Logitech Launches Solar-Powered Signature Slim K980 Keyboard

[MacRumors]

Logitech has announced the Signature Slim Solar+ K980, a full-size wireless keyboard that relies entirely on solar power. The device features a solar panel along its top edge and doesn't even have a USB charging connector, so if you dislike cable clutter, this could be your kind of thing.

The K980 uses Logitech's LightCharge technology, which needs a minimum of 200 lux of ambient light to maintain power, which can come from sunlight or artificial light sources. When fully charged, the keyboard can operate in complete darkness for up to four months, claims the company. Logitech also reckons the internal battery lasts up to 10 years before requiring replacement.

The keyboard includes a standard full-size layout with number pad, function keys, and dedicated media controls. Bluetooth connectivity for up to three devices is supported, and there's compatibility with both Windows and macOS systems through dual key legends. There's also a macOS-only version available.

Additional features include an AI Launch key that defaults to opening Copilot on Windows or Gemini on ChromeOS, customizable function keys through Logi Options+ software, and Smart Actions for productivity shortcuts. The device measures 430.8mm (w) x 142.9mm (h) x 20.2mm (d) and weighs 700 grams.

Made with recycled plastic, the Signature Slim Solar+ K980 costs $99.99 and is available from today in a graphite finish through Logitech's website and major retailers.

Article Link: Logitech Launches Solar-Powered Signature Slim K980 Keyboard

 

[iMac The Knife]

Meh, ten year shelf life on the battery. No thanks. I am still using the keyboard on my original 1984 Mac and I've never had to replace anything.

 

[Love-hate 🍏 relationship]

hella cool . love those sort of tech implementation. hopefully phones can get it too behind the panel. sunny environements in mountain hike is typically where my battery gets depleted the fastest

 

[WarmWinterHat]

Currently looking for a new wireless work keyboard, and kinda like this, but it needs their software.

I generally like Logitech's stuff and have an old M510 mouse at work..but I don't have admin access and can't install Options, which makes a lot of their stuff useless..

 

[Graphate]

How much does this cost to use per letter? Is spacebar still free?

Pay forever mouse

 

[Mac Fly (film)]

Switched back to wired mouse and wired keyboard ten years ago for my desktop and never regretted the decision. Time I've spent messing with charging my keyboard/mouse or swapping batteries in either in ten years: none.

 

[gleepskip]

I'm happy with my MX Mechanical. Recharges aren't often enough to be a bother, but this is a cool idea.

 

[Mac Fly (film)]

Meh, ten year shelf life on the battery. No thanks. I am still using the keyboard on my original 1984 Mac and I've never had to replace anything.

Quite literally planned obsolescence. Surprised it doesn't come with a note saying this keyboard will self-destruct in ten years.

 

[TechRunner]

I had the previous Mac version in white and it was a great keyboard that saw five years of fairly heavy use. I replaced it earlier this year with my current Keychron V6 Max, and I'm liking the mechanical experience better.

 

[WarmWinterHat]

Meh, ten year shelf life on the battery. No thanks. I am still using the keyboard on my original 1984 Mac and I've never had to replace anything.

I still have a Model M from the mid 80's at home that I sometimes use, and would use it full time, but I share the office with my wife and she takes too many calls to hear the clickety-clack. Works fine on Mac, but the missing Windows/Option key is a pain.

 

[NapoleonIV]

This is the sort of completely wire free innovation that ought to be coming from Apple.

 

[azentropy]

Always loved Logitech keyboards and mice. However love TouchID more so switched back to using Apple Keyboards. Still use my MX Anywhere 3's though!

 

[icerabbit]

BT wireless keyboards and mice were just too frustrating to use and recharge or replace batteries, for me.
Whether a system was used a lot or not ... power going or being out was always inconvenient. And wasteful when it comes to batteries. So, I quickly gave stuff to family and switched back to wired.

