Logitech Cordless Desktop Wave Set

Other products by Logitech

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 19.9 x 10.4 x 3.4 inches ; 4.3 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B000TKHGL2
• Item model number: 920-000264
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (209 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #466 in Electronics (See Bestsellers in Electronics)

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  #2 in	Electronics > Computers & Accessories > Mice & Keyboards > Keyboards > Keyboard & Mouse Combos
  #2 in	Electronics > Computers & Accessories > Mice & Keyboards > Keyboards > Macintosh Compatible
  #3 in	Electronics > Computers & Accessories > Mice & Keyboards > Keyboards > Ergonomic

• Date first available at Amazon.com: July 26, 2007

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

Logitech is touting an advancement in comfort and usability design with its ergonomic, cross-platform Cordless Wave keyboard. There might be some marketing hyperbole to this claim, but after a week of typing with the Wave, I'm not sure that I could live without it. (This Cordless Desktop Wave also includes the ambidextrous LX8 scroller laser mouse.)

Like other ergonomic keyboards, the Wave includes an elevated palm rest, though not as extreme as the platforms of old. It's also covered in a lightly padded vinyl upholstery that feels soft yet firm under the wrist, as well as a Goldilocks amount of tackiness (i.e., not too slippery, not sticky, just right). The keys are also positioned in a gentle U-shaped arc that nearly escapes the eye, but is apparent once you set your wrists down and start typing.

Contoured, wave-shaped key design conforms naturally to your fingers.

But the biggest design innovation that the Wave introduces comes from its name--the keys undulate across the board in a wave-shaped contour that mimics the changing lengths in your own digits. The keys are at their highest on the outside at the A and Enter keys (which, if you're a touch typist, is where your little fingers are positioned), and the keys trough to their lowest point at D and K (where the longer middle finger resides) before rising slightly at the G and H keys. The keys have a maximum distance variation of 4mm, and the spacebar mimics the wave contour of the keyboard design.

As someone who writes for a living, my computer keyboard is one of the most important tools I have and one that I'm connected to for hours every day. I've gone through many models over the years to get just the right one, and I currently use the Matias Tactile Pro on my Mac as it provides some of the best keystroke feedback I've found (which is the polar opposite to the frustratingly squishy keyboards that came with my HP and Apple PCs).

While the rolling contour of the keyboard layout was barely perceptible, my fingertips took to the Wave easily. It felt like each key was indeed designed specifically to fit the finger that was mapped to tap it. And the keys combine a springy action with a final tap that's not too loud, but both tactile and audible enough for instant feedback. As my week of testing progressed and my fingers grew more accustomed to the Wave, I actually felt as if my typing was both more accurate than on the Tactile Pro as well as a touch faster.

From an ergonomic standpoint, the Wave's gradual curve isn't immediately noticeable, but after a few days I found my elbows weren't hunched next to my body as they were with the straight keyboard, freeing both wrists and shoulders from strain. That said, if you require more substantial ergonomics for your typing (such as the curve and height of the Microsoft Natural), you might be disappointed by the relative flatness of the Wave.

The Delete key has been elongated and the Insert/Help key moved above..

The Wave has a fairly standard extended keyboard design, with one change that I cheered but could easily be jeered by others. The Home/Delete/End/Page Up & Down keys is switched to a vertical orientation, and the bane of my typing life--the Insert key (also the Help key on the Mac), which I often hit mistakenly when hunting for the Delete key--has been moved up (moving into the Scroll Lock key position) and replaced by an elongated Delete key. Another handy feature is onscreen notification of when you hit the Caps Lock key (another one of my touch typing transgressions).

The keyboard is supplemented by a plethora of system-specific feature buttons--including Flip 3D, Gadgets and Media Center in Windows Vista (aka, Expose, Dashboard, and Front Row on the Mac)--as well as quick access to your selected audio program and full playback controls (including volume). All functions can be customized using the included Logitech Setpoint utility (or Control Center within the Mac's System Preferences).

The Desktop Wave package is completed with the inclusion of the symmetrically designed LX8 laser scroller mouse, which can be used by either righties or lefties. The comfortably curved sides are supplemented by a rubbery finish that's easily gripped. It's more compact than the Microsoft Intellimouse we've been using, though just a bit heftier. That said, it glided easily over our desk's surface and was very precise once we configured the tracking speed. Both mouse and keyboard connect to your PC via a wireless USB dongle that looks like a flash thumbdrive. Its small size makes it easy to pack along with the mouse for work while on the go, and it also comes with a dock for desktop use. Both mouse and keyboard are powered by two AA batteries.

When I began reviewing the Cordless Wave, I wasn't looking for a new keyboard. But thanks to its excellent typing action, unique comfort features--from the contoured design of the keys to the padded wrist rest--and the plethora of customizable functions right at the tip of the finger, it's time to part ways with my old keyboard. --Agen G.N. Schmitz

Pros:

• Innovative contoured design of the keys conform naturally to your finger lengths, excellent typing action
• Padded vinyl wrist rest adds soft comfort and allows easy movement
• Loads of function and multimedia buttons, all customizable using included software
• Cross-platform, including compatibility with special features in Windows Vista
• Laser mouse is symmetrically designed, for use by both righties and lefties

Cons:

• Shifting of some keys might annoy some, but delight others
• Might seem flat to those who need more substantial ergnomics

Product Description

A revolutionary advance in keyboard design, the Logitech Wave key design instinctively guides your hands into a natural position for enhanced comfort and productivity. The cushioned palm rest provides extra support and can help reduce fatigue, and one-touch hot keys provide easy access to many Windows Vista features, including Flip 3D, Zoom, Photo Gallery, and Gadgets. Programmable F-keys can instantly open your favorite applications, games, folders, and web pages. Featuring soft-rubber side grips, the cordless laser mouse delivers exceptional comfort and precision. Both keyboard and mouse provide ultra-long battery life, and convenient LED battery indicators alert you when batteries need changing.

