Review of the Logitech ERGO K860 Wireless Ergonomic Qwerty Keyboard
In the realm of ergonomic keyboards, the Logitech ERGO K860 has garnered significant attention since its launch on January 15, 2020. With its innovative design and thoughtful features, it aims to improve typing comfort while minimizing wrist and forearm strain. As someone who has spent nearly two decades in IT and has personally experienced the benefits of ergonomic setups, I decided it was time to upgrade from the Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard to the Logitech ERGO K860. Here’s a comprehensive review based on my experience, along with insights from other users who have shared their thoughts on this ergonomic wonder.
Design and Build Quality
The Logitech ERGO K860 stands out with its unique curved, split keyframe that promotes a more natural typing posture. The keyboard dimensions of 9.17 x 17.95 x 1.89 inches and a weight of 2.56 pounds give it a solid yet portable feel. The design is modern and sleek, available in an attractive black color that fits well with any workspace.
One of the most notable features is the pillowed wrist rest, which includes a memory foam layer that offers 54% more wrist support compared to standard keyboards. This thoughtful design reduces wrist bending by 25%, making long typing sessions significantly more comfortable. The fabric covering is stain-resistant, ensuring that your keyboard maintains its aesthetic appeal even with regular use.
Typing Experience
Typing on the ERGO K860 is a pleasure. The “Perfect Stroke” keys are sculpted to match the natural shape of your fingertips, providing a responsive and quiet typing experience. Users have remarked on the pleasant tactile feedback of the keys, which feels satisfying during long work hours. For someone who has transitioned from the Microsoft Ergonomic 4000, the familiarity of the key placement was comforting, and the slight scoop of the keys is subtle enough to not feel awkward.
Another major plus is the adjustable palm lift feature, allowing you to set the keyboard angle to 0, -4, or -7 degrees. This is particularly useful for those who alternate between sitting and standing while working, ensuring that the wrists remain in a comfortable position no matter the setting.
Connectivity Options
The Logitech ERGO K860 offers versatile connectivity options, allowing users to connect via Bluetooth or USB receiver. This is a major advantage for those who work across multiple devices, as it supports seamless switching between them. Many users have found the Logitech Flow software to be handy, although some have reported occasional connectivity issues, particularly between Mac and PC. Despite this minor hiccup, the ability to switch devices effortlessly is a significant asset for those who juggle multiple workstations.
Ergonomics and Health Benefits
The ERGO K860 is ergonomist-approved, certified by United States Ergonomics to promote better posture and reduce muscle strain. For those, like myself, who have experienced discomfort from prolonged typing, the ergonomic design of this keyboard can be a game-changer. After using it for a few months, I have noticed a marked decrease in wrist fatigue compared to my previous keyboard.
Aesthetics and Sustainability
Beyond its functional benefits, the Logitech ERGO K860 is also designed with sustainability in mind. With 71% of its plastic parts made from certified post-consumer recycled plastic, it demonstrates a commitment to environmentally responsible practices. The packaging is crafted from FSC-certified paper, further emphasizing its eco-friendly approach.
User Experiences
Throughout my research, I found several user testimonials that echoed my sentiments. Many users appreciated the quietness of the keys and the comfort of the wrist rest. A few users who had switched from other ergonomic keyboards noted that the Logitech ERGO K860 quickly became their favorite due to its design and comfortable key action. Some users did, however, express frustration with the placement of certain keys, such as the context-sensitive menu key, which is not as intuitive as on other keyboards. That said, these concerns appeared to be relatively minor compared to the overall satisfaction with the product.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Logitech ERGO K860 Wireless Ergonomic Qwerty Keyboard is a remarkable piece of technology that caters to the needs of anyone looking to improve their typing posture and comfort. Its thoughtful design, combined with the quality of materials and ergonomic features, makes it a worthy investment for both casual users and professionals alike. While there are minor connectivity issues reported with the Logitech Flow software, the overall benefits of using this keyboard far outweigh the drawbacks.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
The Logitech ERGO K860 is a winning choice for anyone seeking an ergonomic keyboard that combines style, comfort, and functionality. If you’re in the market for an upgrade or simply want to take better care of your wrists and forearms, this keyboard deserves a place on your desk.
Michael Wright –
As someone who works in IT and spends all day at a computer, I’ve been using ergonomic keyboards for the past 17 years, starting with the Microsoft Ergonomic 4000. Although that model is no longer available, it served me well with no wrist issues. Recently, after starting a new job, I decided to upgrade my keyboard for the first time since 2007 and came across the Logitech ERGO K860, which consistently ranks as one of the top ergonomic keyboards for 2024.
I couldn’t be happier with my choice. The design and key layout closely resemble my beloved MSE 4000, and the keys are quieter and a joy to type on. I was initially worried about the “scooped keys,” fearing they would be too deep, but they are just subtly contoured, making a positive difference in my typing experience without being distracting.
The build quality feels solid, and I hope it lasts as long as my previous keyboard did. The wrist rest is wide, comfortable, and appears durable, not likely to wear out or become unpleasant over time.