Logitech quit making my favorite (old laptop style keys, Y-series ) wired backlit keyboard and wired trackman wheel. So, after previously hitting up eBay for a new in box; the latter I have had to replace with a close knock-off. Hopefully the keyboard keeps working for a while longer, and there'll be a substitute when the time comes. As to me; typing on " chicklet " keyboards is just not the same. I don't need an old school mechanical keyboard. And still scratch my head as to why " chicklet " keys took off in the way they did. Besides the fashion statement.

 

[gleepskip]

This is the sort of completely wire free innovation that ought to be coming from Apple.

There is no data type in Excel for innovation.

 

[S.B.G]

When using a keyboard with a Mac, I really like having the TouchID button. I wish Apple would allow third-party companies to integrate that into their products. Then I'd love to get another Keychron keyboard for the Mac.

I use Keychron's on my Linux boxes and love them.

 

[Randy Beach]

lol can I place you on hold real quick I need to run outside and charge my keyboard. I’ll be be back when the sun comes out.

 

[tyrnnsrs]

I wish more companies were able to add TouchId support aside from Apple to their keyboards. It is such a convenient feature to have if you're okay just using whatever keyboard Apple offers.

 

[segfaultdotorg]

This seems neat, but, hear me out, how about a backlit LED bar above the keyboard with changeable icons that you can reprogram?

 

[Gherkin]

umm I kinda love this. I wonder how well it actually charges from an artificial light source... My desk is across from the window in my office.

 

[apparatchik]

Currently looking for a new wireless work keyboard, and kinda like this, but it needs their software.

I generally like Logitech's stuff and have an old M510 mouse at work..but I don't have admin access and can't install Options, which makes a lot of their stuff useless..

The new version Options+ is also very bad, bloatware with permanently running processes and about 1GB size for something that should be less than 10MB as you only customize your KB or mouse once or twice and are done with it.

 

[Gherkin]

The new version Options+ is also very bad, bloatware with permanently running processes and about 1GB size for something that should be less than 10MB as you only customize your KB or mouse once or twice and are done with it.

damn, really 1 GB? I have an older Logitech keyboard so I have Options installed and it's 141 MB.

 

[TechRunner]

umm I kinda love this. I wonder how well it actually charges from an artificial light source... My desk is across from the window in my office.

The answer is very well. It takes very little ambient lighting (natural or artificial) to keep it charged. I used the previous version for almost two years in what I considered to be a pretty dimly lit room and never ran out of charge.

 

[apparatchik]

damn, really 1 GB? I have an older Logitech keyboard so I have Options installed and it's 141 MB.

Yep, all of that when sometimes you just want to customize what the third button on your mouse does.

I think Logitech has some very compelling products and currently use an Mx anywhere mouse. But their current software approach is insane.

 

[drmacnut]

If you're looking for a new keyboard and you've got decent office light and can install the software and use the Unifying Receiver to connect to your Mac, I would say go for this keyboard!

I use two of the original Logitech MX Keys for Mac keyboards with backlighting —now called "MX Keys S for Mac"— and I simply love them on my iMac and MacMini daily drivers. I have been using them for several years. The new Signature Slim K980 looks to be the same key style which means the keys will be relatively quiet and also feel great to the touch with their slightly cupped surfaces. You can set the top-right four keys to do some custom actions, and the Mac-centric layout is a plus.

 

[drmacnut]

Always loved Logitech keyboards and mice. However love TouchID more so switched back to using Apple Keyboards.

For each of my setups, I have a small Magic Keyboard with Touch ID sitting tilted up on a little stand under my VESA-mounted monitors for use with ApplePay, secure logins, waking the computer, etc. My main input keyboards, however, are my "OG" Logitech MX Keys for Mac which I like much more than the Apple Magic Keyboard. The key travel and springiness of the MX Keys for Mac is superb compared to the Magic Keyboard, which I find to be too shallow and flat for my liking.