I like emojis, and use them in work emails more than I probably should. So a keyboard that features a string of emojis on the side is a no-brainer. Add in a matching mouse, and my Christmas definitely came early this year.

Logitech’s POP Keys and POP Mouse come in three matching designs. Daydream, Blast, and Heartbreaker. None of which have very descriptive names, but all of which have surprisingly good designs. Even Blast, which is mostly a rich yellow, looks sleek and classy. I usually will pick any other colour before I pick yellow, and yet it quickly became my favourite. The dark grey and black keys contrast well with the yellow backing, and the golden escape key is a nice touch.

The POP Keys is a smaller ten-keyless keyboard that utilizes the space well. Every key is tightly tucked in with not as negative spaces as I expected from a circular key capped keyboard. The use of circular keys makes it look less cramped without leaving gaps so big that you’ll miss keys. As an extra bonus, it makes the keyboard much easier to clean. It is clearly a typewriter inspired design, and it is very pleasant to write on. All the keys are big enough to type with, and even going from a full sized keyboard to this one saw very few typos due to size difference. While advertised as a mechanical keyboard, it sounds and feels more like a mecha-membrane with softer clicks and less of a sharp sound to typing. Thankfully, it still manages to hit a satisfying click.

The POP Mouse is simple in design with the same bright colours of its corresponding keyboard. It sits nicely in the hand, and has a nice smooth design. The design that really sold it for me though, was that the whole top faceplate easily comes off when you need to change the battery, and then slips right back on with magnets. It’s simple, it’s effective and I never want to buy a wireless mouse that doesn’t use magnets to secure the battery cover ever again. That battery will also last you two years straight out of the box, thanks to an energy saver mode that activates when the mouse is idle.

Along with looking nice, the POP Mouse also has soft click buttons, meaning that you won’t hear any annoying clicks when you use it to play Minesweeper during your latest binge watching session. Is that an oddly specific example? Yes. Is it true? Also yes. Thankfully, it still has a lot of responsiveness and tactile feedback, so it feels like a solid click, even without the noise. What is strange is the combination of a soft click mouse with a mechanical keyboard, even if it acts more like a mech-membrane.

The major downside to the POP Mouse is that it is only bluetooth native. It doesn’t come with a USB dongle out of the box, but can use the same Logi Bolt USB Receiver that comes with the POP Keys. Obviously Logitech didn’t think that anyone would want just the POP Mouse, but would go for the whole set up. While it makes sense to bundle the receiver in with the more expensive keyboard, especially since that allows for a very low latency between key press and letters appearing on screen, it’s still disapointing.

Both the POP Keys and POP Mouse are easily programmable. Weirdly enough, especially considering that the emoji buttons are what makes this keyboard stand out, you do need to program them. To do this you need to download the Logi Options app, but the app itself is very easy to use, and makes the POP Keys and POP Mouse so much more customisable. It’s also how you can connect the POP Mouse to the Logi Bolt receiver that comes with your POP Keys.

The POP Mouse comes with one main programmable button right below the scroll wheel. By default it brings up an emoji menu for you to look though, and pick your perfect emoji, but it can be programmed to a specific emoji, or any combination of keystrokes, giving it a large range of uses. There are also other shortcuts that you can assign to it, such as minimising windows, copying, pasting, or even putting your computer to sleep. If that’s not enough options, it can also be changed depending on what program you are using.

The POP Keys has five programmable ‘emoji’ buttons, and even comes with another four key caps in the box so that the buttons can be swapped to match your preferred emojis. Because nothing would be more annoying than having a button that does not match. That being said, the emoji keys can’t help but feel gimmicky, which is a fair claim. This is a keyboard built for aesthetic, but a little personalising can make it functional in a way that matters to you.

Annoyingly, for a keyboard that focuses on being personalised quite so much F1 to F3 are bound as the keys used to switch between the connection between different devices. While I love the idea of swapping my keyboard between my PC, laptop, and console easily, it is a shame that it had to come at the cost of three potentially programmable buttons. Especially when a button on the side next to the power switch would have been just as easy to use, and was good enough to use on the POP Mouse.

