
I have been a loyal Logitech customer for a very long time -- since the days when we were buying something called a "bus mouse". That is only partly because I have been living in Switzerland for a long time; it is mostly because Logitech consistently makes innovative, quality products.
The latest case in point is this K380 Compact Multi-Device Bluetooth Keyboard. Wow, that's really a mouthful for a name, but every bit of it is significant.
It connects via Bluetooth "Classic" (3.0), which avoids me having to worry about compatibility with the Bluetooth 4.x standards.
You can configure up to three different Bluetooth connections, and switch between them by simply pressing the three off-colored keys (F1/F2/F3) at the top left of the keyboard. There is an LED above each of those keys, first to show when it is pairing, and later to show when it has been selected as the active connection.
Finally, it is compact. Oh my, is it compact. Here is a picture of it on my desk with my Logitech K350 keyboard. That's not an entirely fair comparison, because the K350 is a very large keyboard, but it shows the difference here quite well.
I would actually call the K380 a "comfortably compact" keyboard, because even though it is relatively small it still has good sized keys. Compared to, say, the Rii Mini Wireless Keyboard, for which you practically need a stylus to press the keys (as long as I am making unfair comparisons...).
The K380 has round (or oval) keys. I'm sitting here racking my brain trying to think what kind of computer I used many years ago which also had round keys, and I can't come up with it. It wasn't the PCjr, it wasn't the ZX... What the heck was it? Suggestions, anyone?
The keys have enough travel and resistance to be comfortable to use. From the feel I suspect it is a membrane-style keyboard. The keys are obviously placed rather close together (it's compact - duh), but not so close that I can't type normally on it. It obviously doesn't have a numeric pad, but it has a full set of F1-F12 keys, arrow keys, and Ctrl-Alt-Fn-Start keys.
Pairing the K380 is very simple -- just press and hold one of the three Bluetooth keys for three seconds. The status LED just above it starts to blink, indicating that it is ready for pairing, and stops blinking when it has successfully paired. I have had absolutely no trouble pairing it with my Raspberry Pi 3 using the built-in Bluetooth adapter, other Raspberry Pi models using a Bluetooth USB dongle, or various other notebooks and netbooks (all running Linux of course).
Switching between Bluetooth connections is surprisingly easy and surprisingly reliable. I've had a few other Bluetooth peripherals which supported multiple connections, but none of them have been as easy as this. The Logitech Ultra-Thin Touch Mouse, for example, has a mechanical switch on the bottom that you have to change.
I've had the K380 paired to three different computers which were all running on my desk, and then typed on computer 1, touch F2, typed on computer 2, touched F3, typed on computer 3 -- all without significant waiting to for the active connection to change.
The K380 can also be paired with a smartphone or tablet, so it is easy to imagine the small size, light weight and multi-device capability allowing you to carry the keyboard around and use it on different devices in different places as needed. Laptop in F1, tablet on F2 and phone on F3.
There is a power on/off switch, which you can see on the upper left side in the picture at the top. The keyboard is powered by two AAA batteries, which Logitech says should last for 24 months of "normal" use. I assume that includes switching it off when it is not in use.
Oh, last and probably least, the K380 is available in either black (with yellow F1-F3 keys) or blue (with teal F1-F3 keys). I think that I probably have insufficient aesthetic appreciation to really appreciate that.
Read more hardware reviews by J.A. Watson
FAQs
Is the Logitech K380 worth it? ›
TechRadar Verdict. Who says cheap keyboards aren't worth your money? The Logitech K380 is an economical option that feels premium, with its comfortable and satisfying keys, travel-friendly and stylish design, and robust feature-set. We'd recommend this keyboard even if you're not looking for something compact or cheap.
How do I pair my Logitech K380 Bluetooth keyboard? ›Go to Bluetooth settings on your device and select Logitech Bluetooth® Multi-Device Keyboard K380 when it appears in the list of available Bluetooth devices. Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the pairing. Upon pairing, the status LED on the keyboard stops blinking and remains steady for 10 seconds.
