Logitech (920-000914) Keyboard

Logitech Illuminated Keyboard

Plysical Description:

PC Keyboard. Nominal 6 Foot Cord PC USB 4 pin "A" (Wide Plug) PC Connection, Keyboard end is captive.
White Letters, F1 thru F12 Orange Function icons, Black Keys, 1/4" wide Translucent Edge top & ends. No-Mar body finish.
Dimensions:
17.937" L x 7.49" W x 0.36661" Thick
(455.6125mm x 190.246mm x 9.3mm)
Weight:   Estimated at 2 pounds
2" wide hand/heel rest permanently mounted.
 126 keys for the Typist. 20 more for Technicians and others.
In the carton: Lavish Packaging, keyboard, Quick Start sheet, Precaution sheet, CD.

http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/172/5018&cl=us,en

Identical in appearance to the Logitech 920-000914 , this input device is indistinguishable from its siblings unless one turns it upside down to read the label on the bottom. Which, one cannot do unless it is removed from its impressive packaging. Which one cannot do unless one owns one; which I do.

This is the first keyboard I have purchased separately; rather than one included with a new PC. The novelty of choice slowed me down but I liked the look and feel of the keys. Logitech has poured all of its resources into designing a keyboard for typists.

The first thing I noticed at Staples was the longer row of function keys. I rarely use any function key but these are interesting ones that have multiple purposes. Where the 2nd Windows Flag used to be is a new one labeled "FN" in orange. In combination with the familar old labels:
FN+F1 = Default Web Browser, FN+F2 = Snail Mail, 
FN+F3 = Search, FN+F4 = VoiP App, FN+F5 = File Switch Apps, FN+F6 = On-Screen Gadgets,
FN+F7 = On-Screen Calculator, FN+F8 = Eject Disc,
FN+F9 = Default Media App, FN+F10 = Previous Disc Track, FN+F11 = Play/Pause, FN+F12 = Next Disc Track.
Next in the top row is a tiny version of the 'missing' key , next is a tiny PRINT SCRN, followed by PAUSE/BREAK and a set of 3 speaker/sound control buttons. The last is a Light Bulb icon. That one controls the lights behind each of the keys with 4 settings (Bright 100%, 50%, Dim 25% and off: Something for everyone.)
There is also a 17 key number entry pad.
Although it is said that the Function keys did away with touch typing, I disagree. Those functions are dangerous and I look at them carefully before touching them; which I never do.

The CD provided very little information that was not on the website or quickstart sheet. Of course, it was devoted to registration, other things to buy, etc. I explored it hoping to discover the weight of the LIK - no luck. It pegged out our 16oz food scale. Maybe the Post Office can answer this question. I only care because I like the steadiness of the device.    

Pros: Chosen for its:

1. MASS - Heavy enough to stay put like the old Manual designs.
2. STRAIGHT LOWER EDGE - Keeps key locations constant.
3. CLEAN LAYOUT - Attractive appearance

Best Feature: Oversized key replaces 2nd

Note: Typing Key Surfaces ARE ever so slightly concave; not flat as used in Macs and in my Laptop PC. The row of function keys are flat with large beveling. The key has behaved; retains white letters,  and remains in the upper left corner.

Cons: PRICE. (Maybe that mass is a chunk of surplus gold?)
The features I wanted were not readily available; this one that did have my features happened to include the Back Lighting gimmick.

Summary: Because I was taught "touch typing", illumination is superfluous. Typing was taught well using keys with no markings. Our teacher was able to introduce the idea of developing rhythmic keystroke routines.

Touch typing releases the eyes to look at the screen; which was added by Wang (?) for just that purpose. Thus, context can be monitored by the author; which can spare the editor or a presentation audience.

Speaking of touch, I was pleased to observe Logitech saw fit to include beveled keys that are ever so slightly concave. Both beveling and concavity help improve key strike accuracy. The straight bottom edge helps keep the device fixed while whaling away at business. (I never got past 35wpm, my sister Marian did 85 in a test.

Since both my ancient Gateway "MultiMedia" and the new LOGITECH LZ9528D are USB devices, I was delighted to see that both of these keyoards could be connected to the same PC. Entry in one controls the other. Thus, a 'gamer' could also be a 'typer'. It seemed goofy to me but I was really attracted to the fact that on the one would control BOTH keyboards.For that matter, the same applies to the

Novelties:
Relocation of the Insert Key
Alternate uses right on the Function Keys with contrasting color.
The enormous DEL key; which is easy to find by touch.
The FN key; which still takes two hands and two eyes to summon special tasks.

Comment:
I had a lot of trouble with a review of this product by a user who applauds the silent keys and the illumination; which allow him to work? in bed? at night? and not disturb? his wife? Here is a perfect example of misdirected technology. Touch is very relevant in a bedroom environment and certainly wasted on a keyboard. Maybe the wife would accommodate the partner's strange prioritization by painting a few characters on her bod? And provide a flashlight for illumination? Would that affect the divorce rate? Visualize the headlines...

(Some text is my own, published elsewhere.)