Logitech Ergo K860 Review: The Most Comfortable Keyboard Ever?
Logitech’s Ego K860 is a keyboard that gets rid of the pains of typing
By
Arif Bacchus
DT Recommended Product
“With its unique shape and padded wrist rest, the Logitech Ergo K860 is a supremely comfortable ergonomic keyboard.”
Pros
- Adjustable palm lift
- Comfortable keycaps
- Lots of wrist support
- Appealing design
- Can connect to multiple devices
Cons
- Not backlit
- Not rechargable
Logitech has a heritage of making super comfortable and well-designed products. Both the MX Ergo and the MX Vertical sport a cozy design to help reduce muscle fatigue when you’re scrolling and dragging your way through your workday. Now, some of those same elements are coming to a keyboard too with the new Logitech Ergo K860.
Contents
- It’s all in the curve
- Type up a storm on any device you own
- It’s quite cozy
- Our take
Priced at $130, the Logitech Ergo K860 completes Logitech’s Ergo lineup. But it’s not your ordinary economic keyboard. Be it the unique curvy design and ergonomics, or the cozy palm rest, the K860 is hands-down one of the most comfortable keyboards you can buy.
It’s all in the curve
At first glance, you’ll know why the Logitech K860 is not your traditional ergonomic keyboard. Instead of laying flat to your desk like the Microsoft Surface Ergonomic Keyboard, the Logitech K860 has a slight bit of elevation and a curve to it on both its front and back ends. Logitech calls this a “split curved keyframe.”
That name seems weird, but you need to see the keyboard to believe it. The K860 floats up off the desk and invites you to walk up play with it. Unlike the Kinesis Freestyle2, this isn’t a medical or industrial looking keyboard. Asides from a single power button slider on the top, there’s no extra cables or unnecessary switches here.
You’ll also find that it’s made entirely of plastic, with a metal plate under the top layer to support it. Despite being curved and made of plastic, this keyboard is solid and comfortable, and there’s a good reason why.
Not only can you slide your cell phone cables or chargers under the keyboard, but the curve and elevation allow for more comfort when typing. It’s designed to help you put your wrists into a more neutral posture. It also helps reduce the strain on your wrists and forearm and keep your hands, neck, and shoulders more relaxed when typing.
This is something Logitech put a lot of effort into. The company told me it has a research and development lab where up to 40 different prototypes of this keyboard were developed, and where actual people were invited to test out the products. These people were even hooked up to sensors that measured muscular strain and pressure.
In fact, Logitech claims 15% of computer users feel pain on a daily basis and that its K860 can provide up to 54% more wrist support than traditional keyboards. That statistic was especially jarring for me, a person that spends time at my desk all day typing and scrolling with a mouse. It certainly is comfortable. But coming off using the Logitech MX Keys, as a daily driver, I was curious how this ergonomic keyboard could improve my typing experience too.
Type up a storm on any device you own
I admittedly needed some time to get used to this curvature and new layout where the keys are in a downward “V” shape. It felt strange for a day or two, but once my fingers grew accustomed to the curve and layout, it began felt natural. It forced me to become more of a touch typist than normal and I noticed myself looking down at the keyboard less. Paired with the MX Vertical mouse, my daily computing tasks felt organic as my hands slid between my keyboard and mouse with little friction.
The Logitech MX Keys was one of our favorite keyboards for day-to-day typing, but it might have met its match in the Ergo K860. The Ergo sports “scooped” keycaps, with a slight circle in the middle of the cap which lets you orient your fingers in a more natural position. It also helps with durability. Logitech even claims that the Ergo K860 has been rated for a 10 million keystroke lifespan, but those are just numbers. Is it true?
After using the Logitech K860 through the busyness of covering CES 2020 from my home office, I can at least say that this keyboard is super comfortable. Thanks to the “split curved keyframe” and the design, I didn’t need to cross my fingers over when typing. Also, thanks to the padded palm rest, I didn’t need to drag my wrists sideways as I moved my way in between words.
This is no mechanical keyboard though. If you’re looking for long travel or a clicky keypress, you’ll have to look elsewhere. This is more of a laptop-class keyboard, using rubber domes rather than mechanical switches beneath the keycaps. There is, however, more travel here than on ultra-short travel keyboards like the MacBook Pro.
My average typing speed is around 90 words per minute, but with the Ergo K860, I hit almost near 95 words per minute. It’s a modest improvement, but that was a new record for me. It’s quiet keyboard too, which is important if you’re working in an open office setting and don’t won’t to to disturb your coworkers.
John Velasco/Digital Trends
Also, like the MX Keys, this wireless keyboard is multi-platform, meaning you can use it with multiple devices at the same time. You can plug it to a PC via a USB dongle or use it via Bluetooth and switch between them with a key on the keyboard. I used it paired both to my Surface Laptop 3, as well as my Google Pixel 3 XL, and I was easily able to switch between PC and laptop with a touch of a button and reply to texts with my phone.
