Logitech Keys-To-Go 2 Keyboard

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Logitech’s slimmer, lighter Key-2-Go 2 Keyboard is an exercise in compromises, offering users a versatile and comfortable typing experience…but only if they’re willing to bring a little extra to the table, literally. This is a keyboard that doesn’t necessarily play nice with multiple devices but it can play nice alongside them, requiring a little work (and maybe some extra equipment) to really get the best possible experience. This means the Keys-2-Go 2 won’t be for everyone, but it will be for someone, and is a significant improvement over the original Keys-2-Go model.

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Design: Impossibly Thin & Light

If you’re a big fan of Logitech’s ever-evolving keyboard lineup then you’ve seen the ‘new’ design of the Keys-2-Go 2 before as the company has basically taken their Pebble Keys 2 keyboard and flattened it out, swapping out the circular keys for square-shaped low-profile scissor ones. The only non-typing button is a small power On/Off toggle located on the top-right rear, and a thin protective cover folds underneath when in use.

Three Easy-Switch buttons let you easily switch (get it?) between three different Bluetooth devices, allowing it to connect to just about anything that will accept it, including Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, iPads, Android, ChromeOS, you name it. There’s even an iPad specific model (conveniently named the Keys-To-Go 2 for iPad) that functions the same, only with a Apple-friendly layout.

The keyboard itself is constructed from recycled plastics and efficiently made aluminum, and feels sturdy enough. Even the paper instructions are made from environmentally sourced resources. Logitech really wants you to know they’re on the side of Mother Earth, and I’m here for it.

The result is an incredibly thin, incredibly light TKL (TenKeyLess) keyboard that omits the numberpad but retains a row of Function keys offering popular media functions like Play/Pause, Volume and screen brightness adjustments, screenshots, and a dedicated emoji button. You can even remap most of them using the Logi Options+ App with keyboard shortcuts and Logitech’s proprietary “smart AI” actions, which I didn’t find at all useful.

Did I mention how light this keyboard is? It’s just 7.84 oz but somehow feels lighter and stable on flat surfaces. Other than its featherweight, the most impressive part of the Keys-2-Go 2 is the impossibly great battery life that Logitech promises will last 36 months, and unless you’re willing to wait three years for me to test that lofty claim I’ll have to trust them. There’s no battery life indicator on the keyboard itself, so make sure to monitor its lifespan in your device’s Bluetooth menu if you don’t want to lose connection.

But the longevity comes at a cost as there’s no rechargeable lithium battery, and you can’t use standard batteries. Rather, two smaller CR2032 coin batteries are locked behind two Torx (T5) screws, neither of which are difficult to find but probably aren’t already available in most users’ households.

The Typing Experience

A keyboard is only as useful as its primary function, which is delivering a solid typing experience. So how does the Keys-2-Go 2 fare in this department? Not bad, but not exceptional. If you’ve ever used one of Logitech’s Folio keyboard cases then you’ll know exactly what to expect here as the typing experience is virtually the same. While I like the full-sized scissor keys, they can feel a bit mushy at times, especially if your WPM is on the higher side. While the keys generally felt responsive and easy to reach, the only exceptions were the +/- and delete keys on the top-right, which are smaller and play hell with muscle memory.

It’s probably the smaller bezels that results in a more cramped typing experience, especially for users with larger hands. This is less the fault of the keyboard itself and more the nature of using a device meant for mobility.

Pros and Compromises

There are some very specific things about the Keys-2-Go keyboard that users should be aware of before investing in one as their all-purpose mobile keyboard solution.

The biggest pro would have to be its versatility. The Keys-2-Go 2 is so compact, lightweight, and Bluetooth friendly that it’s super easy to share it between different platforms with just the touch of a Easy-Switch button, which makes it especially useful for power users. Most mobile keyboards of this quality are usually proprietary for their device (see: Apple’s Magic Folio), so having a single set of keys work seamlessly across different devices is a huge win.

But, again, this versatility comes with its own compromises. Unlike its predecessor, this version doesn’t include a kickstand or device-holding cradle, which means you’ll have to rely on your device having its own stand or finding another way to prop it up. This might be the most disappointing aspect of the Keys-2-Go 2 because you can see how easily Logitech could have added an extendable kickstand within the protective cover itself (which itself is slightly recessed) without adding any considerable bulk or weight.

Another nitpick was its cover, which is made of slippery-feeling plastic that really hugs the base when closed. While I respect the extra protection it adds, if your fingers are even the slightest bit clammy opening it can be harder than it looks. Speaking of moisture, it’s also no longer certified as waterproofed, so be careful of those accidental pina colada spills or getting caught out in the rain.

Conclusion: Power User Appeal

Logitech’s Keys-2-Go 2 makes a few tradeoffs trying to be a mobile keyboard for all users, and while it doesn’t always work, there’s still much to like here. Those needing a singular keyboard for one device should look into a proprietary option if they want the most from their device. But power users needing a high-quality, durable mobile keyboard that plays nice with multiple platforms, won’t take up much space, and has battery life that literally lasts for years will find much to love with the Keys-2-Go 2. Just make sure to BYOS — bring your own stand.