Compact mechanical keyboards are everywhere these days – watch enough of TikTok, and it won’t be long before you discover their bold custom colors and resounding clicks. Logitech is capitalizing on this trend with the Pop key: a small, typewriter-like keyboard that blends a cute aesthetic with a combination of fun and really useful features.
The Pop key It feels great to type on once you get used to it, and the surprisingly strong emoji keys and cross-device support make it more than just a fun novelty. But is it worth the $99? Here’s what I think after a few days of living with Logitech’s eye-catching keyboard.
Compact and cute mechanical keyboard
Logitech Pop Keys deliver satisfying typing, helpful emoji keys, and multi-device support in a stylish, attractive design.
Who, what and how?
Who is it for: If you want a compact mechanical keyboard and value your aesthetics and function, then $99 Logitech Pop Keys For you. Its design is perfect for young people or those who simply love colorful technology, and its programmable keys and multi-device support make it a solid fit. sure for the home office.
What you need to know: Pop Keys feature a host of special features to make working productive and fun. Its five programmable emoji keys can also be customized to perform any other function on your computer. The Pop key also allows you to pair and switch between three devices at once, making it useful for people who use multiple devices throughout the day. Just be aware that it will take some getting used to if you have large hands or are using a larger keyboard.
How does it compare: Pop Keys are almost on par with other compact mechanical keyboards in terms of price – somewhere between popular options like $89 Keychron K2 and $129 Vortex Tab 75 TKL. It’s not the only keyboard of its kind with multi-device support (you can get similar functionality on low-cost non-mechanical models like the $29) Logitech K380, but the emoji keys can programming sets it apart from its competitors.
It’s hard not to admire how adorable the Logitech Pop Keys keyboard is. Blends the round keys of an old-fashioned typewriter with a lively keyboard aesthetic on TikTok, this cute, compact accessory feels tailored for Generation Z – or adults like me who just love colorful things.
Pop Keys comes in three attractive variations: Daydream, which blends pleasant pastel colors like lilac, yellow, and mint green; Blast, an aggressive black and yellow model that reminds me of Bumblebee in Transformers; and Heartbreaker, which come in different shades of red and pink. It would be nice if Logitech offered a few more colors or at least a set of interchangeable keycaps, but the color options available now are nice – especially the Daydream unit I tested.
There are few things I enjoy more than the satisfying clack of a mechanical keyboard, and I’m happy to say that Logitech mainly delivers that part here. Its typewriter-like keys provide plenty of travel, and each keystroke provides a good amount of bounce hit strongly – a sound that I personally love, but one that can drive your housemates or office workers crazy. Those coming from the usual laptop keyboard may need some time to get used to the deep and noisy keys of the Pop Keys, but I generally find the mechanical models more comfortable and enjoyable to use.
However, when someone comes from a large gaming keyboard like Logitech G815, using Pop Keys certainly comes with a small learning curve. Because the keys are so much smaller than what I’m used to, I frequently found myself accidentally hitting keys and making some pretty funny typos in the first few days of using it. If you already use a compact mechanical keyboard, this may not be a big deal for you. I also wish the Pop Keys offered some sort of height adjustment, as it’s a bit too flat for my taste compared to the more angular keyboards I’m used to. However, after getting the hang of things, I found Pop Keys comfortable and enjoyable to use during the long day at work and chatting with friends via Discord.
Extra keys are awesome – and not just for emojis
Pop Keys keyboard looks cute and feels nice, but it really stands out when it comes to special features. The first thing you’ll likely notice on Logitech’s keyboard is the five dedicated emoji keys on the right, allowing you to send a heart face to someone you like or a teary smiley face for the call. your group chat with one click.
You can program how these keys work in the Logitech Options app for Windows and Mac, and Logitech even includes four interchangeable keycaps for the fire, heart, thumb emojis and pray that your keyboard can match exactly what you are sending. But quick access to emojis is just the surface of what these buttons can do.
Dig a little deeper into the Preferences app and you’ll find the ability to program each emoji key to do, well… anything. These keys can be assigned productivity controls like copy and paste, media controls to play and pause, and even platform-specific features like summoning Cortana or switching apps in Windows. This is a really useful feature—one that I’m using for easy one-button access to Task View when I need to switch between apps.
A smaller hit that I appreciate are the Pop Keys function buttons, which provide shortcuts for things like taking screenshots, muting your microphone, and minimizing all of your Windows in addition to the controls. volume and media that you will find on most keyboards. The function row is also where you can instantly switch between up to three paired devices, which is one of Pop Keys’ absolute best features.
Logitech keyboards offer two forms of connectivity: a wireless USB transmitter and Bluetooth support, making it easy to pair with multiple devices at once. After connecting to my Windows 10 desktop via USB and pairing Pop-up Key with iPhone 12 Pro and MacBook Pro over Bluetooth, I’m happy with how easy it is to switch between all three with a quick tap. I was able to type on each device as soon as I switched to Monday and was especially pleased to see that certain controls (such as screenshots and volume controls) even work on the iPhone mine and Galaxy Note 10+.
If you use multiple computers, tablets, or phones throughout the day for work or content creation, the On Key’s cross-device support is a great bonus allowing your cute keyboard to Logitech doubles as a true productivity tool.
It’s also worth noting that the keyboard is powered by two included AAA batteries and is rated to last three years before you have to replace them – a strong claim that I would just need a little more time. to experiment. I don’t see the Pop Key’s battery running out any time soon, but I’d like a USB-rechargeable keyboard at this price point.
The Logitech Pop Keys is a great starting point for those looking to kick-start the compact mechanical keyboard trend. It has a colorful aesthetic you can show off to all your social media followers, but back it up with comfortable, pleasing keys and a host of useful features. Being able to easily spam emojis is fun, but Pop Keys’ programmable buttons and multi-device support also make it a worthy addition to your home office. .
If you don’t mind having a trendy mechanical keyboard, top keyboard selection in $99 Logitech MX Keys costs the same and offers a full-sized layout with many of the same pairing features. Those on a budget can also check out our low-cost selection for $29 K380, similarly compact with multi-device support. And if you want a cleaner, more minimalist design, you can consider the popular $89 price tag. Keychron K2 Mechanical keyboard.
But if you’re looking to add a funky, squeaky keyboard with lots of cool extras to your desk – or TikTok feed – there’s a lot to love about the typewriter. Logitech’s tiny.
