Anyone looking to try out the new Logitech Keys-to-Go 2?

[varezhka]

Just like the title says. Curious whether anyone here was looking to try the new Logitech Keys-to-Go 2 that was just announced today for their iPads:
https://www.logitech.com/en-us/products/tablet-keyboards/keys-to-go2-universal.920-012867.html

About the same weight as the BT Magic Keyboard or almost half the K380s Pebble Keys 2. Designed for portable use, so should be more durable than the BT Magic Keyboard (yes, I've bent one before).

I'm happy now using MX Keys Mini as my home and travel keyboard, but something smaller/lighter to keep in my bag is appealing.

 

[sracer]

Just like the title says. Curious whether anyone here was looking to try the new Logitech Keys-to-Go 2 that was just announced today for their iPads:
https://www.logitech.com/en-us/products/tablet-keyboards/keys-to-go2-universal.920-012867.html

About the same weight as the BT Magic Keyboard or almost half the K380s Pebble Keys 2. Designed for portable use, so should be more durable than the BT Magic Keyboard (yes, I've bent one before).

I'm happy now using MX Keys Mini as my home and travel keyboard, but something smaller/lighter to keep in my bag is appealing.

I have two Keys-to-Go (one iOS/Mac OS the other Android/Windows... though they both work on all systems). I also have two K380 keyboards... a dark grey for use with my M2 Mac Mini and an orange K380 for use with my other systems.

Given the photos, I don't have any interest in the Keys-to-Go 2, but I'll need to wait and see it in person before drawing any final conclusions. It could either be the best of both worlds (K380 & KtG) or the worst of both.

 

[wib]

Thank you for the link and information! I love my original Keys-to-Go and so was very interested to see the next generation would be like...

My first opinion was that it looked bulky, heavy and lost a lot of the appeal of the original. Looking again, the sustainability angle and replaceable batteries and a cover, make it worth a second look.

It would be good to see it in person though. My original is so rarely used that the battery doesn't really hold a charge for long anymore. I wonder if they will be putting the original version on sale now... It could potentially end up being an almost win-win situation if you're a fan of either generation and move quickly.

Looking again at the Japan site, they're only offering it in graphite here. A bit of a lost opportunity as colours are quite popular here.

 

[raycornwall]

I really want to try this. It looks less bulky that some of the other bluetooth keyboards I've seen.

 

[TorontoSS]

I purchased it last week and I think it’s great. It’s incredibly light weight so it looks heavy but it isn’t. I actually use the cover kind of as a shelf for my iPad mini to be on it as I type on my lap.

The feel is great. Obviously.not as robust as mx keys but still very good. I’d say similar feel in typing though. I had tried out the keys to go 1 and I had a typo every 4 seconds. Keys to go 2 is much much more reliable.

 

[wib]

I purchased it last week and I think it’s great. It’s incredibly light weight so it looks heavy but it isn’t. I actually use the cover kind of as a shelf for my iPad mini to be on it as I type on my lap.

The feel is great. Obviously.not as robust as mx keys but still very good. I’d say similar feel in typing though. I had tried out the keys to go 1 and I had a typo every 4 seconds. Keys to go 2 is much much more reliable.

Good choice! I finally got to see one in the shop today. It's deceptively light. You're quite right! I thought it was lovely, and I'm definitely going to get one the next I travel abroad.

Enjoy it!

 

[varezhka]

Thank you both for your impressions! That is very encouraging.
I’m still waiting to see the keyboard in my local shops myself, but the early reviews all sounds just as positive about the keyboard. I can’t wait to try.

 

[DeepSix]

I was just reading on this keyboard the other day. I was interested in it until it said no backlight, not interested anymore. I don’t understand why it’s so difficult to find a small keyboard that has backlight and hot keys.

Personally, I’m waiting for Logitech to release an MX keys mini S that will have controllable backlight. I have the MX keys S for at home use but I want a mini version for on the go.

 

[varezhka]

I don’t understand why it’s so difficult to find a small keyboard that has backlight and hot keys.

This is a 200g travel keyboard, or about the same weight as your (non-keyboard) Apple Smart Folio. A backlight will add weight, thickness, and reduced battery life. Simply a wrong feature for the tool.

As for the MX Keys Mini S, I wouldn’t hold my breath. The current MX Keys Mini is already closer in features to Keys S than the original Keys so I doubt Logitech is in any hurry to update.

 

[TorontoSS]

I agree with the above comment. A backlight, while cool, would drive up cost and weight. And given this is a keyboard meant to move around, adding those things won’t help. What helps is having keys that work, and are responsive. To me, the original keys to go didn’t really have that.

 

[DeepSix]

This is a 200g travel keyboard, or about the same weight as your (non-keyboard) Apple Smart Folio. A backlight will add weight, thickness, and reduced battery life. Simply a wrong feature for the tool.

