When comparing Logitech Wireless Illuminated Keyboard K800 vs Model M, the Slant community recommends Model M for most people. In the question“What are the best keyboards for programming?” Model M is ranked 14th while Logitech Wireless Illuminated Keyboard K800 is ranked 35th. The most important reason people chose Model M is:
Buckling-spring switches are hardly used anymore, but they give some of the best tactile response when activated.
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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 Tactile and "clicky" buckling-spring key switches
Buckling-spring switches are hardly used anymore, but they give some of the best tactile response when activated.
Pro Very sturdy
Although heavier than a modern keyboard, this keyboard is built like a tank. There is no flex, and the components were built to last.
Pro Solid construction
Quality construction, good materials.
Pro Clear separation of key groups
Pro Attitude
Clearly signals that I'm serious about what I do and how I do it.
Pro Removable / replaceable keycaps.
With a hook beneath the caps that you have to get to, you can detach those keycaps and replace them with others.
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 Noisy to type on
Floss mod is available for the Type M to make the keyboard a little more quiet. However, since it's still a mechanical keyboard, it will be noisy. This keyboard will not be appreciated in the office.
Con Very hard to acquire
Out of stock for decades.
Con Ugly as hell
Con Some driver issues with USB-only computers
Using a PS/2 to USB adapter can kill rollover.
Con Very large
Measuring nearly 20'' x 8.5'' x 2" ( 50 x 21.5 x 5 cm), this is a very big keyboard. It will be hard to fit into a minimalistic styled desk setup, and might even be too big for some smaller desks.
Con Lacks some modifier keys
The Model M lacks both of the meta/super/cmd/Windows (depending on the OS in question) keys and a menu key.