Ondrej Holzman Nowadays, more and more users can replace a regular computer with an iPad. The iOS operating system is constantly opening up to new possibilities, and mobility plays a significant role in the tablet's favor. The only obstacle - especially for those who often write longer texts - can be the software keyboard. However, Logitech is now trying to find a solution with its K480 multifunction keyboard.
In this case, multifunctionality primarily means that up to three devices can be operated with the Logitech K480, and you can choose between them with a simple switch. You can have the classic iPad, iPhone and Mac trefoil connected to the keyboard as presented by an Apple user, but it's entirely up to you which device you connect. Logitech also gets along with Android, Windows (but not Windows Phone) and Chrome OS operating systems.
Keyboard for iPad, Mac and iPhone
The K480 not only solves the problem of switching between multiple devices, when you have to turn Bluetooth on and off with other Bluetooth keyboards, while here you just turn the wheel, but it also solves the second thing associated with typing on an iPad, i.e. on an iPhone - the need for a stand. For this purpose, there is a rubberized groove above the keyboard along almost its entire width, in which you can place any phone or tablet. Any iPhone can fit next to the iPad mini, you only have to hold the iPad Air vertically if you want to place an iPhone or another phone next to it.
The advantage is that the groove of the K480 can fit iPhones and iPads in different cases, so it is not an obstacle even if you use a Smart Cover, for example. Pairing the device is very easy, and a sticky strip with five step instructions will help you. On the left rotary wheel, you choose which position you want to assign to which device, and on the opposite side of the keyboard, press the "i" button for iOS or Mac, or "pc" for other platforms. You are paired in a few seconds. Switching between devices is fast and we didn't experience any major lag during testing.
It is then up to everyone how to use the function of three devices at once with the K480. Due to the groove, cooperation with iOS devices is offered in particular, but on the other hand, the Logitech K480 is not mobile enough to convincingly serve as a keyboard on the go. With its dimensions of 299 by 195 millimeters and with a weight of 820 grams, most users will probably not be willing to carry such a device if they intend to carry only the iPad with them and no larger case. Therefore, with the K480, a combination of a connected keyboard to, for example, an iMac and switching to an iPad, which can be used, for example, for communication on social networks, is imaginable.
Plastic, but nice design
In that case, you don't have to worry that the K480 would be an embarrassment on the table, even though Logitech tried to make the keyboard as affordable as possible, and the price tag of 1 crowns clearly indicates this. Because of this, we have to put up with plastic, including the keys themselves, but otherwise both colors (white and black-yellow) look elegant. We recognize the low price especially during the writing itself. Although this is relatively comfortable on relatively small, almost round keys from an ergonomic point of view, and I had no problem getting used to the K300 within a few minutes, but the plastic processing causes an unpleasant sound response, which is not so pleasant to get used to after experience with Apple keyboards.
As the K480 is supposed to serve several operating systems, Logitech had to make various compromises in the layout and presence of functional keys. The upper row is mainly used for iOS, where you can virtually press the Home button, display multitasking (paradoxically, not via the relevant button, but press the Home key twice), extend the keyboard or search in Spotlight. These buttons do not work on the Mac, only those for controlling music playback and volume are common. In iOS, there is still an interesting separate button for taking screenshots. Mac users will certainly miss a few buttons that they find on a regular Apple keyboard, but Logitech didn't have much of a choice here if it wanted to appeal to more plaftors.
Compromises for a good price
After all, the verdict over the entire keyboard is also related to this issue. Everyone needs to be clear about how they use their devices and keyboards. If you find it useful to have a hardware keyboard with your iPad at all times, and at the same time you often sit with it at the computer to which you also connect the keyboard, the K480 seems like a suitable choice. It is not very suitable for carrying, although Logitech promises up to two years of battery life for the two AAA batteries included, so there is no problem with the Bluetooth keyboard in this regard. In the case of a Mac, you will have to make some compromises regarding buttons and function keys, but this is not an insurmountable problem.
For 1 crowns, you won't buy any premium keyboard, but a fully functional solution serving many devices and platforms, which will do the job of the keyboard well and also serve as a stand for your iPhones and iPads.
[one_half last="no"]
advantages:
[Checklist]
- Nice price
- Connect multiple devices and switch easily
[/checklist][/one_half] [one_half last=”yes”]
Disadvantages:
[bad list]
- Noisy button response
- Too big and heavy to carry
- Not sold with Czech characters
[/badlist][/one_half]
We thank the Czech representative office of Logitech for lending the product.
But one very important thing is missing from the article - is it also available in the Czech version?
I completely forgot about that, because I no longer need to have Czech characters on the keyboard. However, unfortunately, Logitech does not yet deliver a version with Czech characters.
Ok thanks for the info.
May I ask where you can buy it please?
I use Zagg Cover and I probably wouldn't change, although it's a bit more expensive, but that's another matter...
I also looked at it, I'm going to buy an iPad and it looks very good to me, when I saw this Logitech it was clear that it could also be used for the iPhone, but I don't know after the review, I don't like the weight and size.