As for the MX Keys Mini S, I wouldn’t hold my breath. The current MX Keys Mini is already closer in features to Keys S than the original Keys so I doubt Logitech is in any hurry to update.

Good point. Im actually eyeing the new G515 that was just announced 2 days ago. Looks very portable. Stores should be receiving stock soon. Logitech has it up on their store right now.

This Keys to Go 2 I am curious to try out just because of how portable and light it is. It's probably as close as we get on a windows keyboard that is as light and as thin as the Apple Magic Bluetooth keyboard. The keys on the Go 2 look cheap though. Im not a fan of the soft rubber on the original Keys to Go. You're right, the 220g weight is the biggest selling point. The cover flap is a nice bonus.

Keys S came out last year. Logitech has taken a beating from customers on the lack of controllable backlight on the Keys Mini. Now that they fixed that issue by releasing the Keys S, I would think a Mini S is eventually coming. MX Keys Mini is a couple of years old and isn't new anymore.

I may just stick with using my Apple Bluetooth keyboard for on the go for the time being. Can't beat that keyboard for typing experience and weight. 0.5lb in weight so matches the Keys to Go 2. Highly doubt the Keys 2 Go would be the same quality.

 

[Mr West]

I got one too, and must say (price aside) it’s great!

For my use case I don’t understand the appeal of the Magic Keyboard. Most of my iPad use is in tablet mode, so I don’t want the heavy keyboard.

However when traveling it’s great to have an ultralight keyboard I can whip out, placing the iPad on an improvised stand and get some work done.

 

[Populus]

I’ve been using one for a couple of weeks. Initially, it’s great: great design, great touch, great typing experience… I loved it! But then, problems started to happen. It repeatedly loses connectivity, and it seems to be related to its weak design. It’s really lightweight but that means it can be twitched easily making the internal logic board to malfunction. I have to twitch mine a bit to make it work, otherwise it’s dead (like, no battery dead). So, I’m really sorry because it looked like the perfect portable keyboard, but I’m returning it. I’m still not sure wether to accept an exchange for another unit, and having the risk of having it fail again once the return period is over, or just give up and look for another lightweight alternative.

I have two Keys-to-Go (one iOS/Mac OS the other Android/Windows... though they both work on all systems).

How’s the typing experience on the Keys to Go 1? I’ve read some messages that it is uncomfortable, for typing for two or three hours. I never had issues with the Smart Keyboard Folio but I’m not sure if this Keys to Go 1 keyboard will be more uncomfortable leading to many typos…

 

[sracer]

How’s the typing experience on the Keys to Go 1? I’ve read some messages that it is uncomfortable, for typing for two or three hours. I never had issues with the Smart Keyboard Folio but I’m not sure if this Keys to Go 1 keyboard will be more uncomfortable leading to many typos…

The K2G1 keyboard works fine. I'm a touch-typist so I generally prefer a keyboard with very low key travel and very little resistance. That is why I thought that Apple's Smart Keyboard Cover for the iPads was one of the best that I've used.

The K2G1 meets those needs, but actually requires a bit more force than on the smart keyboard cover. (or even Microsoft's Surface 1/2 keyboard cover, which is my 2nd favorite).

The Apple Smart Keyboard Folio is a follow-on of sorts to the Smart Keyboard Cover. I'd get it in a heartbeat for my 10th gen iPad if it were available for it. Since you have that keyboard, you already have the best (IMO) that is available. Every other mobile keyboard option falls far short (again, IMO).

Most of the criticisms I've seen regarding the K2G1 come from people who are accustomed to mechanical keyboards. They are used to far more key travel and force required that when they use the K2G1, their fingers are slamming into the keyboard... which would certainly be uncomfortable for them.

I've been a software developer since 1976. Mechanical keyboards is all that there ever was (except for Timex Sinclair T/S 1000, the Atari 400, and few others). As soon as alternative keyboard technology was available I was "on" it and never looked back at mechanical keyboards.

 

[TorontoSS]

I’ve been using one for a couple of weeks. Initially, it’s great: great design, great touch, great typing experience… I loved it! But then, problems started to happen. It repeatedly loses connectivity, and it seems to be related to its weak design. It’s really lightweight but that means it can be twitched easily making the internal logic board to malfunction. I have to twitch mine a bit to make it work, otherwise it’s dead (like, no battery dead). So, I’m really sorry because it looked like the perfect portable keyboard, but I’m returning it. I’m still not sure wether to accept an exchange for another unit, and having the risk of having it fail again once the return period is over, or just give up and look for another lightweight alternative.



How’s the typing experience on the Keys to Go 1? I’ve read some messages that it is uncomfortable, for typing for two or three hours. I never had issues with the Smart Keyboard Folio but I’m not sure if this Keys to Go 1 keyboard will be more uncomfortable leading to many typos…

I don’t know if it helps but I’ve been using ktg2 since it launched and still perfect for me. And I use pretty regularly. I even use the cover portion as a stand for my mini and no issues as yet. I mention because it may be a faulty unit you have?