The type of function keys is also reflective of that. Like the MX Keys, there’s a dual Start and Options button for Mac and Windows. There’s also a row of keys on top for the media and function controls. Brightness, Apps, Search, lock, battery status, it’s all here. And, the number pad is a good measure too. Logitech even lets you customize the keyboard via the Logitech Options software, where you can tweak the function keys.
Unfortunately, though, the K860 isn’t backlit and isn’t rechargeable. Logitech tells me this was a conscious design decision they made. They didn’t want to sacrifice the clean design of the keyboard or 2 years of battery life delivered via the two AAA batteries. They also believe that the keyboard will be used in office environments, where backlighting is less important.
It’s quite cozy
The other important element of the Ergo K860 is its wrist support. Sure, you can find these in other ergonomic keyboards like the Adesso Tru-Form 150, Matias Ergo Pro, or Logitech’s own K350, but the Ergo K860 goes above and beyond.
Instead of using just a single layer of foam or fabric like for the palm rest, Logitech has gone for three layers of material. That includes a high-density foam, memory foam, and an easy-clean coated fabric, adding to the comfort of the keyboard and its ergonomics. It certainly beats out the double-cushioned layer on the Microsoft Surface Ergonomic Keyboard.
John Velasco/Digital Trends
In my time with the keyboard in my home office, I often found myself touching it just because it felt so cozy, it almost was like a pillow on my bed. I even had an accident and spilled some water on the palm rest, and it wiped right off.
But Logitech is also thinking about the modern office too. The bottom of the palm rest sports an adjustable hinge that lets you tile the keyboard to either 4 degrees or 7 degrees for standing or sitting desks. It further helps you keep your wrist in a naturally comfortable position if you’re seated or standing.
Our take
The $130 Logitech Ergo K860 isn’t just a comfortable keyboard. It’s the best ergonomic keyboard we’ve ever used. Everything from the typing experience to the easy swapping between devices make it a supremely modern and comfortable office tool. If you’re worried about your wrists after long hours at the office, the K860 just might be the keyboard for you.
Is there a better alternative?
The Logitech K860 is the best ergonomic keyboard you can buy, but there are plenty of alternatives. Some leading options in the same $130 price range include Microsoft’s own Surface Ergonomic Keyboard, which has a similar design and palm rest, but not that “elevated’ feeling and multi-device compatibility of the K860.
You also can opt for the Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Desktop, which has similar ergonomics to the Logitech but is cheaper at around $100. And, if backlighting is important, there is the $40 Adesso Tru-Form 150.
How long will it last?
As a keyboard featuring a USB dongle, Bluetooth, durable plastic finish with a metal layer under, and long battery life, the K860 will last the test of time.
Should you buy it?
Yes. If you want a keyboard that is downright comfortable, then the Logitech Ergo K860 is for you. It features a super comfortable palm rest, and it is designed overall to help reduce the pain when typing. Only the lack of backlights and it not being rechargeable hold it back from being perfect.
Editors’ Recommendations
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Logitech’s Lift Vertical mouse adds comfort for daily use
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Logitech’s MK850 Performance is the full-size keyboard and mouse combo for all your devices
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Logitech’s new Bluetooth keyboard can quickly switch between up to three devices
Logitech ERGO K860 keyboard review
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Maximum ergonomic support
(Image: © Future)
TechRadar Verdict
An impressive peripheral, the Logitech ERGO K860 keyboard does its job of providing support, comfort and reducing physical strain. It’s a little pricey, but has great features like its curved, split design, and a double-layered soft foam wrist rest with front end tilt legs. While initially awkward to use, you soon get used to it.
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Two-minute review
The Logitech ERGO K860 ergonomic keyboard is a sturdy and thoughtfully-designed peripheral that’s great for long typing sessions, providing great support with its wrist rest and front tilt legs.
Its design is sleek with a curved, split keyframe to provide full ergonomic support and improve posture; it’s black, professional-looking and uses Logitech’s PerfectStroke key system, which is similar to the scissor-key mechanism used on laptop keyboards. It’s sturdy and wireless and connects via Logitech’s unifying receiver USB dongle and Bluetooth. Meanwhile, its unusually-placed feet – at the front, not the back – can tilt the keyboard at 4 and 7-degree angles.
Image 1 of 3
(Image credit: Future)(Image credit: Future)(Image credit: Future)
The Logitech ERGO K860 Keyboard is priced at an expensive but forgivable $129.99 (around AU$230) and available for £100 on Amazon UK. It has a 2-year warranty.
