Logitech has announced a new mechanical keyboard. The Alto Keys K98M is a wireless keyboard designed to take the drudgery out of typing chores by “turning the journey into a tactile joyride.” The keyboard has a compact 98-key layout and uses Logitech’s proprietary UniCushion gasket for a more comfortable typing experience.
Fitted with hot-swappable Logi Marble switches, the new keyboard is intended to provide a smooth typing experience and a customizable sound profile. It has been specifically designed to make routine typing assignments more personalized and fun.
Available In Three Colors
The keyboard is available in three colors: Graphite, Off White and Lilac. The casing has a clean and translucent design with subtle lighting and AI-powered customization. The Alto Keys K98M is not only designed to look attractive, but Logitech says its functionality helps to promote a more enjoyable and productive workspace.
“People want their workspace to be more than functional; they want it to inspire them,” says Art O’Gnimh, general manager of Logitech’s Core Products Group. “With Alto Keys K98M, we set out to create a mechanical keyboard that feels personal and expressive, not just practical. From the satisfying sound and feel of each keystroke to the ability to swap keys and make it your own, Alto Keys transforms an everyday tool into something that brings joy, creativity, and focus back to the desk.”
Designed To Improve Workspaces
However, the Alto Keys K98M isn’t just designed to get work done, Logitech wants it to be a way the user can make their workspace feel more satisfying by bringing together comfort, creativity and a dash of self-expression through a choice of three colorways.
Other features built in to the K98M include a UniCushion gasket design that absorbs typing vibrations, resulting in a smoother and softer typing sound that feels more satisfying to use because of its “rich acoustic profile.” The keyboard is compatible with Windows, macOS and ChromeOS.
The Alto Keys K98M has hot-swappable mechanical switches and comes fitted with Logitech’s own Logi Marble switches which can easily be swapped out and customized with different switch types to produce a different sound. The keyboard’s compact 98-key layout includes a full row of function and multimedia keys, as well as a numeric keypad to make spreadsheeting and data entry more efficient.
The keycaps on the new keyboard are made from PBT material and have a double-shot construction with shine-through legends so you can type in the dark, if you need to. The perimeter of the keyboard has a translucent frame that shows clean lines and subtle backlighting for a more inspiring look.
Logi Options+ Software
Thanks to the Logi Options+ software, the Alto Keys K98M can be extensively personalized with the power of AI and some of the keys can be customized or programmed with automated tasks, macros and access to AI tools like ChatGPT.
Inside the keyboard is a rechargeable battery with enough power for up to a year of typing with the backlights turned off. The battery can be recharged while typing using a USB-C cable and can support up to three Bluetooth connections and also comes with a Logitech Bolt USB wireless dongle. It’s not possible to connect the keyboard to a host device with a USB cable, so if low latency wired connections are a deal breaker, you may need to look elsewhere.
The Alto Keys K98M has also been designed with sustainability in mind and is partly made with recycled plastic. The plastic parts are 25% recycled on the graphite version, 19% on the off-white and 10% on the lilac. The sustainable design enhances circularity and also helps lower the product’s carbon footprint. The products packaging is made with materials from FSC-certified forests and other controlled sources.
Pricing and Availability:
The Logitech Alto Keys K98M mechanical keyboard is available now in North America only. There is a choice of Graphite, Off-White or Lilac finishes and the keyboard can be bought from logitech.com or select retailers priced at $119. Logitech hasn’t indicated if or when the Alto Keys K98M will be available in other markets.
Tech Specs:
- 98-key compact layout with numeric keypad.
- UniCushion gasket-mount design.
- PBT shine-through keycaps.
- White backlight.
- Hot-swappable Logi Marble linear switches,
- Translucent frame with white backlighting.
- Multi-OS compatibility (Windows/macOS/ChromeOS).
- Easy-Switch keys (pair up to 3 Bluetooth devices and 1 Logi Bolt).
- Fully customizable row of F-Keys and AI Launch Key (via Logi Options+).
- Rechargeable battery lasts up to 12 months’ with backlight off.
- On/off power switch.
- Supported by Logi Options+ app for Windows and macOS.
- Warranty: 1-year limited hardware.