 

[Populus]

I don’t know if it helps but I’ve been using ktg2 since it launched and still perfect for me. And I use pretty regularly. I even use the cover portion as a stand for my mini and no issues as yet. I mention because it may be a faulty unit you have?

It maybe faulty, yes, although I feel the chassis too flimsy, and I fear it would end up happening again. But, well, I guess that’s what the warranty is for! Ill think about a replacement maybe, because otherwise the keyboard is great. Although my idea was waiting to the launch of the M4 Macs and see if they finally release a USB-C Magic Keyboard to use it both with my Mac and my iPad.

 

[Amplelink]

I don’t know if it helps but I’ve been using ktg2 since it launched and still perfect for me. And I use pretty regularly. I even use the cover portion as a stand for my mini and no issues as yet. I mention because it may be a faulty unit you have?

Any updates? Still working OK for you? I just got one, but I'm debating whether or not I just swap this in for a Magic Keyboard.

 

[TorontoSS]

Any updates? Still working OK for you? I just got one, but I'm debating whether or not I just swap this in for a Magic Keyboard.

I really like mine still. I’m using it right now. One thing different for me is that I’m using a mini. But I think it works better for ME than a Magic Keyboard would if there was one because I have a MacBook Air and I don’t use my keyboard often on an iPad. Right now, I’m visiting my family and didn’t carry my macbook but it’s perfect to travel with this little keyboard and still have a very light device that goes into my sling bag. If there was a Magic Keyboard, i wouldn’t have been carrying it around. But that’s just me.

 

[Populus]

Any updates? Still working OK for you? I just got one, but I'm debating whether or not I just swap this in for a Magic Keyboard.

I kept trying but the issue seemed to be on the contact between the button batteries and the keyboard. Due to its low rigidity, it was really easy to flex even pulling slightly, and I think that’s what affected the contact of the batteries.

Aside from that problem, it was okay as a keyboard, comfortable to type on despite the compact size, and amazingly lightweight.

I asked for a replacement to Amazon, and I’ve been waiting for more than a week, but they don’t have stock of the white model and the earliest replacement would come at the end of November so… I finally cancelled. I’m getting a compact Magic Keyboard with Touch ID.

 

[CharlesShaw]

I love my new Keys-to-Go 2. My iPad Pro has a Smart Folio that sits on the open cover of the KTG2, so it reminds me of the old Smart Keyboard Folio when in use. The keys have the same shape, but they are much better, and the row of function/media keys is great.

I'd been using a Mac Magic Keyboard, and thought that would be the last keyboard I'd ever buy for the iPad, but my new Mac mini demanded it for itself. I have the Logitech MX full-sized keyboard that I only use during work hours with the Windows laptop provided by work, so it's nice to have a different mood for each setting.

 

[Fmantek]

I bought one in October. Have used it on 2 Trips. Now on the third one. The a key is no longer working ( only when I hit it 10x).

Verdict. Small. Comfy. Piece of scrap.

 

[Populus]

I bought one in October. Have used it on 2 Trips. Now on the third one. The a key is no longer working ( only when I hit it 10x).

Verdict. Small. Comfy. Piece of scrap.

Yeah, I didn’t bother replacing my faulty one because there seems to be a design flaw on it.

I got an Apple Magic Keyboard with Touch ID instead. Very happy with it.

 

[K-W]

This is a 200g travel keyboard, or about the same weight as your (non-keyboard) Apple Smart Folio. A backlight will add weight, thickness, and reduced battery life. Simply a wrong feature for the tool.

This is not going to be a helpful post, I know, and obviously to each their own — but my inability to find a backlit replacement for my trusty 10-year-old Logitech K811 is one of the reasons I’m still writing unhelpful posts like this on a 10-year-old Logitech K811.

1. If anything, backlighting is *more* important in a keyboard you’ll find yourself wanting to use, say, in a cramped coach seat on a redeye flight than in one you’ll use at home on a well-lit desk,
2. My backlit K811’s not much thicker than the Keys-To-Go 2 (if at all),
3. My K811’s battery life is fantastic (I charge it maybe a couple times a year, and it holds its charge while sitting in my bag unused sometimes for months), and
4. While my K811 is a little heavier than what I’ve read about the Keys-To-Go 2’s specs, I doubt backlighting is the reason.

I keep my K811 in my bag in a cheap travel shell, and it goes everywhere I go, but I know it won’t last forever. So I, too, was researching the Keys-To-Go 2 as a backup/replacement keyboard — and I, too, lost interest when I saw it wasn’t backlit.

And honestly, given the number of videos and articles I’ve seen from K811 users on how to replace keys and make other repairs, I’ve been surprised no one has figured out there’s a market for a new product with the same feature set.