Logitech Cordless Elite Duo Review - Logitech Cordless Elite Duo Review
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Manufacturer: | Logitech |
| Product: | Cordless Elite Duo |
Price: | USD$99.95 |
Availability: | NOW |
Reviewed By: | Kaoman |
Edited By: | Mack "SPeeD" Littleton |
Feel/Quality
I have read a lot of complaining and whining on the net lately over how poor keyboards have become. There has been a lot of fuss over the lack of a bounce back feel when pressing down on keys which was seen in those very old (and ugly) IBM Classic 101s, termed "IBM Click" or "M Keyboard." Bull. Of all the keyboards I have used, the push back springy feel has always been relatively the same to me. Ranging from generic $1 keyboards after mail-in rebates, IBM keyboards I use at school, a Dell QuietKey, and Logitech's Elite keyboard - the responsiveness of one keyboard is no better or worse than another's; it is simply preference of one keyboard which creates this illusional "responsive feel."
What does affect someone's perception of a keyboard is the layout of the keys, sound, and how comfortable it is to type on the keyboard. The Cordless Elite features Zero-Degree Tilt technology which is supposed to make the keyboard flatter and more ergonomic or comfortable to type on.
Top: Cordless Elite | Bottom: Dell QuietKey
At first I didn't notice any difference typing on each keyboard. But after typing this review in one session on the QuietKey, my wrists felt rather sore. Switching over to the Cordless Elite, they felt much better. Reason being? My lazy typing position; I like to lay my wrists flat on the desk while typing. When typing, you are supposed to keep your wrists elevated and straight. Well, for those that don't, the Cordless Elite helps elevate pain. =)
The layout of the keys is very generic which I find preferable. Typing sounds about the same as the QuietKey, or most keyboards.
You may be wondering why I did not type this review on the Elite Duo itself. The reason is the mouse. It is pathetic for first person shooters, or any other type gaming. Up to date, besides the MX700, cordless mice have not been good with gaming. Being a very active Counter-Strike player myself, I could not live with the bundled mouse for more than a few hours.
For desktop use however, the mouse seems to be okay. It's not as "smooth" as my corded Intellimouse Optical, but is certainly good enough for me, and most users. It feels/fits my hand fine as well. The two AA batteries which the MouseMan requires (the keyboard also needs two AA batteries) does make it a bit heavier than most corded mice, but not by much. As a comparison, I used the Wireless Intellimouse Explorer for a bit, which is looked at here. All I can say is that the MouseMan Optical is a MUCH better mouse.
A note on battery life for both the keyboard and mouse. I have not used the duo long enough to have to switch batteries, but after speaking with a colleague of mine who has had the Cordless Elite Duo for over six months now, this was his comment: expect to buy a lot of AA batteries. Basically, you'll go through a set of batteries for the keyboard about once every 4 to 6 months on average, and for the mouse you'll need to replace them about once a week with constant "normal" use.
Conclusion
The Logitech Cordless Elite Duo has its ups and downs. It's wireless, but the mouse is handicapped. It has a great set of multimedia keys, but it runs off of short-lasting AA batteries.
How good a mouse or keyboard is really boils down to personal preference. A gamer would not want this combo; the importance of fluidity in a mouse far outweighs any keyboard function or wireless ability. Likewise, someone looking for a keyboard and mouse which are specifically cordless, for whatever reason, will love this combo for its additional features and good looks. The Cordless Elite Duo fits right at home with any home theater PC or casual PC user.
What I can say with assurance is that within the ring of wireless keyboard/mouse combos, the Logitech Cordless Elite Duo stands alone. And for that matter, it deserves an award of its own.
Pros/Cons:
Pros: Cordless, ideal for MANY situations Looks awesome Same size as most generic keyboards Palomar RF Technology Very useful multimedia functions Many other, lesser useful functions Wrist guard is attachable/detachable
| Cons: Rather pricey, but it is wireless Runs off of AA batteries (instead of a rechargeable lithium battery) short life Mouse + Games = Failure Mouse is heavier than corded mice (naturally due to batteries) Some of the functions are illogical to use (pun intended)
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Rating: 8/10
Special thanks goes out to Logitech for providing the unit for review.
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