With its ERGO K860 keyboard, Logitech intends to provide a solution to make teleworking more comfortable
Better equipped to telework better. With the crisis linked to Covid-19 , teleworking has become essential for many. Computers , office chairs, accessories… Sales have skyrocketed, affirming the need of the French to renew or improve their equipment. To meet demand, Logitech , one of the leading brands in the sector, is launching a new keyboard, the ERGO K860. Special feature: it is ergonomic.
Three million keystrokes per year
11% of French people say they have been 100% in telework since the second confinement, 12% mainly in telework and 13% a few days in telework per week, according to Gifam . For many, the classic desktop PC is no longer enough. With its ERGO K860, Logitech wants to relieve the wrists of the most assiduous. “We estimated that the most advanced users made up to three million keystrokes per year on their keyboard, and covered a distance equivalent to that of a half-marathon (21 km) with their mouse”, reveals Camille Mercier, responsible for the development of ergonomic keyboards and mice at Logitech.
“Ergonomic”, this is the vocation of the ERGO K860, a funny keyboard compatible with PC and Mac that one would believe passed under the wheel of a truck. Still, Logitech says it's designed for "a more natural typing." Its curve would allow the user's wrists to rotate outwards, minimizing strain on muscles and tendons. The keys of the K860 are also divided into two parts, like scissors. This separation would prevent a deviation at the wrist and allow a more natural hand placement. The reduction of what is called “the break” at the wrists would thus be -25% less compared to a conventional keyboard. That's on paper …
A feeling of relief
On the keyboard that we tried for several days, our hands and wrists have indeed found a new level of comfort. The large, durable fabric-covered wrist rests take the strain off hours of everyday typing. Our posture has also been changed, our arms no longer lying alongside the body as with our usual Mac keyboard (Apple's “Magic Keyboard”), but slightly apart. After three days, a feeling of relief in the back of the shoulders appeared. But what a pain to relearn the basics of typing!
Our indexes, accustomed for years to the same keyboard that you hardly need to look at to write flawlessly, have strayed constantly on the wrong keys. Example with the key corresponding to the letter "B", usually struck with the right index finger. Here, the arrangement of the keys of the K860 requires learning to hit it with the left index finger, etc. It took us almost three days to find our bearings and let go of our old reflexes. It will probably take more to regain our usual speed of typing. "In less than two days, people return to their original performance in typing speed", wants to reassure Camille Mercier at Logitech.
A keyboard to tame
If it is necessary to learn to tame the K860, its wave shape and its scissor keys, it is clear that indeed, the new Logitech keyboard offers real working comfort. If its front part can be raised by 4% or 7% to take into account a working environment with a raised desk, its keys are not backlit, which is a shame for a tool praising the comfort of use. The device does not work on battery, but with two AAA batteries (promised autonomy up to 2 years).
To be connected via Bluetooth or with the classic Logitech Unifying dongle (a supplied USB key which can support up to six keyboards or mice), it can be associated with up to 3 devices (computer, tablet, etc.) and connect to it using a simple shortcut. Well seen. Sold from March 5 at 129 euros, its price seems justified, given the comfort actually experienced in its use, but also the hours and hours of use during which the keyboard is called to accompany us. But it's a bulky, sedentary keyboard that won't be able to follow you around the office, or on the go… when it becomes possible again.
