Logitech - K845 Wired Mechanical Tactile Keyboard

Pros: -Adjustable backlight (different patterns, brightness levels) -Fn activities provide useful access to certain computer functions Cons: -Not wireless Logitech has been making keyboards for many years and I have found their keyboards to be getting better and better. This full sized, aluminum feel, Logitech mechanical keyboard is pretty easy to use; I connected it to my computer as I turned it on and saw the keyboard lit buttons come to life. My computer loads rather quickly, so by the time I had to put in my windows pin, the keyboard was ready to go. The drivers downloaded automatically. There was nothing else for me to do but to begin using it. The keys make a loud clicking sound due to it having the cherry mx red switches and I love it. I do a lot of typing with stories or reports I write, and the clicking sounds make me feel like I'm using an old typewriter. Furthermore, the keys are soft when pressed on and sensible to touch for the computer to register. Another feature I like is that the keyboard is also able to adjust in the angle you want. It's not like typical keyboards that just have 1 tilting adjustment, Logitech included two, 4 and 8 degree tilt. This one has a little more options to what degree tilt you want. Finally, it's very easy to manage computer settings through the keyboard by pressing "Fn" and then the F keys on the top row to adjust volume level, keyboard lighting (only in the color white; allows for 5 different light patterns to choose from and brightness level), and skip, play, or pause media. The only downside I noticed is that this keyboard is wired, not wireless. I understood this keyboard was corded but as more things are moving to be cordless, I think keyboards should as well. To me, it was not a problem because I have a small docking station which I use to connect all my devices to. On the other hand, the attached cable is long enough for most if not all desk applications to connect it to a deskside laptop or a desktop. Overall I enjoy the typewriter feel and clicking sound of the keys. It having an adjustable backlight is a great feature that adds to the overall appeal as well. It is a definitely a top option for those considering a corded keyboard loaded with features or any keyboard for that matter.

I was excited to get another Logitech keyboard, specifically to use at work. I already have a Logitech illuminated gaming keyboard which is similar but the keys were too noisy to use in a shared office. This K845 comes with the Red Linear switches which are supposedly smooth but quiet. They are still a little on the loud side for me but my workmates have not complained about the "tap-dancing" sounds yet. Key strokes are smooth and precise and as a fast touch-typist, I have no complaints on using the keyboard. The layout of keys is good and I particularly like having obvious controls for music and videos (volume, play, pause etc.) A separate numeric keypad is a good addition too. The keyboard is comfortable to type on for long periods although it could have done with including a wrist pad. I was able to take the one I got with the gaming keyboard and use it with this one which is a slight improvement. Even with so many keys on a compact base, I don’t find the keyboard crowded and it is nice to free up some valuable real estate on my desk, without losing any features. The illumination feature is adequate but I was disappointed not to have the same level of lighting control as the gaming keyboard I own. You get to cycle through a few preset light configs but can’t create your own or find setups other have created. I shouldn’t complain as this keyboard is designed for office use and not gaming specifically but I had got spoiled from the other Logitech keyboard and mouse I own. If I forget that for second, the keys do light up well and you would have no problems using it in low-light conditions. I have a similar complaint with my gaming keyboard but I wish it was possible to have the functions on the keys lit as well. For example, to change the volume or play/pause, those features are on function keys at the top of the keyboard and only the F7, F9 etc. part of the key is actually lit. It would be great if when you held down the lit FN key, the function part lit up on the function keys. Included functions are brightness control, search, calculator, default music player, skip back, play/pause, skip forward, mute, volume down, volume up and light control for the keyboard. I like to have the brightness on the keys fade in and out slowly – the other features seemed a bit busy but this one strikes a nice balance for my work environment – eye catching but not distracting. I think Logitech call this one “Breathing” which seems apt for the pace of light change. The K845 is an attractive keyboard and looks much more durable than the plastic keyboard that came with my office computer. It is made of aluminum and the switches seem much more robust than standard plastic keys. In closing, I find this a huge step up from the original keyboard that came with my office computer and I find myself typing much more accurately now. I had already got rid of a wireless keyboard as it seemed to lose keystrokes and even the basic wired keyboard was doing that now and again. The K845 does not lose anything so far and I am looking forward to using it in my job for some years to come.