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

223 of 234 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Without A Doubt, The Best Keyboard I Have Ever Used, October 2, 2007

By	Robert L. Stinnett (Boonville, MO) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

Length:: 8:59 Mins

I can say with all fairness, this is the best keyboard and mouse combination set I have ever used. The unique wave design of the keyboard helps to keep your hands and arms positioned correctly, while the mouse has just enough weight to give it a substantial, firm feel.

If you are like me, the old ergonomic keyboards of the past just didn't work for you -- they were too awkward to get used to and weren't all that comfortable. With the Logitech Wave, they've addressed those concerns in making a keyboard that is easy to use and comfortable for long periods of typing.

In this video review I walk you through the product set and talk about some of the features I like about the Logitech Cordless Desktop Wave set as well as some of the things you should watch out for when purchasing any wireless desktop combination.

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars For Mac users, have no fear, February 24, 2008

By	Matthew Loiacono "mac book matt" (Plattsburgh, NY, USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I was looking for a keyboard for my Mac Book Pro and after hours of comparison online and in stores I ordered the Wave. I had the keyboard in two days with free shipping and a twenty dollar rebate( can't beat that). I was worried about the keyboards functionality with my apple but am completely satisfied. I hooked it up, went to the logitech web site, downloaded the mac interface and poof, I have a wireless keyboard and mouse that does everything my laptop keyboard does and more. All the quick keys work with itunes, safari, onstage, etc.. While it is not a split ergonomic keyboard it does offer a great deal of relief to my hands while typing with it's "wave" shape. The key response is great and not noisy. Plus, I have had no problems with distance distortion. So why did I rate it only four?, well... if you have read any of the other reviews you will notice a common theme: great keyboard, poor mouse. I will say it is much better than my much smaller portable mouse, but the scroll button does not respond well and it just seems much poorer quality than the keyboard. All that said, if you want a wireless keyboard/ mouse combo that works great with Mac and Microsoft (I have dual operating systems running, works great on both) and don't want to spend a fortune than this is a great deal on a good/great product.
Matt

38 of 42 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Logitech Cordless Wave Set - Solid Wireless Set from Logitech, September 17, 2007

By	Mark "Technology, Music and Movies" (East Coast) - See all my reviews (#1 REVIEWER)

Logitech's Wave Set is a solid keyboard and mouse set that will be appreciated by many. It's a great new design for those who want something less extreme than full split designs but something more firm than the standard squishy keyboard. With this product Logitech adds to it's line-up of high quality computer peripherals.

Pros
+ Nice wireless design - batteries included!
+ Integrated wrist cushion - comfy and convenient!
+ Keys are shaped to be closer to your smaller fingers - Less hand movement
+ Integrated number pad in a nice form factor
+ Decent wireless range of 6 ft, with included extender
+ Quiet key action that seems smoother than others I've had
+ Weak battery indicator
+ Vista key shortcuts work nice!
+ Programmable smart keys

Cons
- Mouse is adequate for basic users but power users will need another
- Key design takes some getting used to
- May not be enough separation for those who prefer full split ergonomic designs
- Somewhat buggy Logitech software with sleeper processes

The design of the keyboard is nice and sturdy, and the additional number pad is a nice feature. The wave shape is REALLY nice, with nice sized keys and many extras. This is a great ambidextrous keyboard that can be used well by lefties and righties. The integrated keyboard wrist pad is nice and comfortable, and the design gives you one less thing you have to have on your desk.

I have actually come to prefer this to the split keyboard design after using it for a period of months. I can move my hands less and let my fingers touch the keys. As a result, my typing speed has actually improved slightly.

This keyboard gets extra points for good working distances from the USB mini-reciever. With the included extension cord, you can make it work from even farther away. That makes it great for true media center applications. I've read that the range is up to 6 feet, but I have used it from much farther away than that.

Battery life is also much improved as compared to prior models. I use rechargeable batteries and have gotten more than a few months out of my first set.

There are some minor downsides. The mouse is somewhat standard and doesn't have power user features, like extra programmable keys. For that reason, I have started using this keyboard with my G9 laser mouse. Logitech G9 Laser Mouse

One thing to keep in mind is that this keyboard is available in a stand-alone corded version. If you like the wave shape, don't mind a corded keyboard and want to use a different mouse, you may want to consider the stand-alone keyboard instead of this set. If you want this keyboard in the cordless version, you simply will have to buy the set to get it. Logitech Wave Keyboard

Many simply need the ergonomics of a split keyboard or other design. Test it out, but keep in mind it will take time to get used to. There are some nice options for ergonomic keyboards from Logitech, Microsoft and others.
Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Desktop 7000
Logitech Cordless Desktop Comfort Laser
Adesso Intellimedia MediaPro Flat Ergonomic MAC USB White Keyboard with 2 USB Ports ( AKB-805MAC)

This set is definitely worth looking into. Enjoy!