Logitech - Craft Wireless Keyboard - Dark gray and aluminum

I was ready to shell out $200 for the surface wireless keyboard and dial, but then I started reading about the craft. For my workflow, the craft dial is everybit as functional, and better located, than the surface dial would be. Also, the craft has a beautiful backlight, is rechargable, and just gives a great crisp and tactile feel. I personally loved the keyboard on my Lenovo Y500, but it's long gone. I hated typing on expensive gaming keyboards, so I looked into getting a premium keyboard that would give me a similar experience. Did not disappoint. This keyboard feels better, marginally, than the Y500's did, and it is appreciably better than the already good keyboard by Surface Book 2 has. Ultimately I would type on the SB2 even with external monitors because my gaming keyboard was just a horrific typing experience. I would like to see better backlight control, it's ridiculous that the keyboard itself cannot switch on and off the backlight; but that's such a small issue for me.

This is hands down one of the best keyboards I have ever owned. The keyboard immediately feels high quality, like the designers wanted it to feel like no corners were cut and that every attention to detail was made. The keyboard is charged via the USB-C connection and charges quickly from my desktop PC. The universal USB wireless connector supports different Logitech devices and so I only needed one even though I also use a Logitech mouse too. I dual boot with two different Windows 10 builds and unlike regular Bluetooth devices, the keyboard and mouse work within both Windows 10 installs as well as the UEFI BIOS for the ASUS motherboard.

The material appears very sturdy. The slight indentation in each key makes typing a very enjoyable experience. I haven't even gotten around to using it's software specific features (i.e. the "Crown") but that didn't stop me from buying a second one for work. It's on the expensive side for a keyboard but I don't mind paying for quality.

I really like this keyboard a lot. As just a keyboard it's great to use and type on. The input dial is a really cool idea that I think has a lot of potential, but right now besides a few basic volume and tab switch options you're really only going to see the full benefits of it in Microsoft Office or the Adobe products. Build quality on this keyboard is amazing. It's got a really nice weight to it. It's made from metal and plastic, but it feels very solid and doesn't flex or creak at all. It's also a really good looking piece of hardware; the kind of thing you'd want to show off your desk. The typing experience is very good for me on this. This is a chiclet style keyboard like you'd find on a laptop. The keys have a good amount travel and are well spaced from each other. The keys are pretty quiet as well; I would say about as loud as a MacBook keyboard, which is something I really appreciate. I'm using this on Windows 10, but the OS-specific keys are dual-labeled for Windows and MacOS. I've been using a Microsoft Sculpt keyboard for the past couple years; the key placement near the bottom of the keyboard is a little different from what I'm used to and not having the Windows logo to access the Start menu is a little challenging for me, but I imagine I will get used to that over time. The keys are backlit - the backlight turns on automatically as your hands approach the keyboard and turns off about 5-10 seconds after you've removed your hands. The backlight is pretty bright and illuminates the whole keyboard evenly. It's probably even a little bright for me, but it can be adjusted on the keyboard. The defining feature of this keyboard is the input dial. I love the idea of it and the dial itself works really really well. It's functions are pretty basic most of time - volume control and play/pause are the default functions when you're not running any application-specific functions. The dial is touch sensitive and can be clicked down. The wheel can either turn freely or in a more incremental fashion, depending on what it's doing. All of this can be customized in the Logitech Options application. It reminds me a lot of the Surface Dial. I think the only real problem with it right now is there aren't a lot of profiles for controlling applications available yet. There are profiles for web browsers that let you use the dial to switch tabs and Office and Adobe functions are pretty fleshed out, but besides a few generic system apps those were all that I really saw. The good news about this is I think that more application support will come in time - it would great to see a profile made for a 3D modeling program like SolidWorks. The possibilities are endless - just not quite there yet. Other items: -The keyboard charges over USB-C. Using USB-C instead of a Micro-USB port is a good forward-thinking decision, but at this point in the game most of my stuff still charges over Micro-USB. This isn't a knock against the keyboard as well, just a consequence of progress that means you may need to carry around an extra cable if you don't already use USB-C devices. I haven't found anything to indicate what the battery life of this is - I'm hoping it will last at least a few months before I have to charge it. Obviously battery life is going to come down to how often you use it. -The keyboard connects over Bluetooth or Logitech's unifying USB receiver. I love that Logitech is doing this in all of their new wireless products - it gives you a lot flexibility with what you can connect it to. You can also setup the keyboard to connect to multiple devices and switch between them. Based on my experiences I think this is one of the best productivity keyboards you can buy, but it is certainly on the higher end of keyboards and the price may be a lot to ask knowing that the input dial only supports a handful of applications at this point. Still, I think if you are somebody who's at your keyboard 8+ hours a day this would be a worthy investment.

