After we already had several products from Logitech’s Ergo series in review with the two Logitech mice MX Vertical and Lift as well as the trackballs MX Ergo and M575, we turn our attention to the ergonomic keyboard Ergo K860 today. Probably the most striking features of the keyboard are the split layout and the curved shape. It can also be set up at an angle of 0° to -7° and has a wrist rest with memory foam. This is said to result in improved posture, less muscle strain, and stronger wrist support.
Whether the Logitech Ergo K860 keyboard, like the other models, can convince and help to make the workday more pleasant, we clarify in the test.
Technical data
| Connection | Wireless (2.4 GHz or Bluetooth Low Energy) |
| Range | 10 m |
| Keys | Chiclet keys |
| Switches | PerfectStroke (Scissor) |
| Special features | Split layout, ergonomic design and curved shape |
| Multimedia buttons | yes |
| Lighting | no |
| Battery life | Up to two years with 2 AAA batteries |
| Materials | ABS plastic, textile, foam and memory foam wrist rest |
| Size | 233 x 456 x 48 mm (H x W x D) |
| Weight | 1160 g |
| Color | Graphite |
| Scope of delivery | Keyboard Unifying USB receiver 2x AAA batteries User manual |
| Price | € 91.65 * |
Scope of delivery
The Logitech Ergo K860 comes in a flat cardboard box, which is slightly larger than many other models due to the wrist rest. The packaging design is based on the other Logitech devices. It is mostly black, with only the turquoise lettering providing a contrast. While the keyboard is pictured on the front, we find information about the ergonomic adjustments and the technical details on the back. Inside the box we find the keyboard, the Unifying USB receiver, two AAA batteries and a manual.
Since the end of last year, the Logitech Ergo K860 has also been available with the new Logi Bolt receiver, under the name Logitech K860 for Business.
Design and ergonomics of the Logitech Ergo K860
- Split layout including number pad
- Flat chiclet keys and scissor switches
- Fixed wrist rest
The keyboard is completely in the color graphite, there are no other color variants. Visually, the Logitech Ergo K860 is reminiscent of typical office keyboards at first glance, but the curved shape as well as the split layout stand out at second glance. The keys of the Ergo K860 are flat, slightly concave apart from the top and bottom rows, printed and non-illuminated. The keyboard also has a wrist rest, which is gray and slightly patterned. Above the white logi lettering is the on/off switch. There is no USB port for connecting or charging the keyboard, as Logitech relies on two AAA batteries instead of a rechargeable battery for the Ergo K860. The Unifying USB receiver can be stored in the battery compartment if it is not needed at the moment or if you rely on a Bluetooth connection.
The keyboard has a full, extended ISO layout including a number pad, which is divided between the two hands based on the basic position for 10-finger typing. There are no single multimedia keys, but the function keys are double assigned. Furthermore, there are three Easy Switch keys, with which you can quickly and easily switch between the devices connected via Unifying receiver or Bluetooth at any time.
Many ergonomic features
- Curved shape for a more natural posture
- Fold-out feet for better wrist position
- Wrist support made of textile, foam and memory foam
The height of the Logitech Ergo K860 varies significantly due to its curved shape, with the highest point located between the two hands. While the hands are turned in with a conventional keyboard, the curved shape leads to a more natural posture of the hands and arms. The strain on the muscles and wrist is significantly reduced. The position of the wrists can also be further improved with the help of feet that can be folded out to an angle of 0, -4° or -7°. The rather larger wrist rest consists of a surface layer of textile, a supporting layer of dense foam, a comfort layer of memory foam and is firmly attached to the keyboard.
All of this results in 54% more wrist support, 21% less muscle activity in the upper trapezius muscle, and 25% less wrist flexion, compared to traditional keyboards, according to Logitech.
Processing of the Logitech Ergo K860
- Completely made of well-crafted plastic
- Easy to clean wrist rest
Material quality and workmanship are, as usual, very good. One relies entirely on plastic, but this is well processed and also feels good. Unclean edges or other small defects we did not find. The smooth wrist-rest cover also feels pleasant and is easy to clean. However, it would be even better if it could be removed, as dirt can collect in the edge between the wrist-rest and keyboard.
With a weight of 1160 g, the keyboard is relatively heavy. Due to this and the six rubber pads on the back, the Logitech Ergo K860 sits securely in place and doesn’t slip. Even set up, with less contact to the tabletop, this does not change.
Software
- Makes it possible to disable or even reassign function keys
- Quickly switch between up to 3 devices with Easy Switch
The Ergo K860 is supported by Logitech’s latest Logi Options+ software. Within the software, you can remap keys, either globally or even for individual programs, disable certain keys, or even switch between standard function keys and Logitech’s options, such as changing brightness or volume. The type of connection and battery status are also visible in the software. Furthermore, the Ergo K860 supports Easy Switch, which allows simultaneous pairing with up to three computers and quick switching at the touch of a button.
Logitech Ergo K860 in the field test
- Very pleasant typing experience in everyday office use…
- … which, however, requires a longer period of getting used to
- at much mouse use only limited recommended
As with the other Ergo products, you should allow some time and have patience to get used to the design. While normal keyboards get higher towards the back, the Logitech Ergo K860 flattens out, making the posture of the arms feel strange at first. This also applies to the hand position due to the split layout. In the first few days, typing did not feel more ergonomic at all, but rather more uncomfortable, and the typing speed also decreased noticeably. However, after a few days of wanting to reach for the usual keyboard again, the posture already felt much more natural and comfortable. Typing speed also increased again, although it still doesn’t come close to that of the old familiar MX Keys.
The Ergo K860 performs very well in everyday office use, as long as one masters and uses 10-finger typing, and leaves hardly anything to be desired. This can look a bit different if you permanently use the mouse for certain applications or gaming and only have one hand left for the keyboard. Due to the split layout, fewer keys are accessible, some key combinations are no longer possible with one hand, and typing with one hand for short periods is also difficult.
Typing itself was also very pleasant over longer periods of time and you notice that the keyboard is designed with ergonomics in mind. The difference to other keyboards is noticeable and is especially noticeable when switching between two models. The very generously sized wrist rest also contributes to the ergonomics and is still very comfortable at the end of the workday. The typing feel is just as pleasing, but the pressure point and feel of the keys do not come close to the aforementioned MX Keys from Logitech’s Master series.
Summary of the Logitech Ergo K860 test
Overall, the Logitech Ergo K860 leaves a good to very good impression in the test. The divided and curved design first requires a period of getting used to, which is sometimes a bit difficult, but then the keyboard knows how to convince in the office routine and helps to make it noticeably more pleasant. The comfortable wrist rest also contributes to the high comfort. On the other hand, the keyboard is hardly suitable for other activities like gaming, or at least it could not convince us.
The material quality and workmanship are typical for Logitech, even if the MX Keys offers a bit more here. We also miss features that we have come to love in everyday use, such as the backlight. The connection was stable at all times with the Unifying receiver and Bluetooth, and the current Logi Options+ is supported and offers customization options for the function keys, among other things.
The Logitech Ergo K860 is an interesting alternative to classic keyboards, especially for frequent typists, and can noticeably facilitate everyday work in the office.
Logitech Ergo K860
Workmanship
Features
Ergonomics
Software
Value for money
84/100
Very ergonomic keyboard that leads to a significantly improved posture in everyday office use. However, a significant surcharge is due for the design.
