The wireless Logitech Craft keyboard is designed for Apple macOS and Microsoft Windows and, in addition to the regular keys and a number pad, also comes with a rotary knob that fulfills various functions in the system and programs. For example in Photoshop, Word and Spotify you can use the control button of the Logitech Craft Bluetooth keyboard. Multimedia or browser actions can also be controlled - is the wireless keyboard the better touchbar alternative?
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Logitech Craft: Wireless keyboard with rotary knob
The wireless keyboard, which Logitech has equipped with a multifunctional button, is currently available for EUR 199 (as of January 2018). This can not only be rotated clockwise or counterclockwise, but also responds to taps and presses. This allows context-specific functions in a App or general features in the system can be retrieved. In addition, you can assign your own functions to the individual actions - so to speak, as a replacement for key combinations or trackpad gestures. This happens in the Logitech software "Logitech Options", with which you can also configure other hardware from the manufacturer under macOS on the Apple Mac, iMac and MacBook.
Data sheet: Technical data
Here I have summarized the most important data of the keyboard for you, so that you can get a comprehensive picture:
- Name: Logitech Craft
- Model Number: Y-0064
- Unifying receiver: C-U0008 (2,4 GHz, from Win 7 and Mac OS 11.0)
- Bluetooth Low Energy: Yes (from Win 8 and macOS 10.12 Sierra)
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 3,2 cm x 43 cm x 15 cm
- Weight: 960 g
- Keys: QWERTZ, function keys with Mac assignment, Mac keys (cmd, multimedia, etc.), freely assignable keys, number pad, background lighting in white
- Compatibility with Mac: Logitech Options for OS X 10.11, macOS 10.12, macOS 10.13 or higher
- Compatibility with Microsoft: Logitech Options for Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10 or higher
- Power supply: Rechargeable battery or USB-C cable (included)
- Support and FAQ: Here
Buy Logitech Craft
At Amazon you can order the Logitech Craft via Prime and use it to try out the 199-euro keyboard with the rotary knob for pressure and gestures as quickly as possible. Incidentally, the keys should have a different feel than those of the Apple keyboards, but you should be able to get used to them quickly.
How exactly does the rotary switch work?
Logitech shows three functions for the dial of the Craft keyboard that you can use to navigate in different programs:
- Touch: Shows active rotary control functions, depending on the active system / active app
- Tap: Tap the button to scroll through and select options and features
- Rotate: If a function is selected, the value (volume, brightness, color, font, brush, style, etc.) is determined by rotating
Which apps is the Craft compatible with?
According to Logitech, the Craft keyboard also and especially works with the Adobe programs Photoshop CC, Illustrator CC, InDesign CC, Premiere Pro CC and the Microsoft Office apps Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Further details on using the wireless keyboard can be found on the manufacturer's support page, which I have linked to you above.
The better touchbar alternative?
You can use the multifunction wheel on the keyboard to control a number of functions in various apps. Especially if you prefer to work with an external keyboard on the MacBook Pro anyway or if you have set it higher - on a laptop arm, for example - then the operation is the best Touch bar rather counterproductive. It is more difficult to reach and sometimes not as easy to see if the Apple laptop is not directly in front of you. Therefore, the rotary control of the Logitech Craft is a useful replacement for quickly accessing functions in various apps without a mouse. Of course, there are also negative points: the functions and features are shown on the display, which covers the work surface - and there is also a lack of comprehensive graphical representation (symbols on the touch bar).
Conclusion
I haven't tried the Logitech Craft myself yet; but if someone from Logitech is reading along, then write a mail regarding a test product;) But I can well imagine that the Bluetooth keyboard accelerates the workflow a lot and is a clear advantage, especially for Mac and MacBook users. I use the Logitech Options software myself to define settings for the Logitech T651 (trackpad alternative). It's quick and everything is explained in the app so that you can start working intuitively. I assume that this is also the case with the keyboard.
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After graduating from high school, Johannes completed an apprenticeship as a business assistant specializing in foreign languages. But then he decided to research and write, which resulted in his independence. For several years he has been working for Sir Apfelot, among others. His articles include product introductions, news, manuals, video games, consoles, and more. He follows Apple keynotes live via stream.
The page contains affiliate links / images: Amazon.de