Why is my Logitech K380 keyboard not working? ›The status LED on the side of the keyboard turns red to indicate battery power is low and it's time to change batteries. Lift the battery compartment up and off the base. Replace the spent batteries with two new AAA batteries and reattach the compartment door.
Is Logitech keyboard better than Apple? ›Our Verdict
That said, the Apple feels sturdier and has better backlighting with individually-lit keys. It also has a somewhat better typing quality as its keys feel lighter and require less force to operate. On the other hand, the Logitech Combo Touch has a shortcut/media hotkey row the Apple keyboard lacks.
The Logitech K380 is significantly better than the Logitech K480 for most uses. The K380 uses scissor switches, and the K480 uses rubber domes. The K380 is more portable due to its smaller size and weight, and its much shorter pre-travel distance makes the keyboard feel more responsive.
How do I connect my Logitech wireless keyboard to my computer? ›- Step 1 of 5. Make sure your keyboard is on. To turn your keyboard ON, find the switch at the top right corner and push it to the right. ...
- Step 2 of 5. The LED should be blinking fast. ...
- Complete the pairing to your computer.
- Complete the pairing to your computer.
The K380 also connects effortlessly with my TV. Pull out the plastic tab from the battery compartment and it gets into pairing mode. On the TV, I just have to tell it to look for a new device. After typing in a code on the keyboard (remember to type Enter), the two devices will be connected.
What are the three white buttons on Logitech keyboard? ›- They are used to connect it to different devices. ...
- You can pair the mouse and keyboard up to 3 devices. ...
- EACH KEY REPRESENTS A BLUETOOTH CONNECTION TO OTHER DEVICES.
If your Bluetooth keyboard will not pair with your computer, even though the keyboard normally connects, the first thing to do is replace the batteries in the keyboard. If your keyboard uses another power source, ensure the power source is providing power to the device.
Why is my Bluetooth keyboard not pairing? ›Here's what to do. Start the Bluetooth troubleshooter: Select Start > Settings >Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters. Under Find and fix other problems, select Bluetooth > Run the troubleshooter and follow the instructions.
Why is my wireless keyboard not pairing? ›
The batteries that you are using are low in power. The receiver is plugged into a port that is not working. The wireless device that you are using has trouble synchronizing with the receiver. There may be interference from other wireless devices.
Why is my Logitech wireless keyboard not typing? ›Resync your devices with the USB receiver.
Sometimes the receiver gets out of sync with the wireless devices, causing them to stop working. Resyncing the setup is fairly easy. There is usually a Connect button somewhere on the USB receiver. Press that, and a light on the receiver should start flashing.
- Restart the laptop. ...
- Clean the keyboard. ...
- See if it's a hardware issue. ...
- Check your keyboard drivers and settings. ...
- Make sure you have the right keyboard layout. ...
- Plug in an external keyboard.
There is a power on/off switch, which you can see on the upper left side in the picture at the top. The keyboard is powered by two AAA batteries, which Logitech says should last for 24 months of "normal" use. I assume that includes switching it off when it is not in use.
Which brand keyboard is best? ›- Best Keyboard. Logitech MX Keys. SEE PRICE. ...
- Best Upper Mid-Range Keyboard. Logitech G715. SEE PRICE. ...
- Best Mid-Range Keyboard. Obinslab Anne Pro 2. SEE PRICE. ...
- Best Budget Keyboard. Logitech Signature K650. ...
- Best Cheap Keyboard. Logitech K380. ...
- Best Keyboard For Enthusiasts. Keychron Q6.
Overall, Logitech makes good keyboards for any use. Their office keyboards are available in ergonomic designs or are portable enough for mobile use on the go. For gaming, Logitech makes mechanical keyboards that almost any gamer will be comfortable with, but they aren't as customizable as the competition.
