Logitech Pebble Keys 2 K380s Review: Is the Everyday Typing Legend Still Untouchable?

For the longest time, I relied on cheap keyboards from brands like HP and Dell. They got the job done, but typing on them was never particularly enjoyable. That changed recently when I decided to upgrade to the Logitech K380s, my first proper step away from the budget keyboards I had always settled for.

The Logitech K380s is compact and lightweight, which is what mainly drove me to get this keyboard.

The traditional K380 has long been the default budget keyboard recommendation from many creators, especially those who type a lot, but after spending several days researching its successor, the Logitech Pebble Keys 2 K380s, the reality of living with circular keycaps and updated shortcut rows reveals a few clear compromises alongside its portable charm.

Unboxing & Build: What Changed with the Logitech Pebble Keys 2 K380s?

Aesthetic Refresh and Materials

Inside the box, you get the Logitech keyboard wrapped in white cloth and some paperwork.

The keyboard has a matte texture to it, and it feels really lightweight and compact. Logitech claims the keyboard contains certified post-consumer recycled plastic ranging from 64%-65%.

The keyboard is very lightweight, coming in at 415 grams, and it is very compact, which I really like, and this means that I can just toss it in my bag together with my lightweight laptop, and it won’t add much weight to it.

The keyboard also blends quite well with my desk setup, not the best out there. Mine came in Tonal Graphite.

Connectivity & Logi Bolt Integration

The K380s doesn’t have a dongle to connect to; instead, it uses Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE 5.1), however it supports the Logi Bolt receiver if you fancy it, although it is sold separately.

Moving on, there are three dedicated easy-switch channel buttons, F1-F3. You can program which button to connect to which device. I am personally planning on getting a tablet and monitor; hence, switching between the devices should be a breeze.

You can also connect the keyboard to your smartphone. I have tried, and it works flawlessly, although I don’t see myself using it that often.

Daily Typing Experience: Living with the Circular Scissor Switches

Travel Distance, Actuation, and Sound Profile

I am still learning and trying to get used to typing on this keyboard. I am used to squircle keyboards.

The feedback while typing is low, and there is tactile feedback to it. The keys are not really as quiet as Logitech claims to be, but they are definitely better than my previous keyboard.

If you are someone who works in a silent environment like a library, then this is the keyboard you should be using.

The Circular Keycap Learning Curve

The first time I typed on it, I kinda struggled a little bit, mainly because I am not used to the circular keycaps and the compact design, but right now, as I am typing this article using the keyboard, I am already getting used to it, and my typing speed is actually improving, coming at 89% accuracy on Monkeytype.

In the first 48-72 hours of using it, I have had numerous typos. I am used to wider keyboards, so the compact design of this K380s made me type more slowly on the first day of using it.

The compact design also made my wrist hurt a little bit, especially my right wrist, since my hands are almost close to each other.

One major drawback that this keyboard has, and one that might impact the purchasing decision, is that it lacks backlighting, so if you work in the dark, this is not the keyboard for you.

Software & Functionality: Logi Options+ and Shortcut Upgrades

I haven't really played much with the software customisation keys, but there are a few little things that I appreciate with this keyboard.

First of all is the dedicated screenshot button(F9): with just one tap, you can take a screenshot, which is better than pressing Win+Shift+S.

The other one is the emoji button, with just one tap (F8), the emoji box pops up on your current window, better than pressing Win+;

You can remap up to 10 keys using the Logitech Options+ desktop app on Windows and macOS. I haven’t remapped any keys yet, but in my full long-term review I will detail my experience with it.

Logi has also thought through the OS Auto Layout with seamless switching between Windows command keys and Mac option/ Command layouts.

Battery Longevity and Daily Reliability

Logitech claims up to three years of battery life on this keyboard, and so far, three days into use, the battery is still at 100%. Logitech went ahead and added the dual AAA batteries, thumbs up for that, Logitech!

The K380s has an auto-sleep mode that automatically turns off when the keyboard is not in use, and I guess that is why they are confident that the batteries last up to three years.

Conclusion & Final Verdict

Key Takeaways

The K380s refines a modern classic with better battery life, modern BLE connectivity, and modern utility shortcuts via Logi Options+.

Circular keys look sleek and travel well, though they demand a brief adjustment period.

This is the first premium keyboard that I have ever used. I know there are others out there better than the K380s, but for a budget-conscious person looking for a keyboard under KES 7,000, you are actually getting a lot out of this keyboard.

It is portable and lightweight, and the typing experience is actually pretty good.