(Image credit: Future)
- Logitech Ergo K860 Wireless Ergonomic Keyboard (Black) at Best Buy for $110.99
Specs
Connection type: Wireless
Keyboard: Full-sized
Dual connectivity: 2.4 GHz USB receiver, Bluetooth 5.0
Battery type: 2 x AAA (included)
Weight: 1160g
Dimensions: 456mm width, 233mm height, 48mm depth
Key technology: PerfectStroke scissor-key mechanism
Compatibility: Windows 7 and later, macOS 10. 13 or later, Chrome OS, Linux
Color: Black and dark grey
Material: Plastic
Warranty: 2-Year limited hardware warranty
This full-sized keyboard measures 456mm wide and 233mm tall. There are 12 programmable keys on the top row, and up to three devices can be connected at once via Bluetooth or the 10m wireless range unifying receiver.
Bluetooth is the most energy-efficient method, and when using the receiver, two AAA batteries are required, which according to Logitech have a two-year battery life.
It was easy to set up, but Logitech provides a workstation setup guide that provides tips on aligning the keyboard for maximum comfort and efficiency. It’s compatible with Windows, from 7 to 10, Linux, Mac and Chrome OS. We wouldn’t recommend it for consoles (or gaming PCs), but that’s a personal option and depends on what you intend to use it for.
(Image credit: Future)
For individuals suffering from repetitive strain injury or disabilities, and companies that want to reduce RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury) in its employees, Logitech has made a keyboard that will suit those needs.
The wrist support is extremely comfortable, probably due to having a double layer of foam inside. Another massive plus for the K860 is that it’s compatible with Logitech Flow-enabled mice, so if you own an MX Master 2S, MX Master 3, MX Anywhere 3 or any other Flow-enabled peripheral from Logitech, you won’t need multiple receivers, as you can connect up to three devices at once.
(Image credit: Future)
The Logitech ERGO K860’s PerfectStroke keys are comfortable to use, but they’re not backlit. There isn’t very much else in terms of color, like RGB lighting, and the keyboard is only available in black. It’s definitely more of a professional work/office keyboard, so those features are not necessary, or suitable.
Even though it takes time to adjust to its split-key design, the Logitech ERGO K860 is an impressive keyboard. The front end tilt support is interesting and refreshing, and helps keep your hands correctly perched above the keyboard.
It’s definitely not for gaming, but great for typing all day, every day. One thing to bear in mind, though, is that the spacing of the keys can be a problem for programmers who mainly use the arrow keys when coding.
(Image credit: Future)
Buy it if…
You want an ergonomic keyboard
The Logitech ERGO K860 takes a little getting used to due to the spilt design, but it’s worth it due to the comfort, support and improved posture it offers.
You prefer wireless keyboards
The K860 is perfect for Logitech’s Flow-enabled peripherals. If you don’t own any, it’s still a great standalone wireless keyboard. It boasts a two-year battery life.
You need a substantial wrist rest
One of the best features of the Logitech ERGO K860 is its double-layered soft foam cushion. It’s shaped to the keyboard’s curve, comfortable and adds to its professional look and feel.
Don’t buy it if…
You prefer a smaller keyboard
The ERGO K860 is a full-sized keyboard. Depending on your setup, having one this size can be a turnoff. So, if that’s the case, this is probably not the one for you.
You require backlit keys
There is no backlighting on the K860. It would have been a plus, particularly for the visually impaired, people with sensitive eyesight, writers and those who may need to type a lot for work.
You’re not used to the layout
Yes, the K860 is ergonomics at its finest, but its unique layout will take some getting used to. If you think you’ll struggle to adjust, then you might want to look elsewhere.
- These are the best keyboards of 2021
Logitech Ergo K860 Wireless Ergonomic Keyboard: Price Comparison
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Rosario Blue is a writer, playwright, and freelance journalist.
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Logitech Lift Vertical, M575 Trackball, K860 Keyboard Review: Experience with Ergonomic Set vs. Conventional Peripherals
Today we’re reviewing an ergonomic set from Logitech: Logitech Lift Vertical Mouse, M575 Trackball and K860 Wireless Split Keyboard with Wrist Rest. We will tell in detail about the experience of using manipulators, consider their capabilities and compare them with other devices: Logitech MX Master 2s and A4Tech Bloody V7M (the choice is due to the fact that the author used these two devices for a long time).
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Contents
- 1 Packaging and accessories
- 2 Design and ergonomics
-
- 2.0.1 Logitech Lift Vertical 900 16
- 2.0.2 Logitech M575 Trackball
- 2.0.3 Logitech K860 Keyboard Wireless Split Keyboard
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- 3 Connection and software
-
- 3.
0.1 Logi Options+
- 3.
