Logitech K400 Plus  Keyboard Review

Reviewed Oct 13, 2020 at 10:49am
Tested using Methodology v1.2 
Logitech K400 Plus
6.0
Gaming 
3.4
Mobile/Tablet 
7.1
Office 
6.0
Programming 
3.4
Entertainment / HTPC 
 0

The Logitech K400 Plus is a mediocre wireless keyboard with an integrated trackpad designed for using with a smart TV or HTPC. The all-plastic board shows quite a lot of flex and torsion, and its ABS keycaps feel slippery, but it feels light to type on. It isn't a good choice for programmers or gamers due to the lack of programmable keys and backlighting, but it's decent for office use as its typing noise is very quiet. Also, it has dedicated volume control keys and a built-in trackpad, which is helpful for use with a TV or HTPC.

Our Verdict

6.0
Gaming 

The Logitech K400 Plus isn't designed for gaming. Although it has a low pre-travel distance and it doesn't require much force to actuate each key, it has no macro-programmable keys or backlighting, and its latency is fairly high.

Pros
  • Decent ergonomics.
Cons
  • No macro-programmable keys.
  • No backlighting.
3.4
Mobile/Tablet 

The Logitech K400 Plus doesn't support Bluetooth, so it isn't suitable for mobile devices.

Pros
None
Cons
  • No Bluetooth support.
7.1
Office 

The Logitech K400 Plus is a decent keyboard for the office. Its low profile design shouldn't cause much fatigue, but the small spacing between keys may cause a lot of typos. On the plus side, it's very quiet and shouldn't annoy those around you.

Pros
  • Decent ergonomics.
  • Quiet typing noise.
  • Decent OS compatibility.
Cons
  • Compact and tight key layout.
  • No multi-device pairing.
  • Poor software support.
6.0
Programming 

The Logitech K400 Plus is inadequate for programming. Although it has decent ergonomics, it lacks backlighting and you can't program macros to any of the keys. On the upside, it's compatible with macOS and Linux, although only partially.

Pros
  • Decent ergonomics.
Cons
  • No macro-programmable keys.
  • No backlighting.
3.4
Entertainment / HTPC 

The Logitech K400 Plus scores low for home theatre PC setups since it doesn't have Bluetooth or backlighting. However, if you don't care about those features, the Logitech K400 Plus has a built-in trackpad to easily navigate your PC without a mouse. Also, it has volume control buttons and media hotkeys. There's a left mouse click button on the top left of the keyboard, so you can navigate the trackpad with your right thumb and click with your left.

Pros
  • Built-in trackpad.
  • Volume and media keys.
Cons
  • No backlighting.
  • Doesn't support a Bluetooth connection.
  • No multi-device pairing.
  • Poor software support.
  • 6.0
    Gaming
  • 3.4
    Mobile/Tablet
  • 7.1
    Office
  • 6.0
    Programming
  • 3.4
    Entertainment / HTPC
  • Changelog

    1.  Updated Feb 27, 2024: We've added a link to the newly-reviewed HHKB Studio in the Extra Features section of this review.
    2.  Updated Jun 21, 2023: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.2. This update introduces new Backlight Features and Backlight Clarity test boxes. We've also added a new Switches test box, added additional test comparisons to our Hardware Customizability test box that we introduced with our last Test Bench. For an in-depth look at our changes, you can see our full changelog here.
    3.  Updated May 26, 2023: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.1. This update adds several new tests addressing Hardware Customization, Macro Keys And Programming, and Wireless Mobile Compatibility. We've also added new objective evaluations to the Typing Noise test, and we've simplified several tests and removed several others that were no longer relevant. For an in-depth look at all our changes, you can see our full changelog here.
    4.  Updated Oct 29, 2021: Downgraded the build quality score.

    Differences Between Sizes And Variants

    The Logitech K400 Plus keyboard is available in both black and white, but the white model seems to only be available in some regions. Although we tested the black variant, we expect the white one to perform the same. You can see our unit's label here.

    Popular Keyboard Comparisons

    The Logitech K400 Plus serves its purpose as a wireless media keyboard with a trackpad, and it's designed to use on the couch while connected to a smart TV. It's very similar to the AmazonBasics K4R and the Corsair K83 Wireless, but it might provide better value for some users. For other options, see our recommendations for the best keyboards, the best wireless keyboards, and the best keyboards for writers.

    Logitech K380

    The Logitech K380 is a better keyboard than the Logitech K400 Plus. The K380's compact size is easier to travel with, and it can connect to any mobile device with Bluetooth support, unlike the K400 Plus. However, the K400 Plus does have a trackpad which makes it more ideal for a smart TV set up.

    iClever Tri-Folding Keyboard BK08

    The iClever Tri-Folding Keyboard BK08 is better than the Logitech K400 Plus for mobile devices, thanks to its Bluetooth support and better portability. The Logitech isn't designed for mobile devices, but it has better ergonomics due to its slight incline and it has a companion software that allows you to make some customizations to the keyboard.

    Logitech K480

    The Logitech K480 is better than the Logitech K400 Plus for mobile devices thanks to its Bluetooth support and its cradle for phones and tablets. However, the K400 Plus is better for office uses due to its better ergonomics and typing quality, and its better suited for home theater setups thanks to its built-in trackpad.