This is a keyboard and mouse combo that you buy for the looks, there is no question about it, but I found myself enjoying the use of it. Both the POP Keys and POP Mouse are comfortable to use, well designed, and fun to use. It can’t help but look and feel a little gimmicky, but overall is both a nice looking keyboard that is just as functional as most other tenkeyless keyboards.

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As anyone would know by now, online streaming has boomed over the years. Whether it is via YouTube, Twitch, or whatever that Facebook one is called, there are a lot of ways for creators to reach an audience.

A new survey commissioned by Logitech New Zealand proves that Kiwi kids are paying attention with 75 per cent agreeing that sites like YouTube and Twitch offer a viable career option.

With wide-ranging subject matter, from beauty tutorials to gaming, and top talent like Tyler ‘Ninja’ Blevins earning in the millions (he made a cool $17 mil in 2019), it’s hard to argue that streaming isn’t a ‘real job’.

But Kiwi parents might be slower to catch on than their kids with just over half agreeing that streaming can be a career.

Logitech New Zealand’s General Manager, Fabien Degueldre, says that while all parents might not be seeing eye to eye with their kids just yet, these figures show the gap is not as wide as most might think.

“That fact that just over half of parents understood that you can make a career out of this is fantastic, I can only imagine how low that number would have been 15, 10 or even 5 years ago,” says Fabien.

With 3 in 5 young Kiwis consuming online video content daily it’s no surprise ‘streamer’ is high on the list of career aspirations. Unlike many traditional dream jobs, it’s one that can be done from almost any corner of the globe – Kiwi streaming sensation Granny is the proof.

With over 80 thousand followers on Twitch, Granny immerses herself in character for a gaming stream almost daily and has built a community and steady income that means she now has international management.

Granny hopes that Kiwi success stories like her will encourage more support for the next generation of talent.

“Career counsellors in schools will often tell students who are struggling to make decisions, that there is a chance your dream job just doesn’t exist yet. We know now that streaming and content creation can be a wonderful option.

“The audience for gaming specifically has grown and continues to do so, going from a niche market to mainstream. There’s still a chance for anyone who is on the fence about becoming a content creator. Just remember, your type of content might not exist yet, not until you create it,” says Granny.

Today’s parents might be more accepting of streaming dreams, but that doesn’t mean they want to foot the bill. 47 per cent said their kids would have to work to pay for gear and a further 12 per cent were willing to spend less than $100 to help out.

Results showed that most 10-18 year olds rely on the grown-ups in their lives to buy their electronics (87 per cent) – whether outright, via allowances or saving up monetary gifts – meaning the next gen of Kiwi streamers might be off to a slow start.

“Kiwi parents are willing to spend hundreds on activities like sports, music and dance lessons so why not streaming?

“Streaming doesn’t have to break the bank, a basic webcam is a great start and you can build their kit as they develop skills and stick with it.

“Sure, not every kid is going to be the next Ninja, but you can get them going for less than half the price of rugby camp and we don’t expect every budding player to make the All Blacks,” says Fabien.

32 per cent of parents say they don’t know enough about streaming to comment.

According to Fabien it shows there’s still a gulf in understanding of what streaming can be – despite many of today’s parents coming from ‘digital native’ generations.

“The Myspace generation are the parents now, but they can be just as out of touch when it comes to what Gen Z are up to, as their parents were with them.

“Despite joining the mainstream, gaming and streaming by association, still get a bad rap.

“Basement-dwelling caricatures are still in the zeitgeist and parents are bombarded with messages about reducing screentime – despite so much of our own lives taking place online, particularly in a post-Covid world, keeping kids away from technology is unrealistic,” says Fabien.

While gaming was the most popular category watched by 62 per cent of kids, parents will be happy to know they have varied streaming diets. Learning new skills like cooking, craft or dance and watching lectures and tutorials all have their fans plus news and sport are still getting their time in the sun too.

“Our kids are living their lives online so parents should take an interest in what they are watching and posting,” says Fabien.

