If you’re in the market for a new keyboard, you can’t go wrong with the Logitech Elite model. The keyboard has a very good feel, one of the best I’ve ever used, and reminiscent of the old Omnikey I used years ago. In addition it’s got more special purpose buttons than any other keyboard I’ve ever used, including the one this replaces, a Logitech iTouch model.
I don’t really use all the extra keys, though some will no doubt prove useful. The volume controls are another matter entirely. Since I’m using Soundstick speakers, w/no volume control, quick access to the system’s volume control is essential. Having a dedicated mute button on the keyboard solves that problem vey nicely. A new touch on this keyboard is a rotary volume control. The older keyboard had up-volume and down-volume keys, so this is definitely nice and more intuitive. Another unique feature, and one I’ve only used a little bit (not used to it being there!), is a scroll wheel on the left side of the keyboard. I anticipate that this will prove useful when one wants to scroll without reaching for the mouse, but time will tell.
The keyboard is sold separately and also bundled with a a couple of different mice from Logitech. I got the MX Duo bundle, which also includes the MX-700 mouse. So far I am very impressed with both its features and performance. The mouse also has a good feel, and like the keyboard, has a number of extra buttons for such things as going back a page, etc. Unlike some other mice I’ve used, these buttons are well placed and virtually impossible to press accidently.
Downsides? Like its older relative, I can’t use this keyboard through a PS2 KVM. Apparently something in the switch blocks some comms from the keyboard, as the system can use the keyboard just fine, but none of the extended keys work, and the Logitech control panel claims there are no Logitech devices attached to the system.