>> Summary Overall, I like the keyboard, it is making my programming life more enjoyable and livelier. I like the old style clicks inherent to mechanical keyboards (it feels like I am typing for real now), and with the keyboard light brightness adjustable, it makes typing a pleasure. I would have given it 5 stars, it is a superb keyboard, but I am giving it 4 due to the design of some of the key labels that I find a little annoying. - Favorable: Mechanical (of course), soft enough keys, adjustable light intensity, right weight. - Not favorable: Design of some key labels feel out of place. >> Word of Caution I chose the Red version of the keyboard thinking that, besides mechanical differences with the other colors Blue and Brown, the keyboard would emit a Red light. I was mistaken, the light color emitted by the keyboard is white (feels a little bluish under the black keys though). What is referred to as the “color” of the keyboard pertains to the mechanical characteristics of the keys, not to the light color it emits. There are three “colors” (“Key Switches”), Red, Blue and Brown, and according to the description, each one has a slightly different feeling and sound when keys are pressed (I have only tried the Red version). So be careful when choosing the right “color” keyboard. >> Design - Positive The first thing I noticed about the keyboard was its weight. It was heavy and initially I was not sure why they made it that heavy. After a few hours of using it, I really liked that it is heavier than other keyboards I had used, it felt solid and kept the keyboard in place. After several days of use, I can say that this keyboard has the right weight for its kind. Keys are just soft enough, but not too soft to take away the mechanical feeling. In addition, the design of the key labels is unique and bring some freshness to the market (well, there are multiple designs of key labels out there anyways). Light intensity can be adjusted, this is very convenient to have and a plus on this keyboard. >> Design - Not-Positive In general, I like the design of the letters and labels on the Logitech K845; however, there are two (three) keys/labels that have been a little annoying (I think I eventually will get used to it), letter “O”, number “0” and symbol “&”. Letter “O” and number “0”, especially number “0”, look like parentheses, this is very annoying. I wonder if there was an alternative design to fix this. With respect to symbol “&” it is not easy to see/distinguish. I know where the “&” key is at, so it is not really a blocker for me, but I think people with eyesight issues will not find it as easy to recognize. Other numbers and letters seem fine, although numbers “2” and “7” and other letters do not really feel like they follow the same design. For example, number “2” in the alphanumerical portion of the keyboard, looks out of place as it is more visible than the other numbers (it looks like a number in bold face). >> Typing Keys are soft, but not too soft that they lose their mechanical feeling. I really enjoy typing documents and mostly doing programming on the Logitech K845, it has become my main keyboard. One thing I noticed, though, is that sometimes when I pressed a key and I did not release it completely, it caused the key to be typed multiple times, so repeated letters would show up or the cursor would be located in unexpected locations (I have learnt to release the whole key after each stroke as a result). Just as an anecdote, when working in open-space, I never liked my teammates who would bring their mechanical keyboards. I promised to either, never buy one or buy the noisiest mechanical keyboard as payback. Now that I am working from home, I do not have the opportunity to annoy other team members with my “mechanical” typing, only my family gets annoyed when I am programming late at night (past midnight), they are forced to close their doors when going to sleep to avoid the “sound” nuisance. >> Light effects The keyboard has a few illumination patterns, and the intensity of the light can be adjusted. It is the latter that I like the most, depending on the ambient light, or depending how I feel, I can dim or brighten the light (the light can even be turned off). This is a very useful and convenient feature.

