I’ve been impressed with Logitech’s accessories for quite some time, currently using one of their excellent CREATE keyboards with my 12.9-inch iPad Pro. The new Logitech MK850 Performance Combo (US$99), consisting of a wireless keyboard and mouse, is top-notch in performance and design.
Details of the design are included in the video below, but here are some things you might want to know right off the bat:
- The keyboard works for 36 months on 2 AAA batteries and the mouse for 24 months on a single AAA battery
- The keyboard and mouse are both ergonomically designed, and they feel very comfortable under a lot of use. The keyboard has a soft wrist cushion and gentle curve, and it can be adjusted to three different angles (0°, 4° and 8°)
- Experiencing any Bluetooth interference problems from nearby devices? The keyboard and mouse can use Logitech’s Unifying USB receiver to operate over 2.4 GHz and bypass Bluetooth altogether
- Each accessory can be paired with up to three device of any type: Mac, iOS, Windows, Android, Chromebook, you name it
Here’s a quick video look at the Logitech MK850 Performance Keyboard and Mouse:
I was blown away with the quick pairing process. Usually keyboards will come with some arcane instructions, but Logitech prints a simple visual flowchart on the inside of the box. A couple of keypresses here and there, and your devices are paired.
If you’re in the market for a new external keyboard and pointing device for a Mac or want to use a keyboard with an iPad of any size, definitely take a look at the Logitech MK850 combo. It’s just replaced an old Apple keyboard on a Mac mini I use for research, and it may end up on my primary writing machine (an iMac) soon.