-
- 4 Getting used to new manipulators
- 90 014
- 4.0.1 Logitech Lift Vertical Mouse
- 4.0.2 Logitech M575 Trackball Trackball
- 4.0.3 Logitech K860 Wireless Split Keyboard
-
- 5.0.1 Logitech Lift Vertical Mouse
- 5.0.2 Logitech M575 Trackball
- 5.0.3 Logitech K860 Wireless Split Keyboard
900 16
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- 7.0.1 Logitech Lift Vertical Mouse
- 7.0.2 Logitech M575 Trackball
- 7.0.3 Logitech K860 Wireless Split Keyboard
The Logitech M575 Trackball and Logitech K860 Wireless Split Keyboard are packaged in plain cardboard boxes with no color printing—only black printed outlines showing models and basic information. Packaging for the Logitech Lift Vertical Mouse with a color image of the model, basic information, and a multi-colored background.
Each unit includes only batteries and Logitech Bolt USB-A receivers.
It’s nice that the manufacturer immediately completes its devices with batteries: the keyboard is powered by two AAA batteries, and the trackball and vertical mouse are powered by one AA battery.
It might be much better to be able to charge your mouse via cable, which sounds logical, but in practice, one battery in a Logitech wireless mouse (excluding RGB gaming models) lasts about a year of use.
Plus, in the Logi Options+ proprietary program, you can always see the percentage of battery charge of all connected devices, so once every six months it turned out to be easier to check the condition of the batteries and buy a new one, if necessary, than to charge the manipulator every week.
In 2023, I would like to have an optional choice of the type of USB receiver connection between USB-A and USB-C, but so far this is not possible (you can buy a branded adapter from USB-A to USB-C, but for laptops this is not the most practical solution).
Logitech Lift Vertical Mouse
Visually, this is a gray mouse of an unusual, as if irregular, shape. Most of the case is made of tactilely pleasant matte plastic, and the part that is closer to the center of the user’s palm is made of soft-touch plastic.
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The mouse has six buttons, a soft wheel and intelligent scrolling (you can scroll quickly if you scroll hard, but normal scrolling remains smooth). The keys are pressed very quietly, and compared to a trackball and most other mice, they are generally silent.
Lift Vertical is light enough to fit a small hand perfectly, but users with larger hands can grip the work surface with the back of their hand (there is a larger MX Vertical for them). The mouse glides across the table without problems and is not at all demanding on the working surface, but it is still better to use it together with a rug.
Logitech M575 Trackball
The Logitech Trackball looks like a huge white computer mouse with a blue ball under the right thumb. There are five buttons on the manipulator, like on most familiar mice.
You need to control the cursor by moving the ball with your finger. The manipulator itself does not need to be moved – it remains motionless regardless of the actions performed. Due to a different way of interaction, the form factor of the mouse also changes – the trackball is larger and heavier than a regular mouse, plus it has rubberized legs on the bottom that prevent it from sliding on the surface.
Ergonomically, this way of interaction is as comfortable as possible. The hand practically does not move during use and only the movements of the thumb and pressing the index and middle fingers are responsible for all the work.
Logitech K860 Wireless Split Keyboard
The Logitech K860 looks as unusual as the rest of the reviewers: a gray curved keyboard with light characters, a split keypad and an attached wrist rest. This is a classic full-size membrane keyboard.
Keyboard made entirely of plastic. The keys are pressed quietly, but with a very noticeable impact, so that the effect of a typewriter is created; key travel is small.
The quality of the characters on the keys is not at the highest level, which is at least strange in this price category.
Knitted base with a small layer of memory foam inside. It feels quite comfortable, but very much resembles a plastic film, options from ordinary fabric or artificial leather are much more pleasant to the touch, but they are much more difficult to clean.
The position of the keyboard relative to the table does not change in the usual way: the Logitech K860 Wireless Split Keyboard raises the side that is closer to the user, and not vice versa, as in all other keyboards. This should provide a more comfortable position of the hands on the stand.
In general, using this type of keyboard is much more comfortable, since the position of the hands at an angle relative to the keys is more natural, and the stand does not allow the hands to get tired while being weighted.
The keyboard can be used with MacOS and Windows computers. Some function keys are different in size from the rest, which is very convenient, because, for example, you do not need to lower your eyes every time you want to change the sound volume. Next to the NumPad block are buttons for switching between devices, but otherwise it is a classic full-size keyboard.
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Connecting new devices is as simple and clear as possible:
- the user needs to insert the receiver into his computer or search for new devices in the Bluetooth settings
- hold down the connect button on the mouse or trackball, and turn on the keyboard with the switch and hold down one of the keys of the connected devices
- add discovered devices to the computer, after which the new device can be used
When connected via a proprietary USB receiver that comes with each device that took part in the review, the connection is as stable as possible and during the entire testing period there was not a single disconnection, lag or incorrect operation, which cannot be said about the Bluetooth connection.
All three devices connect using a Bluetooth wireless connection. True, in this case, using them is as uncomfortable as possible (at least from a PC on Windows) due to a noticeable delay during the first movement of the mouse after stopping.