Key survey findings:

• Children watch significantly more online videos than their parents, with 63% watching online videos at least once a day compared to 43% of their parents
• Kiwis aged 10-18 years old are significantly more likely than their parents to see online streaming on YouTube or Twitch as a potential career 75% vs 55% of their parents
• 60% of children are interested in learning how to stream or becoming a streamer, with 37% saying they would love to make money from streaming
• Only 14% of children aged 10-18 years old are not interested in streaming
• Almost a third of parents said they don’t know enough about streaming to comment (32%)
• The most popular online video platforms for 10-18 year olds are YouTube (90%), Tik Tok (46%) Instagram (43%) and Facebook (35%). Use of all platforms is significantly higher once they turn 18
• Children start viewing this content young, with 73% of 10-11 year olds currently watching streamers and gamers and almost one in five of the same age group saying they can’t wait to post videos once they are old enough/allowed to
• Although the majority of 10-18 year olds rely on their parents to pay for electronics (76%), their parents aren’t interested in contributing financially to supporting a child who wants to become a streamer. 47% said they would not support their child financially
• Of the 53% who said they would support their child financially, the average they are willing to spend is less than $500
• By the numbers, what are Kiwi 10-18 year olds watching:
  • Gamers and streamers 62%
  • Music videos 54%
  • Comedy 50%
  • Sport 30%
  • Dancing 28%
  • Crafts 27%
  • Reviews 23%
  • Cooking 23%
  • Beauty 20%
  • Lectures or tutorials 18%
  • Fitness and Health 17%
  • News 15%
  • Politics 5%

Of course this is a survey of kids views and their parents views of the career option. Like any other content creation the difference between doing it and it being a career can be a massive jump. How many Kiwi kids dreamed of being a rock star, had fun making music but didn’t see it turn into a career but instead it was a passion.

There are plenty of streamers making content and having fun, but don’t see the massive money of the top few.

But hey, if you have fun but have to be a builder to pay the bills, who cares right?

There is also questions to be asked around issues with screen time in young kids. But it is an interesting study none the less.

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Logitech has taken their popular MX Keys Wireless Keyboard and crammed into a new pint-sized product.

Designed to optimise workspaces, the MX Keys Mini and MX Keys Mini for Mac are for creators that need that sweet sweet desk space.

This mini beast would also be next level useful for on the go. After all, a massive gaming keyboard isn’t going to easily fit in your backpack with your lappy and mouse.

If it

Key features:

• Ultra-Fluid Typing Experience: Spherically-dished keys and increased stability that reduces noise while optimizing responsiveness
• Three New Smart Keys: dictation, mute/unmute microphone, and emoji menu
• Comfort & Stability: Minimalist form factor aligns shoulders and allows the mouse to be placed closer to the keyboard for less hand reaching
• Elegant and Minimal: Sleek design available in rose, pale gray and graphite
• Style and substance: Includes the great features of MX Keys in a smaller size to optimise desk space and provide a seamless work-from-anywhere solution
• Backlit Keys: Lighting up the moment your hands approach
• Smart Power Efficiency: Backlit keys automatically adjust to the environment and turn off when not needed for optimal battery consumption
• USB-C Rechargeable: Stay powered up to 10 days on a full charge or up to 5 months with the backlighting turned off
• Sustainability: A portion of plastic parts are made from post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic

MX Keys Mini and Mac variant will be landing in NZ stockists from Oct 18^th for $199.00 NZD.

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The new ultra-lightweight Logitech G435 Wireless Headset has been announced.

It is supposedly going to deliver on all fronts. With a balance of comfort, sustainability, sleek and bold design, multi-platform support and more. This latest addition to the Logitech G Colour Collection is touted to change the game for good.

Key features:

• Versatile: features LIGHTSPEED as well as low-latency Bluetooth connectivity
• Play your way: compatible with PC, smartphones, PlayStation and more
• Ultra-lightweight: weighing in at just 165 grams
• Immersive sound: high fidelity audio with 40mm drivers, dual beam-forming mics, Discord certified, compatible with Dolby Atmos, Tempest 3D AudioTech and Windows Sonic
• Play on: 18 hour battery life
• Total comfort: fits a wide range of people, but designed for the comfort of smaller head sizes
• More sustainable: plastic parts are made from a minimum 22% post-consumer recycled plastic; paper packaging comes from FSC -certified forests and the product is certified CarbonNeutral
• Safer: optional volume limiter to under 85 decibels to protect eardrums

The G435 is launching in NZ retailers at the end of Sept in Off-White & Lilac and Black & Neon Yellow for an RRP of $249.90.

