When I travel, a portable mouse is essential. I’ve never felt the same way about keyboards, however, as most portable options are still too bulky or make major compromises to stay lightweight. But with the Keys-To-Go 2, Logitech has managed to create an incredibly sleek typing accessory that fits neatly in your bag and pairs with just about any device you can think of.
Design and Features
Those looking to pack light can opt for devices like the or that come with a dedicated detachable keyboard. The problem is that these devices aren’t much smaller or lighter than comparable laptops. But the Keys-To-Go 2 is just 7.8 ounces and a third of an inch at its thickest point, making it a truly tiny companion perfect for pairing with smaller devices like the iPad Mini or, my favorite, flip phones.
Engadget
Logitech’s Keys-To-Go 2 is a super-slim, surprisingly versatile universal travel keyboard that costs just $80.
- Very smooth
- Long battery life
- Compatible with all major operating systems
- Folding cover included
- Easy device switching
- There is no built-in kickstand
- The disposable battery is secured in place with a Torx screw.
$80 at Logitec
Naturally, there’s not a lot of room for premium switches on a keyboard this thin, but Logitech managed to find enough room to deliver 1.1mm of key travel. Combined with the rubber domes under the keys, you get a typing experience that’s not too different from what you get on the latest MacBooks. Sure, actuation is a little soft and spongy, but with something this small, that’s understandable.
And despite its small size, we love that the Keys-To-Go 2 still has a row of productivity-boosting shortcuts, including volume, brightness, play/pause, and even Logitech’s signature emoji key, which comes in handy when using the keyboard with a phone or tablet. Plus, there are three Easy-Switch keys, which let you toggle the keyboard’s Bluetooth connection between up to three devices with a single touch.
Speaking of connected devices, the Keys-To-Go 2 works with just about any gadget you might want to take on a trip. It supports Windows, Android, macOS, iOS, iPadOS, and even ChromeOS. Plus, you can choose between two different layouts: a universal layout for all OS (which is what I tested), and a customized layout for Apple devices. Finally, it has a built-in cover to protect your keycaps while on the go, and they can rotate 360 degrees to provide a slight angle for better ergonomics when typing.
However, I wish Logitech had included some sort of onboard kickstand to prop up the device the keyboard is plugged into. When I had a chance to speak with Logitech’s designers, they told me that customer research showed that most people who need a kickstand already have one attached to their smartphone or tablet case, which would make attaching a kickstand to the Keys-To-Go 2 unnecessary. But as someone who hates cases and doesn’t want to deal with a ton of add-ons, I still think it would be worthwhile to have a stand attached to the keyboard.
Battery life
Logitech claims the Keys-To-Go 2 has a battery life of up to 36 months, but your actual figure will vary greatly depending on how often you use it, as this figure is based on assuming you only use the keyboard for two hours a day, which isn’t a lot of time, but probably makes sense for something that isn’t your primary work machine.
A potentially bigger problem is that the Keys-To-Go 2 uses two disposable coin cell batteries rather than a rechargeable power pack. Additionally, you need to remove two Torx screws to access the batteries, which could be a problem if your keyboard breaks down while traveling. Ideally, the Keys-To-Go 2 would also support charging via USB-C; however, given its size, finding space for a port could have been very difficult.
summary
I’ll admit that the Keys-To-Go 2 is a pretty niche device. The lack of a replaceable battery and ports for charging or wired connectivity means it can’t be your main workhorse, and its thinness means it’s not as comfortable to type on as a traditional desktop replacement. But at the same time, Logitech’s latest travel accessory is a great lightweight travel companion. It’s super thin, super light, and comes with a nifty cover to protect it while on the go. It works with multiple devices and OSes, and while relying on coin-cell batteries isn’t ideal, the battery life is long enough that replacements are relatively hassle-free. With two layouts (Apple and universal), connectivity to multiple devices, and a price of just $80, the Keys-To-Go 2 feels like it strikes the right balance for frequent travelers looking for the perfect product for their next trip.