- Logitech has launched a new solar -powered keyboard
- Logitech Signature Slim Solar+ K980 Retails for $ 99.99
- It is charged either by sunlight or artificial light and comes with a swapping battery
Logitech has released a new solar -powered keyboard that has been charged exclusively of light – either sunlight or the artificial variety – and can last for a surprising time when juicy.
Logitech Signature Slim Solar+ K980 Retails for $ 99.99 in the US, which Verge reports, and it does not offer a USB port to a charging option. You can either turn it on in the sun or by using indoor lighting (if it is at least 200 lux), but once fully charged, the K980 will last for a rather incredible four months before it has to see the light again.
The battery is claimed to be good in (up to) 10 years, and although it fails, this device has a power package that can be replaced for a new one.
Logitech spokesman Melvin Dilanchian made it clear to the rim that the battery is in a plastic box to make it “safe user-replacement” with a reserve (provided by IFIXIT).
The K980 is a full -size wireless keyboard with a charging panel running along the top, and a complete set of feature keys below, plus a full number pad on the right.
You also get media keys and keys for video chat (mute mute, camera off) and there is a dedicated AI key that will act as a copilot or gemini called in Windows or Chromeos – or you can customize it (and other keys) to do something else.
You can pair K980 with up to three different devices via Bluetooth and switch between them all with the press on a key.
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K980 is a smart idea for several reasons. It offers lots of long life when charged and being able to swap the battery to a new one when used is clearly a nice, environmentally friendly idea. There are also plenty of options for keys and customization, which is good to see.
The design of the keyboard looks a little basic and there are no collapsible feet (to adjust the angle and slope of the peripheral) – yet it generally looks pretty nice. And there are certainly some people out there who have missed Logitech’s solar-powered keyboards have not been made for a long time (over a decade)-who have fought for the company to make another model. So it’s good to see that the manufacturer is duly obliged.
Lenovo has also recently launched its self-charged Bluetooth keyboard at the same price point in the US, and Logitech’s effort looks a little more comfortable and streamlined for my eye. In addition, the Lenovo effort only lasts for one month on a full charge, making Logitech -rivaling keyboards (claimed) capacity the more impressive. However, you get a USB-C port for charging the Lenovo device (in the absence of something strong enough light).
