Back in the day if you wanted to share one keyboard and one mouse between two computers, you had to use a clunky switch box that was connected to both devices. Today Bluetooth makes wires and stand alone switch boxes obsolete. But until recently, we’ve not seen many keyboards that will allow connectivity between computers and mobile devices. The Logitech K780 multi-device keyboard takes this feature a step further by allowing for up to three connections between PCs, Macs, Chrome OS, iOS and Android devices. Let’s take a look.
What is it?
The Logitech K780 multi-device keyboard is a full sized keyboard that can connect via Bluetooth or wirelessly using an included USB dongle to up to three devices (Mac, Windows, Chrome OS, iOS and Android).
What’s in the box?
Keyboard
2 AAA batteries (pre-installed)
USB receiver
User documentation
Design and features
The K780 is 15.0 in (380 mm) x 6.2 in (158 mm) which means it doesn’t fit in the portable keyboard category. This is a desktop keyboard. It’s made of black matte plastic with a light grey tray along the back edge (more about that in a bit).
The keyboard has a standard QWERTY layout with nicely spaced round key caps that are very slightly concave. There is a dedicated number row and above that is a row of function keys and media control keys. The three white keys that you see on the top row on the left are used to switch between the three paired devices.
There is also a dedicated number keypad on the right side of the keyboard.
The bottom of the keyboard has rubber feet and a battery compartment at the top.
The Logitech K780 keyboard comes with 2 AAA batteries preinstalled. These batteries will power the keyboard for up to 24 months. That’s right, you won’t have to worry about charging this keyboard for up to 2 years!
Next to the battery compartment is the USB dongle. You can use the dongle to pair the keyboard with a Mac or PC instead of using Bluetooth.
A side view of the K780 shows the built-in device tray for smartphones and tablets. You can also see the power switch which is used to manually turn off the keyboard if it won’t be used for an extended period of time.
I tested the Logitech K780 with a MacBook Pro, an iPhone 7 and a Nexus 6P. I had no problems pairing with any of these devices. It was just a simple matter of holding down one of the three white buttons on the keyboard to initiate pairing. Then going into the Bluetooth settings on the mobile device to find the Logitech entry. Once I typed in the numeric pairing code, the devices were paired. Switching between them only required a press of the assigned white key on the K780.
Final thoughts
I’ve had zero issues typing with the Logitech K780 Multi-Device keyboard with my MacBook. The keys are all in the right locations so I didn’t have any problems with the layout. The keys themselves are easy to type on. The spacing and travel are very good. Typing does make some noise, but it’s not super clacky.
I really like that I can pair the K780 with my phone and just press one button to switch to it so that I can quickly answer a text message by typing it on a physical keyboard instead of the on-screen keyboard on the phone. I’m a much faster touch typist than I am an on-screen typist.
I really don’t have any complaints about the Logitech K780 Multi-Device keyboard. It’s priced right, works well, has a convenient tray wide enough to hold a few devices and lets me switch quickly between them with the press of a button. If you use multiple devices, you’ll enjoy using this keyboard. Now I need a multi-device mouse and I’ll be all set!
Update 11/27/16
I liked this keyboard so much that I now have one at work paired to a Dell laptop and at home paired with my MacBook Pro. The Apple wireless keyboard that I’ve been using at home with my MacBook Pro has been eating batteries like crazy lately, so I switched to the Logitech since I won’t have to worry about new batteries for 2 years!
Source: The sample for this review was provided by Logitech. Please visit their site for more info and Amazon to order.
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A very nice short and concise review, Julie. I may consider having this keyboard at home, as it will certainly save me quite a bit of space on my desk!
You’re probably aware already that Logitech already make three mice that all support connecting to three different devices:
– MX Master
– MX Anywhere 2
– M720 Triathlon
I have the first two (the MX Master for home, and the MX Anywhere 2 in my bag), and they’re both great. I would imagine that the M720 Triathlon works just as well, the main difference being that it doesn’t have a rechargeable battery (though it will run for 2 years on a single AA battery, apparently).
Regards,
Rob.
I didn’t know about the mice. Thanks for letting me know. I’m going to order one! 🙂
Looks like the button to switch between devices is on the bottom of the mouse. Hmmmmm, not optimal.
I have the MX Anywhere 2, and the Bluetooth doesn’t work well on mine. A lot of reviews complained about that.
Thanks for the heads up!
I have been using the logitech K810 bluetooth keyboard for about 2 years. Similar to the one reviewed except it doesn’t have the num pad, has an internal battery and no groove for small computers. I love it. So does my wife as it a much quieter keyboard than my wired ones. (I learned to type on a manual typewriter so tend to pound). I really like the quick change of devices with a key push. I have mine linked to my desktop, tablet and phone. I travel with it, and lately my cat has taken to stomping all over it when I am cruising the net instead of coming to bed. It still works as solidly as the day I unboxed it.
Thanks for sharing your experiences with a similar Logitech keyboard.
Thank you for the review and instructions. I couldn’t figure out how to turn the thing off!!! I was hesitant to buy this because I thought I needed a keypad case for my ipad but realized that I didn’t use the keyboard when I was out unless I was traveling, so I bought the Logitech Multi K780 for my iphone, ipad and computer at Best Buy for $59.99 and absolutely love it. I have a terrible time typing on those small gadgets. Thanks again.
I like my logitech 780, but the battery compartment cover won’t stay on. I have taped it shut but wish the cover would snap into place.