Logitech K380  Keyboard Review

Reviewed Mar 23, 2020 at 08:22am
Writing modified Aug 28, 2024 at 01:30pm
Tested using Methodology v1.3.1 
Logitech K380

Track

0.0
Gaming 
0.0
Office 
0.0
Mobile/Tablet 
0.0
Programming 
0.0
Entertainment / HTPC 
0.0
Raw Performance 

Track

 1

The Logitech K380 is an excellent portable keyboard that lets you type comfortably wherever you want. It can be used with nearly any device that's Bluetooth-capable, and its small size makes it easy to carry around. It has a multi-device pairing feature and media control hotkeys, but it lacks backlighting and macro programmable keys. Typing on this keyboard isn't fatiguing and the resulting noise is quiet enough for any office setting. Although there's software support, the customization options are pretty slim.

Our Verdict

0.0
Gaming 

The Logitech K380 is mediocre for gaming. There's no backlighting or macro programmable keys, and its customization software has very few options. It can only connect to devices via Bluetooth and has a fairly high click latency for gaming.

Pros
  • Light typing experience.
Cons
  • Fairly high click latency.
  • No backlighting.
  • Can only reprogram some function keys to preset list of options.
0.0
Office 

The Logitech K380 is a good office keyboard. Even without any incline settings or wrist rest, it's comfortable to type on this keyboard due to its low profile. It isn't fatiguing when typing for long periods and typing noise is minimal, so it shouldn't bother your surrounding colleagues.

Pros
  • Light typing experience.
  • Decent ergonomics.
Cons
  • ABS keycaps feel a bit cheap.
0.0
Mobile/Tablet 

The Logitech K380 is an excellent keyboard for use with mobile devices. It can be used with any device that has a Bluetooth connection, and it has excellent compatibility with most mobile operating systems. It's easy to carry around, and it has a multi-pairing feature so you can pair it with your computer and smartphone at the same time.

Pros
  • Light typing experience.
  • Light and compact design.
  • Multi-device pairing with up to three devices.
Cons
  • ABS keycaps feel a bit cheap.
0.0
Programming 

The Logitech K380 is mediocre for programming. Its low operating force and short pre-travel distance provide a light typing experience, but there aren't any macro programmable keys or backlighting. It's compatible with most operating systems, though customization options are rather limited through the dedicated software.

Pros
  • Light typing experience.
  • Decent ergonomics.
Cons
  • No backlighting.
  • Can only reprogram some function keys to preset list of options.
0.0
Entertainment / HTPC 

The Logitech K380 is disappointing for HTPC use. Even though it can connect to your TV via Bluetooth, it doesn't have a trackpad and may be hard to see in a dark environment due to the lack of backlighting. On the plus side, it has media hotkeys, allowing you to pause and play your content easily.

Pros
  • Bluetooth support.
  • Media hotkeys.
Cons
  • No backlighting.
  • Lack of trackpad.
0.0
Raw Performance 
  • 0.0
    Gaming
  • 0.0
    Office
  • 0.0
    Mobile/Tablet
  • 0.0
    Programming
  • 0.0
    Entertainment / HTPC
  • 0.0
    Raw Performance
  • Changelog

    1.  Updated Aug 28, 2024: We've added a link for the newly-reviewed Logitech Keys-To-Go 2 to the Dimensions section.
    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 Oct 16, 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.
    4.  Updated Jul 05, 2023: We've added a link to the newly-reviewed Logitech MX Keys S to the Backlight Features section of this review.

    Differences Between Sizes And Variants

    We tested the Logitech K380 in black, and it's also available in rose and off-white in North America, as well as blue in Europe. We expect our results to be valid for the other variants as well.

    Popular Keyboard Comparisons

    The Logitech K380 is an excellent keyboard for mobile devices; however, aside from its outstanding portability and multi-device pairing, it doesn't stand out from the crowd. It provides a typing experience that's similar to the Logitech K780, but its build quality isn't as good and it lacks a NumPad. For other options, check out our recommendations for the best wireless keyboards, the best keyboards, and the best keyboards for writers.

    Logitech K480

    Track

    The Logitech K380 is significantly better than the Logitech K480 for most uses. The K380 uses scissor switches, and the K480 uses rubber domes. The K380 is more portable due to its smaller size and weight, and its much shorter pre-travel distance makes the keyboard feel more responsive. However, the K480 has a cradle for mobile devices, which the K380 doesn't.

    Logitech K780

    Track

    The Logitech K380 is a better mobile keyboard than the Logitech K780 because its more compact and lightweight design makes it easier to carry around. However, the K780 provides a better typing experience, and it might be a better choice for those who use the Numpad regularly.

    Logitech MX Keys Mini

    Track

    The Logitech K380 and the Logitech MX Keys Mini are both compact wireless boards, but the MX Keys Mini is better overall. It has a rechargeable battery instead of disposable AAA batteries like the K380, and it has white backlighting to help you see the key legends when in the dark. Also, you can remap a few more keys on the MX Keys Mini than on the K380, and you can also create profiles for specific programs.

