Logitech MK880 review: solid package, questionable cushioning
The Signature Comfort Plus Combo MK880 promises improved comfort at the office thanks to a padded mouse and ergonomic keyboard. While the keyboard is impressive, the mouse answers a question I never posed.
Logitech touts the MK880 as the perfect duo for anyone looking to make long workdays more comfortable. The centrepiece is a mouse with padding on the top – a first in this product category. It also features an ergonomically designed keyboard with a built-in palm rest. This sounds like a well-thought-out solution for people who spend several hours a day typing and clicking.
After using these peripherals extensively, I feel the mouse feature is unnecessary. But the combo overall is actually pretty good.
The mouse’s padding solves a problem I don’t have
Logitech is heavily promoting the mouse’s palm cushion, claiming to be the first manufacturer to offer this type of feature. And I know why. When I put my hand on the mouse, I can’t feel any difference from a regular mouse.
I’ve been using computer mice for decades, often for many hours a day, and I’ve honestly never felt like the weight was taking a toll on my palm. The cushion seems like a marketing gimmick that’s trying to create a problem that doesn’t exist. A pity, really, because the mouse is actually solid.
The design is intended for right-handed users. The side contour fits my thumb perfectly, and the rubberised surface with its microstructure provides a secure grip. The six buttons – two main buttons, a scroll wheel, two side buttons and another button on top – definitely have a cushioned feel about them. It’s not really my thing, but at least the buttons don’t feel as spongy as they did on previous models. Only the side buttons sound a bit sharper, but they still blend in with the overall quietness of the mouse.
The Smart Wheel works just as you’d expect. You turn it slowly for precise page turning, or quickly for a quick scroll through long web pages. If you’re familiar with the Magspeed aluminium wheel from the MX series, you’ll definitely notice a difference. The Smart Wheel seems a bit chunky, but absolutely fine for daily office work.
The keyboard: comfort for your palms
While the mouse’s key feature is a bit of a letdown, the keyboard is the true star without being a showoff.
The layout is complete – number pad, arrow keys, navigation keys – everything’s where you’d expect it to be. As a keyboard enthusiast, I find this boring. But for most people who work in offices, it’s ideal, as you don’t have to get used to anything new.
The slightly curved shape of the case is subtle but noticeable. Your hands are in a natural position, and together with the built-in palm rest, this creates a comfortable typing experience even over long periods of time. I prefer typing on a custom-built mechanical keyboard, but for people with carpal tunnel syndrome or other hand problems, this keyboard is likely to be a godsend.
The padding is softer than on other Logitech models. I can tell the difference when comparing it directly, but not so much when I first tried it out. The key travel is well-defined for a membrane keyboard and feels satisfying. The key stroke is relatively long, which I like. Like the mouse, the keyboard also has a muted sound. Noise-sensitive colleagues will appreciate that.
The special keys above the number pad are very handy. You can mute or unmute the microphone and activate the camera from there, which is great if you’re in video calls on a daily basis. The AI button next to it is programmable and can be set up for any service or action. These keys work regardless of the Fn key assignment and are always reachable. That’s well thought out.
What bothers me is that the key labels are just stuck on. I can feel the letters slightly under my fingers and it’s giving me cheap vibes. There’s also no backlight. So if you’re one to work in a dim environment, you’re literally typing in the dark.
Connectivity: versatile, but there’s a catch
Both devices connect via Bluetooth or Logitech’s Bolt standard. With Easy-Switch, you can switch between up to three paired devices in a flash. The mouse has a switch on the bottom, and the keyboard has three buttons above the navigation pad. This works seamlessly, making the duo a true multi-system tool.
So what’s the catch? The Bolt USB dongle isn’t included in the retail bundle. Only the business version has one. If you already own a Bolt receiver, you can continue to use it and pair up to six devices. If not, you’ll have to buy it separately – a questionable decision for a product in this price range.
The battery life is impressive: the keyboard is expected to last up to 36 months, and the mouse up to 24 months on fresh batteries. Logitech has gone for standard AA or AAA batteries. No proprietary battery, no charging cable. On the one hand, that’s cool because you can swap them out so easily. On the other hand, a rechargeable battery is also convenient because you can usually charge it right in the device itself.
Software: powerful, but not for everyone
Logi Options+ offers a wide range of customisation options: remapping keys, creating macros and setting up Smart Actions. You can launch an entire work setup, for example – browser, e-mail and video conferencing too, all with a single button. That saves time.
The Logi AI Prompt Builder is also integrated: rephrase text, shorten memos, generate e-mails – all directly from your current workflow. This isn’t just a gimmick, it’s actually useful for many office jobs.
The big downside? Options+ only runs on Windows and macOS. If you use Linux or an iPad, you’ll miss out.
In a nutshell
The keyboard is the star of the set
The MK880 bundle is a solid office combo, but no more than that. The keyboard is the real highlight: full layout, comfortable key travel, practical function keys and a truly useful palm rest. The mouse is functional and quiet, but its advertised padding proved ineffective in this test.
What bothers me most is the strategy behind the bundle: the mouse is sold separately, but the keyboard isn’t. If you’re only after the latter – and I wouldn’t blame you after my test – that’s too bad. This will make the bundle unattractive to selective shoppers.
If you’re looking for a complete, quiet and versatile office set and don’t need backlighting or an included USB dongle, the MK880 is a reliable choice – albeit a fairly expensive one.
Pro
- Pleasant typing feel
- Handy function keys
- Very quiet mouse
- Flexible multi-device connectivity
- Long battery life without a proprietary battery
- Decent software
Contra
- Mouse padding has no obvious benefit
- Keyboard available only as part of a bundle
- USB dongle not included
- No backlight
- Stuck-on key labels
- Options+ software only available for Windows and macOS
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