That is, if you use the mouse or trackball continuously, there is no delay. But if the cursor stops, after which the user starts moving the manipulator, the cursor remains in place for the first half second, and only then the signal passes and it jerks sharply to where it should be if there was no delay. You can probably get used to this use, but fortunately this is not necessary, since everything works perfectly with the USB receiver, even though it occupies one of the ports.
Using the Logitech K860 Wireless Split Keyboard is equally comfortable when connected via a receiver or via Bluetooth. In this case, even if there is some minimal delay, it is completely invisible.
By the way, only one Logitech USB receiver is enough to connect all three devices.
Logi Options+ program
After connecting any of the devices, the PC will offer to download and install the Logi Options+ program, which is optional, but it allows you to fine-tune the operation of the peripherals for yourself and control its parameters.
In the program, the user can:
- connect a new device and monitor the battery charge of already connected
- reassign commands executed by keys
- adjust mouse sensitivity and scroll wheel speed
- set up interaction with other connected PCs (for Lift Vertical and K860 Wireless Split Keyboard)
- Set up Flow mode for the Lift Vertical mouse, which allows you to work seamlessly with computers on MacOS and Windows
- download and install updates, and get instructions for configuring
devices
Any new manipulator takes some getting used to before you can fully use it. Even if they are similar mice from the same manufacturer. For example, when switching from conventional wired mice to the Logitech MX Master 2s, it took one business day to fully get used to it, due to a slightly different body shape and a stiffer scroll wheel. In the case of a radically new way of interacting, such as a trackball, the adaptation period is noticeably longer than with a vertical mouse.
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Logitech Lift Vertical Mouse
Logitech Lift Vertical Mouse took the same one day to get used to as switching from one regular mouse to another because the scroll wheel is just as soft and responsive, as in most gaming mice, and the way you interact with the mouse is not too different from the classic ones.
Trackball Logitech M575 Trackball
I managed to get used to the trackball only on the second day of use, and for full addiction I had to use it for another four days. That is, the entire period of addiction took six days. It was not possible to accustom oneself to fully use only it, since it has its own specific features, which are discussed in more detail below.
When you take hold of the trackball, there is a feeling that you are using, though quite convenient, but still an additional manipulator. Against the background, you constantly want to switch to a more familiar way of interaction. With a vertical mouse, this is not the case, because you get used to it and no longer think that there is something more comfortable at hand.
Logitech K860 Wireless Split Keyboard
It’s easiest to get used to the more natural hand position this keyboard provides. True, it is difficult enough to accustom yourself to the fact that some keys that you could unconsciously press with your left hand are now out of reach for her. You also need to retrain yourself that they are pressed only with the right (and vice versa, respectively). Therefore, the period of full addiction took a little less than two weeks. This should be taken into account before switching to separate keyboards, especially if there is a habit of reaching hotkeys with one hand.
Logitech Lift Vertical Mouse
Compared to conventional mice, the position of the hand during the use of verticals is more natural: the wrist does not bend horizontally, which is not natural for its structure, and therefore it does not get tired and does not hurt during the working day.
The mouse fits perfectly in the hand, is comfortable to use and feels like an expensive gadget that makes life a little more convenient.
From the point of view of the author, Logitech Lift Vertical is the most comfortable and fastest way to interact with a computer of all tested, for today. Of the dozens of manipulators, the list of which includes: office mice, gaming mice of various classes, Logitech MX Master 2s and MX Master 3s, Apple Magic Trackpad and Magic Mouse of the latest generations (one of the worst inventions of Apple designers in terms of ergonomics), this one the vertical was the most comfortable and ergonomic.
The idea for the review came about after it became clear that carpal tunnel syndromeCarpal tunnel syndrome (carpal tunnel syndrome) is a neurological disease in which tissue in the carpal tunnel of the wrist swells and compresses the median nerve already very close and further use of wired mice for $ 20 is simply harmful for health. Sooner or later, the tingling and tired feeling in the wrist can become more serious. Therefore, I decided not to wait for the situation to worsen, but to figure out alternative options now.
Trackball Logitech M575 Trackball
Before use, it was assumed that the main cause of inconvenience would be the control of the trackball with your thumb, because of which it would quickly get tired. But it was not so. The finger was no more tired than usual, and there is no discomfort even after a full day of work.
The problem lies elsewhere. The only finger that rests on the trackball does not position the cursor clearly enough. That is, while pressing the mouse keys, or trying to stop the cursor at a specific point, the micro-trembling of the finger is transmitted to the large ball. Because of this, the pointer always jerks a little when you try to stop it in the right place, slightly changing the final position of the cursor. This is very critical when performing precise tasks.
Unfortunately, this problem could not be solved by software, since reducing the sensitivity of the manipulator does not affect the shaking of the finger lying on the trackball. To completely neutralize this effect, you need to remove it from the ball. It is solved by simply using the trackball with two fingers. This confirms that the problem is in the use of one finger. But the Logitech M575 is not designed for this format, so it’s just plain inconvenient.
