Image Courtesy: Logitech
Logitech is betting big on light with its new Signature Slim Solar K980 keyboard, a full-size wireless keyboard that charges itself not just from sunlight but even from indoor lamps. The company claims it only needs about 200 lux of light – roughly the brightness of a dimly lit room – to stay powered, and once fully charged, it can keep running for up to four months in complete darkness. That makes this one of the most intriguing launches in a while, with The Verge calling it a keyboard that “doesn’t even need the sun.”
The K980 doesn’t just rely on its solar trick to get attention. It comes with a full layout, including a number pad, function row, and dedicated media keys. Logitech also added a brand-new AI button designed to open Copilot on Windows or Gemini on ChromeOS, though users can remap it to whatever assistant they prefer. For those who juggle devices, the keyboard supports pairing with up to three different machines over Bluetooth, plus compatibility with Logitech’s Bolt USB receiver for even more flexibility.
Still, there are some tradeoffs. Unlike many wireless keyboards, there’s no USB port for emergency charging—so if the solar panel fails, you’re out of luck until it gets enough light. Logitech insists that won’t be a problem for most users, but it’s a notable omission. Reviewers at Wired also pointed out that the typing experience isn’t exactly premium, with soft scissor switches that feel a bit squishy compared to mechanical keyboards. The legends on the keycaps may also fade with heavy use, which could frustrate long-term typists.
On the sustainability side, Logitech says the keyboard is partly made from recycled plastic, with the graphite version using up to 70 percent recycled content. The internal battery is designed to last up to a decade and can be replaced with spares from iFixIt when needed. According to the official Logitech newsroom, that’s a key part of their long-term vision for more environmentally friendly devices.
At $99.99, the K980 isn’t cheap, but it’s clearly targeting people tired of swapping batteries or keeping charging cables at their desks. If Logitech’s light-powered promise holds up, this could be the beginning of a future where your keyboard just quietly powers itself—and you never think about charging again.
