Premium keyboard with solar power - Logitech Signature Slim Solar+ K980 review
More light!
Behind the promise of sustainability lies the Logitech Signature Slim Solar+, a keyboard that aspires to be more than just an input device. Powered by solar energy and featuring a sleek design, it raises the question: how much innovation is there really behind the green facade?Daniel Schmidt (translated by Daniel Schmidt) Published 🇩🇪
Conclusion on Logitech Signature Slim Solar+ K980
The Logitech Signature Slim Solar+ is a modern, sustainable keyboard that stands out thanks to its minimalist design, versatile connectivity and innovative solar technology.
It is particularly suitable for users who value long battery life and low environmental impact. The keyboard impresses with its comfortable typing feel, stable connection and a wide range of customisation options. The software integration and the ability to connect multiple devices make it a flexible solution for everyday use.
However, in rooms with less light, the amount of light may not be sufficient to charge the keyboard. The very long battery life is all well and good, but battery-powered keyboards also tend to last a year or more and are already significantly cheaper to buy.
Pros
Cons
Price and availability
The Signature Slim Solar+ K980 can be purchased directly from the Logitech shop, but is also available on Amazon.
Table of Contents
- Conclusion on Logitech Signature Slim Solar+ K980
- Specifications: Logitech Signature Slim Solar+ K980
- Body and connectivity - K980 comes without USB
- Sustainability and runtimes – Signature Slim Solar+ also charges with artificial light
- Software and customisation options – With integrated light test
- Input and functionality – Good typing feel with the K980
The Logitech Signature Slim Solar+ aims to set new standards in everyday office life with solar power, sustainable materials and a slim design. The manufacturer promises flexible connectivity, environmentally friendly technology and a high level of typing comfort. But does the keyboard really deliver in everyday use, or are there weaknesses behind its modern appeal? Our review reveals the strengths and compromises of this slim, premium keyboard.
Specifications: Logitech Signature Slim Solar+ K980
| Type | Chiclet, flat keycaps |
| Dimensions | 430.8 x 142.9 x 20.2 mm (width x depth x height) |
| Weight | 700 g |
| Battery type | Lithium-ion |
| Battery life | Up to 48 months in the dark |
| Connectivity | Wireless: Bluetooth Low Energy, Logi Bolt |
| Compatibility | Windows 10 or newer, macOS 12 or newer, iPadOS 15 or newer, iOS 15 or newer, Android 12 or newer, Linux, ChromeOS |
| Scope of delivery | Keyboard |
| Price (RRP) | $100 |
Body and connectivity - K980 comes without USB
The Logitech Signature Slim Solar+ is a minimalist, modern keyboard design that stands out thanks to its slim dimensions and relatively low weight. It is only around 20 mm high and weighs 700 grams. The casing is made primarily from recycled plastic, which not only contributes to sustainability but also gives it a pleasant, matte finish. The keys are flat and offer a pleasant, fairly quiet typing experience that is suitable for office environments. However, it is by no means silent, as Logitech claims on its website. The keyboard is currently only available in graphite.
In addition to the classic Bluetooth connection, the keyboard also supports a USB-C receiver (Bolt), which must be purchased separately. This allows the keyboard to connect to Windows and macOS devices as well as Android and iOS tablets and smartphones. The Bluetooth connection is stable and allows simultaneous pairing with up to three devices, a handy feature for users who switch between multiple devices. Switching is done via a key combination, which is intuitive and quick. The range is solid, and we did not experience any connection interruptions during testing.
Sustainability and runtimes – Signature Slim Solar+ also charges with artificial light
In addition to the keyboard itself, the package includes a brief user manual. The packaging is minimalistic and consists largely of recycled material, which is in line with Logitech's commitment to sustainability. The solar technology is particularly noteworthy: The keyboard has an integrated solar cell that can be charged by both natural and artificial light (at least 200 lux). This means that an external power source is usually unnecessary, further reducing the environmental impact. According to the manufacturer, just one hour of sunlight is enough to power the keyboard for several weeks.
In everyday life, this is not so easy. Even on a sunny day, the measured light incidence on the solar cells was less than 100 lux in the corner of the desk, while at the window it was around 1,300 lux. So the location of the workplace is crucial. We also left the keyboard in the dark for two weeks, which reduced the battery level to 15% and triggered a corresponding warning message. Since then, the keyboard has nevertheless held up well, but at the beginning of the dark season it is unable to increase its charge level in the corner of the desk.
Since Logitech has dispensed with a USB port on the K980, solar energy is the only charging option, which should enable a service life of ten years.
Software and customisation options – With integrated light test
Logitech offers Logitech Options Plus software for the Signature Slim Solar+, which provides a wide range of customisation options. The software allows you to customise key assignments, program smart actions and optimise special functions such as switching between connected devices. The software is available for Windows and macOS and is easy to install. It is intuitive to use and the customisation options are more than sufficient for everyday use. Advanced users also have the option of creating special profiles that load automatically depending on the device being used.
At the touch of a software-button, you can also check the light intensity to determine whether it is sufficient to charge the integrated battery.
Input and functionality – Good typing feel with the K980
The Signature Slim Solar+ offers a comfortable and precise typing experience. The flat keys provide good feedback without being too loud, making them ideal for offices or public spaces. The keyboard is fully equipped and offers all the usual function keys as well as an integrated numeric keypad.
The key layout is standard and therefore immediately familiar to most users, but Logitech has added an additional AI key and additional control keys for online meetings. Many of the keys can also be customised or assigned to Smart Actions.
However, there is no backlighting and even the Caps Lock key does not have a status LED.
Transparency
The selection of devices to be reviewed is made by our editorial team. The test sample was given to the author by the manufacturer free of charge for the purposes of review. There was no third-party influence on this review, nor did the manufacturer receive a copy of this review before publication. There was no obligation to publish this review. As an independent media company, Notebookcheck is not subjected to the authority of manufacturers, retailers or publishers.
