Top critical review
3.0 out of 5 starsRefined features, worsened functionality
Reviewed in the United States on June 29, 2020
Summary: As usual, Logitech improved the device's features (more precise track pad, better key feel, bigger power slide button, better placing of volume buttons, bright yellow colored left-click corner button), but in true Logitech fashion, worsened its overall functionality (removed media buttons, tiny arrow keys, opaque color scheme, moved power slide button to an uncomfortable position, among others). So, if you are looking to replace your old K400 with the newer K400+ keep in mind that it was created with a focus on being a generic wireless keyboard for use in multiple applications rather than being a media center keyboard like the k400.
Full Review: I want to start off by stating that I write this review from the perspective of someone who uses these keyboards with a media center (HTPC, Console, Smart TV). After all, this series of keyboards replaced the old K700 keyboard that was used in the Logitech Revue, which in my humble opinion remains the gold standard for media keyboard functionality. That keyboard had almost everything you would ever want in a media center keyboard and it is a shame Logitech never bothered to refine it. The K400+ is technically a much better keyboard, but only because it is newer and has refined tech in it. Functionally, it is not even half as good. It is this observation that I want to make the focus of this review. Logitech went from the K700 to the K400r, and now K400+ each time making the keyboard less media center focused.
If you look at the picture of the K400r and the K400+ in full light you'll notice a more opaque color scheme for the K400+. The K400 had a deep black colored casing with bright bold white lettering for the keys and blue colored function icons. The K400+ on the other hand, has a grey colored casing with opaque light grey colored lettering and darker grey colored function icons. So, you why does this matter? Well, if you look at the picture of the two remotes in front of a TV in a dark room you'll immediately notice the keys on the K400r stand out much more. If you plan on watching TV in the dark at night or even during the day in dimly lit conditions you'll see the K400+ will not be as easy to use. This though, isn't a problem if the remote is ergonomic and well layed out to serve its function. For example, the old K700 did not have backlit keys either, but because of the way it was designed, you never had any problems pushing the right buttons. The K400r was not as functional but retained some of the K700's features, like the dedicated media buttons on the top left. Unfortunately, in the K400+ Logitech has done away with them entirely, and with it, done away with any pretense that this keyboard is anything but a generic wireless keyboard that can be used with a media center if desired. This couldn't be more evident in the shrinking of the arrow keys. Of all the keys in a keyboard meant for use with a media center, the arrow keys are some of the most important. If you look at the picture of the K700, you'll see it had a dedicated navigation area with a D-pad, then in the K400r they deleted all that but at least gave us large arrow keys that even had blue function options in them that helped them stand out. In the K400+ though, Logitech decided to completely shrink the arrow keys so that you end up pushing shift key instead of arrow up. Another button they ruined was the power slide button. Logitech did a good job improving the button itself by making it beefier. but, if you look at the comparison pictures you'll notice that, in the K400r, it was easily accessible with your index finger when holding the keyboard normally. In the K400+, the button was moved towards the center of the keyboard. So, unless you have very long fingers, you have to bring your hand around to get to it. Two substantial improvements they made, and two of the only features carried over from the K700, are the left-click on the top left corner and the trackpad. The left-click corner button in the K400+ is now a bright, almost neon-colored, yellow which makes it easy to see in the dark. The trackpad's functionality has been refined, it is now more responsive and has a bright yellow line along the bottom edge to make it easy to locate.
In the end, I think Logitech is trying to make a product that appeals to a broader range of applications, and it makes sense. Why make three different keyboards when you can make one that can be used for all three purposes. Unfortunately, anything that is meant to fit everything usually ends up fitting nothing. Logitech is slowly ruining something they had gotten right long ago. If Logitech is reading this, please bring back the K700 series. Make a new version with all the refined tech, and with the bright yellow paint for the lettering.
