Video summary
I Tried The New Logitech Keyboard... And You Should Too.
Main summary
Key takeaways
Product reviewed
Logitech Alto Keys K98M — a clear/translucent full-size mechanical keyboard with a number pad, reviewed as an approximately $99 option.
Key features mentioned
- Price: ~$99 (notably low for Logitech, which is often priced higher for gaming boards).
- Layout: Full-size with a number pad, contrasted with common 75%/65% alternatives that omit pads.
- Design/aesthetic: Translucent clear plastic with a dual-texture look; described as Game Boy-like.
- Mounting: Mentions a gasket / uni-cushion gasket style approach.
- Wireless: Bluetooth + 2.4 GHz with convenient dongle storage and quick device switching.
- Lighting: White backlight only, praised shine-through keycaps as among the prettiest the reviewer has seen.
- Software/features: “Fine” experience; includes hotkeys for multi-device switching (common among competitors).
- Switches: Linear “marble” switches (smooth, clacky feel described).
- Hot-swappability: Hot-swappable switches (no soldering required).
- Modding/assembly: Easy to open (just screws, no glue/clips). Includes internal silicone cushion mount and a foam layer on the PCB.
Pros (user experience + performance)
- Typing feel & sound: Reported smooth typing with a pleasant clacky sound.
- Quality for the price: Feels solid/hefty and better overall than expected at this cost.
- Wireless performance: Quick connection and stable operation during testing.
- Hot-swap implementation: Removes switches without soldering (called the “bare minimum,” but Logitech is still credited for including it).
- Easy internal access for mods: Clean internal build and straightforward disassembly.
- Internal acoustics: Large silicone mount and PCB foam layer contribute to the sound/feel.
- Keycap appearance: Shine-through keycaps look particularly good (even if they might be swapped later).
Cons (downsides)
- Gasket “bounce” isn’t delivered: Despite gasket claims, it’s described as soft/smooth but not notably bouncy versus higher-end gasket boards.
- Minimal box accessories: No switch/keycap puller or customization tools included; unboxing described as nearly bare.
- Switch details omitted: Logitech doesn’t provide specs like spring weight.
- Potential build fragility during assembly: The on/off power switch snapped due to flimsy construction. The reviewer suggests warranty coverage may be uncertain.
- Value caveat: Slightly more expensive than some comparable plastic full-size options; aluminum alternatives may be only a little more.
Comparisons made
- Against Logitech’s past boards: The reviewer claims earlier Logitech keyboards had bad switches/build quality and were overpriced; this model is positioned as an improvement.
- Against custom/aluminum options: Solid aluminum custom/full-size boards can be $100–$150, making Logitech’s pricing “uphill,” though still reasonable given features.
- Against other mainstream brands: The reviewer criticizes several for quality/value (explicitly referencing Razer, Asus, Corsair, Logitech) as not great or overpriced, mainly to set expectations.
- Against premium gasket boards: This keyboard’s gasket behavior is compared to boards that feel much bouncier/premium; the result is described as middle of the road.
Overall verdict / recommendation
A surprisingly good ~$99 full-size Logitech keyboard that delivers smooth sound, wireless that works well, and hot-swappable switches, plus easy modding and solid internal damping.
However, it doesn’t fully meet gasket “bounce” expectations, and there is a serious assembly durability risk (the power switch can snap).
Recommendation: Consider it if you want a budget Logitech-branded clear aesthetic with hot-swap + wireless—but be cautious about the power switch, and don’t expect premium gasket bounce.
Unique points list (distinct product-related observations)
- Logitech released the keyboard; reviewer was initially skeptical due to past Logitech issues.
- Price is about $99.
- Compared to Logitech’s past overpricing; aluminum customs can be $100–$150.
- Includes no pullers/tools in the box.
- Packaging described as more eco-friendly (paper wrap), while the keyboard is mostly plastic.
- Clear/translucent design with Game Boy-like look and dual texture vibe.
- Uses uni-cushion gasket concept.
- Gasket is not very bouncy (though it feels soft/smooth).
- Full-size with number pad; lacks higher-end extras like knobs/screens.
- Feels hefty/solid, but has some flex.
- Wireless Bluetooth + 2.4 GHz both work well; dongle stores in back near feet.
- White single-color lighting with excellent shine-through keycaps (likely replaceable later).
- Software is “fine,” with hotkeys for device switching.
- Build quality is “pretty good”; keycaps are fine but not premium.
- Switches are linear “marble” type—described as smooth and clacky.
- Hot-swappable switches.
- Easy opening for modding (screws only; no glue/clips).
- Inside includes a large silicone cushion mount around plate/PCB.
- Adds a foam layer on the back of the PCB.
- Major con: power on/off switch snapped during assembly (flimsy).
- Power switch issue likely not covered by warranty (implied).
- After reassembly, the keyboard ends up staying on (never turning off again in practice).
- Slightly expensive vs other plastic full-size options; aluminum may cost only ~$10 more.
- Clear aesthetic provides value if you want that look.
- Reviewer suggests Logitech may be moving toward better keyboard design/value overall.
Different speaker/views
- Single primary speaker (reviewer): All observations, pros/cons, and comparisons come from the same reviewer voice, with occasional asides and general commentary about keyboard brands.