Logitech Bluetooth Illuminated Keyboard K810 review

Logitech announced on Monday a glowing, Bluetooth keyboard that can connect to as many as three devices simultaneously and switch among them at the press of a button.

You could, for example, use the Logitech Bluetooth Illuminated Keyboard K810 to switch among your Windows 8-powered Ultrabook, Android smartphone, and an iPad. The new keyboard is compatible with Windows 7, Windows 8 (or Windows RT), iOS 4.0 or later, and Android 3.0 (Honeycomb) or later.

The keyboard layout is designed specifically for Windows 8; it includes the standard Windows key and an app-switching function key to let you scroll through open apps. The K810 also features an ambient sensor to properly adjust keyboard illumination as well as proximity detection that activates the keyboard lights when your hands approach the keys.

The K810 is USB-rechargeable and Logitech claims up to ten days of battery life on a full charge. You can, of course, continue to work while the keyboard is charging through a PC USB port.  The device also has an on/off switch and a battery life indicator to help you conserve and manage device power.

Logitech does not list the K810 as compatible with OS X or Linux, so it's not clear how well this device's switching feature would work with a Mac or a non-Windows PC.

The K810 illuminated keyboard features a brushed aluminum body and is scheduled to ship in October at a suggested retail price of $100 and is available for pre-order from Logitech.

This is the second announcement for Logitech in the lead-up to the Windows 8 debut on October 26. The peripheral maker last Wednesday announced three new touch-friendly mice designed for Windows 8.