HIGH QUALITY FULL STROKE MECHANICAL LIGHTED KEYBOARD REVIEW: LOGITECH - K845 WIRED MECHANICAL LINEAR KEYBOARD Best Buy Tech Insider Network REVIEW I normally use an Ergonomic Keyboard for heavy typing and a large gaming keyboard for most games. The K845 fits in the middle between 100% work or 100% play. If you only had one computer or the budget for only one keyboard, I could see this working well. It is satisfying to type on, and uses mechanical keys often found in higher end gaming keyboard for a fraction of the price. The backlighting on the keys is pleasant and not overpowering. A good value for the performance. FEATURES LIGHTING • Keys are bright (White Only), even in a well-lit room. (but not overly bright) • The 5 Light patterns are interesting, but not very useful beyond the initial novelty TYPING / STROKE • The keys have a great feeling, are very fast, and pleasant feeling to type. • My device has the “RED Linear Keys”. • I could see the full click keys being potentially bothering to someone in an open office environment. Home office or closed office is great. • Keys are where you expect them to be, so no big surprises there (this is good as sometimes keyboards change the size, shape locations of keys) SIZE • Slim design is about 20% smaller than my full sized Ergo Keyboard or my “Gaming” keyboard. • This size is a good thing for not taking up too much desk space, while giving you the full feeling of a standard keyboard. APPEARANCE • It is a little steampunk cool with its metal base and minimalistic design. • Overall, I like the looks a lot. I certainly can recommend this keyboard as a good solid feeling and great performing keyboard. I don’t know if it would replace your dedicated gaming keyboard (with more function keys). But it is a huge step up from a cheapo keyboard. I can see this finding a home just about anywhere. The minimal design is nice that does not take up any more space than absolutely needed. As a touch typist I appreciate the tactile feelings of the keys. I like the dedicated number keypad. I wish it also had a dedicated calculator button (even if only a tiny one somewhere). It is a well built and an affordable way to get a gaming capable and business ready keyboard.

Wow, never wrote a review on a keyboard before! This is a real beauty. I couldn't tell by the box what it looked like with the lights on, and the displays weren't plugged in. I wanted the letters & numbers to light, and that's what this did. A nice serious soft white light that complements the aluminum body. Super sharp looking on the desk. A lot more formal than the RGB one I had previously. Also feels solid. I like the mechanical keys, it feels fun to have to type with them. I also like the small footprint- the keys are good sized & well spaced, and still the keyboard doesn't waste extra inches around the sides.

During my short time with it, this Logitech K845 has been mostly a joy to use. Mine came with Red linear switches, which are smooth and very pleasant to type on, providing a perfect throw and the classic sound of a mechanical keyboard. I was a computer user throughout the late 80s and 90s, and this keyboard brings me right back to some of the best I used back then. I've typed several thousands of words on this board at work and played a few hours of games to test its function, and I've been impressed at the comfort and feel so far. UNLIKE keyboards from the 80s and 90s, the K845 features keys that float above the keyboard's surface, making it easier to clean and giving it a smart look. One advantage of this design is it makes the keyboard very compact, with "bezels" around the edges of the keys of only about a quarter of an inch. The floating design also has the additional benefit of creating a neat little "cradle" above the arrow keys where I like to rest my fingers while re-reading what I've written. The surface of the board is made of a really nice faintly textured aluminum that lends a really high-quality feel, while the bottom is made of black plastic with roughly the same texture. Small feet on the back rear can be flipped up to change the elevation of the keyboard's surface from 4° to 8°. I like 8°, as it perfectly rises where my upper-row fingers fall. The backlight has 4 levels (Off, 1, 2, and 3), and is pleasant to use during the daytime or at night. Pressing Fn+F12 cycles through 5 lighting "patterns" (Reaction, Breathing Light, Random, Greedy Snake, and Static). In my opinion, the settings other than static are little more than a novelty, and not really useful at all. Random is perhaps the most interesting, as it sets up a twinkling look reminiscent of the Matrix or something. I could see myself setting Random if I was going AFK but working in the same room, as kind of a "keyboard screensaver" light show. Now for the gripes: First, the function keys are labeled with printed icons that indicate what they do, meaning the backlight does not shine through them. This makes it difficult to see their function in a darkened room, meaning I'll have to memorize what they do and squint at them until I do. It's not going to be a long-term problem, but it is mildly annoying for now, and mars what is otherwise a nice backlight setup. Second, the Num/Caps/Scroll Lock indicator lights do not fade as you adjust the brightness on the rest of the keys, meaning you could have the keys set to their dimmest and still have a glaring bright with LED shining at you from just over your right hand. This to me is a pretty major annoyance, and it means I'll likely have to put a piece of Scotch tape over them to not be constantly bothered in a dimly-lit room. Finally, and perhaps the most minor gripe, is that the font is not my favorite, and the cutouts on some of the number key alternate characters do not look good. For example, the "@" symbol has a cutout on the top, and the ampersand has two cutouts on the top and right, making it look like two wrenches held together (see images). It's a minor annoyance and won't affect my long-term enjoyment, but something that I would change if I were the designer. The bottom line is the K845 fits great on my desk, feels great to use, and features a backlight that makes it easy to use in a dimly lit room with some mildly playful "light show" features. It'll be good for you if you're seeking the classic typing feel of a linear switch and compact, nice-looking keyboard that fits anywhere you want to put it.

