Everyone types, most of us are used to the flat keyboard style. But I’m sure many people also know that this style of keyboard is not considered the most ergonomic way and has led to issues like RSI and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Aren’t those the same thing? I don’t know, I’m not a doctor.
The Logitech ERGO K860 is built to fix that.
The ERGO K860 is not the first keyboard to do this, and it isn’t even Logitech’s first product that does this. It is an old concept that has been addressed and solved countless times. The ERGO K860 is Logitech’s newest foray into the Ergonomic keyboard.
This keyboard also seems to help fix your posture. I’ll get to that a bit later.
Build and Design
The Logitech ERGO K860 is definitely one of the strangest keyboards I have ever seen. It is got a huge bump in the middle, raised from the bottom. It kinda looks like a kid passed out mid running with their bum in the air. While the kid looks adorable, the keyboard… doesn’t.
That doesn’t mean the keyboard is ugly, it certainly isn’t. It is just strange. At least initially.
The design eventually grew on me and the keyboard just melted away on my desk. Which most keyboards do, this one just took a bit longer.
In terms of built. I was extremely concerned since the middle of the keyboard is raised up. However, this keyboard is built like a tank. I’m sure if you wore this as a vest, it could stop a bullet. No, I’m not going to try it. Suffice it to say, it is built well and you don’t feel any keyboard flex. It is a solid keyboard.
The keyboard is pretty huge, given that there is an in-built wrist wrest and the keyboard also comes with a number pad. For me this is not a deal breaker, but something for you to keep in mind.
Ergonomics of Logitech K860
The split style of the ergonomic keyboard is not new. Even the centre raised kind has existed for a while. This is my first time seeing a keyboard with the centre part raised such that there is a gap below the keyboard. It’s an interesting look and overall is a nice typing experience even though it does take some getting used to.
Thanks to the padding the keyboard is extremely comfortable to use. The padding is not extremely soft, as it had to follow the shape of the keyboard, but it’s a nice addition none the less. This padding is not detachable though, so you are stuck with it. If it gets ruined, as most pads do, there isn’t a simple replace option. Who knows how long this wrist rest pad will last, this is a major concern for me.
I noticed that in order to comfortably use this keyboard I had to sit up straighter than I normally would. While with other keyboards you can slowly start slouching as you progress through the day, you can’t take that luxury with this keyboard.
Since the part for your wrist is higher than other keyboards, you have to sit upright in order to properly use this keyboard. I’m sure where there is a will you will find a way, but the idea is that you should sit right and use this right. I appreciated that and felt that overall the keyboard promoted better posture.
That doesn’t mean you have to use it this way, you can tilt the keyboard further up. Logitech gives you two options. Conveniently marked 4° and 7°. This is mostly for those people who are using standing desks, since you might be higher up than the table and this keyboard helps you adjust to it.
Features
Logitech has been doing computer peripherals for many many years. They have certainly been paving the way for many features and made them more ubiquitous. The K860 is no different. You get all the latest and greatest features from Logitech.
You can sync via Bluetooth and or via their universal USB receiver.
You can sync and connect upto 3 devices simultaneously and switch between them with a push of a button.
But if you don’t wanna push a button, you can even configure the keyboard to move between devices seamlessly like it’s one computer. You can even copy paste between these devices! Yeah it’s pretty great.
You do need to have the Logitech software installed in order to do all the fun inter-device stuff. But the software does so much more. From customising the function keys, to checking battery, enabling the F row as the default function or the secondary functions etc. This software is worth getting.
The only thing that seems to be missing from this keyboard is the backlight. Yes this keyboard doesn’t have any backlight. For some this could be a deal breaker, but thankfully I work in well lit rooms and this keyboard is way too big to use as a media keyboard.
Typing Experience
The quick brown fox runs over the lazy dog. Or jumps.
The typing experience with the K860 is excellent. As mentioned on the box, it has a laptop style typing experience and I agree. While not as short key travel, the noise and overall experience is quite reminiscent of a laptop. Given that it’s a full size keyboard with a number pad, this is obviously much nieces ro type on that on a laptop.
The keypresses are satisfying and travel is enough to increase speed while also giving you enough tactile feedback.
Unfortunately the keyboard does take some getting used to. If typing is not your regular job and you use the pigeon pecking method of typing, then this keyboard is absolutely wasted on you. But if you are a proper two hand typer who types without looking, then this is a great keyboard.
Even though it is a rather strange design when coming from years of using the same standard keyboard.
The more I use it, the easier it seems to be getting.
The funny thing is that while writing this review, which I did using the ERGO K860, I realizing just how wrong I have been typing all these years.
Especially when pressing the B key, It should be pressed with the left hand, however I have been pressing it with my right hand all along. Thus, with this keyboard, I was pressing the N instead of B. Though I suspect that I will soon be able to rectify that by using this keyboard more. It’s never too late to improve.
Another potential area of improvement is that the shift key should always be pressed with the right hand. This is another button that I have been pressing with the left hand instead.
The annoyance is that in the K860, the left shift key is extremely small. But the one on the right side is large.
Either way, overall this is a nice feeling keyboard. The wrist rest is nice and adds ample support.
Final Verdict
There are 2 major downsides to this keyboard. The inbuilt palm rest that can’t be replaced and the lack of backlight. One additional minor issue is the size and the price.
Other than this, the keyboard is great, especially for those people who type for long hours. Posture and overall physical health is important. For this reason alone, this keyboard’s negatives are completely nullified.
If you have the desk space and want to take care of yourself, this keyboard is a no-brainer.