Logitech MK470 Slim Combo: Review, price and specification – Keyboard

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When we see the shelves filling up with illuminated gaming keyboards from all sides, we can have the impression that these design choices have become the norm … when not at all. Logitech, for example, still has a wide range of keyboards dedicated to office work focused on the principles of simplicity and efficiency. The MK470 model that we are looking at here is a worthy representative of this traditional movement, with its gray all-purpose dress and its very compact format. Its price is also very attractive, around € 49, knowing that it is not sold alone. Logitech has indeed chosen to accompany it with a second PC peripheral, an M350 mouse, which we will briefly discuss at the end of the Review (see box).

Having said that, experience has often shown us that the line between simplicity and lack of functionality can be fine. Let's see if this Logitech keyboard has managed to find the right balance that we wish for.

Unpacking the MK470 is a little surprise, since the product is surprisingly heavy. To give you an idea, the K400 model from the same manufacturer, which responds to a fairly similar format and that we are used to using, only displays 380 g on the scale (batteries included). The MK470 weighs 560 g: the reason for this weight gain is due to the fairly sensitive ballasting of the rear part of the device, and it is this characteristic, reinforced by the presence of 5 non-slip pads at the base of the chassis, which must ensure perfect keyboard stability. Winning combo, you could say, since the MK470 knows how to stay in its place despite its small size, whatever the stresses.

In addition to ensuring a certain stability, the rear part of the keyboard has a removable cover which runs over its entire length. Its removal reveals three slots: two are intended to receive the two AAA batteries necessary for the operation of the device (which is wireless, remember). The third, smaller, accommodates the PC connection dongle when the latter is not used.

Overall, we can consider that Logitech has rather treated its product: the structure of the MK470 is very rigid, much more than the K400 to use this comparison. As for the famous cache, it has a slightly concave area. Ideal for placing a pencil or a pen, some would say, but, as far as we are concerned, we mainly used it as a support area to facilitate access to internal accommodation. The part of the chassis which envelops the keys as well as the keys themselves benefit from a very slightly grainy, rather pleasant finish. However, some elements mark the entry-level positioning of the MK470.

Removing and attaching the cover produces plastic noises that constantly remind the user of the predominance of this material. Still on the cover, there is a brilliant treatment whose aesthetics are questionable, as it keeps fingerprints, and which especially gives the impression of having forgotten to remove a protective film.

In another register, even if the assemblies are for the most part without fundamental defect, we can see here and there some very slight burrs. Finally, point of laser engraving or concave shape for the keys (like on the MX Keys): the visible characters are the fruit of a basic screen printing, on a flat background. Logically, the user will not benefit from a backlight option either. Just as it is a pity that Logitech did not slip a small carrying case. Given its size (373 x 144 x 21 mm), the MK470 fits easily in any backpack.

In terms of software interactions, again, the MK470 will be limited to the bare minimum. No particular support or customization of the functions of each key is offered. The advantage all the same is that it is enough to connect the dongle to a USB port for everything to work. Dongle which is reported to manage the two delivered devices, keyboard and mouse. We would also have appreciated if a software system informed us about the autonomy, even approximate, of the product. That said, Logitech says the two batteries are enough to provide 36 months of use, knowing that a standby system activates when not in use. See you in three years to see if the promise is kept.

If you were to retain a first impression at this stage, keep in mind that the MK470 seems to offer benefits in accordance with its pricing positioning. But for this opinion to hold, it is obviously necessary that the typing comfort is at the rendezvous.

The Logitech MK470 keyboard uses "chiclet" key technology that is commonly found on laptops. It has two advantages in this case: it makes it possible to gain comfort by offering very fine keys, easily accessible without the support of a wrist rest, and it is notoriously more discreet than a mechanical technology. These two elements are verified fairly quickly. Without any particular adaptation effort, the MK470 offers a clean, effective strike on a reduced stroke, but, at the same time, not too dry. The rubber domes provide a well-balanced damping and rebound effect.

On the noise side, nothing to complain about either. While our typing is usually rather heavy and loud, our colleagues have barely heard us strumming for a few days. The return to our mechanical keyboard in MX Red (the real ones know) is likely to make some disappointed.

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