TechRadar Verdict
Who says cheap keyboards aren’t worth your money? The Logitech K380 is an economical option that feels premium, with its comfortable and satisfying keys, travel-friendly and stylish design, and robust feature-set. We’d recommend this keyboard even if you’re not looking for something compact or cheap.
Comfortable to type on
Thin and compact
Great, useful shortcuts
Arrow keys are great
Surprisingly cheap
Keys might be too small for some
Not rechargeable
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Logitech K380: One-minute review
Sometimes, you need a sturdymechanical keyboardthat gives you that satisfying clickety-clack that only mechanical switches can offer. Other times, you need something like theLogitechK380 – compact, versatile, thebest keyboardto travel with.
This multi-device, multi-platform 75% productivity keyboard manages to have a footprint equal to or even slightly smaller than mostmini keyboards. That, combined with its lightweight and svelte frame, makes it an ideal travel keyboard, being something you can easily slip in the big pocket of yourlaptop bag or backpack.
But, make no mistake: the Logitech K380 is also a capable keyboard, better feeling and better performing than most of the ones you see on cheaper laptops as well as most of the options at its price point. More than just acompact keyboard, its $39 (£44, AU$79) price will surprise you once you take it out for a spin – its keys are comfortable and uncrowded, its look is stylish, and its features abound.
So, even if you buy this for the sole purpose of using it as your travel companion, you’ll have a hard time letting it go when you return home.
Logitech K380: Price and availability
Layout:65% mini keyboardSwitch:Low-profile scissor switchesProgrammable keys:NoDimensions:4.88 x 10.98 x 0.63 in (124 x 279 x 16 mm)RGB or backlighting:No
The Logitech K380 will set you back a nice $39 (£44, AU$79), putting it right in the budget market in the US, the UK, and Australia. That means there’s really no need (or excuse) to scourAmazonto look for the cheapest keyboard then end up with a lemon that’s not only crappy in quality but crappy in typing experience as well.
If you’re looking for a more premium product, you could go for theLogitech MX Keys Mini, which is almost triple the price at $99 / £99 / €109. Or, if you need a full-sized keeb, theLogitech Signature K650is only $10 / £10 more. Truth be told, though, the Logitech K380 should more than suffice, if you’re looking for something to see you through your daily productivity needs.
Logitech K380: Design
Slim, portable, and fairly lightweight, the Logitech K380 will only take up 4.88 x 10.98 x 0.63 inches of that coffee table you’re parking at for the rest of the day. That means that it’s small enough so you can still have space for your laptop and your cup of coffee, and not feel cramped. It’s fairly light as well at 423g (14.92oz) with the batteries inside.
It’s an attractive keyboard, not in a flashy way but in a minimalist way so you can easily imagine it on an influencer’s desk, no matter its color. And, it does come in several colorways – lavender lemonade, sand, graphite, off-white, rose. Opt for the Mac version, which is mostly the same except it’s optimized for Mac, and you also have the Blueberry option.
The Logitech K380 doesn’t come with backlighting, sadly. However, that doesn’t get in the way of its functionality. It does come with a battery indicator LED and three Bluetooth connectivity LEDs so you know which device you’re currently connected to.
Yes, it comes with three Bluetooth connectivity options, and you can quickly switch from one to another using the three handy-dandy Easy-Switch buttons. Its Bluetooth 3.0 has a range of 10m (33ft) that lets you get pretty far back from your device. And, because it has multi-platform oroperating systemcompatibility, that device can be your laptop, iPad, phone, PC, or yourAppleTV.
But, what we really love here are its four hotkeys, all of which are customizable via the very user-friendly Logi Options+. At default, these hotkeys serve as the Home, Back, App-switch, and Contextual Menu buttons. For a more seamless workflow, we strongly suggest actually taking the time to change the actions on these to those you need the most. Your options aren’t limitless, but you can select from a handful of things – from the Copy or Cut command to quickly accessing the Calculator app.
Logitech K380: Performance
To achieve that slim, made-for-slipping-into-pockets design, Logitech has used its low-profile scissor switches here. These switches allow the Logitech K380 to be incredibly comfortable as well as satisfying to type on.
We wouldn’t say it’s as satisfying as Apple’s Magic Keyboard. The K380’s switches have a bit more resistance to them. However, it’s a pretty fantastic keyboard to use, even during long work days. Just bear in mind that there is a bit of delay here when waking, about three to four seconds before you can start typing.
While it has a 75% layout, it manages to keep things compact by keeping the keys, which are circular or rounded, small or slim. The arrow keys are especially small. However, it’s something you’ll get used to in no time, and the keys are wide enough apart that you won’t feel cramped.
Sadly, it isn’t rechargeable and requires two AAA batteries to be of service to you. That is disappointing, as we like our wireless devices rechargeable. However, you can take comfort in the fact that it gives you 24 months of battery life.
Should I buy the Logitech K380?
Buy it if…
You work and travel at the same timeSlim, compact, and lightweight, the Logitech K380 is the perfect keyboard to bring with you when you’re working and traveling at the same time.
You have a small desk spaceIf you’ve got a small desk (or you don’t have a desk at all), this keyboard has a small footprint so it won’t take up a lot of space.
You’re on a budgetFor what it offers, it’s surprisingly cheap and a terrific value for your money.
Don’t buy it if…
You want a full keyboardThis is a 75% keyboard so it doesn’t have a number pad and all the extra keys. If you absolutely need those for your daily workload, get a full-sized keyboard.
You prefer mechanical keyboardsThe Logitech K380 uses scissor switches, which feel different from mechanical switches.
You want something you can modIf you’re a keyboard modder or starting to get into the hobby, know that you won’t be able to mod this one.
Also consider
Logitech Signature K650 Wireless ComfortAn excellent general-purpose keyboard that’s great for practically all users – except gamers, it delivers a great typing experience for much less than you would think.
Read our fullLogitech Signature K650 Wireless Comfort review
Cherry Stream Desktop keyboardThe Cherry Stream Desktop keyboard is incredibly appealing in terms of price, performance, and comfort. And the easy setup is a no-brainer for even the least computer-savvy users.
Read our fullCherry Stream Desktop keyboard review
Razer Pro TypeThe Razer Pro Type is a solid wireless keyboard that provides an ice-white aesthetic and satisfying typing experience to both business and home office consumers.
Check out ourRazer Pro Type review
Logitech K380: Report card
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Michelle Rae Uy is the former Computing Reviews and Buying Guides Editor at TechRadar. She’s a Los Angeles-based tech, travel and lifestyle writer covering a wide range of topics, from computing to the latest in green commutes to the best hiking trails. She’s an ambivert who enjoys communing with nature and traveling for months at a time just as much as watching movies and playing sim games at home. That also means that she has a lot more avenues to explore in terms of understanding how tech can improve the different aspects of our lives.
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