The Logitech Craft keyboard is a unique keyboard. It brings multiple connection options, a premium scissor switch, high quality backlighting, and a productivity knob in a thin and substantial feeling package. First of all, how does it function as a keyboard? Well, since most of us type on our keyboards, I decided to give it a typing test. I generally type around 75 WPM give or take 5%. The iPad Pro typepad I was able to score around 67 WPM, my Thinkpad’s keyboard I generally get around 80 WPM, and about the same for my Cherry MX Brown keyboard. The Craft keyboard I was able to clock in at my all time high of 88 WPM. I think this is partly attributable to the shape, texture and height of the keyboard and ease of key depress. Logitech does have something special here if you’re a touch typer that has grown up on mobile keyboards. I’m a mechanical switch keyboard fan, so this is high praise for a scissor switch. The actuation force for each key seems just about perfect. There is adequate key travel as well, but once you hit the actuation point the key bottoms out. If you someone who types lightly or with exceptional force this keyboard is comfortable either way. Best of all, in a professional environment this keyboard is extremely quiet. The loudest noise I ran into was the squeak of the space bar, which was annoying when compared to the rest of the keyboard. This is probably an anomaly with my unit. The backlighting is pretty impressive as well. There are 15 levels, and you can step through and they can go quite dim all the way to blindingly bright. The backlight is adjustable using F6/F7 in the function key row. Unfortunately there is no auto brightness here, but the keyboard makes up for that via proximity sensor that only enables the backlight when your hands are present. This is a pretty unique feature and improves battery life significantly. You can disable the backlight by turning the brightness all the way down (effectively turning it off). The layout of the keyboard is nearly identical to Apple’s full size keyboard. The function row is not grouped, but instead spaced just like every other key. The escape key is extra wide which accounts for some of the extra space (just like more recent vintage Apple keyboards). Where Apple’s layout kept the F13-15 keys (right above the insert/home/pg up where more traditional keyboards stuff scroll lock, print screen and pause) is the device selection keys. The keyboard can support up to 3 connections - each being either bluetooth or the Logitech unifying receiver. Simply holding down the connection button for more than 3 seconds will enter pairing mode. This is both intuitive and easy to use. I was able to pair my Retina Macbook, iPad, iPhone and Samsung Android tablet via bluetooth. The unifying receiver in the box is prep-paired on channel 1, which appreciated, as not everyone’s workstations may have bluetooth. Above the number pad you can find a calculator quick launch, print screen, scroll lock and a ‘lock’ lock, which worked well on iOS, OSX and Windows 10. Number lock can be found where clear is accessible through the FN key (although I never really use this). Logitech’s Options software allows you to reassign these keys and control the “Crown” (more on that later). The build quality of the keyboard is top notch - as you would expect at this price point. While the keyboard area itself is matte plastic with shallow divots on each key. These really do seem to guide me to be more accurate on each key and provide some tactile feedback to guide you to the center of the key. The function row and bottom row are devoid of these divots, but that really isn’t much of a concern. The keyboard section doesn’t flex, but definitely has a distinct plastic sound if you twist it. In either case the keyboard section connects to the top section, which I would assume is the location of the radios, battery, and of course the crown dial. This section is definitely anodized aluminum - and matches the “Space Gray” that Apple uses in it’s products. Logitech’s choice to use anodized aluminum for this section adds a nice amount of heft to the keyboard. I’m surprised Logitech didn’t bring the aluminum down to the keyboard frame, as that would have added a bit more premium look and feel. As it stands the two materials make it look like a keyboard ‘attached’ to a top section. In fact the keyboard and crown area both have a curved radius on each of their 4 corners emphasizing the separate sections. What you get is a stacked look that isn’t jarring, but definitely doesn’t seem as seamless as you’d expect from a premium product. While the keys themselves are comfortable, smooth matte plastic (I prefer their feel to what Apple offers) I’m disappointed not to see something more exotic at this price point. I know I keep mentioning Apple, but Logitech is truly going after the professionals that Apple is