Logitech’s latest keyboard packs a punch for enthusiasts

Logitech Alto keys K98M The mechanical keyboard is now available in North America after its initial launch in China and other select markets. The $149.99 Alto Keys K98M is a nearly full-size 1800-layout keyboard, offering a slightly compact design that preserves the number pad. But what makes the K98M special for a mass-market Logitech keyboard is that it’s fully interchangeable with standard Cherry MX-compatible key switches and uses an internal gasket holder for a near-smooth typing feel. Logitech is taking some late cues from enthusiast keyboards.

The Alto Keys contain a two-piece plastic case with a clear top and an opaque bottom that color matches the included keycaps. It comes in white, graphite, and lavender color combinations, with white backlighting and glossy PBT keycaps. It’s a simple, clean aesthetic designed to appeal to audiences. As do its specifications and features, such as a claimed battery life of up to 12 months (with the white backlight turned off) and Bluetooth / Logi Bolt wireless connectivity – each of which can be used on Windows, macOS, Linux, ChromeOS, iOS / iPadOS and Android.

I spent some time reviewing the Alto Keys unit, and I enjoyed its look, sound, and typing feel. The clear plastic case and visible inner gasket tray running around the perimeter give the keyboard a nice, airy design. It’s especially charming in the lavender color I was testing, but the more traditional graphite and white models look just as clean. I imagine these colors offer a little more flexibility in the appearance department if you want to style your own keycaps. Customization goes even further, as you can swap out the keys with thousands of other options for a customized sound and feel.

But software is a different story. Logitech’s Logi Options Plus app is easy to use and has a great user interface for basic settings (backlight levels, timeout, automatic battery saving mode, etc.), and it displays pop-ups on the screen that resemble toast when you adjust the brightness or volume, reminiscent of a Mac. But the actual keyboard adjustments it offers are very limited. For example, you can only assign alternate functions to the 12 keys of row F. Inexpensive keyboards using software like QMK and VIA can remap any key to almost anything.

The Alto Keys don’t have as big, bold, or distinctive a sound as the smaller box brand enthusiast keyboards, but they still seem fun to type on. It has a mild, annoying sound that is not very loud and should be acceptable in all but the quietest offices. As light and airy as the design is, the Alto board is easy on the fingers to use. Logitech marble mounted keys have 3.5mm linear travel and are smooth and durable only Enough weight in the 40g actuation force that it doesn’t feel too heavy or feathery on every keystroke. The UniCushion padding underneath gives the keys a touch of flex if you press hard, but there’s still an underlying solidity, so they don’t feel mushy.

I was generally impressed with the Alto switches, and I hope we see more enthusiast effects coming to Logitech keyboards – especially the more transparent designs, because that’s just fun. But for $150, it competes with better pre-designed keyboards from smaller brands (I’ve rounded up a bunch of them at Our latest buying guide). Many of these options from the likes of Epomaker, Wobkey, Chilkey and others cost less while offering more extensive software customization and higher-quality materials (especially if you’re interested in metal cases). And if you don’t mind a plastic case, options from Keychron or a brand like Aula cost about half the price.

Still, this is the first interesting Logitech keyboard I’ve tried in a while, and I’m excited to see more. Maybe the next Logitech can achieve 75 percent Alto K75M keysfor those of us who don’t care about number plates.

Photography by Antonio G. Di Benedetto/The Verge