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Logitech POP Keys Keyboard Review

Tested using Methodology v1.0
Reviewed Dec 10, 2021 at 10:13 am
Logitech POP Keys Picture
6.5
Gaming
7.3
Mobile/Tablet
6.6
Office
5.9
Programming
5.3
Entertainment / HTPC

The Logitech POP Keys is a wireless-only mechanical keyboard with circular keycaps and a retro, typewriter look. It comes in three colorful designs to give a pop of color to your computer setup. There are dedicated emoji keys on the right side, which you can reprogram to whatever emojis you use most. You can use it wirelessly via its USB receiver or Bluetooth, and you can pair it with up to three devices. The TTC Brown switches on our unit feel light to type on, and they provide tactile feedback when you actuate a key, but the bump is very subtle. If you prefer a different feel, the board is also available with clicky TTC Blue and linear Red switches. Unfortunately, the compact design paired with the round keys can make it difficult to press one key without accidentally hitting the ones next to it. Also, there are no incline settings or backlighting. Disappointingly, the emoji keys don't work on mobile devices, so you can't use them to send emojis on your phone.

Our Verdict

6.5 Gaming

The Logitech POP Keys is mediocre for gaming, but it isn't designed for this use. Its latency is high and may not feel responsive enough for most games, especially if you use it over Bluetooth. It has no backlighting, no incline settings, and no wrist rest. On the bright side, you can remap to the emoji keys and most keys on the F-row to other keyboard functions, but you can't set macros.

Pros
  • Reprogrammable keys.
  • TTC Brown switches feel responsive.
Cons
  • Latency is likely too high for gaming.
  • No backlighting.
  • Round keys aren't for everyone.
7.3 Mobile/Tablet

The Logitech POP Keys is decent for use with mobile devices and tablets. You can use it via Bluetooth or its USB receiver and pair it with up to three devices. It's compatible with the most common operating systems, but you can only make customizations on Windows and macOS. Unfortunately, it's taller and heavier than most dedicated mobile keyboards, so it isn't a good option if you want something you can slide into a bag and take with you on the road. Also, while the board has dedicated emoji keys, they don't work on mobile devices.

Pros
  • Dedicated emoji keys.
  • Connects via Bluetooth and USB receiver.
  • Can pair with up to three devices.
Cons
  • Round keys aren't for everyone.
  • Taller than most mobile boards.
  • Can't use the emojis keys on mobile OS.
6.6 Office

The Logitech POP Keys is okay for office use. The TTC Brown switches on our unit are quiet to type on, and they provide tactile feedback when a key is registered, but the bump is very subtle. You can use it via Bluetooth or its USB receiver, and you can pair it with up to three devices. Unfortunately, the round keycaps are close together and might cause you to make more typos than usual. Also, there are no incline settings or wrist rest, though the board is low enough that you should feel comfortable without it. The board lacks the usual keys that most other boards have, like Home, End, Page Up, and Page Down, but you can remap the emoji keys if needed.

Pros
  • Dedicated emoji keys.
  • Connects via Bluetooth and USB receiver.
  • Can pair with up to three devices.
Cons
  • No backlighting.
  • No incline settings or wrist rest.
  • Round keys aren't for everyone.
5.9 Programming

The Logitech POP Keys is disappointing for programming. The round keycaps paired with the compact form might cause you to type slower or make more typos than usual. There are no incline settings or wrist rest, and the board also lacks backlighting. The board lacks the usual keys that most other boards have, like Home, End, Page Up, and Page Down, which may be a dealbreaker for some programmers. On the bright side, you can remap the emoji keys to a different function if you need to, but you can't set macros. Also, you can pair with up to three devices via Bluetooth.

Pros
  • Dedicated emoji keys.
  • Can pair with up to three devices.
  • Reprogrammable keys.
Cons
  • No backlighting.
  • No incline settings or wrist rest.
  • Round keys aren't for everyone.
5.3 Entertainment / HTPC

The Logitech POP Keys is inadequate for a home theater PC setup, but it isn't designed for this use. It doesn't have a built-in trackpad, so you'll need a mouse on the side to navigate the PC. Also, there's no backlighting, so it's hard to see the keys if you're in a dark room. On the bright side, it's compatible with the most common operating systems, and it has media hotkeys to quickly control the audio.

Pros
  • Connects via Bluetooth and USB receiver.
Cons
  • No backlighting.
  • Round keys aren't for everyone.
  • No built-in trackpad.
  • 6.5 Gaming
  • 7.3 Mobile/Tablet
  • 6.6 Office
  • 5.9 Programming
  • 5.3 Entertainment / HTPC
  1. Updated Dec 10, 2021: Review published.
  2. Updated Dec 07, 2021: Early access published.
  3. Updated Dec 01, 2021: Our testers have started testing this product.
  4. Updated Nov 29, 2021: The product has arrived in our lab, and our testers will start evaluating it soon.
  5. Updated Nov 24, 2021: We've purchased the product and are waiting for it to arrive in our lab.

