Video summary

Logitech Alto Keys K98M Review: The 90s-Inspired Mechanical Keyboard You Didn't See Coming

Main summary

Key takeaways

Product Review

Logitech Alto Keys K98M — Subtitle Summary / Review Key Points

Product Overview

  • Mechanical keyboard with a numpad in a compact 98-key (1800-style) layout—tighter than a full-size keyboard while keeping the number pad close to the main typing area.
  • 90s-inspired clear/translucent design (“straight out of the ’90s”), available in Graphite, Off-white, and Lilac.

Main Features Mentioned

  • High-profile PBT keycaps
    • Noted as a difference vs Logitech’s MX Mechanical / MX Mechanical Mini, which the speaker says lack high-profile caps.
  • Backlighting with shine-through PBT legends.
  • Bluetooth-only connectivity (even though there’s a USB-C port for charging)
    • Pairing buttons on top support switching between up to 3 devices.
    • Pairing requires host-side Bluetooth settings (iPad/phone/PC).
  • Logi Options Plus customization software
    • Lets you reassign many top-side function buttons and special action buttons.
    • Includes mapped buttons such as dictation, emoji, screenshot, mute mic, and media controls (no skip button, per the speaker).
    • Mentions AI buttons on the top right that can also be customized.
  • Switches / Feel
    • Uses Logitech linear “marble” switches
      • Smooth feel similar to red switches
      • Quick activation and medium volume
      • Described as having a “brighter” sound than expected
    • Limited tactile feedback (smooth switches).
    • Cherry MX compatible (speaker says you can swap switches if desired).
  • Sound Dampening / Mounting
    • Only Logitech Bluetooth keyboard mentioned with a gasket mount.
    • Uni Cushion system absorbs vibrations.
  • Bottom / Wireless Extras
    • Plastic bottom (no aluminum bottom plate)
      • Reviewer notes this can cause some flex and a less-premium feel.
    • Single-level adjustable feet
      • Raises height, but the keyboard still sits relatively higher.
    • Includes a Logi Bolt receiver stored on the bottom
      • Uses a 2.4 GHz dongle for faster wireless than Bluetooth
      • Receiver is USB-A, not USB-C
  • Battery
    • Logitech claims up to 12 months of battery life with backlight off.
    • With backlight on, runtime is unclear, but the keyboard indicates when it needs recharging.

User Experience / Comfort

  • Typing feel
    • Described as comfortable, smooth, and fast, with a keycap texture that’s neither too slippery nor too rough.
  • Layout benefits
    • Compact spacing makes it easy to move between typing and the numpad—faster than standard boards where the numpad sits off to the side.
  • Function-row spacing
    • More space between number keys and the function row, making function buttons feel more distinct.
  • Size tradeoffs
    • Keyboard is thicker and does not sit low (even with the feet), partly due to Uni Cushion and overall height.
    • Not ideal if you want a very small board or minimal key travel.
  • Mac usage
    • Works well on Mac; includes Windows and Mac labels.
    • Compact size makes Command keys smaller, and the right Command is harder to press reliably.
  • Arrow keys proximity
    • Arrows are close to Shift/Return, which can be convenient.
  • Customization limitation
    • Functions can be changed via Logi Options Plus, but:
      • Can’t customize from a phone/iPad (software requirement)
      • Labels may not match what you set.

Pros (Explicitly Praised)

  • Great concept: numpad mechanical keyboard without full-size layout
  • Cool 90s clear design
  • High-profile PBT keycaps with shine-through legends
  • Excellent Bluetooth performance (as stated)
  • Gasket mount + Uni Cushion help absorb vibrations
  • Smooth “premium” feel from marble linear switches
  • Value for money vs other Logitech keyboards at the price point
  • Easy 3-device Bluetooth switching
  • Logi Bolt receiver included (stored on bottom)

Cons / Disappointments (Explicitly Criticized)

  • No aluminum bottom → noticeable flex and less sturdy/premium feel
  • Keyboard height / not low-profile (and not minimal key travel)
  • Customization issues
    • Custom labels won’t reflect changes
    • Requires Logi Options Plus on a computer; can’t customize directly from iPad/phone
  • No function-row split for Easy Switch switching
    • Pairing buttons take over F1/F2/F3, which the reviewer dislikes (they prefer brightness control on those keys)
  • Media controls missing “skip”
  • Right Command key too small/tight for reliable pressing
  • More expensive Logitech comparisons: reviewer believes an aluminum bottom would have made it feel even more premium at this price

Price and Value

  • Price: $120
  • Reviewer calls it strong value compared to Logitech MX Mechanical / MX Mechanical Mini priced around $130–$180.
  • Still wished it included an aluminum bottom plate for a more premium feel.

Comparisons Made

  • Compared with Logitech MX Mechanical and MX Mechanical Mini
    • Alto has high-profile caps; MX models don’t
    • Alto offers Bluetooth + gasket mount (MX units referenced mainly for context)
  • Compared build quality/materials against other brands (e.g., Nufi) that use aluminum bottom plates
  • Suggested accessories:
    • Pairing recommendation: MXM 4 mouse
    • Alternative mouse: Logitech MX Anywhere 3S (if you want something smaller)

Overall Verdict (Based on Subtitle Summary)

A strong recommendation if you want a Bluetooth mechanical keyboard with a close-by numpad in a compact 98-key layout. Key strengths include the typing feel, keycaps, gasket/damping, and 3-device Bluetooth switching. The biggest compromises are the plastic build (no aluminum bottom), higher/thicker profile, and some button/function tradeoffs (including F1–F3 repurposed for pairing and customization limitations on iPad/phone).

Unique Points Mentioned by Different Aspects/Speakers

  • All content appears to be from a single primary reviewer; no distinct multi-speaker viewpoints were indicated.

Original video