Logitech’s latest keyboard dabbles in enthusiast features

Logitech’s Alto Keys K98M mechanical keyboard is now available in North America following its initial launch in China and other select markets. The $149.99 Alto Keys K98M is a nearly full-size 1,800 layout keyboard, offering a slightly compact design that retains a number pad. But what makes the K98M special for a consumer Logitech board is that it’s fully hot-swappable with standard Cherry MX-compatible key switches and uses internal joint support for a semi-soft typing feel. Logitech is taking late inspiration from enthusiast keyboards.

The Alto Keys feature a two-piece plastic case with a translucent top and an opaque bottom that’s color-matched to the included keys. It comes in white, graphite, and lavender color schemes, with white backlighting and glossy PBT keycaps. It’s a simple, clean aesthetic designed to appeal to the general public. As are its specs and features, like up to 12 months of battery life (with the white backlight off) and Bluetooth/Logi Bolt wireless connectivity – each usable on Windows, macOS, Linux, ChromeOS, iOS/iPadOS, and Android.

I spent some time with a review unit of the Alto Keys and liked the way it looked, sounded, and felt. The translucent plastic housing and visible internal joint tray extending around the perimeter give the keyboard a pleasant, airy design. It’s particularly charming in the lavender color I tested, but the more conventional graphite and white models are just as sleek. I imagine these colors offer a little more flexibility in the looks department if you want to put in your own touches. Customization goes further, as you can hot-swap switches with thousands of other options for a tailored sound and feel.

But software is another story. Logitech’s Logi Options Plus app is easy to use and has a nice user interface for basic settings (backlight levels, timeout, automatic battery saving mode, etc.), and it even displays toast-like on-screen pop-ups when adjusting brightness or volume, reminiscent of a Mac. But the keyboard settings it offers are very restrictive. For example, you can only customize the alternate functions of 12 keys in row F. Cheaper keyboards using software like QMK and VIA can remap any key to just about anything.

The Alto Keys don’t sound as big, bold, or distinct as smaller-brand enthusiast cards with metal cases, but they still feel great to type on. It makes a light, clicking sound that isn’t too loud and should be passable in all but the quietest offices. And just as the design is light and airy, the Alto board feels great to handle. The installed Logitech Marble switches have a 3.5mm linear travel, smooth and with just enough weight in its 40 grams of actuation force to not feel too heavy or feathery with each key press. The UniCushion seal underneath gives the keys a touch of flex if you push hard, but there’s still an underlying firmness, so it doesn’t feel mushy.

I’m overall impressed with the Alto keycaps and hope we see more enthusiast style influences on Logitech keyboards, especially more translucent designs, because it’s just plain fun. But for $150, it competes with nicer preset keyboards from smaller brands (a number of which I’ve rounded up in our recent buying guide). Many of these options like Epomaker, Wobkey, Chilkey and others cost less while offering more extensive software customization and higher quality materials (especially if you like metal cases). And if you don’t mind a plastic case, options from Keychron or a brand like Aula are about half the price.

Still, this is the first interesting Logitech keyboard I’ve tried in a while, and I’m excited to see more. Maybe next time Logitech can offer the Alto Keys K75M at 75% off, for those of us who don’t like number pads.

Photography by Antonio G. Di Benedetto / The Verge