Differences Between Sizes And Variants

We tested the Logitech POP Keys keyboard in Blast (yellow/black) with tactile TTC Brown switches, but it's also available with clicky TTC Blue and linear TTC Red switches. The board is also available in Heartbreaker (pink) and Daydream (purple/green/yellow). Our results apply to all color variants, but if you get different switches, the results for typing quality and typing noise will be different. You can see our unit's label here.

Compared To Other Keyboards

The Logitech POP Keys is a wireless-only mechanical keyboard that comes in three bright colorways. Its size is similar to other compact 75% boards, but it has five dedicated emoji keys down the right side, which is rare among keyboards. Also, it replaces the keys that most other office boards have, like Home, End, Page Up, Page Down, and Print Screen, with other functions like screen snip, mic mute, and voice-to-text. While the rounded keys give it a retro, typewriter-like look that stands out, it does make it harder to type on than keyboards with the more standard square keys.

See our recommendations for the best wireless keyboards, the best iPad keyboards, and the best Logitech boards.

Logitech K380

The Logitech K380 and Logitech POP Keys are both compact wireless keyboards. The K380 is low-profile and has membrane switches, while the POP Keys uses mechanical TTC Brown switches. The K380 is a much thinner board, making it easier to carry around with you in a bag. On the other hand, the POP Keys has dedicated emoji keys, which is helpful if you're sending a message to a friend and want to instantly send an emoji from your keyboard. Both boards have round keys, but the POP Keys is harder to type on because of the much longer pre-travel distance.

Logitech MX Keys Mini

The Logitech MX Keys Mini and the Logitech POP Keys are both compact wireless keyboards. The MX Keys Mini is a thin, low-profile board with scissor switches. It uses a rechargeable battery, so you can continue to use it while it charges, and it has white backlighting to help you see your keys in the dark. On the other hand, the POP Keys has tactile TTC Brown mechanical switches, and it features five dedicated emoji keys that you can reprogram to whatever emojis you use most when messaging friends, family, or coworkers.

Keychron K2 (Version 2)

The Keychron K2 (Version 2) and the Logitech POP Keys are compact wireless mechanical boards.  Both have a dedicated F-row and arrow keys, but the Keychron has the traditional home cluster keys while the Logitech has dedicated emoji keys. The Keychron has a more standard rectangular key shape, which some people might prefer. It has incline settings and RGB backlighting. On the other hand, the Logitech has round keys which can cause more typos if you aren't used to them.

Obinslab Anne Pro 2

The Obinslab Anne Pro 2 and the Logitech POP Keys are both compact mechanical boards, but the Obinslab is better for gaming. The Obinslab has much lower latency, RGB backlighting, and more programmable keys. Also, you can pair it with one extra device than the Logitech can. It's available with a wider variety of mechanical switch brands. On the other hand, if you're looking for a board for daily computer tasks and to message people, the Logitech might be better thanks to its dedicated emoji keys.

Logitech MX Keys

The Logitech MX Keys is a full-size board, while the Logitech POP Keys is a compact 75% board. If you want a thin board with a numpad, home cluster keys, and scissor switches, you'll prefer the MX Keys. Also, it has a built-in, rechargeable battery, unlike the POP Keys that uses two AAA batteries. On the other hand, if you're looking for a brightly-colored, compact 75% board with dedicated emoji keys, the POP Keys is a better choice. Also, it uses tactile TTC Brown switches, which are mechanical. Unfortunately, the rounded keys don't provide the best typing experience.

Corsair K100 RGB

The Corsair K100 RGB is a full-size wired gaming keyboard, while the Logitech POP Keys is a wireless 75% board. If you play games often, the Corsair is a much better choice thanks to its remarkably low latency and dedicated macro keys. Also, it has a multi-function wheel, a volume control wheel, a USB passthrough, and dedicated media keys. On the other hand, if you want a wireless and compact board, the Logitech can pair with up to three devices via Bluetooth. Also, it has dedicated emoji keys that you can reprogram to any other emojis you use the most.

Logitech K780

The Logitech K780 is a compact 96% wireless board, while the Logitech POP Keys is a compact 75% wireless board. The K780 has a cradle to hold your phone or tablet upright against the board while you type, and it uses scissor switches. If you prefer mechanical switches, the POP Keys is available with TTC Brown, Red, and Blue switches. Also, it has five dedicated emoji keys so you can instantly send emojis when sending a message to a friend. While both boards have round keys, the POP Keys is harder to type on because of the much longer pre-travel distance.

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Test Results

perceptual testing image
Design
Design
Dimensions
Size
Compact (75%)
Height
1.5" (3.7 cm)
Width 12.6" (32.0 cm)
Depth
5.4" (13.8 cm)
Depth With Wrist Rest
N/A
Weight
1.79 lbs (0.810 kg)

The Logitech POP Keys is a compact 75% board with a dedicated F-row, arrow keys, and five emoji keys on the right.

7.5
Design
Build Quality
Keycap Material ABS

The Logitech POP Keys has a solid plastic chassis with a plastic base plate. Its body flexes a little, but it's very slight. There are five rubber pads on the underside that do a decent job of keeping the board in place. The alphanumerical keys feel stable, and though they wobble a little, it isn't noticeable while typing. The larger keys, like the Spacebar, Shift, and Enter keys, wobble a bit more, though. Unfortunately, the keycaps are ABS plastic, which wear down and become shiny over time. Also, the legends are pad-printed, so they'll eventually rub off with heavy use.

