Logitech Wireless Keyboard K360

Form and function are the twin considerations to bear in mind when you're shopping for a new keyboard. In addition to letting you type comfortably, the ideal keyboard also shouldn't be an eyesore on your desk?after all, it's something you'll see and use on a daily basis. The Logitech Wireless Keyboard K360 ($29.99 list) meets all these requirements, serving up an attractive design and wireless functionality for a reasonable price.

Design
Measuring 1 by 14.5 by 5.75 inches (HWD), the K360 is, in Logitech's estimation, about 20 percent smaller than a standard keyboard. But despite its compact size, the K360 doesn't sacrifice a number keypad or hotkeys like the similarly sized Verbatim Mini Wireless SlimBoard Keyboard and Mouse ?there are six media playback hotkeys (Play/Pause, Forward, Rewind, and volume controls) and the 12 function keys above the number row double as shortcuts for actions like opening Outlook or the Windows calculator. Although its 1.22-pound weight makes it slightly bulkier than the Logitech Wireless Solar Keyboard K750 , the two keyboards share many aesthetic sensibilities, as both are constructed of plastic and blend glossy frames with matte-finished, chiclet-style keys. That said, the K360's keys are slightly thicker than those on the K750 and consequently bear a striking resemblance to Scrabble tiles.

Along with five circular rubber grip pads, the underside of the K360 features folding legs that can raise it 8 degrees higher and the battery compartment. There's also a slot for storing the included USB dongle in that compartment, freeing you to toss the K360 into a bag without having to worry about losing the all-important dongle. The dongle itself takes on an added significance as it utilizes "Unifying" technology that lets up to six wireless Logitech devices to draw their signals from a single dongle. It's a clever idea that effectively conserves valuable USB port real estate. On the other hand, if you don't have any free USB ports to spare or simply don't want to faff about with wireless receivers in the first place, then the Microsoft Bluetooth Mobile Keyboard 6000 is your best bet.

Performance
Because it's a plug-and-play device, installing the K360 is so easy that even the most technically illiterate folks should find the process straightforward. Simply plug the dongle into an available USB port; within a minute, the drivers will have installed themselves and the keyboard will be ready to use. Unlike the Verbatim, the K360 doesn't come with a disc of driver software, so users without an optical drive need not worry.

Thanks to its responsive keys, typing on the K360 is a breeze. The chiclet style is nicely complemented by its slightly beefier keys, and overall made for a comfortable experience that took very little time to get used to. Unlike the Logitech Wireless Desktop MK710 , the K360 does not sport a palm rest. Although this may turn off some, it has the unexpected benefit of limiting smudge-prone areas on the K360, as the deck's glossy plastic finish attracts splotches with prolonged use. With its robust 2.4GHz wireless connection, there was no lag whatsoever with the K360, and I encountered no missed strokes while using it.

Unfortunately, there are no LEDs to be found for the Num Lock, Caps Lock, or Scroll Lock keys, an oversight that can hinder efficiency at times. At the very least, however, the K360 does have a power switch for conserving battery life, a basic function I'd take for granted were it not for the lack of it on the Verbatim keyboard. Speaking of which, the K360 runs off of two included AA batteries. According to Logitech, these can last for up to three years, although I didn't have quite enough time to verify this claim. If battery life is a paramount concern, you'd be better off with the solar-powered K750, although it costs twice as much as the K360.

In the end, the Logitech Wireless Keyboard K360 is an excellent choice for users looking for the convenience of a wireless keyboard. Although it doesn't feature Bluetooth connectivity like the Microsoft Bluetooth Mobile Keyboard 6000 and isn't solar powered like the Logitech Wireless Solar Keyboard K750, it's nonetheless a terrific value for everyday users looking to ditch their wires without breaking the bank.

COMPARISON TABLE
Compare the Logitech Wireless K360 with several other keyboards side by side.

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