Logitech ERGO K860  Keyboard Review

Reviewed Feb 06, 2020 at 08:12am
Writing modified Dec 07, 2023 at 11:52am
Tested using Methodology v1.3.1 
Logitech ERGO K860
5.3
Gaming 
8.1
Office 
6.3
Mobile/Tablet 
7.6
Programming 
4.9
Entertainment / HTPC 
5.2
Raw Performance 
 1
  1. Recommended in:
  2. Ergonomic
  3. Office

The Logitech ERGO K860 is a nice ergonomic keyboard with a curved design. While this type of layout might take some time to get used to, it reduces wrist strain and is very comfortable to type on once you get it right. The board is well-built and features negative angled feet as well. It features typical scissor switches, which are very similar to the Apple Magic Keyboard 2017 or the Logitech MX Keys.

Our Verdict

5.3
Gaming 

The Logitech ERGO K860 is inadequate for gaming. While its scissor switches have a low actuation force and short pre-travel, they have a considerable tactile bump to overcome before actuation, and the latency is high and generally inconsistent.

Pros
  • Amazing ergonomic design.
  • Great typing quality.
Cons
  • Odd layout can take some time to get used to.
  • No backlighting.
  • Latency too high for gaming.
  • No macro-programmable keys.
8.1
Office 

The Logitech K860 is an excellent ergonomic keyboard for the office. If you find yourself having a lot of wrist pain, a curved board with a negative angle can help. The typing noise is also kept to a minimum, so you won't bother people around you. It might take some time to get used to the key layout, but it's quite efficient once you get it down.

Pros
  • Amazing ergonomic design.
  • Great typing quality.
  • Exceptional wireless compatibility.
Cons
  • Odd layout can take some time to get used to.
6.3
Mobile/Tablet 

While the Logitech ERGO K860 can be connected to mobile devices via Bluetooth, the board is very large and heavy, which doesn't make for a very travel-friendly keyboard. Its curved design might be a bit hard to fit in a backpack, but if you bring it around separately, it can be very useful.

Pros
  • Amazing ergonomic design.
  • Great typing quality.
  • Exceptional wireless compatibility.
Cons
  • Odd layout can take some time to get used to.
  • Large size.
7.6
Programming 

The Logitech ERGO K860 is just an okay programming keyboard. You can't set any macros and the board doesn't have any backlighting. On the upside, it provides a great typing experience and has an excellent ergonomic design.

Pros
  • Amazing ergonomic design.
  • Great typing quality.
  • Exceptional wireless compatibility.
Cons
  • Odd layout can take some time to get used to.
  • No backlighting.
  • No macro-programmable keys.
4.9
Entertainment / HTPC 

The Logitech ERGO K860 is inadequate for use with a home theater PC. It has wireless connectivity so that you don't have a cable running from the couch to the computer. However, there's no trackpad to navigate the user interface. Also, it lacks backlighting, making it hard to see the keys in the dark.

Pros
  • Amazing ergonomic design.
  • Great typing quality.
  • Exceptional wireless compatibility.
Cons
  • Odd layout can take some time to get used to.
  • No backlighting.
  • Large size.
  • No trackpad.
5.2
Raw Performance 

While perfectly suitable for everyday browsing or work, the Logitech ERGO K860 has inadequate raw performance for gaming. Overall, it has adequate single-key latency but has disappointing multi-key latency, lacks n-key rollover, and its low effective update rate of 250Hz acts as a bottleneck for its polling rate of 500Hz.

Pros
  • Amazing ergonomic design.
  • Great typing quality.
Cons
  • Odd layout can take some time to get used to.
  • 5.3
    Gaming
  • 8.1
    Office
  • 6.3
    Mobile/Tablet
  • 7.6
    Programming
  • 4.9
    Entertainment / HTPC
  • 5.2
    Raw Performance
  • Changelog

    1.  Updated Dec 07, 2023: We've added a link to the newly-reviewed Logitech Wave Keys in the Dimensions section of this review.
    2.  Updated Nov 29, 2023: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.3.1, which adds a new estimated PCB latency test to the Single-Key Latency section and a new Analog test to the Switches section of this review. You can see the full changelog here.
    3.  Updated Aug 30, 2023: We've added text to this review for the new tests added in TBU 1.3.
    4.  Updated Aug 30, 2023: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.3, which overhauls how key input is evaluated. We've added new tests for Single Key Latency, Multi Key Latency, Data Transmission, and Chord Split. We've also introduced a new Raw Performance usage and adjusted how the Gaming and Office usage scores are calculated. You can see the full changelog here.

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    Differences Between Sizes And Variants

    We tested the Logitech ERGO K860 in gray, and there are no other variants.

    Popular Keyboard Comparisons

    The Logitech K860 is an ergonomic wireless curved keyboard that aims to reduce wrist strain during long typing periods. It's very comfortable to type on, but its split layout might take a while to get used to. For other options, check out our recommendations for the best wireless keyboards, the best keyboards for writers, and the best ergonomic keyboards.

