Logitech Cordless Desktop Wave
Posted 08/11/08 at 05:30:42 PM | by Reed Porter
Logitech has been producing high end peripherals for years, but can the company’s midrange products maintain the aesthetics and functionality of its more expensive gear? We tested the Desktop Wave to find out.
Right off the bat, we loaded up Team Fortress 2 to see if this keyboard-mouse combo could gain our gamer’s stamp of approval. Throughout the game, the Wave keyboard yielded none of the registry flaws we experienced with the Alto. The experience was a bit rough, however, as the mouse lacks Teflon skates and has no on-the-fly dpi adjustment. While clearly not designed for hardcore fragging, the Wave provided an acceptable gaming experience—but we wouldn’t recommend you use it at your next LAN party.
The keyboard features a curved layout, quiet keystrokes and padded wrist support. The function keys have secondary binds programmed through the SetPoint drivers and are positioned in four groups of three. We tested every one of these extra buttons and found that all of them worked, except the zoom key. In fact, the drivers didn't even detect the key, barring us from manually configuring it.
The laser mouse is comfortable and completely symmetrical for the rare left-hand user. While this is great, it creates an annoyance for both left- and right-handed users looking to utilize both function buttons. Each identical, opposing buttons are placed to accommodate left-hand thumbs and right-hand thumbs; this leaves the left-handed thumb button awkwardly placed for right handed users who want to use it. Additionally, during testing, the wheel occasionally failed to register our scroll, leading to a double scroll (a problem akin to nearly all Logitech mice). This wasn’t a huge problem, but if you're a gamer who scrolls to switch weapons, prepare for frustration.
As advertised, the Wave is comfortable to use for extended periods of time but is really suitable only for casual use. Gamers and power users, keep looking.
Logitech Cordless Desktop Wave
The Joker
Sleek ergonomics; has a ton of programmable keys and easy to use drivers.
Mr. Freeze
Poor button layout on the mouse; glitchy scroll wheel.
Comments
Print
Email
I just purchased the Corded
Submitted by Keith E. Whisman on Sat, 2008-10-04 19:10
I just purchased the Corded Desktop Wave keyboard with out the mouse. I have the Logitech G5 corded gaming mouse for that. The 2nd edition G5 with the 2 thumb keys.
I really like the corded wave keyboard. It's $49bucks at Fry's. I think that the score above was mostly for the subpar mouse than the keyboard.
yeesh
Submitted by whisp on Wed, 2008-08-13 11:51
I was told to review the keyboard as a power user so that is what I did. The keyboard as many of you have said is indeed comfortable and quiet, I actually enjoyed using it and the extra function keys are awesome but the mouses button layout was awkward for right handed users and was the primary reason this setup was dinged in its review.
Yes the combo is good for casual users and I said that, but it leaves something to be desired if you are going to use it for anything more then basic office/work activities- which a power user is likely to do.
"we Plan for Tomorrow, but we Live for Today"
Better than the reviewer says
Submitted by WesSiyad on Tue, 2008-08-12 20:18
I think this reviewer is way off. I too own this keyboard and have found it
very comfortable, quiet, and nice to use.
The keyboard is laid out very nicely and I really haven’t had any
problems with the mouse. The battery
life for both is more than ample as well.
After having owned the combination for a year I have only had to replace
the mouse and keyboard batteries once each.
My only complaint with this keyboard/mouse pair is I can’t seem to get
the “menu” button to work and where it should be is replaced with the fn
button. I've not had any problems with the "glitchy" scroll wheel or the zoom button.
It seems the reviewer based the keyboard’s worth on how well
it performed for gaming. I can’t speak
much to the gaming use of it, I spend 8-12 hours a day working at a computer
and prefer to not spend my time at home sitting in front of one to play games. Not everyone uses their computer for gaming, and I think this review completly neglected that user group. Based on this review and my own experience I’d
have expected it to get an 8.
Submitted by Keith E. Whisman on Sat, 2008-10-04 19:18
I'm impressed as you correctly told us that you work at a computer rather than on a computer because when people say they are working on a computer or want to get on my computer I always tell them that my computer won't be able to support their weight. They'll destroy it if they get on my PC.
My wife has given up on using my pc as she words her request wrong every time.
Submitted by Kargg on Tue, 2008-08-12 20:06
Unlike the reviewer, I had no problem with the zoom key. Also, I found the placement of the side buttons works very well. I just use my 3rd finger to access the left button. (I am right-handed.) I have had no problems so far, except that both seem to take batteries fairly often. My rating? I'd give it an 9.
Excellent set for at work
Submitted by int_main_void on Tue, 2008-08-12 09:51
I own this setup at work, and the keyboard rocks. I agree that the mouse leaves something to be desired, but since I'm not doing much fragging at work (strangely enough they don't pay me to rack up kills...) the mouse is sufficient.
I think others have echoed my sentiment about the keyboard--it is comfortable and quiet. However, the main thing that caused me to switch from a MS Natural Keyboard was the function keys. It irritates me how Microsoft defaults their new keyboards to non-standard function-key functions, forcing you to toggle a button to restore traditional function key...err...functions. Logitech gets this. When my computer boots up, I don't have to hit "F-Lock" then "Undo/F2" to get into my BIOS.
Thank you, Logitech, for not forcing your keyboard shortcuts down your users' throats.
Submitted by StarWolf on Mon, 2008-08-11 23:15
Okay so I admit, THROW AWAY THE MOUSE! Not for gamers what so ever, but this is seriously the most comfortable keyboard ever. Works very well for all purposes. The wireless is sweet touch and long battery life! I will admit that I sometimes have signal problems at weird times. Gaming I have had little trouble with. I barely touch the function and side keys, so I could not tell you. I have had this keyboard for almost as long as it was released. I am very happy with it! And why the heck are you focusing on the mouse in this bundle! It is the keyboard that should dominate. In most cases, the mouse in a desktop bundles tend to be crapware from most companies.
I would at least give this combo an 8. Far from a 10, or maybe a 7.
Submitted by mlee19 on Mon, 2008-08-11 16:50
I actully own this combo. For gaming, it is a real bitch! For everything else, it is a really nice set up.
RESOURCE CENTER
MOST RECENT COMMENTS
THIS MONTH's ISSUE 
FEATURE Windows Tips: Find out what works and what doesn't as we test the most commonly prescribed Windows tipsHOW TO Customize and streamline your Windows desktop Core i7 Check out Intel's next-gen chip, up close and personal The Reactor We preview the first production-ready oil-immersed PC
Technology News
Computer Cooling Fans
Computer Cases
PC Game Controllers
PC Games
Computer Hardware
Headphones
MP3 Players
Stream Video
Computer Mouse
Monitors
Motherboards
NAS Storage
Networking
Laptop Computers
DVD Burner
Digital Cameras
Portable Storage
Computer Accessories
Smartphone
Antivirus Software
Sound Cards
Speakers
Computer Systems
Thumb Drives
Video Cameras
Video Card Reviews
Water Cooling
Gadgets
- Keyboards
© 2008 Future US, Inc. All Rights Reserved.