Which smart keyboard is best? ›- Best iPad Keyboard. Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad 2021. SEE PRICE. Amazon.com. ...
- Best Mid-Range iPad Keyboard. Logitech Combo Touch. SEE PRICE. Amazon.com. ...
- Best Budget iPad Keyboard. ZAGG Pro Keys. SEE PRICE. Amazon.com. ...
- Best Standalone iPad Keyboard. Logitech K780. SEE PRICE.
Because of the compact size, this keyboard is only good if you have small hands. If you have big palm with long fingers, it will be a pain to press your keys. this one provides a great experience.
How long does K380 last? ›The 'Easy-Switch' buttons at the top of the keyboard let you toggle between three devices. Aside from the multidevice support, the other selling point of the K380 is that Logitech says that the two included AAA batteries will power the keyboard for two years.
Is the Logitech K380 quiet? ›The compact K380 Multi-Device offers comfy and quiet typing, while the Logitech Pebble M350 delivers silent clicks and scrolls—plus a smooth organic shape that fits in your pocket.
Can I use Logitech K380 without Bluetooth? ›
A: Nope, it won't work with the Logitech Unifying Receiver, which uses 2.4 GHz wireless, not Bluetooth. The computer needs to have Bluetooth connectivity in some way, whether it's built-in or from a different BT USB dongle.
What is the difference between K380 and pop keys? ›The Logitech K380 and Logitech POP Keys are both compact wireless keyboards. The K380 is low-profile and has membrane switches, while the POP Keys uses mechanical TTC Brown switches. The K380 is a much thinner board, making it easier to carry around with you in a bag.
What can I use instead of K380? ›If you like the Logitech K380 but need the number pad as well, then the Logitech K780 is your best bet. It can easily switch among three devices. In addition, the keyboard is also OS-adaptive, so whether you are using macOS or Windows, it'll recognize the device and map keys to give a familiar layout.
Is Logitech a Chinese company? ›Logitech International is a Swiss public company traded on the SWX Swiss Exchange under the symbol LOGN and on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol LOGI.
How long do Logitech Keys last? ›GO POWERED FOR THE LONG HAUL
Super reliable and tiny-to-tote, KEYS-TO-GO lets you type for up to 3 months 2Based on 2 hours average usage per day without having to recharge the battery. A battery level indicator light tells you when it's time to recharge and with the included USB cable, charging is easy.
More compact keyboards leave room for your mouse, making for a more ergonomic gaming posture. Full size keyboards are quite long and can take up a good amount of desk space on a smaller desk, so a different sized keyboard can really free up real estate. Full size keyboards are also cumbersome to pack away and travel.
Why are smaller keyboards better? ›A compact keyboard is lightweight and thus offers more flexibility in usage. Compact keyboards are often flatter than standard keyboards, which means that users don't need to tilt their hands upward while typing. This ensures better wrist posture which reduces strain on the tendons.
Does Logitech k380 have print screen? ›Tap the "fn" key and the "tab" key at the same time to print screen. Other keybindings can be found here: http://www.logitech.com/en-us/manuals/k380-setup-guide If that link doesn't work just google logitech k380 setup.
How do I turn off Logitech K380 when not in use? ›There is a power on/off switch, which you can see on the upper left side in the picture at the top. The keyboard is powered by two AAA batteries, which Logitech says should last for 24 months of "normal" use. I assume that includes switching it off when it is not in use.
What is the quietest keyboard for a computer? ›- Editor's Choice. Logitech K800 Wireless Illuminated Keyboard. Shop on Amazon. ...
- Runner Up. Perixx PERIBOARD-512 Ergonomic Split Keyboard. Shop on Amazon. ...
- Best Value. Arcteck 2.4 GHz Wireless Keyboard. Shop on Amazon. ...
- Razer BlackWidow Elite Mechanical Gaming Keyboard. Shop on Amazon.
Does Logitech K380 have keyboard light? ›
Like most wireless keyboards, the K380 does not have backlit keys.