Logitech's CRAFT Keyboard for Mac and PC Features a 'Smart Dial' for Creatives

[MacRumors]

Logitech today announced CRAFT, the company's latest $200 "advanced keyboard" for Mac and PC that features a creative input dial for more easily accessing context-specific controls while working.

Called the Crown, the "smart aluminum dial" sits on the top-left of the new full-size keyboard and is touch sensitive, enabling creative users to tap or turn it to adjust settings like brush size, brightness, chart type, font size, and so on.

"Our new flagship Logitech CRAFT keyboard is for all creators who spend a lot of time designing and creating - who want to work with greater precision and feel connected to their work," said Art O'Gnimh, global head of keyboards at Logitech. "The creative input dial gives you instant access to the functions you need, the moment you need them, allowing you to increase your productivity by simply touching the dial. CRAFT puts you in your creative element - every time you sit at the desk."

Users can customize the Crown's functionality using custom profiles in the Logitech Options software utility, which is compatible with Adobe Photoshop CC, Adobe Illustrator CC, Adobe Premiere Pro CC, Adobe InDesign CC and Microsoft PowerPoint, Excel and Word, although Microsoft functionalities work on PC only at this time, according to Logitech.

The dial can also be set up to access global Mac controls - giving users the ability to change desktops, navigate between apps, or adjust volume, as well as assign one additional Crown function in each of their favorite apps.

In addition to the creative dial, the CRAFT Advanced Keyboard features smart illumination with backlighting that detects hands and adjusts lighting automatically depending on the room conditions. Meanwhile, a proprietary button on the keyboard allows users to dynamically switch between - and type on - any three connected devices, whether they are using a Windows PC, Mac, or tablet.

The Logitech CRAFT Advanced Keyboard is expected to become available in October 2017, but can be pre-ordered now from the company's website for the price of $199.99.

Article Link: Logitech's CRAFT Keyboard for Mac and PC Features a 'Smart Dial' for Creatives

 

[TreyCox]

Wow, I really like this.

 

[WestonHarvey1]

Nice ZX Spectrum+ keys there.

 

[Speechless]

Smexy.

 

[macduke]

Dang, you'd think it was CES with all the accessories posted last night.

 

[69Mustang]

That's a pretty slick keyboard. Pseudo-Microsoft Dial integrated into the keyboard is a novel take on MS's reference device. I'd get one of these if they made a mechanical version.

 

[jgdeschamps]

Old tech from the CAD world.
You want that with more functionality, 3D features and cheaper? Add this to your rig...
https://www.3dconnexion.com/products/spacemouse.html

 

[KPOM]

Why is it on the left when most people are right-handed?

 

[OldSchoolMacGuy]

Why is it on the left when most people are right-handed?

My guess is this design still allows use of the arrow keys at the same time the dial is being used. Also allows you to use the mouse at the same time as the dial.

 

[djeeyore25]

I hope the dial has more functionality and options than the Surface Dial. I rarely use my SD except for scrolling or volume control. The keyboard itself looks really nice though.

 

[MacSince1985]

I like it, but I'd need hands-on experience before shelling out $200 for it. And especially find out if the dial can be configured for use with other apps.

I'm a little unclear on the power management. It needs to be plugged in (USB-C) for charging But then can be used corded, via Bluetooth, or via Unifying. No indication of charge time and how long it will run on battery.

 

[Anuba]

Old tech from the CAD world.
You want that with more functionality, 3D features and cheaper? Add this to your rig...
https://www.3dconnexion.com/products/spacemouse.html

Yeah. Logitech founded 3Dconnexion and still owns it, so there could be some shared DNA in the tech.

Anyway - big Logitech fan since forever but I'm not interested in this particular item, as it's only available in Dealbreaker Black. Also, if you're gonna attach a bar that huge just to accommodate the dial, then at least use it for something. It could've held an entire touch bar. Or two.

 

[roland.g]

Or get this:

https://griffintechnology.com/us/powermate-bluetooth

And you can put it where you want to. Lefty. Righty. Great for video scrubbing.

 

[Fall Under Cerulean Kites]

Key layout looks horrible. What’s Alt Opt Start and Alt Opt Ctrl? Would it really be that difficult to screen print Mac and PC keycap sets?

 

[erinsarah]

Nice ZX Spectrum+ keys there.

Dude, did you just make reference to a Timex Sinclair? A tip of my cap to you, sir.

 

[Anuba]

Key layout looks horrible. What’s Alt Opt Start and Alt Opt Ctrl? Would it really be that difficult to screen print Mac and PC keycap sets?

Well, they always managed before, and they often had a separate Mac offering, in white and all. I guess they grew tired of Mac users not returning the love, since they've phased out the Mac editions gradually and now it seems they're at a point where they're not even bothering to make separate Mac/PC versions of their premium products ($200!).

 

[anentropic]

nice!

guess where Apple should have put their Touch Bar...

 

[jayyymorales]

This is perfect. I just got a Macbook pro for work and have an Alienware for fun. i already have the Master S2 so it will go perfect with the black/space gray theme. I currently have the Matias but it lacks quality, backlighting and doesn't pair nice with windows.

 

[SigEp265]

and the control key is in the correct spot! lol

 

[groovyd]

the first non apple keyboard that might get me to switch.

edited - alright, ordered... let's see if it bests my apple keyboard. it was the illuminated keys that sold it for me.

 

[commanderclif]

I'm a lefty, but living in this righty world I trackpad and trackball (and mouse) with my right hand. But I would welcome a left hand dial. I used my left when I demoed the Microsoft one in their store, and since I edit had always thought about the PowerMate hub thing.

Why is it on the left when most people are right-handed?

 

[fhall1]

I'd get one to try - but $200 is just too much for a keyboard - dial or no.

 

[macs4nw]

Dang, you'd think it was CES with all the accessories posted last night.

Spoilers for the upcoming IFA consumer electronics show in Berlin this weekend.....

 

[mdbradigan]

Pricey...but I like this idea much. For $200 I expect some pretty darn decent build quality... I look forward to reviews.

 

[macduke]

Spoilers for the upcoming IFA consumer electronics show in Berlin this weekend.....

Ahhh yes I forgot about that, which I shouldn't have, because I've been hearing about some camera rumors for IFA on other sites. It certainly seems to be getting more attention in the U.S. over time.