| Name | Washable Keyboard: Logitech k310 |
|---|---|
| At a glance: | Standard layout plus shortcuts on function keys,Wired USB connection,Hand-washable/submersible to 30cm for 5 minute |
| Summary: | Exactly what it claims to be: a washable keyboard. Great if you can justify the $40-50 premium for that single feature. |
| Rating: | 4/5 |
| RRP: | $70 |
| Contact: | logitech.co.nz |
Logitech’s k310 is a very basic wired USB keyboard, of the sort you’d expect to buy for $20-30 at any major New Zealand retailer. However, it’s designed to be hand-washable in the event of a coffee spill or similarly cataclysmic event.
The design is attractive, with raised typewriter-style keys on a flat plastic board. The underside (which you’ll never see unless you’re washing it) is bright blue, and includes a little clip-on cleaning brush. The keyboard is submersible to 30cm for five minutes, or can be washed under running water, to a maximum temperature of 50 degrees celsius.
Besides the ability to clean the k310, it offers no special or unique features. It has a 103-key US layout, with a single Function (Fn) key replacing the right-hand Windows and Context-menu keys. This is used to activate a few basic shortcuts along the Function key row – search, media and volume controls. It’s comfortable to type on, with deep key travel and a clear ‘click’.
Is the k310’s washability worth a $40-50 premium over similar, non-washable keyboards? That depends on your needs. If you’re the type to go through two or three $30 keyboards in a year thanks to coffee spills (yes, we’ve met people like that), the economics are simple. The k310 would also suit naturally dirty, dusty or humid workplaces, thanks to its ease of cleaning.
With its large, well-defined and clearly labelled keys, the k310 is also great for young children. Spilled juice and sticky fingers aren’t nearly such a disaster when you can just chuck the keyboard in the sink and give it a rinse.
From the PC World lab:
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