The Logitech Wave Keys is a full-size wireless keyboard with a slightly curved and tented ergonomic key layout. It uses lightweight and quiet rubber dome switches, and it has an integrated palm rest to provide support while typing. You can connect it wirelessly with its included Logi BOLT USB receiver or via Bluetooth and pair it with up to three devices simultaneously. Like other recent Logitech models, this keyboard is also compatible with Logi Options+ software, which allows you to program keys, record macros, and set up custom profiles.
Our Verdict
The Logitech Wave Keys is generally inadequate for gaming. While it has decent build quality, its raw performance is only adequate for playing casual titles, and its maximum polling rate is significantly bottlenecked. Additionally, it lacks backlighting and has a slightly unusual curved layout that may take some getting used to.
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Decent build quality.
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Latency performance isn't suitable for competitive gaming.
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No backlighting; can't see key legends in darker rooms.
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While compact for a full-size keyboard, it still takes up considerable space, and you can't remove the palm rest.
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Uses AAA batteries for power, which can be a nuisance to replace for some people.
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Maximum polling rate performance is significantly bottlenecked.
The Logitech Wave Keys is good for office use. It has decent build quality and is extremely quiet to type on. It also connects wirelessly, and you can pair it with up to three devices simultaneously. This keyboard also has a slightly curved key layout that tents slightly in the middle. This layout limits wrist pronation and promotes a more neutral typing position, while the integrated palm rest provides good support. Unfortunately, the keyboard's rubber dome switches feel a bit mushy to type on, and the overall key layout is somewhat cramped and may take some getting used to.
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Decent build quality.
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Extremely quiet typing noise.
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Supports wireless pairing with up to three devices simultaneously.
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Typing quality is only satisfactory as the switches feel somewhat mushy and the layout is a bit cramped.
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While compact for a full-size keyboard, it still takes up considerable space, and you can't remove the palm rest.
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Uses AAA batteries for power, which can be a nuisance to replace for some people.
The Logitech Wave Keys is good for tablet and mobile device use overall. It has decent build quality, is very quiet to type on, and connects wirelessly with its included USB receiver or via Bluetooth with up to three devices. Its key layout is fairly compact for a full-size model, but it's also designed to be used on a desk and has a fairly bulky integrated palm rest. This palm rest provides good support while typing but also means the entire keyboard still takes up a considerable amount of space, so it's not very portable compared to keyboards designed specifically with mobile devices in mind.
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Decent build quality.
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Extremely quiet typing noise.
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Supports wireless pairing with up to three devices simultaneously.
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While compact for a full-size keyboard, it still takes up considerable space, and you can't remove the palm rest.
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No dedicated media keys or volume control.
The Logitech Wave Keys is satisfactory for programming. It has decent build quality, and the typing noise is extremely quiet. You can connect it wirelessly and pair it with up to three devices simultaneously. Additionally, the slightly curved and tented design limits pronation and encourages a more neutral typing position, and the integrated palm rest provides good support. Unfortunately, this keyboard lacks dedicated macro keys, and you can only program macros using the software to the F-row keys. Also, while its rubber dome switches are very quiet to type on, they do feel a bit mushy, and the overall key layout is somewhat cramped and may take some getting used to.
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Decent build quality.
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Extremely quiet typing noise.
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Supports wireless pairing with up to three devices simultaneously.
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Typing quality is only satisfactory as the switches feel somewhat mushy and the layout is a bit cramped.
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No backlighting; can't see key legends in darker rooms.
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While compact for a full-size keyboard, it still takes up considerable space, and you can't remove the palm rest.
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Uses AAA batteries for power, which can be a nuisance to replace for some people.
This keyboard performs poorly in an entertainment or home theater setup. It connects wirelessly with up to three devices simultaneously and has decent overall build quality. It's also reasonably compact for a full-size keyboard. However, it's still fairly bulky owing to its integrated, non-removable palm rest. Additionally, it lacks dedicated media keys and doesn't have backlighting, so you can't read key legends in a darker room.
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Decent build quality.
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Supports wireless pairing with up to three devices simultaneously.
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No backlighting; can't see key legends in darker rooms.
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While compact for a full-size keyboard, it still takes up considerable space, and you can't remove the palm rest.
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No dedicated media keys or volume control.
The Logitech Wave Keys has adequate raw performance, making it suitable for casual games. It has good single-key latency and reasonable multi-key latency, but it's inconsistent overall. Furthermore, its 1000Hz polling rate is bottlenecked by an effective update rate of 143Hz since it relies on the Bluetooth protocol for wireless connectivity, both when using a standard Bluetooth connection and when connected with the Logi BOLT USB receiver. Lastly, it lacks NKRO and has poor chord split performance, so it's a poor option for games that require lots of simultaneous inputs, like rhythm games.
