Logitech left solar-powered keyboards in the dark for over a decade, but it’s launching a new one today. Just like the K760 before it, its new $99.99 Signature Slim Solar Plus K980 can only be powered with light. There’s no USB port or swappable batteries. Instead, it features a cell that can convert solar or artificial light — 200 lux at minimum — into power to charge its battery, which the company says will last for up to 10 years. Once fully charged, the company says the K980 can be used in complete darkness for up to four months.
I asked Logitech if the K980’s battery is user-replaceable, and spokesperson Melvin Dilanchian told The Verge that it is “safely user-replaceable (because it’s encased in a plastic casing), with spare parts supplied by iFixIt.”
Beyond its solar charging capabilities, the K980 has a pretty standard full-size layout, with Windows and macOS key labels, directional keys, and a numpad. Its function row is pre-programmed to control media, screen brightness, and volume, although you can customize their secondary features (or turn off secondary features altogether) in the Logi Options Plus app for Mac or Windows. The K980 also includes a mic mute key, a camera on/off toggle, and an Action key along the top row that can be programmed however you’d prefer in the app. It also features a new addition: an AI Launch key.
The AI key is what you think it is; it defaults on Windows PCs to launching Copilot (ChromeOS defaults to Gemini), though it can be customized in Logitech’s app to open ChatGPT or an AI prompt builder. Alternatively, you can assign one of Logitech’s Smart Actions to the key to, say, ask Perplexity for an answer to your query in your browser. Or, you can just set it to be right CTRL. The Action Key (the key on the top row that looks like a big O) and several others can be programmed to execute these macros, too, whether you use one of Logitech’s presets or create your own through the app.
The K980 supports being paired with up to three Bluetooth devices, letting you swap between them with a press of a button. It can also be connected to a computer that has a Logitech Bolt USB transmitter, although one isn’t included in the box (would have been nice!). A previous Logitech model had playful built-in LED indicators that would warn you when the ambient light wasn’t sufficient to charge the keyboard, but the K980’s power LED simply turns from green to red if it needs more charge. This is how Logitech gets you to install its Options Plus app. The app has an indicator that says whether there’s enough light.
2025 seems to be the year when companies decided the sun was cool again, as Lenovo recently launched the $99.99 self-charging wireless keyboard that it first showed off in January at CES 2025. I think I dig it more than the K980, although I haven’t tried it yet and it doesn’t seem to include as much in the way of customization. Still, it has things that I like in a keyboard that the K980 lacks, like adjustable legs that can give it some tilt and a spill-resistant design. Plus, it has a USB-C charging port, just in case.
This post highlights an interesting twist on Logitech’s marketing claims. It’s fascinating to see how product features can sometimes differ from expectations. Looking forward to seeing how users react to the K980 in real-world settings!
how companies sometimes oversell their products. It’s a reminder to look closely at features before making a purchase. The idea of a light-powered keyboard is still innovative, even if the execution isn’t as expected.
You’re absolutely right about the importance of careful consideration. It’s interesting how marketing can sometimes create expectations that don’t match reality. In this case, the practicality of a light-powered keyboard is still appealing, even if the solar feature isn’t quite what it seems.
I completely agree! Marketing can sometimes create expectations that don’t align with the actual product. It’s also worth noting that while the keyboard’s solar feature is intriguing, its performance in different lighting conditions could be a crucial factor for users in various environments.
You make a great point! It’s interesting how often marketing can overshadow the actual functionality of a product. In this case, the keyboard’s reliance on ambient light rather than direct sunlight might be a detail that gets overlooked, but it could still be a practical feature for many users.
Absolutely, it’s fascinating how expectations set by marketing can shape our perceptions. In this case, it would have been helpful for consumers to understand the keyboard’s charging capabilities more clearly. Transparency could really enhance user satisfaction!
You’re right! Marketing can definitely influence our views. It’s interesting to note that while the keyboard’s solar cell is innovative, it relies more on artificial light than we might expect. This could change how users interact with it in different environments.
keyboard relies on light to function, it seems the reality is a bit different from what was promised. It’s fascinating how technology can evolve, yet sometimes the execution doesn’t match the vision. I wonder how this might affect consumer trust in future products.
You’re right; it’s disappointing when products don’t live up to their marketing. It’s interesting to note that even indoor lighting can power the keyboard, but it’s definitely not as versatile as advertised. Hopefully, Logitech can clarify this in future updates.
see how companies sometimes oversell features that might not perform as expected. In this case, it would have been great if Logitech had emphasized the keyboard’s other qualities, like its ergonomic design or battery life, instead of focusing solely on the solar aspect.