When comparing Logitech Wireless Illuminated Keyboard K800 vs Microsoft SideWinder X4 Keyboard, the Slant community recommends Logitech Wireless Illuminated Keyboard K800 for most people. In the question“What are the best gaming keyboards without "gamer" aesthetics?” Logitech Wireless Illuminated Keyboard K800 is ranked 7th while Microsoft SideWinder X4 Keyboard is ranked 8th. The most important reason people chose Logitech Wireless Illuminated Keyboard K800 is:
What makes the backlighting of this keyboard so great, is that only the symbols are illuminated, making it very easy to discern each individual letter or number in the dark. Moreover, the brigthness of the illumination is adjusted automatically, depending on the lighting conditions in your room (although you can also change it manually).
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Pros
Pro Back-lit keys great for typing in dark
What makes the backlighting of this keyboard so great, is that only the symbols are illuminated, making it very easy to discern each individual letter or number in the dark. Moreover, the brigthness of the illumination is adjusted automatically, depending on the lighting conditions in your room (although you can also change it manually).
Pro Very quiet
The keys hardly make any noise as you press them.
Pro Seamless integration with Windows
The keyboard works right out of the box with Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, and 10. The drivers are automatically installed when you plug it into the computer, and it only takes a few minutes.
Pro Very comfortable
The keys have an ergonomic shape: they are rounded and slightly concave. The force is distributed evenly across the surface of each key as you press it, making the typing go smoothly and effortlessly.
Pro You don't have to buy new batteries all the time
This keyboard has a rechargable accumulator as opposed to disposable batteries that require regular replacement. One charge lasts for 10 full days of use.
Pro Unified receiver
Logitech's wireless peripherals use a unified receiver where many devices can be used on one receiver. This makes for an easy way to use a Logitech wireless mouse, keyboard, etc without having to have numerous USB receiver plugged into the device.
Pro Keyboard illumination control on the keyboard itself
There is an on off switch on the keyboard that allows the user to turn off the backlight illumination of the keyboard. This is a lot easier than using software on the PC as it is more accessible, especially if the screen is off.
Pro Worthwhile anti-ghosting software
The SidWinder has software implemented into the keyboard that allows for ant-ghosting, which helps with playing games when multiple keys are pressed at the same time. For what is a mid range gaming keyboard from Microsoft this is a pretty key feature that they have implemented for the price point.
Pro Analog backlight and volume knobs
There are two analog knobs on the device with one controlling the backlighting brightness and the other the volume control. The analog sensors allow for more fine grained tuning of each and is not only more precise but more tactile. This makes for better control over normal keyboard keys for these controls.
Cons
Con Heavy
Total weight of this keyboard is 48 ounces, much more than the average 8.8 ounces for a similiarly-sized device. This is due to the built-in rechargeable battery.
Con Not for gamers
This keyboard works great for office work or casual gaming, but it's not recommended for competitive gamers. It's not meant to deal with the same amount of wear as a mechanical keyboard.
Con Feels cheap
There is a good bit of flex to the keyboard, which makes it feel flimsy and cheap.
Con Cheap wrist rest
The wrist rest is just a cheap piece of plastic with no form of soft coating, which makes for an uncomfortable area quickly.