    Logitech Pebble Keys 2 K380s

    Track

    The Logitech Pebble Keys 2 K380s is a newer version of the Logitech K380. The K380s is available in several new colorways, depending on your region. It also has a significantly longer advertised battery life and has several new default shortcuts for things like Emojis, screenshots, and dictation. Lastly, it's newly compatible with Logitech's BOLT USB receiver, but it doesn't include one in the box.

    Show more 

    Test Results

    perceptual testing image
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    RATINGS
    Category:
    All
    Design
    Dimensions
    Size
    LockedCompact (75%)
    Height
    LockedLock" (Lock cm)
    WidthLockedLock" (Lock cm)
    Depth
    LockedLock" (Lock cm)
    Depth With Wrist Rest
    LockedN/A
    Weight
    LockedLock lbs (Lock kg)

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    0.0
    Build Quality
    Keycap MaterialLockedLocked

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    0.0
    Ergonomics
    Curved/Angled
    LockedLocked
    Split Keyboard
    LockedLocked
    Key Alignment
    LockedLocked
    Minimum Incline
    LockedLock°
    Medium Incline
    LockedN/A
    Maximum Incline
    LockedN/A
    Home Row Height
    LockedLock mm (Lock")

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    0.0
    Hardware Customizability
    Replaceable Cherry Stabilizers
    LockedLocked
    Stabilizer Fixation
    LockedLocked
    Spacebar Stabilizer Size
    LockedLocked
    Size Of Right Mod Keys
    LockedLocked
    Hot-Swappable Switches
    LockedNo
    Switch Stem Shape
    LockedLocked
    Switch PCB Socket
    LockedLocked
    North-Facing Cherry MX Interference
    LockedLocked
    0.0
    Backlight Features
    BacklightingLockedLocked
    RGB
    LockedLocked
    Per-Key Backlighting
    LockedLocked
    Effects
    LockedLocked
    Software Controllable
    LockedLocked

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    0.0
    Backlight Clarity
    Cable & Connector
    ConnectivityLockedWireless
    Detachable
    LockedLocked
    LengthLockedN/A
    Connector (Keyboard side)
    LockedLocked

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    0.0
    Wireless Versatility
    Bluetooth
    LockedLocked
    Bluetooth Multi-Device Pairing
    LockedLocked
    Proprietary Receiver
    LockedLocked
    Battery Type
    LockedLocked

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    0.0
    Macro Keys And Programming
    Dedicated Macro Keys CountLockedLock
    Onboard Macro Programming
    LockedLocked
    Macro Programming With Software
    LockedLocked
    Extra Features
    Media Keys
    LockedLocked
    Trackpad / TrackballLockedLocked
    Scroll Wheel
    LockedLocked
    Control Knob
    LockedLocked
    USB Passthrough
    LockedLocked
    NumpadLockedLocked
    Windows Key Lock
    LockedLocked
    Lock IndicatorLockedLocked

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    In The Box

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    Typing Experience
    0.0
    Typing Quality
    Key Spacing
    LockedLock mm (Lock")

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    0.0
    Typing Noise
    SAMPLE
    JOIN NOW

    for videos & test results

    Logitech K380 Typing Sample Sample
    Average Loudness
    LockedLock dBA
    High Pitch Clicks
    LockedLocked

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    Switches
    SAMPLE
    JOIN NOW

    for videos & test results

    Logitech K380 Wobble Video Sample
    Switch Name
    LockedLocked
    Switch Type
    LockedScissor
    Feel
    LockedLocked
    Analog
    LockedLocked

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    Keystrokes
    Operating Force
    LockedLock gf
    Actuation Force
    LockedLock gf
    Pre-Travel
    LockedLock mm
    Total Travel
    LockedLock mm

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    Performance
    0.0
    Single-Key Latency
    Best Connection
    LockedLock ms
    Best Connection Std DevLocked±Lock ms
    Wired
    LockedN/A
    Receiver
    LockedN/A
    Bluetooth
    LockedLock ms
    PCB (Estimated)
    LockedLock ms

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    0.0
    Multi-Key Latency
    SAMPLE
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    Logitech K380 Latency Video Sample
    Connection EvaluatedLockedLocked
    Key Press
    LockedLock ms
    Key Release
    LockedLock ms
    0.0
    Data Transmission
    Connection EvaluatedLockedLocked
    USB Polling Rate
    LockedN/A
    Effective Update Rate
    LockedLock Hz
    N-Key Rollover (NKRO)
    LockedNo
    Multiple Keys Per USB Report
    LockedLocked
    0.0
    Chord Split
    4 Chord Split Delay
    LockedLock ms
    8 Chord Split Delay
    LockedN/A
    Software and Operating System
    Configuration Software
    SAMPLE
    JOIN NOW

    for videos & test results

    Logitech K380 Software Tour Sample
    Software NameLockedLocked
    Software Windows Compatible
    LockedLocked
    Software macOS Compatible
    LockedLocked
    Onboard Memory
    LockedLocked
    Profiles
    LockedLocked

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    0.0
    Computer Compatibility
    Windows
    LockedLocked
    macOS
    LockedLocked
    Linux (Ubuntu 22)
    LockedLocked
    Media Key Compatibility
    LockedLocked

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    0.0
    Wireless Mobile Compatibility
    Android
    LockedLocked
    iOS
    LockedLocked
    iPadOS
    LockedLocked
    Media Key Compatibility
    LockedLocked

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