leaving behind as they keep moving towards reducing thickness and drive their butterfly switch. After all if you have to spend $130 on a magic keyboard, why not explore a more flexible option from Logitech? Even the modifier keys list Apple’s function before the PC equivalent (like the ‘start’ button show’s ‘alt/opt’). This keyboard should appease those who are fans of the older scissor switch style apple keyboards. Best of all if you swap between OS’s you can keep the appropriate keyboard layout for the active OS. This happens natively, even without the software install, so kudos to Logitech on a flawless implementation here. The “Crown” is Logitech’s hallmark feature for this keyboard. It’s Logitech’s answer to the surface dial - integrating it into the keyboard. It is definitely aluminum just like the rest of the top section, which feels excellent in hand. It’s about 1” in diameter, and has a ‘clicky’ feel to it (think mouse wheel) by default. You can depress it as an additional button. The dial itself is touch sensitive allowing different ‘mode’ selections in supported apps. Out of the box, the crown controls volume (on all 4 OS’s I tried). On OSX I found holding the crown down would change the ‘intent’ to screen brightness (on my Retina MacBook). On windows specifically the volume control would change to analogue spin, instead of a clicky mouse wheel spin (Windows allows volume adjust from 0-100, whereas OS X is 15 levels by default). When it does this it sounds somewhat like a camera shutter noise. It’s a bit jarring at first, but I assume there is machinery in play that is similar to how the MX series mice switch to free spin vs clicky wheel. Disappointingly OS X only has Crown profiles for the Adobe creative suite, Chrome and Firefox. Both Chrome and Firefox allow fast tab switching using the knob. This is a nice use of this knob in the browser, but certainly not a reason to spend the $200 MSRP of this keyboard. The Adobe create suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign and Premiere Pro) on the other hand, have different options based on the tool you are using at the time. This is a differentiating feature, allowing you to use the knob to control things like color, brightness, etc. The PC has a few more options, specifically Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Edge. Word allowed theme changing, font changing and color changing. Excel allows you to move around cells quickly and create charts. Powerpoint allows you to change the theme, alignment, and text size. All in all these are kinda ‘geez whiz’ more than productive. The office integrations use VSTO, and apparently mine didn’t install properly. You can google the error message and find a solution rather quickly that involves renaming the default VSTO config file (unrelated to Logitech - more of a Microsoft issue). On both desktop operating systems the Logitech Options software gives you the ability to customize its function. The software really is excellent and lets you reassign all the function keys as well. In the end this software feature has the opportunity to expand much further. Windows does seem to have more bindings out of the box for this feature, but if you’re a Adobe creative suite user, this keyboard brings some compelling features to the list. All in all the Crown is a neat capability that feels slightly underbaked at the time of writing. One interesting point is, for charging the keyboard uses USB Type-C. There is a cable included in the box, and it’s nice to see this connector as it’s both easier to use and more durable than micro or mini USB. There is an on/off switch next to the port, and on the other side of the port is a line of plastic which I surmise is the location of the antenna (as it’s packed in aluminum) - but you’d be hard pressed to even notice it (it reminds me of the IR sensor on older macs, only a bit longer). The proximity sensor for the keyboard is magic, and I have no clue how it works, but it works extremely well. It’s a great feature to save battery when using the backlight and so far as offered a great compromise in keeping the keyboard wireless and offering backlighting. So is it worth a purchase? If you are looking for a premium keyboard and want to eschew mechanical keyboards for their noise and longer key travel this is a consideration. Are you looking for meatier alternative to Apple’s keyboards with some creative tools (Apple’s offerings have only 1 connection, proprietary connector, no backlighting, and no additional control surfaces)? This keyboard is for you. Do you have multiple devices running multiple OS’s - this is another big feature. The price gives me pause in the PC ecosystem (as there are so many competitors and decent offerings, even in logitech’s portfolio), but the build quality and ability to cross the OS borders without need to remap keys make this a compelling product.

