Expert's Rating
Pros
- Mechanical keys with long-stroke
- Ergonomic layout
Cons
- Lots of plastic
- For 10-finger system
Our Verdict
The Logitech Wave Keys is a good keyboard with a generous stroke and familiar clicking sounds. The keyboard connects easily to the Mac via Bluetooth and has a whole range of additional function keys as well as additional labeling on the number keys. The padded tray relieves strain on the wrists when typing. The keyboard uses AAA and does a good job of using power efficiently.
Best Prices Today: Logitech Wave Keys
Update 5/30/24: This review covers the Wave Keys keyboard for Mac and Windows and has a combination Command/Alt key. Logitech has announced the new Wave Keys for Mac that is the same as the keyboard reviewed here, except that it has a dedicated Command-only key.
Apple’s current keyboards are known for one thing: they’re flat, whether it’s a keyboard on the MacBook or an external Magic Keyboard for a Mac or an iPad. But long before the current Magic Keyboard, Apple’s keyboards had a more traditional, classic keyboard design. Those old Apple keyboards have almost achieved cult status–the devices were almost indestructible.
Logitech’s approach with its Wave Keys keyboard harkens back to those old Apple keyboards: mechanical keys with a deep stroke and a characteristic clack. Apart from the ergonomic wrist rest at the lower end, typing feels just like typing on the classic Apple keyboard.
But Logitech goes a little further: the keyboard is shaped according to hand position and finger length. The rows of keys follow a wave pattern, which is designed to make typing with the index and little fingers easier. The keys directly in the center and at the outer ends are slightly raised so that your fingers do not have to stretch as far for each key.
Logitech Wave Keys setup
When I took the Wave Keys out of its packaging, I was initially confused as we didn’t find an activation button on the underside. The activation controller is located on the back directly below the “Logi” logo. If this is pushed to the right, the Bluetooth module is switched on. On the Mac, you can then connect the keyboard via the Bluetooth settings.
Alternatively, you can also set up the keyboard using the supplied Logi Bolt USB Receiver, but it is a USB-A device. If your Mac has only USB-C, you need an adapter, which is not included. The keyboard uses AAA and does a good job of using power efficiently.
Logitech Wave Keys switch-on controller
Halyna Kubiv
The practical experience
Switching from a standard Mac keyboard to a mechanical keyboard like the Wave Keys was a little difficult, especially if you’ve been using Apple keyboards almost exclusively for several years. But anyone who hates Apple keyboards and misses scissor mechanisms will love the Wave Keys. The stroke is very similar, as are the feel and acoustic feedback of the keys.
The Wave Keys also has several keys specially for Windows users, including a screenshot and emoji key. Additional special characters such as the “Euro” and “@” signs are also included on the keyboard. You also don’t have to do without square brackets or curly brackets on the corresponding keys–you just need to know which additional key (option key) to press.
The Wave keyboard is perfect for people with a perfect command of the 10-finger typing method. If you have to look at the keys and reach over to other keys with your hands, the curved design will occasionally get in the way.
Should you buy the Logitech Wave Keys?
The Logitech Wave Keys is a good keyboard with a generous stroke and familiar clicking sounds. The padded tray relieves strain on the wrists when typing. If you don’t like the feel of Apple keyboards, the Wave Keys could be a good choice.
Best Prices Today: Logitech Wave Keys
This article originally appeared on our sister publication Macwelt and was translated and localized from German.
Author: Halyna Kubiv, Staff Writer, Macwelt
Halyna Kubiv has been with German sister site Macwelt since 2010. She is passionate about Apple products, of course, but also topics related to fitness and health. In her spare time she likes to go hiking, and many an iPhone or Apple Watch has been put through its paces in the Bavarian mountains. Her passion for languages is not only expressed in a master's degree in German, but also in various areas of Python, which help her with data journalism.