their “ultra small single USB dongle for everything.” We do agree, it’s ultra small, but almost too small. There is an opening in the back of the keyboard where you can stash the dongle whenever the keyboard is in travel – just keep an eye on it. The last goal is “increased comfort in typing.” The sad fact is they didn’t include any feet on the design of this keyboard, so it sits at a ridiculous angle that isn’t too comfortable for people with large hands like mine.

With the goal in mind of extended battery life, there is a power button on top of the keyboard. Its unobtrusive and is quite nice and easy to flick whenever you’re AFK for some time. What we really liked was the included LED on top of the capslock key — a silent warning that your Billy Mays button is turned on. What we didn’t understand is why they included an LED on top of the keyboard that blinks whenever the device is turned on, but doesn’t indicate when Number Lock or Scroll Lock is pressed.

The keyboard types amazingly smooth and it feels like you’re typing faster, more productively, and quieter due to the laptop-like keys. We didn’t much enjoy the placement of the arrow keys however, as they are right beneath the shift key, but they are raised about 1/8-inch higher to help your fingers find them. As a daily typing tool, the K340 passes with flying colors, but for any gamers out there, they will be extremely disappointed. There is a small fault in that the W key, D key, and the space bar can’t be pressed at the same time – so no strafe jumping can occur!

The K340 is definitely an eye pleasing toy, but that might just be where the keyboard’s greatness ends. If it can actually complete the goal of lasting 3 years on a single set of batteries, with moderate typing every day, then this keyboard is most definitely worth it. While it does look amazing, with the smooth corners and red backdrop, it doesn’t make up for the bad angle on which you’re forced to type.

Scores

Price : 9
The keyboard is no where near the ridiculous price of a G19, but isn’t stupidly cheap either. We feel it’s just right.

Setup/Install: N/A
Plug it in and go.

Ease of Use: 7
Aside from the previously mentioned W+D+Space key problem, the keyboard seems solid.

Performance: 7
A keyboard is a keyboard, this one is slightly better than other wireless keyboards, so long as it fulfills its goals.

Features: 6
The K340 was rather lacking in features — no adjustable feet being the biggest annoyance, but we figure its due to the size constraints that Logitech planned for this model.

Overall: 7 Olives