    Logitech Wave Keys

    The Logitech ERGO K860 and the Logitech Wave Keys are full-size keyboards with ergonomic designs. Both have curved key layouts that tent slightly toward the middle. Additionally, both models have integrated palm rests. The ERGO K860 is larger, and its keys are more widely spaced. It also has a split key cluster design, with more distinct spacing between the left and right key clusters, and it uses low-profile, scissor switches that are a bit heavier-feeling and have a more noticeable tactile bump. Comparatively, the Wave Keys is a more compact design with more closely spaced keys. It also has more lightweight-feeling rubber dome switches.

    Logitech MX Keys

    The Logitech ERGO K860 and the Logitech MX Keys are very different. The K860 is a split keyboard that includes a fixed wrist rest, while the MX Keys has a straight board design. Both keyboards have wireless connectivity and multi-device pairing, but only the MX Keys has backlighting. They both provide a great typing experience; however, the K860's keys require a bit more force to actuate, and it might take longer to get used to its split layout.

    Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard

    The Logitech ERGO K860 is much better than the Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard. The Logitech is more comfortable and provides a significantly better typing experience, and it has a much better build quality and can be paired to multiple devices simultaneously. Also, the Logitech has Bluetooth capabilities and better compatibility with other operating systems, but like the Microsoft, it uses disposable batteries.

    Microsoft Surface Ergonomic Keyboard

    The Logitech ERGO K860 is better than the Microsoft Surface Ergonomic Keyboard for most uses. The Logitech has reverse incline settings to prevent the wrists from bending downwards and has better wireless capabilities, as it can be paired to multiple devices at the same time with its USB receiver and through Bluetooth. The Logitech also has software support, but the Surface Ergonomic has a much better build quality.

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    Test Results

    perceptual testing image
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    RATINGS
    Category:
    All
    Design
    Dimensions
    Size
    Full-size (100%)
    Height
    1.5" (3.8 cm)
    Width17.9" (45.5 cm)
    Depth
    9.3" (23.5 cm)
    Depth With Wrist Rest
    9.3" (23.5 cm)
    Weight
    2.43 lbs (1.100 kg)

    The Logitech ERGO K860 is a rather large keyboard due to its full-size design, and it also features a non-detachable wrist rest, which makes it take even more space on your desk.

    If you're interested in a similar full-size ergonomic model that has an integrated wrist rest but is significantly more compact and takes up less space on your desk, check out the Logitech Wave Keys.

    7.0
    Build Quality
    Keycap MaterialABS

    The Logitech K860's build quality is decent. This all-plastic board has a little bit of flex, but it doesn't feel like it's cheap enough to break. The non-detachable wrist rest is very comfortable and feels high-end. The keys are made of ABS plastic with pad-printed legends. If you want a similar ergonomic keyboard with better build quality, check out the Microsoft Surface Ergonomic Keyboard.

    9.0
    Ergonomics
    Curved/Angled
    Yes
    Split Keyboard
    No
    Key Alignment
    Staggered
    Minimum Incline
    Medium Incline
    -6°
    Maximum Incline
    -9°
    Home Row Height
    35.4 mm (1.4")

    The Logitech K860's ergonomics are exceptional. The board is curved, with two different key sections for your hands. It might feel odd at first and take some time to get used to it, but when you do, this keyboard feels very comfortable. It has a fixed wrist rest that's well-padded, and it has two incline settings to create a negative angle to relieve some stress on your wrists. If you prefer a keyboard that's split in two halves, check out the Kinesis Freestyle Edge RGB. If you'd prefer a split keyboard with near-infinite incline settings, check out the ZSA Moonlander.

    0.0
    Hardware Customizability
    Replaceable Cherry Stabilizers
    No
    Stabilizer Fixation
    Non-Customizable Design
    Spacebar Stabilizer Size
    Non-Customizable Design
    Size Of Right Mod Keys
    Non-Standard
    Hot-Swappable Switches
    No
    Switch Stem Shape
    Non-Customizable Design
    Switch PCB Socket
    Non-Customizable Design
    North-Facing Cherry MX Interference
    Non-Customizable Design
    0.0
    Backlight Features
    BacklightingNo
    RGB
    No
    Per-Key Backlighting
    No
    Effects
    No
    Software Controllable
    No

    This keyboard doesn't have any backlighting.

    0.0
    Backlight Clarity
    Cable & Connector
    ConnectivityWireless
    Detachable
    No
    LengthN/A
    Connector (Keyboard side)
    No Cable

    This keyboard is wireless-only and doesn't have a cable.

