Review: Logitech Notebook Kit MK605

Logitech is one name synonymous with input devices and over the years, the company has added many notebook accessories to its range of products. That includes notebook stands, bags, high quality webcams and even headsets. As mobile computing has overtaken desktops, companies like Logitech have started to introduce product bundles, like the Notebook Kit MK605 we have here.


Basically, the Notebook Kit MK605 consists of three items: a mouse, keyboard and a notebook stand. The mouse is basically a an M505 wireless mouse which uses a laser for tracking. It has the two usual buttons as well as a clickable scroll wheel. It lacks thumb buttons, which is a pity, as I personally find them to be very useful. The mouse holds two AA batteries and there’s also a slot for the Unifying receiver.

While we’re on the subject of the Unifying receiver, let me just explain what that does. Previously, nearly all wireless devices have their own USB dongles which are locked to a specific device. This can become a hassle, especially if the user decides to use input devices that were purchased separately. He/she could end up with multiple dongles or worse still, lose the dongle and end up with an unusable device. Even if you purchased an identical product, chances are the new dongle wouldn’t work with the existing keyboard or mouse. Well, Logitech’s Unifying receiver solves that; as long as the device is compatible, it can be paired to any Unifying receiver. If you have more than one Unifying dongle (from buying different devices), you can even keep it as spares.


Back to the MK605; the keyboard is a K340 space saver wireless keyboard. The six keys in between the main keyboard and the numeric keypad are missing. Plus the arrow keys have been moved below the right Shift key. The low-profile keys have slightly less travel than full-sized keyboards and they’re more silent too. I find it very comfortable to touch-type on, despite the lack of key travel and the rather flat plane on which the keys rest. I did find the arrow keys a tad small, but I don’t do spreadsheets very often, so that doesn’t bother me.

The notebook stand is... well, like any other notebook stand (it's a Notebook Riser N110). There’s no active cooling (i.e. fans) or USB hub. It’s just a contraption to prop your notebook up. It is however very solidly built and even offers three different angles: 20°, 30° and 40°. For notebook users who are used to their notebook sitting flat on a table, this stand will raise the display by several inches, making it more comfortable on the eyes.

All-in-all, this bundle is quite worthwhile, if the individual components are to your liking. I'd rather have a mouse with thumb buttons, but that's just my personal preference. The stand and keyboard works well; I particularly like the latter, since the lack of six keys don't bother me. At a price of RM369, it may seem a little pricey, but the whole thing would cost more if you bought them separately. So if you're looking for these three things, make sure you check out the MK605 Notebook Kit.