However, the comfort and relaxation that comes with using this trackball is unmatched by any mouse – the whole hand is simply resting on the manipulator, which is controlled by only three fingers. During its use, you do not need to move your hand, but only move the cursor with your thumb and press the buttons with your index and middle fingers. Plus, the trump card of the trackball is dragging objects around the screen and working with objects that need to be moved frequently along all axes.
The choice of the most suitable professions for this style of use suggests itself: 3D artists, designers, visualizers, architects, engineers and similar professions that require the rotation of objects in virtual space. This is much easier to do with a trackball than with a mouse. As well as trackballs are most convenient for working with video processing.
Subjectively, the combination of a trackball and a vertical mouse would be ideal for everyday use. It is more customary and more convenient to use the vertical one, but sometimes you want to return to the most relaxed position of the brush that the trackball provides. At least when performing those tasks that do not require maximum cursor precision.
Logitech Lift Vertical and Logitech M575 Trackball grip compared to the more familiar Logitech MX Master 2s and A4Tech Bloody V7M.
Logitech K860 Wireless Split Keyboard
Compared to conventional keyboards, this way of typing is really more comfortable. Especially after a period of getting used to. Just like with a vertical mouse, when the hands on the keyboard are at a natural angle and when the wrists are supported by the stand, the comfort of use is taken to a new level.
But the cheapness of the plastic case does not let you get rid of the idea that this is the most ordinary office keyboard with a slightly more comfortable body. Although most Logitech products are usually made from more premium and tactile materials.
For example Logitech MX Keys for the same price is made of aluminum with nice key travel (and much better quality plastic). It generally looks and feels like an expensive computer accessory.
The keyboard is definitely more comfortable and ergonomic than the classic versions. But not so much as to prefer it to a high-quality membrane or mechanical keyboard for the same price, to which you can buy a stand if you wish.
There are many different use cases for all the devices in this review. But it will be easier and clearer to present their main parameters and scenarios involved during testing in the form of 5-point ratings, compared with Logitech MX Master 2s and A4Tech Bloody V7M.
Logitech Lift Vertical | Logitech M575 Trackball | Logitech MX Master 2s | A4Tech Bloody V7M | |
Design and materials | 5 | 4 | 4 | 2 |
Ergonomics | 5 | 5 | 4 | 3 |
Functionality | 5 | 3 | 5 | 4 |
Working with documents and spreadsheets | 5 | 3 | 5 | 4 |
Photo and graphics work | 5 | 3 | 4 | 3 |
Games | 4 | 2 | 4 | 5 |
Total score | 4. |
3.3 | 4.3 | 3.5 |
It turned out that even on a trackball you can learn to play shooters and, accordingly, other games, such as strategy and RPG, in a short time. It’s a bit slower and your teammates won’t thank you in co-op games, but you can run Doom: Eternal on medium difficulty.
Logitech K860 Wireless Split Keyboard works the same way as classic keyboards, but the scores are as follows.
Logitech K860 Wireless Split Keyboard | |
Design and materials | 2 |
Ergonomics | 5 |
Functionality | 4 |
Working with documents and spreadsheets | 5 |
Photo and graphics work | 4 |
Games | 3 |
Total score | 3. |
Logitech Lift Vertical Mouse
Device type | Mouse |
Connection type | Bluetooth/radio |
Multi device | yes |
Range | 10 m |
Technology | optical |
Purpose | vertical |
Sensor resolution | 400-4000 DPI |
Number of buttons | 5 |
Side buttons | yes |
DPI change button | yes |
Number of scroll wheels | 1 |
Power supply | 1x AA |
Battery life | 24 months |
Equipment | USB receiver |
Dimensions (LxWxH) | 108x70x71 mm |
Weight | 125 g |
Logitech M575 Trackball
Device Type | Trackball |
Connection type | Bluetooth/radio |
Number of buttons | 4 |
Number of scroll wheels | 1 |
Power supply | 1x AA |
Battery life | 24 months |
Equipment | USB receiver |
Dimensions (LxWxH) | 134x100x48 mm |
Weight | 145 g |
Logitech K860 Wireless Split Keyboard
Connection type | Bluetooth/radio |
Bluetooth version | 5. |
Multi device | yes |
Cable/radius | 10 m |
Purpose | ergonomic |
Format | ANSI, with num block |
Key travel | low |
Key type | island type |
Additional keys | 4 |
Fn button | yes |
CMD key | yes |
Key color | black |
Volume control | via Fn |
Palm rest | yes |
Connection interface | USB |
Power supply | 2x AAA |
Dimensions | 456x233x48 mm |
Weight | 1160 g |
Logitech Lift Vertical mouse costs UAH 2,999 , excluding discounts. The price of the older version of the vertical mouse of the Logitech MX Vertical brand is UAH 4,999 , and the Logitech MX Master 3S costs 3 999 UAH .
