Logitech Media Keyboard Elite- Black (967559-0403)

I went looking for a decent multimedia keyboard that could connect to the USB port on my laptop dock, and quickly discovered that there aren't that many choices out there if you don't need a mouse. I was extremely happy to find this model, as I have been using the wireless cousin of this keyboard (the LX300) at work for awhile now, and have been extremely pleased with it. The only apparent difference between the two is the usb connection and the zoom keys. I thought the zoom keys were just a flashy extra until I discovered what a gem they are with applications like Powerpoint, Photoshop and Excel. Zooming in and out of pictures, slides, and spreadsheets is now effortless. The function keys on this keyboard are set up to do double duty. In standard mode, they act as normal function keys, but with a touch of the 'mode' key they become launch buttons for Word, Powerpoint, Excel, and any other applications you'd like to configure. A correction to a previous review of this keyboard - it *is* possible to shut off the on-screen notifications of programs launched or function keys pressed. Its just on a different tab in the software from where they keyboard options are configured. Although I was unsure if the flatter-keyboard design would work for me, I've grown to like it alot and it isn't such a night and day feel going from one of the older PC keyboards to the one on my laptop. One additional note, Logitech seems to update their software for these devices almost weekly, and there's a very good chance that whatever cd came with your keyboard is already out of date. They make the latest versions freely available for download on their website, but you'll need a broadband connection because the files are quite large (around 40 MB at the time of this review). All in all, I find this keyboard to be very smartly designed and very ergonomic.

I bought the Media Keyboard Elite to replace my wireless X-700 because that keyboard and mouse were unsuitable for online gaming. I consider the X-700 the best keyboard I have ever used in terms of the extra buttons and the overall quality. The Media Keyboard Elite matches the X-700 in quality but not in the extras. I rarely use most of the controls, but the Set Point software is handy to assign new programs to the various shortcut keys. I wish that instead of a zoom function on the left of the keyboard (who uses that, anyway??) there was a scroll function of some sort like the X-700 or even some other keyboards I have used. Overall, for a wired keyboard, it's an excellent value and is very high quality. It's not overly fancy and does the job it needs to with enough extra keys and functionality to put it clearly above the generics and base models of others.

I just go this keyboard about a week ago. It arrived two days earlier than expected and I have to say it has been one of the most comfortable and best keyboards I have owned. Fairly durable except the little plastic attachment on the front doesn't feel like it would take one drop and might break. I have gone through many keyboards(15+). Very easy to install, nice looking, and comfortable not much more you can ask out of a keyboard. I use it on my gaming rig right now and works great with all my games Call of Duty 1,2,4/World of Warcraft and many others. I like that it isn't wireless I do not like the wireless stuff I don't believe it is reliable as wired. I have had many wireless mice and keyboards and I just don't like them.

At first I was worried that the letters would easily scrape off because there appears to be a small amount of lacquer covering each letter. A closer examination reveals a very hard letter to scrape off. One thing I don't like about it is the letters on the keys are small and could be much bigger. After all, the baby-boomers are getting older you know! Other than that, it is great to be able to touch a button and the calculator pops up, and another button puts the computer into quick standby mode to save power. It does also use a bit of desktop, but it also has a lot of functionality. It sits flat on the deskbut it also has 2 small legs to help lift it up a bit. A nice unit!

I do enjoy the keyboard, some issues with the functions keys working correctly and the letters on the keys could be larger, a bit hard to see. Otherwise, I love the ability to rest my hands on the base and using the media keys. Also, had to put some rubber strips on the rear feet to keep the board from slipping on my desk. All in all it is worth having and a great price.