I'm having difficult with some Logitech keyboards and mice, and I'm wondering whether it's just my bad luck, or whether others are finding the same issues. In summary:
- I bought a K800 wireless keyboard in May 2016. It's just stopped working, and won't re-link (or re-sync) to the computer. It's fully charged, so I've no idea why that should be.
- I've had three MS510 wireless mice for a couple of years. One has died, another has given trouble that was resolved when I threw it across the room in frustration (!), and the third has been OK so far.
- I'm just beginning to test a K350 "wave design" wireless keyboard. So far, it's working fine.
I'm wondering whether it's worth buying a replacement K800 keyboard, or whether I should look for another, more reliable option. Requirements are that it must be wireless (dongle or Bluetooth), must be illuminated (i.e. backlit keys), and must be suitable (in terms of size, keystroke dynamics, etc.) for high-speed touch typing. I usually work at my desk with a Microsoft Natural 4000 ergonomic keyboard, which is wired and not backlit. I want something as close to that as I can get for on-the-go computing (which is why I'm testing the Logitech K350 "wave" unit; it's wireless, but not backlit, so it isn't ideal).
Comments and suggestions welcome. Thanks!
Peter
21 comments:
I have a k750 keyboard and an M705 mouse. Tehy've worked well for me, but the A key has but a . on it and the s key has only the bottom half of the s left. There's a button with what looks to be a lamp symbol, but all it seems to do is illuminate a light next to the happyface next to it.
I’d suggest that either your experience with Logitech products is anomalous, or mine is. Or else their quality has decreased precipitously in the last couple of years.
I’m on my third wired Logitech mouse in 15 years. A wireless keyboard and mouse combo that I bought are still going seven years ago are still going strong (or were, until I lost the connection dongle) and my wireless headset is still going strong after three years.
I consider them my go to for peripherals, as in my experience they’ve proven highly durable and reliable. That’s something I can’t say for the Razer,Mad Catz, and Turtle Beach products which I’ve replaced over the years.
I've used Logitech peripherals for years, and specifically their wireless keyboards & mice.
I currently have a K350 keyboard & M705 mouse, and they work fine. The previous units lasted for 7 years, and were replaced only when the soft-touch keys began to require repeated presses.
You type a lot; you might like a mechanical switch keyboard. Here's a guide:
https://www.tomsguide.com/us/mechanical-keyboard-switches,review-4154.html
So, on some of their really cheap wireless mice, I've had some issues. Not so much on the higher end ones.
I exclusively use mechanical keyboards, so I cannot help you there. I typically travel with a small form factor mechanical keyboard that is wired.
For strictly prose, I have a programmable pok3r, but since most of my day is spent programming I tend to use a larger key that doesn't require modifier keys for things like backticks and tilde's.
https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/ has some bluetooth keyboards. Typically, mechanical keyboards are more expensive, but they last forever. You can also usually find ones with switches which correspond to your preferencces (i.e. quiet/load, clicky/smooth, and force to trigger the key are the big ones.
https://www.reddit.com/r/keyboards/ has a lot of good information as well.
Since I learned on the good old IBM Selectric with a buckle-spring key switch, and have some neurological issues with tremors, the heavier switches actually prevent some issues, but I'm atypical.
I end up using Cherry MX Clear switches, or something similar from other switch makers.
The only problems I've had with Logitech mice has been the left-click and right-click buttons. The microswitches they use tend to fail after a few years.
About a year ago, I started having problems with my wireless M570 trackball. Turned out to be the little wireless controller dohickey that you plug into a USB port as it worked fine once I swiped the dohickey from my Mom's laptop. Might be worth to borrow one from a friend if you can and see if that's the issue.
My experience with the Logitech mice is that they fail after about 2 years (5 year warranty? Hah!). I have never replaced the batteries in them more than once - they fail before the 2nd battery needs replacing.
I'm on my fourth mouse but at $20 or thereabouts, I regard them as a consumable.
It's a stubborn thing but I refuse to buy Microsoft unless held over a barrel (i.e. the work I do demands Microsoft Word or another Microsoft product). I'll pass on the peripherals.
Phil B
My Logitech M185 wireless mouse will suddenly become totally non-responsive. I've found that removing its battery (even for an instant) and re-installing it brings the mouse back into full compliance with my instructions.
So immediately your author side considers a story of sentient robot slaves controlled by he who wields the (electric) power...
stay with wired units.
the wireless ones simply poop out faster.
have learned this lesson directly over a decade of daily usage.
get a NICE keyboard and mouse....hard wired. Look at "DESK" ones for example.