    Corsair K83 Wireless

    The Corsair K83 Wireless is a better multimedia keyboard than the Logitech K400 Plus. The Corsair looks and feels better built, and, unlike the Logitech, it has backlighting and Bluetooth support. However, the Logitech might provide better value for some users since it's more budget-friendly.

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    Test Results

    perceptual testing image
    Sort:
    RATINGS
    Category:
    All
    Design
    Dimensions
    Size
    TenKeyLess (80%)
    Height
    0.9" (2.2 cm)
    Width14.0" (35.5 cm)
    Depth
    5.5" (13.9 cm)
    Depth With Wrist Rest
    N/A
    Weight
    0.88 lbs (0.400 kg)

    This keyboard is similar in size to most TKL keyboards, but it includes a built-in trackpad like other entertainment keyboards. It's fairly light and is small enough to use on your lap when connected to a smart TV.

    6.0
    Build Quality
    Keycap MaterialABS

    Update 10/29/2021: We downgraded the build quality score from 7 to 6 because its build feels more like the AmazonBasics K4R, and it feels cheap.

    The build quality is mediocre. Its plastic frame gives a lot of flex and torsion, which isn't great, but it doesn't feel as though it's going to snap in half. The keys aren't stable, the spacebar rattles, plus the left and right trackpad buttons feel loose.

    Note: While there are many reports of people having issues with the trackpad not scrolling well and registering double clicks, we didn't experience any issues with the trackpad while testing the Logitech K400 Plus. If you own it and have experienced issues, let us know in the discussions.

    7.0
    Ergonomics
    Curved/Angled
    No
    Split Keyboard
    No
    Key Alignment
    Staggered
    Minimum Incline
    Medium Incline
    N/A
    Maximum Incline
    N/A
    Home Row Height
    17.9 mm (0.7")

    The ergonomics are decent. Although there aren't any incline settings or an included wrist rest, its low-profile design shouldn't cause much fatigue. The keys are quite close to each other, but your hand should still feel comfortable and not too cramped.

    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

    The Logitech Wireless Touch Keyboard K400 Plus keyboard is wireless-only, and since it uses disposable batteries, no charging cable is included.

    0.9
    Wireless Versatility
    Bluetooth
    No
    Bluetooth Multi-Device Pairing
    No
    Proprietary Receiver
    Yes
    Battery Type
    2x AA

    This keyboard only works with its proprietary receiver.

    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 / TrackballYes
    Scroll Wheel
    No
    Control Knob
    No
    USB Passthrough
    No
    NumpadNo
    Windows Key Lock
    No
    Lock IndicatorNo Indicator

    The Logitech K400 Plus has dedicated volume control keys and uses hotkeys for media control. There's also a left-click button on the top left so you can navigate the trackpad with your right thumb and click with your left. Although there's no Windows Key lock button on the keyboard, you can disable it in the Logitech Options software. However, you need to open the software each time you want to toggle the lock on or off since you can't remap any of the hotkeys to do it. If you want a board with a TrackPoint instead of a trackpad, check out the Lenovo ThinkPad TrackPoint Keyboard II.

    This keyboard also has an integrated trackpad. Some people have reported experiencing issues with it, but we didn't experience them during testing, though we don't test the trackpad as part of our test bench.

    If you're interested in a wireless keyboard that has a pointing stick and mouse buttons instead of a trackpad but also incorporates programmable gesture pads and a much more premium-feeling build quality, see our review for the HHKB Studio.

    In The Box

    • Logitech K400 Plus Keyboard
    • USB Receiver
    • 2x AA batteries
    • Manual
    Typing Experience
    Switches
    Switch Name
    No Marketed Name
    Switch Type
    Rubber Dome
    Feel
    Tactile
    Keystrokes
    See details on graph tool
    Operating Force
    65 gf
    Actuation Force
    41 gf
    Pre-Travel
    2.0 mm
    Total Travel
    2.9 mm

    The Logitech K400 Plus keyboard uses rubber dome switches that feel like scissor switches and require a bit of force to actuate, though the overall feeling remains light. Due to the membrane switches, pressing a key can feel a bit mushy.

    6.5
    Typing Quality

    The typing quality is okay. The ABS plastic keycaps feel slippery, and they also feel a bit mushy to type on due to the membrane switch. There isn't much space between each key, so the risk of typos is high since it might be hard to tell when your finger is in-between two keys. On the plus side, the keys feel pretty stable and the low profile design shouldn't cause much fatigue.

    9.3
    Typing Noise
    Average Loudness
    42.7 dBA
    High Pitch Clicks
    No

    The Logitech K400 Plus' typing noise is very quiet, so it shouldn't be bothersome in a noise-sensitive environment.

    6.9
    Latency
    Latency Wired
    N/A
    Latency Receiver
    16.7 ms
    Latency Bluetooth
    N/A

    The Logitech K400 Plus has fairly high latency. While it may not be suitable for gaming, it should be more than fine for browsing the web.

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

    The Logitech K400 Plus has poor software support. The Logitech Options software allows you to remap some of the function keys, but you can only choose from a drop-down list of presets. You can disable the Window Key from the software, but you can only do it from within the software and you can't program any of the function keys to toggle the lock.

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

    On Windows and Linux, all default key functions work. On macOS, the Insert key and the hotkeys for F1, F2, and F9 don't work.

    0.0
    Wireless Mobile Compatibility
    Android
    Not Compatible
    iOS
    Not Compatible
    iPadOS
    Not Compatible
    Media Key Compatibility
    Not Compatible