By Steve Bush 9th August 2022
With more than one computer on my desk, I bought a ‘multi-device’ keyboard and a multi-device mouse.
They are the Logitech K780 keyboard and M720 (aka Triathlon) mouse, both of which can connect to three computers (‘devices’) through any mix of Bluetooth or the company’s proprietary ‘Unifying Receiver’ USB dongle – both keyboard and mouse arrive with one of the dongles stored inside.
Bluetooth is the obvious answer but, despite a lot of trying, neither of the Ubuntu Linux PCs on the desk would reliably connect to either mouse or keyboard via Bluetooth. The Windows PC was fine.
This meant using the included USB dongles in the two Linux computers – as I had two dongles and two PCs.
However, the dongles come pre-linked to the device they arrive in, and to link both keyboard and mouse to each dongle (ie, to programme the dongles) requires a wide-ranging Logitech programme called Options to be installed on a Windows PC (or maybe a Mac).
Paranoia prevents me from installing random large programmes onto my computers, as even reputable companies have been tempted to do more in background processing and data transfer than would be expected from their programme’s stated functions – remember Sony’s hidden rootkit?
Logitech’s Options may well be beyond reproach in this matter, and it does have a bunch of really nice functions – like ‘Flow’ which allows files to be transferred between otherwise un-connected computers, but I don’t know how to do due diligence on such code and therefore wanted to avoid it if possible.
(Just a note here – Options does so many handy things, that I am actually tempted to install it anyway – there is a link to it below)
To the rescue came a commenter ‘M’ (who signed off ‘Matt’) on this Logitech community blog with a method of only running the appropriate bit of Options once, without installing it – the blog was about getting a keyboard working with work-related PC that is locked to prevent rogue code being installed.
Just in case they disappear from that blog, I am going to reproduce the steps here in slightly abbreviated form: (If Matt or Logitech feels this reproduction is illegitimate, please get in touch and I will delete it).
This worked like a charm for me, and also allowed the software on the keyboard and mouse to be updated – note: Options seemed to be downloadable from two places, and the first one did not arrive the expected ‘unifying250.exe’ for, so I went for the other.
Now the keyboard and mouse connect to all three computers perfectly every time and, using the Unifying dongles, which emulate hardware-connected keyboards and mice at the USB port, means that the keyboard and mouse work even when installing a new operating system, for example.
K780 and M720 any good?
Yes, is the short answer. Switching between computers is almost instant and done very simply (three keys on the keyboard, or one cycling button on the mouse).
Battery life is excellent – which does not seem to be the case with some cheaper alternatives.
A minor complaint is that the mouse scroll wheel is a bit coarse and clunky when set to clicky mode – due, I think, to the options to switch it between clicky to non-clicky mode via a mechanical link activated by a small push button on top of the mouse. The wheel is weighted, and in non-clicky mode it can be spun to fly up and down a document – great fun. The wheel can also be pushed side-to-side for fixed-pace sideways scrolling.
Both keyboard and mouse are heavy, so desk use only I feel as there are lighter keyboards and mice for portable use. I favour lightweight mice for CAD programme use, but I think I will get used to it. If you are the sort of person who favours the feel of heavy pens, this mouse could be for you.
Both keyboard and mouse are ‘smart’ and are programmable to some extent – fully via Options, but also some keyboard functions can be programmed using key combinations.
The keyboard battery compartment cover is hard to undo and is easy to damage – my keyboard was pre-owned and already had one of the (many) cover retaining tags broken off.
To open it, put the keyboard upside down on the desk, with the cover furthest away from you, then put lots of fingers on the cover and slide it towards you.
Sadly, a lot of force might be required, and some of the retaining tags might not even survive this first removal. I found that pushing down (ie, towards the desk) as well as in the sliding direction was needed. The left end moved first for me, and eased the moving of the right end.
While it is off, carefully lubricate the various retaining tags and the sliding surface – I used silicone grease, judiciously applied – and removal will be far easier the next time. And maybe mentally note where it is necessary to push down as well as slide next time.
A note on Linux and Bluetooth
The various Linux distributions handle Bluetooth in different ways, some better than others – even Raspberry Pi OS had trouble with Bluetooth audio devices until recent updates. I have no idea of the nuts and bolts of the problems, but don’t expect establishing a Bluetooth connection to be as straight-forward or reliable as it is with Windows. BTW, Linux Mint (which is Ubuntu-based) has just move over to a different default Bluetooth controller, and so might have worked with the keyboard and mouse?
Logitech links: K780 keyboard M720 mouse Options software
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