Logitech’s Alto Keys K98M mechanical keyboard is now available in North America after an initial launch in China and other select markets. 99 149.99 Alto Keys K98M is a nearly full-size 1800 layout keyboard, offering a slightly compact design that retains the number pad. But what makes the K98M special for a mass-market Logitech board is that it’s fully thermal with standard Cherry MX-compatible key switches and uses an internal gasket mount for a semi-soft typing feel. Logitech is taking some belted cues from inspired keyboards.
The Alto Keys have a two-piece plastic case with a translucent top and opaque bottom that is colored by its included caps. It comes in white, graphite, and lavender color combos, with white backlighting and glossy PBT caps. It has a simple and clean aesthetic designed for mass appeal. As are its specs and features, such as a claimed battery life of up to 12 months (with white backlighting off) and Bluetooth/LigiBolt wireless connectivity — each usable on Windows, macOS, Linux, ChromeOS, iOS/iPados, and Android.
I’ve spent a little time with a review unit of the Alto Keys, and I’m enjoying the look, sound, and feel of typing. The translucent plastic case and visible internal gasket surround the tray giving the keyboard a nice, airy design. It’s particularly attractive in the lavender color I’m testing, but the more traditional graphite and white models look just as clean. I imagine they offer a bit more flexibility in the color department if you want to keep your own cape. Customization goes even further, as you can hot swap the switch with thousands of other options for a bespoke sound and feel. There are thousands of other options.
But software is a different story. Logitech’s Logitech Options Plus app is easy to use and has a nice UI for basic settings (backlight level, timeout, auto battery saver mode, etc.), and it also displays a toast-like screen popup when adjusting brightness or volume, reminiscent of a Mac. But the actual keyboard adjustments it offers are very limited. For example, you can only customize the alternate functions of the 12 F-row keys. Inexpensive keyboards can be reconfigured into anything using software like QMK and Via.
Alto keys don’t sound as big, bold, or distinct as smaller brand excitement boards with metal cases, but they still feel pleasant to type on. It has a soft, clean sound that isn’t overly loud and should be passable in all but the quietest offices. And just as the design is light and airy, the Alto Board is easy on the fingers. Logitech’s marble switches that are installed have 3.5mm of linear travel that’s smooth and even. only Enough weight at its 40g activation force to not feel too heavy or feathery with each key press. If you press down hard, the unison gasket underneath gives the keys a touch of flexibility, but still an underlying firmness, so it doesn’t feel mushy.
I’m overall impressed with the Alto keys, and I hope we see more exciting style effects come to Logitech keyboards—especially the more translucent designs, because it’s just fun. But for $150, it’s competing with good prebuilt keyboards from smaller brands (a bunch of which I covered in my recent buying guide). Many of these options cost less than the likes of Wubky, Chelky, and others while offering more extensive software customization and higher quality content (especially if you’re partial to metal cases). And if you don’t mind a plastic case, options from brands like Cachron or AULA are half the price.
Still, this is the first interesting Logitech keyboard I’ve tried in a while, and I’m stoked to see more. Maybe next Logitech will bring 75% Alto keys to the K75m, for those of us who don’t care about number pads.
Photography by Antonio G. Di Benedito / The Verge
