I am a keyboard nut, and Logitech’s new wi-fi mech has my consideration

Ask anybody right here at PCWorld about keyboards, particularly these of the mechanical selection, and so they’ll ship you my approach. (I’ll have an issue, however the resolution is at all times one other keyboard.) Logitech doesn’t command a lot of a presence within the mechanical keyboard house—typically asking for lots of dosh and delivering little or no in comparison with different manufacturers—however the brand new Alto Keys may buck that development.

The coloring is the very first thing that caught my eye. The Alto Keys K98M is available in grey for boring individuals, white-and-gray for Mac individuals, and a “lilac” possibility that options muted blue hues that look fetching mixed with a little bit of clear plastic on the higher housing. That look reveals off the gasket mount that surrounds it. Gasket mounting is a customized innovation that’s making its approach into the mainstream, suspending the circuit board and switches in layers of vibration-absorbing materials to provide the keys an absorbent, barely bouncy high quality.

Talking of keys: the switches. These are customized linear designs that Logitech refers to as a “Marble Swap.” Good, however I can’t say a lot about them with out getting my palms on the keyboard. They’re backlit, and the PBT keycaps (one other good improve!) are shine-through. Extra attention-grabbing to me is that the switches are hot-swap succesful, a function I contemplate important for any premium keyboard. Which means you may swap in any Cherry MX-standard switches you need with minimal fuss and no soldering or particular instruments required other than a puller.

It is a 96% triple-wireless design, providing an almost full structure with a little bit of squashing across the arrow cluster. It’s bought Logitech’s ordinary multi-device switching between the wi-fi USB dongle and Bluetooth, although it seems like it could not function in wired mode, which could draw the ire of some PC players.

However what I’m actually impressed by is the value: $119.99 USD. A giant wi-fi mechanical keyboard with a gasket mount, hot-swap switches, and PBT keycaps at that value is already deal, however seeing one from Logitech is virtually unprecedented.

The Alto Keys K98M is transport now from Logitech, in its one good colour and its two boring ones.