The need for efficiency and comfort in controlling a computer from a distance has never been more relevant. Whether you are using a PC connected to your television or want to reduce cable clutter in your home workspace, investing in a wireless keyboard with a built-in touchpad can greatly enhance your experience. One of the most popular choices in this category is the Logitech K400 Plus Wireless Touch Keyboard. In this review, we’re diving deep into what makes this keyboard tick—and whether it deserves a spot in your home or office setup.
TL;DR
The Logitech K400 Plus is a compact, wireless keyboard designed for users who want to control their PC or Smart TV from a distance. Its built-in touchpad, reliable battery life, and plug-and-play setup make it a convenient solution for casual use. While it’s not ideal for heavy typing or professional work, it excels in comfort and ease-of-use for media browsing and light productivity. At its price point, it delivers great value for users looking for a simple but effective wireless keyboard solution.
Design & Build Quality
The first thing you’ll notice about the Logitech K400 Plus is its lightweight and slim profile. Made mostly of matte plastic, it has a sleek look that blends in well with most living room or office setups. The keyboard weighs just under a pound, making it extremely portable yet sturdy enough for regular use.
Key design features include:
- Compact layout: A smaller footprint compared to traditional keyboards, saving desk space.
- Integrated touchpad: Positioned on the right for mouse-like navigation without needing an external device.
- Dedicated media keys: For volume control, mute, and navigating through media files.
The keys are low-profile and provide a soft, quiet typing experience intended more for casual or short-term use than extended typing sessions. Additionally, the keys are easily visible with bold white printing on dark keys, offering decent contrast even in low lighting.
Functionality and Features
Where the Logitech K400 Plus truly shines is in its functionality. Unlike traditional keyboards that require a mouse for navigation, this keyboard combines both into a single, compact device by integrating a touchpad directly on the right-hand side. This makes it ideal for users looking to control media on their TV screen, navigate web content from a couch, or give presentations with greater freedom.
Top functional highlights include:
- Multi-touch touchpad: Supports gestures like scrolling, clicking, and dragging with ease.
- Wireless connectivity: Uses a 2.4GHz USB Unifying Receiver for stable, lag-free interaction up to 33 feet away.
- Long battery life: Lasts up to 18 months on just two AA batteries (included).
- Customizable hotkeys: With Logitech Options software, users can program shortcut keys to their preferences.
Setup and Compatibility
One of the most appreciated qualities of the K400 Plus is its hassle-free setup. Simply plug in the included USB receiver into your PC, laptop, or Smart TV with USB capability, and you’re good to go. There’s no need for driver installation or Bluetooth pairing, making it one of the most user-friendly options out there.
Compatible operating systems include:
- Windows 7, 8, 10 and above
- Chrome OS
- Android 5.0 and later
- Some Smart TVs (check for USB support on your model)
Although not officially supported on macOS, basic functionality like typing and touchpad use works reasonably well, although some gestures may not be recognized.
Performance
In performance testing, the Logitech K400 Plus handles regular use with grace. The connection remains stable even when used from across the room, and the touchpad is responsive enough for general browsing and lightweight interactions. It’s not meant for precision-heavy tasks like gaming or graphic design, but that isn’t what it’s built for.
Typing Experience: The typing experience is satisfactory for short messages, web browsing, or casual chatting. The keys offer decent travel and are relatively quiet, though those accustomed to mechanical keyboards will definitely notice a softer, rubber-dome feel.
Touchpad Quality: The touchpad isn’t exactly luxurious but performs admirably. Gestures like two-finger scrolling and tap-to-click are accurate, and the presence of physical left and right-click mouse buttons just below the pad is a plus.
User Experience
After a few days of use, most users find the Logitech K400 Plus to be an intuitive, comfortable device—particularly for controlling media or browsing content on a larger display. Its wireless design removes the clutter of cables, and the range allows for flexibility in where you place your device.
It’s best suited for:
- Media center setups
- Smart TV usage
- Conference rooms
- Basic productivity tasks
However, it’s not recommended for:
- Extensive typing tasks
- Professional work requiring tactile feedback
- High-precision tasks like gaming or graphic design
Battery Life
The Logitech K400 Plus impresses with its battery performance. Under typical use, the two AA batteries should last up to 18 months. There’s an on/off switch located on the top edge of the keyboard to conserve battery when not in use. The device also enters sleep mode after a period of inactivity, reducing power consumption even further.
If you’re someone who forgets to turn off their devices, this feature will save you a lot of battery life over time.
Value for Money
Coming in at a very competitive price point—often under $30—the K400 Plus offers fantastic value for money. It effectively fills the gap between a traditional wireless keyboard and a full media control solution. For the cost, the build quality, range, and battery life are hard to argue with.
For users who don’t need a high-end keyboard but want basic and reliable wireless control, it’s hard to find better alternatives at this price tier. It’s not flashy, but it’s extremely practical.
Pros and Cons
To wrap up, let’s take a quick look at the strengths and areas of improvement of the Logitech K400 Plus:
Pros:
- Excellent wireless range and reliability
- Built-in touchpad eliminates need for separate mouse
- Lightweight and portable
- Plug-and-play ease of use
- Long battery life
Cons:
- Not ideal for long typing sessions
- Limited macOS gesture support
- No backlighting for use in dark environments
Final Verdict
The Logitech K400 Plus is a tried-and-true favorite among budget wireless keyboards with touchpad functionality. It’s not packed with premium features, but it doesn’t need to be. For casual users, home entertainment systems, and basic tasks, this keyboard delivers reliable performance and the convenience of wireless control—all at an affordable price point.
If you’re looking for a simple solution that combines both keyboard and mouse in one user-friendly package, the Logitech K400 Plus is definitely worth considering.
