Logitech Pop Keys review: the mechanical Instagram keyboard
7/2/2022
Translation: Eva Francis
I first thought the Logitech Pop Keys were mere decoration for Instagram photos. Then I tested this mechanical keyboard and realised it offers more than just colourful keys. However, I’m not completely happy with it.
I have a hard time taking the Pop Keys seriously. Logitech writes: «Mint, lilac, white and sunshine yellow combine in a candy aesthetic with a dash of fresh mojito.» Sounds more like a lifestyle drink than a mechanical keyboard. But it really is the latter.
One keyboard for up to three computers
There is a target group for this colour variant. That’s the result of my non-representative survey among 12-year-old girls in my household, who loved the quirky colours of the Pop Keys. The variant with raspberry and coral tones is less jazzy, but still very colourful for a keyboard. Compared to these two, the black-grey-yellow colour combination looks a bit stuffy.
Swiss layout
German layout
The connection to my Windows computer establishes itself almost by itself. I turn on Pop Keys and my laptop with active Bluetooth informs me of the keyboard nearby. A mouse click, some waiting time and entering a number sequence for confirmation is all it takes to start typing. On my MacBook – the keys are labelled for both Windows and macOS – I have to add it as a new keyboard in the Bluetooth settings. Not quite simple as Windows, but still straightforward enough. After that, I can easily choose which computer I want the Pop Keys to connect to.
In theory, I could even pair it with a third computer. The included Logi Bolt adapter allows me to connect the keyboard wirelessly to computers that don’t feature their own Bluetooth adapter. All they need is a USB-A socket.
Mechanical keys with typewriter design
Know what the round keys of the Logitech Pop Keys remind me of? An old typewriter. This gives the keyboard a bit o retro charm, but it’s also annoying. My fingers get caught in the large gaps between keys way too often. Square keys with smaller gaps not only feel better, but also lead to fewer errors, in my opinion, and experience. I feel like I press a second key unintentionally more often on the Pop Keys than on my usual keyboard.
Despite the annoying gaps, the mechanical keys feel really good when typing. The key stroke of the TTC Brown switches is longer and the keys are louder than I’m used to, but the pressure points are clear and the typing sound makes it seem like it’s harder work than with usual office keyboards. Let’s compare: In recent years, I've done a lot of writing on the Logitech K850 with rubber dome switches and Apple's Magic Keyboard with scissor switches. I'm beginning to understand Kevin Hofer's enthusiasm for mechanical keyboards.
I’m starting to think about getting a mechanical keyboard. The Pop Keys keyboard, however, makes it clear to me what I need to look out for. I don’t want my new keyboard to be this high and I definitely want a wrist rest. I already feel the changed wrist position after working on the Logitech keyboard for a few hours. I’m not used to such high keys, so my wrists begin to hurt.
Extra keys for emojis
There are five emoji keys on the right side of the Logitech Pop Keys. Four more are included in the box and can be swapped in. In order to use them, you need to download the software «Logitech Options», which allows you to assign an emoji to the keys. You can choose any emoji; you’re not limited to ones printed on the keys.
However, I don't use enough emojis to get excited about these buttons. The good thing is I can assign any key or key combination to them. So maybe I’ll have a good idea how to use them. However, I wonder if people who use a lot of emojis are happy with the small selection of five emojis.
What I like a lot is the screenshot key – the speech dictation proves less practical for me. This is partly because I hardly ever use the dictation function, but mainly because I often accidentally tap it when deleting via the Backspace or Delete key.
The Pop Keys takes two replaceable AAA batteries. They’re supposed to last for about three years. I have to trust that statement, unless you want to read this test three years from now.
No number pad
The Pop Keys is a 65 percent keyboard with an additional row of function keys. This means it doesn’t have a number pad, among other things. And this is where I disagree with Kevin.
I need a number pad. At least as long as I regularly have to enter ALT key combinations (ASCII) for certain special characters at work. The possible alternative ways to write special characters don’t convinces me yet.
Verdict: cool, but not perfect for me
The Logitech Pop Keys is a decent mechanical keyboard that’s easy to type on. It stands out mainly because of its look. However, I don't like the colours, nor do I use the emoji keys. But these are details rather than fundamental criticism of the keyboard. I like the option of connecting it to up to three computers and the dual lettering for Windows and macOS.
I like the sound the Pop Keys makes when typing. This keyboard – combined with colleague Kevin’s custom keyboards – has made me consider getting a mechanical replacement for the Logitech K850. But it will need a number pad and a wrist rest.
When I was but a young student, I'd sit in my friend's living room with all my classmates and play on his SuperNES. Since then I've had the opportunity to test out all the newest technology for you. I've done reviews at Curved, Computer Bild and Netzwelt, and have now arrived at Galaxus.de.