On a positive note the keyboard has buttons to choose between my 2 laptops and desktop computer TOTALLY at the press of 1 button. Great! I am a hunt and peck typer and the keyboard is sluggish. I use a Logitech trac ball and have to move it away from the keyboard as the keyboard interferes with it. They are on the same Logitech receiver, which saves USB ports on my laptops. The knob, which I use for zooming (Old eyes), also is sluggish. I HAVE NOT used the knob with any of the other options for all the MS office programs so I would keep in mind this review IS NOT all encompassing and using two receivers may solve the sluggish issue. Changing options with the keyboard is easy.

The Logitech Craft is by far the most ambitious keyboard I've ever used. Featuring a unique input dial, the Craft aims to give you immediate access to tools within productivity apps such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. In addition, the Craft is constructed with heavy and durable materials that give a premium look and feel. The functionality and build quality of the keyboard are incredible, but these things have come with a cost. Here's my take. PROS: - Easy setup and management. The Logitech Options app walks you through the setup procedure and shows you tutorials on how to use the dial with Microsoft Office programs, Adobe Creative Suite programs, and web browsers. If you already have a Logitech wireless device, you can simply add the keyboard to your existing Logitech receiver. - Solid, premium build quality. The keyboard must weigh over 2 pounds. Keys are very sturdy and quiet with no wobble. The aluminum finish of the keyboard with easily blend in with many high-end computers and monitors. - Tons of dedicated shortcut buttons, including those for window management, screen brightness, calculator, and screenshot. - The keyboard's backlighting is beautiful and very functional. It's paired to proximity and ambient light sensors. In dark rooms, the backlighting turns on as soon as your fingers approach the keys. In brighter rooms, the keyboard knows to reduce the backlight intensity. - The dial takes some getting used to, but once you master it, it's a huge productivity booster. I use it mainly in Word and Excel. In Word, you can easily change font size or alignment by simply selecting text and turning the dial. In Excel, you can instantly create a chart or navigate through multiple workbook sheets. It's not immediately obvious that the top of the dial is touch-sensitive: to change the function of the dial within apps, you need to swipe left and right on the dial until the desired function is selected. CONS: - There are no feet to adjust the angle of the keyboard, so it will stay mostly flat on your desk. This gives a sleek look, but for me, causes some discomfort after a couple of hours of typing. - Battery life is not great. According to Logitech, the battery will last about 1 week with typical usage. If you turn off the backlight, you'll probably be able to get a few more days. - The keys are sturdy, but they don't have much travel. My fingers seem to bottom-out a little too quickly for my taste. The keys are concaved inward rather deeply which can also be distracting. - No wrist rest. The keyboard ends at the spacebar, and because it's stuck at a flat angle, your wrists will likely have to wrest on the desk in front of you. - The functionality of the dial is limited right now. Hopefully Logitech will add more supported applications and functions going forward. OVERALL: Can the Craft keyboard increase productivity? Absolutely -- the dial is a great concept that creative professionals will adore. Even business users of Word and Excel, like me, will find it very useful. But the sub-par typing comfort is the real hindrance of this keyboard. To be sure, this is not the keyboard I would use to write an entire novel. Such users will find better value in a cheaper mechanical keyboard. But those who spend a lot of time in the programs supported by the Craft's dial will find a lot to love about this keyboard. Recommended!

