Logitech has unveiled a keyboard that aims to solve a common annoyance: the dead battery. The new Logitech Signature Slim Solar Plus K980 is powered entirely by light, meaning you may never need to plug it in again.
The Logitech Signature Slim Solar+ K980 keyboard, priced at $99.99, uses solar cells to charge its internal battery. It works with both natural sunlight and standard indoor artificial light from lamps or ceiling fixtures. The company states that the keyboard only needs a minimum of 200 lux, a level of brightness common in most well-lit offices or homes, to begin charging.
A standout feature is the promised battery life. Logitech says the built-in battery is designed to last for up to a decade. After a full charge, the keyboard can be used for up to four months in total darkness before it needs any light exposure again. This eliminates the need for disposable batteries or a charging cable, as the keyboard does not have a USB port.
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For customization, users can turn to Logitech’s Logi Options Plus app for Mac and Windows. A special AI key is included; by default, it launches Microsoft’s Copilot on Windows and Google’s Gemini on ChromeOS. Through the app, users can reprogram this key to open other AI assistants like ChatGPT.
The keyboard features a simple, visual way to check its power status. An LED light shows a happy smiley face when the battery level is good. When the charge is running low, the smiley face turns into a frowny face. The only way to see if the keyboard is receiving enough light to charge, however, is by checking the Logitech app, as there is no physical indicator for this on the keyboard itself.
Beyond its unique power source, the Logitech Signature Slim Solar+ K980 is a full-sized keyboard. It includes a number pad, arrow keys, and a row of function keys for controlling media playback, volume, screen brightness, and a dedicated microphone mute button.