From vertical models, you can also consider Canyon CNS-CMSW16 for 699 UAH and Trust Verro Ergonomic Wireless Mouse for 849 UAH as simpler alternatives.
Trackball Logitech M575 can be purchased for UAH 2,399. The older version of the Logitech MX Ergo trackball will cost UAH 4,047 .
The price of the Logitech K860 Wireless Split Keyboard is UAH 5,399. The closest competitor from the same manufacturer is Logitech MX Keys Plus Advanced for UAH 5,699 excluding discounts.
There are also such options as Lenovo Legion K500 RGB for 4 924 UAH , Asus Tuf Gaming K3 for 4 549 UAH or Hator Skyfall TKL Pro Wireless for 4 199 UAH . Yes, this is a different category of keyboards, but the price point is the same.
With the same ergonomic shape and stand, there are two options in different price ranges: Microsoft Ergonomic Keyboard for 2 174 UAH . Microsoft Surface Ergonomic Keyboard for UAH 9,999
the only keyboard I will use
Ergonomics matter
Mastering the basics of ergonomics
Pick up in the right place
Comfortable cushion for your wrists
correct form
Above and Beyond
Battery life that won’t disappear
All connections
The software that connects all things
Not enough on its own, but a great ergonomic keyboard
Rating: 9/10 ?
– 1 – Absolutely hot waste
- 2 – Warm waste grades
- 3 – Severely erroneous design
- 4 Some pluses, many minuses
- 5 – Acceptably imperfect
- 6 Good enough to buy on sale
- 7 – Excellent, but not best in class
- 8 – Fantastic, with some footnotes
- 9 – Shut up and take my money
- 10 – Absolute Design Nirvana
Price: $130
Josh Hendrickson
I was born an old man. When I was six or seven, I woke up many nights screaming in pain. After several X-rays and an MRI, the doctors diagnosed him with arthritis. This is something that is common in my family and eventually arthritis was the cause of my grandmother’s death. I tell you all this so that you can better understand why ergonomic keyboards are important to me and why in the future I will only use ERGO K860.
- Comfortable wrist pad
- Seamless connection to three devices
- Extra long battery life
- More expensive than other ergonomic keyboards
- Wrist pad not removable
Ergonomics matter
Watching my grandmother grow up was a bit like looking into the future. Her fingers twisted on their own as she got older, until she could no longer extend them to even point at objects. But she didn’t take care of herself, exercise, or take steps to prevent the worst effects of arthritis. When I was younger, I didn’t do it either.
But when I was about twenty-five, I started dropping things all the time. My hands were shackled, my fingers refused to cooperate, and then I lost my grip on what I held in my hands. That’s when I realized that I needed to make changes. The first step was to change my keyboard habits. I’ve always used any keyboard available, but I’ve been using ergonomic keyboards for almost a decade now.
This V-shape is exactly what you need in an ergonomic keyboard. Josh Hendrickson
The excellent Microsoft keyboards have always been my top pick, starting with the Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000, then moving on to Sculpt Ergonomic before settling on Microsoft’s latest ergonomic keyboard. I didn’t think I’d leave Microsoft, but Logitech convinced me otherwise. And this is due to the fact that it implements the basics of ergonomics, as well as providing useful additions.
Ergonomic Basics
If you’re looking for an ergonomic keyboard, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Lift in the right place
First, instead of lifting up under the far end of the keyboard (near the function row), the keyboard feet should rise closer to your wrists. The idea is to lift your wrists and not bend them back into a pinch. The Ergo K860 does just that thanks to the legs under your wrists that offer three different angles: 0 degrees (legs retracted), -4 degrees and -7 degrees.
You can install the legs without a lift, with a slight lift, or with the maximum lift shown here. Josh Hendrickson
Microsoft keyboards typically tilt around -7 degrees, so I started with Logitech’s -4 degree option to get a feel for the difference. For an hour my hands were on fire, and that’s because this little change made me pinch my wrists. Luckily, I remembered that I could tweak further and that completely solved the problem.
Comfortable Wrist Pad
After that, you need a comfortable wrist pad that you can rely on while you type. Again, the idea is to prevent the arms from bending backwards, so the pad needs to be higher than some of the keys. The Logitech pillow is made up of three layers: 4mm memory foam, 2mm high-density foam and easy-clean knit.
Although the cushion looks like it can be removed from above, it can be seen from below that it is not. Josh Hendrickson
Compared to the stiffer plastic grips I’m used to seeing on ergonomic keyboards, this is very comfortable. Logitech has managed to create something that feels good on the wrist and is easy to clean. The main downside of Logitech’s implementation is that the lining is not removable. If and when the memory foam loses its properties, you are stuck with the old dense foam.