When I received the Logitech K845ch Mechanical Keyboard with the Cherry Switches, it was to replace a gaming keyboard with many features and a lot of programmable color ranges. When unboxing this keyboard, my first thought was that I would try it out for a while and then go back to my gaming keyboard.   However, after spending a week with this keyboard, I have decided to make it my primary keyboard. As a writer, developer, and gamer, I am finding that this device's simplicity, along with the quality and feel, makes this the perfect fit for my needs. I don't need a bunch of fancy colors and color-coded layouts.   Pros • Small footprint is perfect for space-deprived desks. • Curved profile of the keys for reducing strain and effort while typing. • Heavy enough to prevent desktop creep without being too heavy. • 4 Degree normal and 8-degree angle with the legs extended. • Adjustable white illumination with FN F1/F2. • Five built-in lighting patterns with FN F12. • Works with both Mac and Windows. • Red mechanical switches are smooth without the heavy click of other switches. • Textured keycaps. • Clear and descriptive font. • Quality construction with brushed aluminum top and plastic base.   Cons • Does not work with the Logitech G-Hub software. • Only one lighting color - white.   Summary   The quality and simplicity of this keyboard surprised me. It's the perfect keyboard for my range of writing, programming, and gaming.

With a much larger selection of mechanical keyboards coming from various manufacturers, you tend to get the same complaint. It's too loud for those working in the office, becoming a distraction for many, or it's just too loud to use during a conference call. You then find yourself needing to mute yourself to take proper notes, as it becomes too noisy for the rest of those working on the same call. This keyboard strives to give you the keyboard experience you want, without the distraction! In the box, you'll find the K845 keyboard, with an attached USB A cord, providing enough length for most office set ups. It features a full 10 key, with adjustable legs on the bottom for extra angle for your preference. You'll find that the keyboard is quite functional, while being comfortable for everyday use. I can confidently say that this keyboard provides you with the keyboard you would want, with the satisfying typing, without the louder noises of others. The Logitech K845 might say "Cherry Red," but the keyboard is a well designed aluminum, with Cherry Red switches to signify the "quiet typing with a light touch." If you're looking for a stronger click sound and feel, take a look at the cherry blue model, which looks the same but provides for that experience. The lighting system included is fairly simple to toggle, using the function key located on the lower right side of the keyboard near the ALT key, and can be set through the F12 key. It provides 5 different lighting settings such as "Reaction" which simply lights up the key being pushed, a breathing light, a snake like scanning mode, static lighting, or a random setting which provides a twilight like experience across the keyboard, like a twinkle effect. There is no RGB controls on this keyboard, so it's just a nice bright white, with brightness being controlled using FN F1+F2. There are also media keys for the various multimedia functions found on many, using the Function keys for volume, skips, and play/pause functions. While Logitech is generally known for their great gaming keyboards and accessories with the need to install the Logitech app for use, this is really just a plug and play device. I found this worked well with both Windows based OS machines and also worked on my Mac. As of the writing of this review, the Logitech G Hub app doesn't recognize the keyboard, or adjust any settings. With the greater focus on work from home, this makes a great addition to your every day use needs, while providing you the Mechanical Keyboard experience you've come to expect from Logitech. If, on the other hand, you're looking for a more gaming focused keyboard, there are other great options provided by Logitech to satisfy your needs. For a plug and play keyboard, though, this is a wonderful option for many users!