Review: Logitech Wireless Keyboard K340

Logitech is undoubtedly a world leader in input devices and they have a good history of providing quality products. Using their MX 518 Gaming mouse left a good impression about their line of input devices and provoked me to go for K340 when I was searching for a good wireless keyboard. What I was looking for is not something funky looking or highly customizable multimedia keyboard, but something streamlined and compact which is portable enough to be used some 5 meters away from my computer. And off course, I had a budget to stay into, between Rs. 1500 and 2500.

Logitech Wireless Keyboard K340

Layout

At first look, the keyboard seems reasonably sleek and palpable enough, quite suitable for an individual who wants no frills for productive purposes. Main keys are laid out in a good way, just like a full desktop keyboard. Although the whole setup looks like common notebook layout with addition of a number pad, it works better than keyboards in most laptops. Inclusion of a Fn (Function) key is noticeable, similar to notebooks which also controls Print Screen, Pause Break and Scroll Lock in addition with hotkeys superimposed on usual function keys (F1 to F12) to deliver easier navigation in media players, opening a default browser and mail client. There are no indicators for Num Lock or Scroll Lock while Caps Lock key itself has a LED for the purpose. While it’s understood that space saving is the primary concern for this model, another indicator on Num Lock would be useful.

Typing experience is particularly good in this board, with no missing keys or difficulties reaching a particular key.  The layout really works well. But people, who are too much used to traditional keyboards, will have little difficulties locating Delete, Home, and End keys while typing. There’s a small learning curve involved here.

Wireless Connectivity

Logitech Unifying Receiver

The main aspect of the keyboard is its wireless performance, after all it’s a tail-less keyboard we are discussing here. Logitech is providing a minuscule receiver with the product called Unifying receiver.

It’s really a small thing, considering the length of USB male connector which is bigger than the receiver itself. However, it works well and even without a driver. It allowed me to pair the keyboard almost instantly after starting my PC and to enter BIOS by pressing Del from it. Although you don’t need any additional software to use the receiver, Logitech SetPoint 4.80 or better is required to activate Fn key and its corresponding functions. Since I already had the software installed (I have Logitech MX 518 Gaming Mouse), the setup was instantaneous.

According to product description, it should work within the range of 10 meters from the receiver. To test this argument, I had to come out of my room with the keyboard on my hand. I tried switching some apps using Alt+Tab and writing a line in Notepad. Adding to my surprise both worked flawlessly, even when the PC was not even on line of sight. I believe this keyboard works in the said 10 meter range even if there’s a barrier like a wall in between. While this range is a good notion, it also raises questions on wireless security. Is a user secure when using this keyboard paired with a computer? Since it uses an Advanced 2.4 GHz connection to increase connectivity and reduce battery usage, it’s also theoretically susceptible to wireless attacks using Wi Fi networks if used without encryption. K340 uses 128bit AES encryption which is good for regular cordless usage, unless you’re inputting some top secret military codes in your PC.

Battery Life

Another aspect of anything wireless is their battery life, since users aren’t sharing the power coming from an outlet. Logitech, while announcing their advanced 2.4GHz wireless input devices, specified that the model will have 3 years of battery life when going through moderate usage regularly. According to them, it means 2 million keystrokes per year in an office environment. Now this is something I really can’t comment on since there are no practical ways to visit the keyboard after 3 years, yet. The model has a battery life indicator LED on the top of number pad, which glows green when battery is fine and red in case of 10% or below battery life. That’s a good feature, considering the price of the product.

Wrap-up

Logitech have created a modest, streamlined approach to keyboard which is surely going to attract a lot of people, especially those in corporate sectors with requirements of high portability, better wireless range and great battery life entwined in a single product. The keyboard, practically looks well, feels well and works well. Apart from the only little shortcoming and a short learning curve, K340 is really worth it.