I've got a Logitech G810 That's backlit and very nice mechanical switches. Alas, it's corded. The backlighting is superior to most I've seen in that no light bleeds out around the bases of the keys. Despite it's price, I've been seriously thinking about buying a second one for work.
I've had great experiences from Logitech mice since the early 2000s. I've used a 510 in my laptop bag being tossed around and it's help up and worked just fine for years. I have more experiences with wired though, I still keep a spare 518 in case they ever stop making them but that's ergonomic, I've yet to find another mouse that fits my hand as well though the G500s comes close.
I've been using Logitech mice for the last decade or so (originally wired, now wireless). Before that, I tried a bunch of other brands.
I've gotten better service life from the Logitechs -- typically 2-3 years before the microswitches fail, or the sliders get so rough that's it's harder to push the mouse around.
At which point I go to my spares closet, which has a bunch of mice (I can often find them on sale for $10 or so, which makes them consumables), and pull out another one and throw the old one out.
So, while I can't speak to your particular models, I can say that Logitech mice are as reliable as any, and more so than most. But mice aren't reliable, at least not for more than a few years.
And, as a two fingered typist, I can't really comment about keyboard quality for a good typist.
My experience, which I admit is a bit of an outlier, is that wireless mice and keyboards are inventions pf the devil. They run out of battery at the wrong moment, always. They have problems connecting that would not be tolerated in a wired peripheral. They are cranky and stupid.
If wirelessness is not critical for your uses, get wired. It just ducks all KINDS of potential problems. Even if wireless is what comes with the equipment, get wired. It will save you EVER so much grief.
Or that's my experience. Your milage may vary...though I don't see why.
Have you tried reinstalling the drivers? You can try disabling it in control panel. Reboot and reactivate it can do it sometimes. Try a different USB port for the dongle.
I've got a Logitech K520 keyboard and an M310 Wireless Mouse - They have a USB Dongle that I plug into a monitor and run over a USB cable: Have you tried swapping the USB dongle around different ports? Literally just taking out and plugging it in again? It seems dumb but my machine gets a bit senile and doesn't register either the mouse or the keyboard, and yet if you do this it works to remind the machine that it is there.
As has been mentioned, the various USB transceivers usually fail first. I'd suggest always buying a keyboard and mouse set, and only buy Bluetooth.
I've found the finger wheel on a mouse to be troublesome for a heavy user, and do prefer the newer touch system with a glide area instead.
Batteries are better than rechargeables, as they are easy to change at failure. One can use rechargeable batteries, and have a spare set in case of failure.
Hello Peter, some observations based on 35+yrs buying/working with/swearing at computer hardware through the generations...
1. Any peripheral which comes in regular contact with humanoids has to be regarded as a consumable item.
2. I regard Logitech as a perfectly acceptable maker of said consumables, likewise (cringe) M$.
3. Wireless KB&M - avoid unless you have very good reason to need wireless; wired units are cheaper and on average much more reliable day in, day out.
(One example of a good reason for wireless - I use a Logitech K400 w/less KB/touchpad in the living room for our HTPC as we sit about 12' away from the HTPC and its 40" TV/Monitor.)
I should say in fairness that after daily use for 3+yrs it only died after I spilt a full pint of home-brew onto it (pause for mourning...) Replacement K400 now in use.
4. Mechanical keyboards - well worth considering, look at those favoured by gamers. You'll certainly get your backlighting option more easily, as well as honest reviews on any models that catch your eye (gamers are very unforgiving of hardware that lets them down...) Just remember despite the extra cost, it is still a consumable to be budgeted for.
In use on my working PCs at this time, 2x Logitech Access KBs, Noah may have used them, they have PS/2 connectors... but they still work. Mice are M$ cheapo (£8.00/$12.00) rodents. All wired of course, this is work, so they need to WORK....
I really like Logitech's Trackball mice, and the wireless one, the M570, has worked really well for us for years.
I've used their trackballs for a very long time and the wireless M570 almost since it came out. My first one still works but it's a little rough, having spent years in a brake pad factory. My current two (work and home) are in great shape after at least 6-7 years. The only time I have trouble is when the battery dies (after about 6 months) or when Windows has a USB conniption.
My experience with Logitech hasn't been great. I like using trackballs and they make one of the last trackball mice - unfortunately the switches on the things never last more than a year. Just bad quality control all around.
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