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Latency performance is suitable for casual gaming.
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Latency performance isn't suitable for competitive gaming.
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Maximum polling rate performance is significantly bottlenecked.
- 5.9 Gaming
- 7.6 Office
- 7.5 Mobile/Tablet
- 7.2 Programming
- 4.9 Entertainment / HTPC
- 6.5 Raw Performance
- Updated Mar 11, 2024: We've added mention of a newly available rose color option in the Differences Between Variants section.
- Updated Dec 08, 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.
- Updated Dec 07, 2023: Review published.
- Updated Dec 04, 2023: Early access published.
- Updated Nov 30, 2023: Our testers have started testing this product.
- Updated Nov 22, 2023: The product has arrived in our lab, and our testers will start evaluating it soon.
- Updated Nov 20, 2023: We've purchased the product and are waiting for it to arrive in our lab.
Differences Between Sizes And Variants
The Logitech Wave Keys is available in either Graphite, Off-White, or Rose color options. We bought and tested the Graphite model, and you can see the label for our unit here.
Compared To Other Keyboards
The Logitech Wave Keys is a spiritual successor to the Logitech K350 (also known as the Logitech K350 Wave and K350 Ergo), one of Logitech's most enduring keyboard designs, which first launched in the early 2000s. This new model shares visual similarities with its original namesake with its wave-shaped key layout. Otherwise, this new version is quite different. The biggest difference is that the new Logitech Wave Keys is significantly smaller and more compact. While it's now missing many of the dedicated media keys on the older design, it's now much more compact and easy to move around. It also now uses AAA instead of AA batteries and supports wireless connectivity with Logitech's newer Logi BOLT USB receiver or standard Bluetooth.
Altogether, this keyboard occupies a mid-range price point similar to its predecessor and retains the same approachable ergonomic layout in a more modern, compact package with added wireless versatility. That said, it doesn't quite share the same level of build quality as higher-priced options from Logitech, like the Logitech MX Keys, and its more compact form factor lacks media buttons that you can find on similarly-priced wireless models like the Logitech Signature K650.
For more recommendations, see our picks for the best keyboards, the best wireless keyboards, and the best budget and cheap keyboards.
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.
The Logitech Wave Keys is a newer, spiritual successor to the Logitech K350. Both share a similar curved key layout design that tents slightly toward the middle. Both models also have integrated palm rests. The major difference is that the newer Wave Keys is significantly more compact and connects wirelessly via standard Bluetooth with up to three devices simultaneously or the Logi BOLT USB receiver. The older K350 takes up considerably more space and connects wirelessly using Logitech's older Unifying USB receiver. It also has dedicated media keys, a feature the Wave Keys lacks.
The Kensington Pro Fit Ergo Wireless Keyboard and the Logitech Wave Keys are full-size wireless keyboards with ergonomic designs. Both have curved key layouts that tent slightly toward the middle. They also both have integrated palm rests. The major difference is that the Kensington has a split design, with more distinct left and right key clusters. Additionally, it allows you to tilt the keyboard at a negative angle, sloping downward slightly away from you. Comparatively, the Logitech has a more compact design and keys spaced more closely together. It also has more conventional tilt options at a positive angle, sloping upward slightly away from you.
The Dygma Raise and the Logitech Wave Keys are keyboards with ergonomic designs and integrated palm rests. The Dygma is a smaller, compact (60%) wired-only model with mechanical switches. It has a true split design with two halves that you can position independently. On the other hand, the Logitech Wave Keys is a wireless, full-size model with a curved key layout that tents slightly in the middle. It also has rubber dome switches, which are significantly quieter but produce a mushier-feeling typing experience.
Test Results
The Logitech Wave Keys is a full-size keyboard, but its slightly curved key layout is more compact (less wide) than most full-size models, and it takes up much less space than its direct predecessor, the Logitech K350.
That said, this keyboard still takes up considerable desk space (particularly in terms of depth) due to its non-removable palm rest.
This keyboard has decent overall build quality. It has an all-plastic construction but only exhibits minor flex. The keycaps are made of ABS plastic with printed legends and have a slightly textured finish. All keys, including larger keys, feel quite stable and don't wobble while you type.
There are six rubber feet (including two flip-out feet) on the bottom of the keyboard that do a good job of keeping it in place on your desk, and there's a compartment for storing the USB receiver when it's not in use.