    9.8
    Wireless Versatility
    Bluetooth
    Yes
    Bluetooth Multi-Device Pairing
    3
    Proprietary Receiver
    Yes
    Battery Type
    2x AAA

    This keyboard has outstanding wireless versatility. You can connect the keyboard to your computer using the USB receiver or via Bluetooth. It pairs flawlessly with any Bluetooth-capable device, but we did have a few issues with its receiver where the keyboard would keep connecting and disconnecting on its own. On the upside, you can connect to three devices simultaneously and easily switch between them.

    0.0
    Macro Keys And Programming
    Dedicated Macro Keys Count0
    Onboard Macro Programming
    No
    Macro Programming With Software
    No
    Extra Features
    Media Keys
    Non-Dedicated
    Trackpad / TrackballNo
    Scroll Wheel
    No
    Control Knob
    No
    USB Passthrough
    No
    NumpadYes
    Windows Key Lock
    No
    Lock IndicatorCaps Lock

    Right out of the box, the Logitech ERGO K860's media keys are dedicated but double as function keys as well. There are also a few programmable keys, but you have to choose between preset options, and can't create your own macros.

    In The Box

    • Logitech ERGO K860 keyboard
    • USB receiver
    • 2x AAA batteries
    • Manual
    Typing Experience
    8.0
    Typing Quality
    Key Spacing
    18.5 mm (0.728")

    The typing experience is great but might feel a bit odd for some people at first. The layout of the keys isn't typical, and the keys are spaced marginally closer together than on most keyboards, but they don't feel cramped. That said, you may find yourself making more typos than usual before you get used to the layout.

    9.7
    Typing Noise
    Average Loudness
    38.8 dBA
    High Pitch Clicks
    No

    Like most keyboards with scissor switches, the Logitech ERGO K860's scissor switches are very quiet and shouldn't bother people surrounding you.

    Switches
    Switch Name
    No Marketed Name
    Switch Type
    Scissor
    Feel
    Tactile
    Analog
    No

    The Logitech ERGO K860 features typical tactile scissor switches, just like the Logitech MX Keys and the Apple Magic Keyboard 2017.

    Keystrokes
    See details on graph tool
    Operating Force
    69 gf
    Actuation Force
    40 gf
    Pre-Travel
    1.5 mm
    Total Travel
    2.2 mm

    The keystroke has a noticeable tactile bump that requires a noticeable amount of force to overcome. If you prefer a mechanical keyboard, check out the Kinesis FreeStyle Pro.

    Performance
    6.6
    Single-Key Latency
    See details on graph tool
    Best Connection
    26.7 ms
    Best Connection Std Dev±2.3 ms
    Wired
    N/A
    Receiver
    26.7 ms
    Bluetooth
    28.8 ms
    PCB (Estimated)
    25.6 ms

    This keyboard has adequate single-key latency performance. While suitable for casual gaming, it's too high and inconsistent for playing fast-paced or competitive games.

    5.9
    Multi-Key Latency
    See details on graph tool
    Connection EvaluatedReceiver
    Key Press
    25.9 ms
    Key Release
    42.8 ms

    This keyboard has inadequate multi-key latency that's very high and extremely inconsistent.

    5.3
    Data Transmission
    Connection EvaluatedReceiver
    USB Polling Rate
    500 Hz
    Effective Update Rate
    125 Hz
    N-Key Rollover (NKRO)
    No
    Multiple Keys Per USB Report
    No

    This keyboard offers disappointing data transmission performance. It doesn't support full n-key rollover, and its low effective update rate of 250Hz is a bottleneck for its polling rate of 500Hz.

    1.5
    Chord Split
    See details on graph tool
    4 Chord Split Delay
    59.6 ms
    8 Chord Split Delay
    N/A

    This keyboard has terrible chord-split performance, making it unsuitable for playing games requiring many simultaneous inputs. It has an extremely high 4-chord split delay and, because it lacks n-key rollover, cannot register eight simultaneous inputs.

    Software and Operating System
    Configuration Software
    Software NameLogitech Options
    Software Windows Compatible
    Yes
    Software macOS Compatible
    Yes
    Onboard Memory
    No
    Profiles
    6+

    You can set different layouts depending on the application you're using and can customize some keys with a list of preset commands. Also, this keyboard is recognized by the software if you use it with its receiver or via Bluetooth, which is great.

    10
    Computer Compatibility
    Windows
    Fully Compatible
    macOS
    Fully Compatible
    Linux (Ubuntu 22)
    Fully Compatible
    Media Key Compatibility
    Windows, MacOS & Linux

    Thanks to its Bluetooth connection and USB receiver, this keyboard is almost fully compatible with all platforms. Only a few keys don't work on each of the operating systems other than Windows, but this won't impact most people, as all alphanumerical keys work.

    10
    Wireless Mobile Compatibility
    Android
    Fully Compatible
    iOS
    Fully Compatible
    iPadOS
    Fully Compatible
    Media Key Compatibility
    Android, iPhone & iPad