6.0
Design
Ergonomics
Board Design
Straight
Minimum Incline
5.2°
Medium Incline
N/A
Maximum Incline
N/A
Wrist Rest No

The Logitech POP Keys is a straight board with no incline settings or wrist rest. However, its profile is low enough that most people won't need a wrist rest.

0
Design
Backlighting
Backlighting No
Color
No Backlighting
Individually Backlit Keys
No
Color Mixing
No Backlighting
Effects
No
Programmable
No

There's no backlighting on the Logitech POP Keys.

Design
Cable & Connector
Connectivity Wireless
Detachable
No
Length N/A
Connector (Keyboard side)
No Cable

The Logitech POP Keys uses a battery to power, so it doesn't have a cable.

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

The Logitech POP Keys can pair with up to three devices via Bluetooth and its USB receiver, and you can switch between them using the F1-F3 hotkeys. Logitech claims the battery life can last up to three years. There's an on/off switch on the right side of the board near the emoji keys.

Design
Extra Features
Media Keys
Hot Keys
Macro Programmable Keys
No
Trackpad / Trackball No
Wheel No
USB Passthrough
No
Numpad No
Windows Key Lock
No
Lock Indicator Caps Lock

The Logitech POP Keys doesn't have many extra features, but it does have dedicated emoji keys, which is rare among most keyboards. It comes with four emoji keys already on the board, 😍😭😄😂, but there are also extra keycaps in the box for 🙏❤️👍🔥. There's also a dedicated key to open the emoji menu. While it only comes with eight specific emoji keycaps, you can reprogram them and the emoji menu key to any other emoji you want. You can also remap these keys to any other keyboard function if you prefer, but unfortunately, you can't set macros. The F-row has hotkey functions for switching between Bluetooth devices, quitting your program, screenshotting, muting your mic, and controlling your media. You can reprogram all of these, including the dedicated Voice-to-Text key.

Design
In The Box

  • Logitech POP Keys keyboard
  • Logi Bolt USB Receiver
  • 2x AAA GP alkaline batteries
  • 4x alternative emoji keycaps (🔥👍❤️🙏)
  • User manual

Typing Experience
Typing Experience
Keystrokes
Mechanical
Yes
Key Switches
TTC Brown
Feel
Tactile
Operating Force
52 gf
Actuation Force
45 gf
Pre-Travel
2.0 mm
Total Travel
4.0 mm

The TTC Brown switches on our Logitech POP Keys unit feel light to type on. There's a tactile bump when you actuate a key, but it's very subtle. If you prefer a different feel, it's also available with clicky TTC Blue and linear TTC Red switches.

6.0
Typing Experience
Typing Quality

The Logitech POP Keys's typing quality is mediocre. The round ABS keycaps feel slippery. They're close together, and there are small gaps between the rounded edges, making it difficult to type on without accidentally hitting the key next to the one you want to press. This causes more typos and a slower typing speed, especially if you have larger hands. The shape of the keys is similar to the Logitech K380 and the Logitech K780, but the POP Keys has mechanical switches, which have a longer pre-travel distance than the others' scissor switches. The TTC Brown switches provide tactile feedback when a keypress is registered, but the bump is very subtle. If you prefer a different feel, the board also comes with clicky TTC Blue and linear TTC Red switches. However, if you're looking for a mechanical office keyboard that offers a better typing experience, check out the Logitech MX Mechanical.

Typing Experience
Typing Noise
Noise
Quiet

The tactile TTC Brown switches are quiet to type on. However, the Logitech POP Keys will be louder if you get clicky TTC Blue switches.

7.1
Typing Experience
Latency
Latency Wired
N/A
Latency Receiver
14.2 ms
Latency Bluetooth
23.9 ms

The latency on the Logitech POP Keys is too high for competitive gaming, but it isn't designed for this use. That said, the latency is good enough for general daily tasks.

Software and Operating System
3.8
Software and Operating System
Software & Programming
Software Name Logitech Options
Account Required
No
Profiles
No Profile
Onboard Memory
No
Cloud Sync
Yes
Macro Programming
No
Ease Of Use
Easy
Software Windows Compatible
Yes
Software macOS Compatible
Yes

The Logitech Options software offers some customization. You can remap certain keys, like most of the function keys and the emoji keys, but you just can't set any macros. Unfortunately, there's no onboard memory, so you can't keep your settings when you move to another computer that doesn't have the software installed. That said, if your other device does have Logitech Options, you can sync your settings from the cloud.

9.1
Software and Operating System
Keyboard Compatibility
Windows Full
macOS Full
Linux Partial
Android Partial
iOS Partial
iPadOS Partial

The default key bindings on the Logitech POP Keys work on all desktop operating systems; however, since the software is only available on Windows and macOS, you can't customize your settings on any other OS. Also, the emoji keys don't work on any mobile device.