Notwithstanding the fact that they have long been a byword among PC users when it comes to keyboards and mice, it seems that Logitech is tireless in keeping up its reputation as a major player in the computer peripherals business since the 1980’s. Realizing that the market is continuously breaking down into more specific fragments with diverse tastes and demands, the Swiss company is zealous as well in bringing up to date its extensive product portfolio. At the latter part of last year, Logitech introduced three new products, namely the Illuminated Keyboard, the diNovo Keyboard, and the Cordless Desktop S520 keyboard-mouse combo. Fortunately, our friends from GoldTech International Distributor Inc. recently brought to our doorstep the Illuminated Keyboard for a once through.

 The product name itself certainly speaks of the primary feature of this keyboard. Making use of LED backlight, the laser-etched character on each key lights up, allowing its user to type easily even in the dark. It could be a sensible proposition, especially for those who are quite mindful about power consumption. Because it is a LED-backlit keyboard, it means that its user would no longer have to switch on the light while computing, just to see the characters on the keyboard visibly.

 The clear, plastic border makes it an ideal complement to stylish, media-centric monitors such as the Samsung T220.

From this angle, there’s no doubt that thin is the order of the day. Although the overall construction of the keyboard is stable, we’re a bit concerned about the thinness of the keyboard. Nevertheless, it shouldn't be an issue for careful users.

Sharing some similarities with a laptop keyboard, the Illuminated Keyboard has a flatter set of keys with shallower wedges in between. Also, this keyboard features a longer key travel distance (3.2mm) for a more comfortable typing experience, which is better than the key travel distance of a typical keyboard (2.2mm). Logitech boasts that each key is tested for up to 10 million keystrokes.

Aside from the hotkeys for Web browsing and multimedia playback, which are becoming common elements on keyboards nowadays, the Illuminated Keyboard also has function keys intended to launch the default VoIP application and to switch between open applications quickly.  

This key found on the upper right hand side of the keyboard allows you to adjust the backlight’s brightness to high, medium, and low.

A pair of extendable feet places the keyboard in a slanted position to let its user achieve a more relaxed position while typing at the keyboard.

The sizeable palm rest presents a rubbery finish for extra comfort.

Bundled with the keyboard is a disc containing SetPoint 4.60, Logitech’s proprietary application which allows a user to reprogram the hotkeys.

The Logitech Illuminated Keyboard in its full glory.

Priced at USD 79.99, the Logitech Illuminated Keyboard is a pricey article of trade to consider. Nonetheless, it’s not a big deal for those whose priorities are more focused at the ergonomics and sheer comfort that they require while working or playing with their desktop.