Correct shape
Finally, you will notice the strange shape of the keys themselves. The best ergonomic position makes you bend your fingers slightly down. Imagine that you are carefully holding a pair of softballs. This calls for an overall curve, as well as splitting and slightly turning the keys into an almost V-shape. Similarly, the keys closest to the index fingers should be taller than those closest to the little fingers, giving the keyboard a tent-like shape.
The ERGO K860 matches perfectly with the MX vertical mouse. Josh Hendrickson
Most ergonomic keyboards have this general shape, but the Logitech ERGO keyboard is somewhat different from other manufacturers. Look closely and you’ll see some “staggered” keys like G, T, 6, 7, H, and N, as well as capital letters. Logitech tells me that this helps mimic the “key shape feel” of a standard keyboard, which should help touch typists make an ergonomic keyboard lighter.
This is a problem that I know too well. When I first started using an ergonomic keyboard, the separation quickly made me aware of the bad habits I had learned, like crossing my right index finger to press the T key. This won’t work on an ergonomic keyboard. The only issue I’ve had is with the backspace and paste keys. When I first started using this keyboard, I often hit the insert key when I wanted to press the backspace key, but I eventually adjusted and this problem was no longer there.
Membrane keys, which I prefer. It’s enough to not feel like I have to tap in order to type. Mechanical keyboards hurt fingers when used for a long time. But if you prefer mechanical switches, keep in mind that you are ditching them with the ERGO K860. Unfortunately, the keys are not backlit, so you’ll have to touch-type in the dark. At the very least, this omission increases battery life (more on that later).
Above and beyond
Ergonomically, the ERGO K860 is no better or worse than the various Microsoft ergonomic keyboards I’ve used. The slope is the same, the keys have a similar shape and style, and the ERGO gets a slight edge on the comfortable wrist pad. It’s exactly what I want, but it’s not necessarily better than other ergonomic options. So you might be wondering why I’m saying this is the only keyboard I’ll be using. Logitech has nailed all the basics; then it went higher and further.
Look closely and you’ll see Windows and MacOS labeled. Buttons 1, 2, 3 switch the device connection. Josh Hendrickson
Battery life that won’t go away
You may be disappointed to learn that the Logitech Ergonomic Keyboard does not use a rechargeable battery. Do not be. I typed on the ERGO K860 eight hours a day, five days a week, for seven months. I still use the original AAA batteries I put in on the first day.
Logitech does not measure ERGO K860 battery life in days, weeks or even months. He calculates it in years. Years as “more than one”. Logitech says a pair of AAA batteries will last two years and seven months later, I have no doubt about it. According to the Logitech software, the charge is still “full”. Even if they die tomorrow, I would be fine with seven months of battery life, not to mention two years.
All connections
Among other models, I had three Microsoft Sculpt ergonomic keyboards. But not because I liked this particular model so much. No, the problem was in the wireless key. It kept dying and without the key, the keyboard doesn’t work. The first time I was replaced under warranty, the second time I had to buy a new keyboard.
ERGO K860 connects via USB dongle or Bluetooth. And, unlike Microsoft’s suggestion, you can replace the ERGO dongle or pair it with a dongle from another Logitech device (such as the MX vertical mouse). You won’t have to buy another keyboard because of one failure. Logitech software can handle connections.
The software that connects everything
Naturally, I spend most of my time on my PC, but I also have a Macbook and a Raspberry Pi on my bench for testing purposes. With Bluetooth and USB dongle capabilities, and Logitech Flow, my keyboard (and my Logitech MX Vertical) can switch between these three devices with the push of a button. Even the keys display both Windows and Mac commands, so I never have to remember if the start button is also a command key or a selection key.
Note that the NumPad has the least tilt and flex. ERGO flexes where you type. Josh Hendrickson
Logitech Flow is being used in more and more of the company’s devices, but I can’t imagine another ergonomic keyboard with this kind of software. For those who use multiple devices, this is a delicious icing on a well-cooked cake.
Not enough on its own, but great ergonomic keyboard
Here’s the thing, if you suffer from frequent pain of any kind, not to mention your arms, you should see a doctor. You’ll get the best advice there, not from a tech site or keyboard manufacturer.
And it’s unlikely that the keyboard alone will solve your problems. The hand cramps and dropped items issues I encountered didn’t stop when I switched to ergonomics; it only helped. I had to take other steps, like grip exercises, to completely resolve my issues.
However, if you need an ergonomic keyboard, ERGO K860 is an excellent choice. At $130, it should be. That’s almost three times the size of Microsoft’s latest ergonomic keyboard. But this keyboard is wired and comes with useless Office and Emoji buttons. It lacks additional features that Logitech planned to include. It doesn’t have a backlight like the Microsoft variants.