VERDICT: Great build quality with minor design trade-offs, an above average typing experience, and unique hardware features make this a great wireless keyboard for the creative user with multiple multiplatform devices. PROS: - Really solid sturdy design - Platform agnostic and “Easy-Switch” keys - USB – C - Backlight - Firm springy keys CONS: - Crown software could be more versatile and powerful - Short 1 week battery life - Keyboard angle not adjustable FULL REVIEW: Overall with the design of this keyboard I was initially very intrigued. First off, the keyboard is pretty heavy for how big it is. There is an aluminum bar that runs along the top which presumably houses the batteries as well and you definitely feel that weight across the entire keyboard which is great because it makes the keyboard feel solid and well built. This also means that it’s going to add some weight to your bag if you ever wanted to take this keyboard on the go. Overall the design is both modern and attractive, and it’s sure to blend and fit into any computer setup. I do wish it came in a silver aluminum and white color option in addition to the gunmetal and black design. The keyboard has a built in rechargeable battery with a USB type-C connector (yes!). I can’t vouch personally for the battery life, but I imagine it will be pretty close to the 1 week Logitech advertises. Presumably this is due to the backlit keys so you can probably do better if you don’t care for the backlight and disable it. The keyboard connects via Bluetooth and Logitech also includes a universal USB wireless adapter if you want to pair multiple Logitech devices. The keyboard layout itself is platform agnostic, having all the keys for both Mac and Windows, which is a little overwhelming in terms of key labeling clutter, but overall a nice feature if you have both Apple and PC products. Logitech also includes some handy keys to quickly switch between multiple devices which is nice if you’re a user who has several computers/devices. As for the typing experience itself, I would have to rate it as above average. Logitech has put shallow dips on many of the keys which they say improves typing accuracy and while they do take some getting used to, I actually find them very comfortable. The keys have slightly better travel from what you might find in a high end laptop and they feel pretty firm and have a nice spring to them. No doubt once you’ve spent at least a week with the keyboard you will be confidently typing away your emails, reports, and documents with ease. Unfortunately, there is no way to change the angle of the keyboard, but the bar at the top is slightly offset and gives it a pretty comfortable angle at roughly 18 degrees. Now for the most intriguing part of this keyboard – the dial or ‘Crown’ as Logitech calls it. The idea is basically to provide you with a dynamic alternative input method that you can use for your favorite editing and creativity applications. This is contextual, so selecting the brush in Adobe Photoshop will give you options to change the thickness, selecting text in MS Word will allow you to change the style and font size. In practice it works pretty good, but especially in this case it’s something you will have to get used to using since most keyboards or setups have nothing like it. Overall in the apps that I use it in (Chrome, Photoshop, Illustrator) I felt like the value proposition presented by Logitech, that it adds an extra valuable dimension to my workflow, lives up to the hype with some exceptions. I do think that the software could use some work and I wonder if Logitech would have been better off taping Windows 10’s native dial support. Not to say that Logitech’s software can’t reach that level, but I believe that there is greater software potential for a unique and powerful experience here. Logitech does search your computer when you install their software and will match up crown profiles with your apps which is handy. Also, if you have an app that isn’t included, you can configure your own settings which is very handy as well, but won’t have the same contextual in app flow as Logitech’s profiles. All things considered, Logitech has put in some major work to make this dial feel like it belongs on the keyboard and isn't a science project, and it really shows in the profile apps you'll use it in.