Logitech ALTO KEYS K98M: Budget Endgame

Finding a keyboard that combines style, functionality, and comfort can be a challenge, but the Logitech Alto Keys K98M manages to hit the sweet spot, and only priced at $96 CAD. With a design that stands out and features aimed at both casual users and professionals, it promises a well-rounded experience at a staggering low price (If remain the same for global market). In this review, we’ll explore what the Alto Keys K98M brings to the table, from its build quality to its performance.

1. Build Quality

7/10 - Very well built, little to no imperfections on the case. Although made of mainly plastic, has very decent weight due to the rubber cushion inside. Power switch is snappy, height adjusters and rubber feet are nice and rigged, making if feel secure to most surfaces and less prone to sliding around. Feels premium considering the price point.

2. Functionality

7/10 - Interface is clean and easy to use. LEDs are not RGB, but have dimming features and inactivity features that can be customized to according to user preferences; able to adjust brightness and LED activity for a certain amount of time when using to avoid draining battery of keyboard. Tri-mode compatible and able to connect and switch between 3 different devices with the hot keys on the keyboard. Software is very easy to install and use, clean layout, simple, and user friendly. Able to keymap (adjust hotkeys and key bindings) through software. Bolt receiver can be easily replaced if lost.

3. Keycap Quality

7/10 - The keycaps have a smooth textured surface to them and feel comfortable to type on. No signs of misprinting and LED shine through are even throughout the keys. No warping found on space bar and MOD kits, no signs of excess plastic or paint material found on keycaps ensuring an even coating on all keycaps. Lettering is symmetrical and legible.

4. Typing Comfort

9/10 - Very comfortable to type on. The uni-cushion gasket mount from Logitech is very well refined, no signs of pinging from the keys when typing. Height of keyboard is not too high, and feels comfortable to type of for long periods of time. No hard to reach keys or awkwardness of layout on the keyboard. Very responsive on all three connectivity modes. Stock switches (Logitech Marble Switches) on keyboard are very satisfying to listen to, and give little to no wobble.

5. Creativity

5/10 - The base is transparent, allowing you to see the unique pattern around the sides and edges, giving a cushioning look to the keyboard, as the uni-cushion gasket mount is their selling point on this keyboard. Other than that, the keyboard provides two so-called AI keys function that you can configure for the programable FN keys. They can call out an dedicated window to provide some LLM capabilities or a ChatGPT page in side the custom browser. It is super responsive and works fine. There two major downsides though. The window size and ratio are locked for both of them, the window appear relatively small on my FHD screen. Also, you cannot have both of the window active, meaning you can only use one of them at a time. Toggling the other function will close the current window and you would need another press to activate it.

OVERALL SCORE - 7/10
For $70 USD or $100 CAD, this very well may be an endgame-worthy keyboard for those looking for a semi-full sized keyboard on a budget. But, I highly doubt it will maintain the same price tag outside Chinese market, but most likely, to be a $100 USD product. Therefore, if it is the same MSRP for the rest of the world, it is tough to beat, and very much highly recommended. Even for $100 USD, which is more reasonable for NA market, it would still be value for the buck - an excellent choice at the price point.

This review is conducted based on our Review Rubrics v1.0
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