Connecting the keyboard was a breeze; I set it up with two laptops and my phone—one via the USB receiver and the other two through Bluetooth. Typing is responsive, with no noticeable delay. I appreciate the customizable function keys available through the Logi Options+ app, which already worked smoothly with my MX Master 3 mouse (the best mouse I’ve ever used!). The only minor hiccup was needing to update the app to recognize the keyboard; however, it was a quick fix.
My only wish is for a different battery setup. The keyboard uses two AAA batteries, which is manageable since I have rechargeable ones, but I would prefer a USB rechargeable option like the MX Master 3. It’s a small inconvenience, but I’d rather plug it in occasionally than hunt for replacement batteries when they run low.
Overall, I’m incredibly satisfied with this keyboard! It’s a fantastic successor to my Microsoft Ergonomic 4000!
LLynn –
I’m pleased that both products were shipped separately. The MX3S features a bold connector, providing you with two connectors.
Gezebelle Rose –
Fits comfortably in the hand and glides smoothly, providing precise control for work tasks.
ZenGeekDad –
UPDATE 2 (Aug 7, 2021, ~7 months in):
I’ve discovered the Microsoft context-sensitive menu pop-up key on the MS EP4000, which serves as an alternative to the right mouse button. However, I’m not a fan of its placement. While I’m getting used to its awkward location, I still find myself searching for it instead of relying on muscle memory like with most other keys. I might consider adding a raised gummy circle, similar to the ones on my delete and Fn keys, to help locate it more easily. On a positive note, I like this keyboard so much that I bought a second one for my office, even though it doesn’t meet office standards. I paid for it myself, but it helps eliminate the confusion of switching between different keyboards at home and work.
UPDATE (Apr 7, 2021, a few months in):
The issues I previously mentioned seem to have resolved themselves. I don’t know why, but now the keyboard only sends volume-up or down signals to my PC about once a month. When this occurs, simply removing the USB fob for a moment and cycling the power button on the keyboard clears the issue, taking only about five seconds. For something that happens so infrequently, I’m okay with it. Overall, this is a very comfortable, fast, quiet keyboard. I’ve even adapted to switching between F-keys and media keys. All things considered, this has become my favorite keyboard.
ORIGINAL REVIEW:
This keyboard is the best choice for anyone who loved the Microsoft Ergonomic Pro 4000. It maintains the same split layout, and the keys are positioned more in line with muscle memory expectations (INS, Home, Pg Up, DEL, End, Pg Down). The key action is fantastic—much faster than the MS EP4000. However, I have a few warnings:
WARNING #1:
About 1-4 times a week, the connection between my PC and this keyboard gets stuck in a bizarre mode, often turning the volume up unexpectedly. I can go from silence to maximum volume in under a second, with no warning. During these episodes, I can’t input anything else because the keyboard keeps sending that one keystroke to the PC. The only solution is to remove the USB fob, wait a minute, plug it back in, and cross my fingers. Usually, that works, but sometimes I have to restart my PC, which is incredibly disruptive and can lead to lost work. This issue occurs on both my self-built PC (with keyboard drivers) and my HP laptop (without drivers), so it’s not a hardware problem—it’s a logical issue. It’s not just the volume-up key that gets stuck; other keys do too, leading to unpredictable app behavior on my monitor. I should probably RMA this keyboard, but the key action is so smooth that I’m hesitant to do so, especially since it’s the perfect replacement for my beloved Microsoft Ergonomic Pro 4000.
WARNING #2:
I dislike having to toggle between F-keys and media keys. I’m used to having distinct media keys on my old Microsoft Ergonomic Pro 4000, allowing me to adjust the volume or perform functions like hitting F2 for editing in Excel without thinking. Now, I’m constantly trying to remember which mode I’m in and whether I need to toggle the key again before performing any functions. It’s frustrating!
I would much prefer a keyboard layout similar to the MS Ergonomic Pro 4000, but that’s likely tied up in a patent that Microsoft won’t release or license reasonably, and they no longer manufacture it. You might find one used on eBay for $300, which is ridiculous.
WARNING #3:
The context-sensitive menu pop-up key, which is equivalent to the right mouse button on the MS EP4000, is absent. It’s been replaced by a second “Opt/Ctrl” key. You’d think the driver software would allow programming this key to function differently, but I haven’t figured out how to make it perform like the key it replaced. I miss that little key, as it slows me down to constantly reach for the mouse to right-click.
PJC –
I absolutely adore this set!
ZenGeekDad –
I’m really enjoying this keyboard! It took some time to adjust to the key placements—I often hit the caps lock instead of the shift key—but that’s something you get used to. The ability to switch between devices is incredibly convenient, although the Logi Flow software could use some improvements; it struggles to maintain a connection between Macs and PCs. I hope they address that in a future update. The materials feel high-quality and comfortable to use. I switched from the Microsoft Sculpt, and I definitely prefer this keyboard now.