The best keyboard I ever had (and still have) (Logitech UltraX Keyboard)

Member Name: Suchy101

Product:	Logitech UltraX Keyboard
Date:	22/07/09 (51 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Clean design, Classic shape and layout. Notebook keys.

Disadvantages: I can always be picky, but what's the point. Excellent produt !

There are few things that I need to mention before you go on and read the whole review. Firstly I own two models of this keyboard: the reviewed one and the newer one, called UltraX Premium. Secondly I have been using it for about 5 years, wrote 2 huge Masters degree dissertations on it (one for myself and one for my friend) and been using it for tons of gaming. Thirdly, I find myself an extremely demanding customer/user as I always spend hours and days online looking for opinions/reviews before even considering a buy on anything. Always!

The time this keyboard was released on the market I do not think there was anything other like this - Logitech entered (once again) a niche market sector releasing (I think) the first notebook-like keyboard for desktops (or first mainstream one, as I think the DiNovo model was available as well for some time). I myself always found notebook keys so much superior over the regular "big" ones and I was always puzzled why in the world no one did think of building a normal, regular looking keyboard with low notebook keys. Not hard to imagine how hyped I was when I found out about this one and as soon as it was available to buy - I went to get it (which in a way was breaking with my usual habits but this was a very special occasion for me).

Before getting into details I need to add another thing: not that I am a conservative person but ever since companies started creating a beefed up keyboards that included tens of additional keys that I always found useless and rubbish, I forever hated them. The time UltraX appeared on the market was the exact time of such "weirdness" being released more and more often, and the shapes and sized that these "monstrosities" had was even more repulsive. What I was always after was a simple straightforward design, that followed the principles I knew and liked. To my utter surprise (since nearly EVERY new product had to have something "more" than others have), the UltraX barely differed from the traditional keyboard layout - all it has as an extra is a tiny row of "media keys" that can be completely ignored.

To the point then - this keyboard has clean, simple design that I guess appeals some and disgusts others. I am in the first group so thumbs up from me. I have covered the layout already but worth mentioning is the fact that the sections of the keys are quite tightly spaced close to each other. I found it hardly as a downside, rather that "the way it is". I got used to it quickly and it never gave me any kind of grief and I mention it just to be comprehensive.

The keys themselves are nearly perfect. Why nearly? The stroke might have been a bit softer, but it is great anyway and still light-years away from the regular designs offer. The typing is super pleasant and fast and does not tire palms as the big ones do.

Gaming bit : I found opinions that these small notebook keys give an edge due to shorter travelling time. Well, if someone does feel that, good for him. Perhaps I am not hardcore enough of a gamer to feel that. For me it is just an enjoyable experience when playing games, that's it. One issue though: this keyboard (like most others) suffers from a lockdown issue when pressed a number of certain keys at once. The only keyboard I know of that did not had this is the very first keyboard I owned in my life, everything after that had that issue so I learned to live with it and how to get around it (rebinding keys to sections unaffected helps).

Now the interesting bit: I had that keyboard for over 5 years now and it is still alive and kicking. I use it daily at work since I got a newer version some time ago that I use at home. This keyboard is effin indestructible. All the signs clearly visible, no signs of wear on them despite some shining keys but that is understandable since it is just plastic. I must admit I am thoroughly impressed. REALLY impressed as I owned dozens of keyboards and based on that experience I would never ever predict this one would last that log ... Impressive !

To wrap it up. Would I recommend one ? YES ! Do I think the customer base is somewhat restricted due to its features (or rather lack of features)? Also a yes, obviously. But everyone that had the pleasure to lay his hands on my keyboard (coming from a regular one) was never the same before. Ever. And that's guaranteed.

The only problem today is that I believe that these keyboards are not available anymore (it is an old PS2 design). They have been replaced by the new USB models (the "Premium" ones), and based on my experience with both of them I regrettably have to admit that the new ones are far inferior to the old ones. Why? I will write a review of the new one so make sure to check it out!

Back to the reviewed product: if You are looking for such a device, and You can still get one, Do it. But please be aware that months after Logitech's release all of the copycats started to roll out their somewhat cheap-o versions of this design which I would personally avoid as they are totally and utterly rubbish in every way possible. So consider yourselves warned.

Final comment : the best keyboard I ever had. Love it and I try to spared that love around. Awesome product and to the contrary to it awesomeness - not expensive at all.

Summary: Love it. Get one if you can.

Processing/Quality:
Reliability:
Ease of use:
Installation:
Speed:
Variety of features: