Solar-Powered Wireless Keyboard

Everything about Logitech’s new solar-powered keyboard screams “green” — except maybe its black and white case. Constructed of PVC-free plastic, packed in recyclable packaging with no included paper manual, and using only available light to power itself, it’s as friendly to the environment as a piece of computer hardware is likely to get.

Two solar panels at the top of the keyboard work to keep the internal battery charged, even in low indoor ambient light. When I took it out of the box, the battery was more than 50 percent charged after spending just 15 minutes in direct sunlight. After dark, the light from a 100-watt overhead bulb was able maintain the charge. The thing is anorexic when it comes to power consumption — Logitech says the keyboard will stay charged for three months in total darkness.


A free downloadable Solar App (Windows-only), which you can activate by the touch of a dedicated key, brings up an on-screen lux meter. It shows how much power is left before you’ll need more light, and it tells you what kind of power you’re drawing from the currently available light source. The same “check light” key also has a tiny indicator above it that glows red or green depending on whether a charge is needed.

Beyond those wins, the streamlined, one-third-of-an-inch-thick keyboard also happens to be extremely comfortable to type on. The keys are chiclet-style and concave, and you get a resilient key feedback that’s not mushy or too firm. If the minimalist, flat design is ergonomically uncomfortable for you, the two belly-side kickstand legs pop open to add a slope if desired.

Like other Logitech input devices, the Solar Keyboard comes with a tiny Unifying USB receiver, Logitech’s proprietary wireless controller. The little nub is tiny enough that you never need to remove it from your notebook, and it can connect up to five other Logitech Unifying-ready mice and keyboards without the hassle of multiple receivers.

The top row has the typical Function keys, but like the F1 to F12 keys on most other keyboards, these do double duty. When combined with an Fn key (like those found on notebooks) they can be programmed to launch your browser, e-mail client, web shortcuts, calculators and desktop widgets, or control media playback and system volume.

But for just the convenience — make that luxury — of not having to hassle with changing batteries in a wireless device, Logitech’s solar keyboard is a worthy consideration. Especially since typing on it is as smooth as buttah. All the other features are merely gravy.

Gravy of the vegetarian, organic, good-for-you-and-the-Earth variety, but gravy nonetheless.

WIRED All you need is some sunshine. No battery hassles or sudden lost connections. Sleek, nearly flat design doesn’t hog desktop real estate. Mini-USB transceiver can connect additional Logitech input devices.

TIRED While flat slab design looks cool, typing on it may be uncomfortable for some (kickstand legs help). Keeping with the “green” theme, there’s no paper manual and the setup info on the box is minimal. Software downloads are Windows-only.