Logitech K400 Plus Wireless Livingroom Keyboard Review: Perfect for Home Theatre PCs?
Table of Contents:
Introduction
The Logitech K400 Plus Wireless Livingroom Keyboard is a popular choice for those looking for a convenient way to control their home theater PC or smart TV. This keyboard features a built-in touchpad, dedicated media keys, and wireless connectivity, making it ideal for navigating and controlling content from the comfort of your couch. In this review, we’ll delve into its features, performance, and overall usability to see if it lives up to the hype.
Features
The Logitech K400 Plus boasts several features designed to enhance the home theater experience:
- Wireless Connectivity: The keyboard uses a 2.4 GHz wireless connection, offering a reliable and lag-free experience. It also features a USB nano receiver for easy plug-and-play setup.
- Built-in Touchpad: The K400 Plus includes a generously sized touchpad, making navigating menus and controlling the cursor effortless. The touchpad offers a smooth and responsive experience.
- Dedicated Media Keys: The keyboard features dedicated multimedia keys for quick access to volume control, playback, and other media functions. This is a welcome feature for navigating content without having to rely on the on-screen controls.
- Customizable Keys: Several keys can be customized to perform specific actions, allowing for greater personalization and efficiency. This customization feature enhances the keyboard’s versatility for different users and preferences.
- Ergonomic Design: The keyboard features a slightly angled design, providing a comfortable typing experience. The key spacing and layout are intuitive and easy to adapt to.
- Long Battery Life: The K400 Plus is powered by two AA batteries, promising up to 18 months of battery life.
Performance
The Logitech K400 Plus delivers solid performance in everyday use. The keys are responsive and comfortable to type on, even for extended sessions. The touchpad is accurate and responsive, allowing for smooth navigation and precise cursor control. The wireless connection is reliable, with no noticeable lag or dropouts. The keyboard also performs well with various operating systems, including Windows, Android, and even Chrome OS.
However, it’s important to note that the keyboard’s compact size and lack of dedicated arrow keys can sometimes be limiting for those accustomed to full-size keyboards. While it’s perfectly adequate for basic tasks like browsing the web and controlling media, more demanding tasks like gaming or extensive writing might require a different keyboard.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Wireless connectivity with reliable performance
- Built-in touchpad for convenient navigation
- Dedicated media keys for easy control of multimedia content
- Customizable keys for personalized functionality
- Ergonomic design for comfortable typing
- Long battery life
- Wide compatibility with multiple operating systems
Cons
- Compact size may feel limiting for some users
- Lack of dedicated arrow keys can be inconvenient for certain tasks
- The touchpad, while functional, lacks the precision of a dedicated mouse
Final Verdict
The Logitech K400 Plus Wireless Livingroom Keyboard is an excellent choice for those seeking a comfortable and convenient way to control their home theater PC or smart TV. Its wireless connectivity, built-in touchpad, and dedicated media keys offer a seamless and enjoyable experience. While the compact size and lack of dedicated arrow keys might be a drawback for some, it’s still a solid option for basic tasks and media consumption.
If you’re looking for a keyboard that’s perfect for navigating and controlling content from your couch, the K400 Plus is a great option. However, if you require a full-size keyboard with dedicated arrow keys and a more responsive touchpad, you might want to consider other options. Ultimately, the Logitech K400 Plus is a well-designed and functional keyboard that offers excellent value for its price, especially for those looking for a dedicated home theater keyboard.