The Logitech Wave Key has a curved ergonomic key layout that tents slightly upwards in the center. The keycaps are also curved but have flat tops. Additionally, there are flip-out feet on the bottom of the keyboard that provide two incline options, and there's an integrated, cushioned palm rest that provides good support and helps ensure you don't need to extend your wrists steeply upwards to reach the keys.
This keyboard's overall design approach promotes a more neutral typing posture compared to more conventional straight keyboard designs, as its curved layout aims to limit ulnar deviation. The slight tent towards the middle aims to limit wrist pronation. These design elements may help to reduce some of the strain and fatigue you experience while typing.
This keyboard's hardware isn't designed to be customized.
This keyboard doesn't have backlighting.
The Logitech Wave Keys is powered with AAA batteries and doesn't have a charging cable.
This keyboard connects wirelessly via standard Bluetooth or with the included Logi BOLT USB receiver. You can also pair with up to three devices simultaneously.
Logitech advertises this keyboard has a maximum battery life of up to 36 months with two AAA batteries, but this will depend on your average daily usage.
This keyboard has no dedicated macro keys, and you can't program macros directly on the keyboard. However, using the configuration software, you can create and use fairly complex macros (which Logitech calls Smart Actions). You can only program these actions to keys on the function row at the top of the keyboard. For more details, see the Configuration Software section toward the end of this review.
This keyboard has several expected extra features, including an LED indicator that turns on when the Caps lock is enabled.
You can also toggle lock behavior for several additional keys using the configuration software, including the Windows Key, Num Lock, Caps Lock, Scroll Lock, and Start.
By default, the labeled hotkey functions on the function row act as primary functions, and the F-keys (F1 through F12) are secondary functions. You can reverse this in the configuration software or by pressing FN+Esc, the hotkey command that toggles the FN lock.
For more comprehensive information about this keyboard's extra features and a full list of hotkey commands, you can see a digital version of this keyboard's user manual on Logitech's website here.
This keyboard provides a satisfactory typing experience. The keycaps feel cheap but have a pleasant, slightly textured finish, so your fingers aren't prone to slipping. All the keys also feel quite stable while typing, and the integrated palm rest provides good support.
That said, the switches feel a bit mushy while typing, which is typical of rubber dome switches. Additionally, while the slightly curved ergonomic key layout promotes a good wrist and shoulder position, the key layout is a bit cramped compared to a standard full-size keyboard, which may take some getting used to.
This keyboard is extremely quiet and is very unlikely to bother anyone around you while you're typing.
The Logitech Wave Keys uses tactile, rubber dome switches.
The Logitech Wave Keys's rubber dome switches are lightweight and have short pre-travel with a small tactile bump to overcome before actuation.
These switches also have short total travel, so they may take a bit of getting used to if you type more forcefully and typically bottom out your keystrokes.
The Logitech Wave Keys provides good single-key latency performance. It's more than adequate for everyday browsing and productivity tasks and well-suited for casual gaming. That said, it's too high and inconsistent for competitive gaming.
This keyboard has reasonable multi-key latency performance. It's well-suited for casual games but too high for competitive titles.
This keyboard has a 1000Hz polling rate. However, its effective update rate is bottlenecked at 143Hz since it relies on the Bluetooth protocol for wireless connectivity, whether you connect this keyboard with a standard Bluetooth connection or the included Logi BOLT USB receiver. This limitation isn't an issue when using this keyboard for everyday browsing or productivity, as high effective update rates are only important for gaming.
This keyboard doesn't support NKRO, meaning some keys may not register if you simultaneously press many keys. Once more, it's very unlikely to present any issues when using this keyboard for everyday browsing or productivity unless you type exceptionally fast or frequently rely on long strings of hotkey commands.
This keyboard has poor chord split performance and isn't suitable for playing games that require many simultaneous inputs.
The Logitech Wave Keys uses Logi Options+ configuration software. This software has a clean, easy-to-use layout and allows you to change expected preferences and save custom profiles. You can also customize key shortcuts for keys on the function row to control media playback, windows functions, or specific actions in various popular applications.
Additionally, you can program fairly complex macros with what Logitech calls Smart Actions. There are several premade Smart Action templates for actions supporting multiple keystrokes, text input, and actions in multiple applications.
This keyboard is fully compatible with all major computer operating systems. You can toggle between compatibility modes for different operating systems by pressing and holding the following hotkey combinations for three seconds:
- FN+O (MacOS)
- FN+P (Windows )
- FN+C (ChromeOS )
There's no compatibility mode for Linux, but all keys work in Linux as expected, except for the emoji key, which does nothing.
This keyboard is fully compatible with Android, iOS, and iPadOS. All keys work as expected on these mobile operating systems, but no compatible software exists.