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If your biggest issue with sounds in gaming is that it isn’t minty enough, then great news. The Logitech G335 Wired Headset has been given a minty fresh new look.

The Colour Collection for this series of gaming peripherals was already pretty slick, but this one is especially awesome..

So if you want a reasonably priced headset that makes you stand out… well I mean just check it out!

Key features:

• Slimmer design for a smaller fit – great for those with small noggins or kids who love to game  
• At just 240 grams, it is one of the lightest headsets on the market
• Express your personality with three bold colourways, including all new mint  
• Adjustable suspension headband and soft fabric earpad conform to your head for long-lasting comfort
• Easy plug-and-play capabilities for use with almost any gaming platform, via a 3.5mm audio jack
• To complete the collection, Logitech is also making its G305 Wireless Gaming Mouse available in mint

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Logitech has introduced the latest Combo Touch for iPad Pro. This new case is designed to make work on the go easier with a detachable keyboard built in and heaps more.

Key features:

• Available for 12.9inch iPad Pro (5^th gen) and 11inch iPad Pro (1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd gen)
• Detachable keypad and integrated trackpad that allows typing, viewing, sketching and reading
• Logitech’s largest click-anywhere trackpad for a highly responsive experience and more space to perform Multi-Touch trackpad gestures
• Integrated kickstand that allows for adjustment of the iPad to just the right angle for viewing across a 50-degree range
• Connects to iPad via Smart Connector, eliminating the need for separate battery, on/off switch or Bluetooth pairing
• Keeps iPad securely protected from scuffs and scratches

This premium device comes with a premium price of $389.90.

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One of the many things that has exploded in popularity since half the world locked down is eracing. Logitech is expecting their G Challenge in 2021 to be even bigger than the massive 2020 challenge.

As such Logitech G and McLaren Racing have announced a new-look to the G Challenge eracing competition to excite racers and race fans around the world.

For motorsports enthusiasts and amateur drivers, the official 2021 Logitech McLaren G Challenge racing season will start on July 1st, 2021.

The tournament will expand to include three divisions: Open Wheel, Stock Car and Sport Car Racing. In this fourth year, G Challenge will be played on the iRacing and Assetto Corsa Competizione games, and will culminate with the Grand Finale January 15, 2022 in Las Vegas, NV.

This year’s three division winners of the 2021 Logitech McLaren G Challenge will earn a four-day all-expenses paid trip to London, a behind-the-scenes experience of the McLaren Technology Centre, coaching with McLaren F1 driver Lando Norris, and a VIP experience at the 2022 Formula 1 British Grand Prix.

In celebration of this year’s new look, Logitech G and McLaren will host a celebrity Pro-Am race on 7 July, where celebrities will form two teams to compete in a Stock Car and Open Wheel race. American racing driver William Byron and McLaren Formula 1 driver Lando Norris will captain and draft their respective teams. Additional celebrities include rapper, singer, and songwriter A$AP Ferg, Arrow McLaren SP racing driver, Felix Rosenqvist, American race car driver and NASCAR pit reporter, Parker Kligerman and Indianapolis 500 Champion from Brazil, Tony Kanaan.

“The success of G Challenge 2020 was underscored by an effort to continue entertaining motorsport fans,” said Jim Hoey, head of G Challenge at Logitech G. “This year we will return with new formats, multiple game titles and a monthly schedule of broadcasted races that will continue to excite race fans around the world.”

“McLaren Racing embraced Logitech McLaren G Challenge as a way to keep racing fans entertained, but we quickly realised it was an opportunity to collaborate with Logitech G in an industry that continues to explode,” said Lindsey Eckhouse, Director, Licensing, Ecommerce and esports at McLaren Racing.  “G Challenge is in a class of its own, delivering an opportunity for amateur drivers and motorsports enthusiasts to compete and race like professionals. We look forward to another year of excitement and fun, building McLaren’s presence in this space.”

The top three racers from each division (Open Wheel, Stock Car and Sport Car) will earn an all-expenses paid trip to the Grand Finals Weekend to compete for the championship. The Grand Finals Weekend will be packed full of exciting activities, including a live on-track driving experience with exotic race cars, official meet and greets with professional drivers, athletes and other celebrities, and a chance at winning the McLaren Racing VIP Experience Grand Prize.

Registration for the online qualifiers are open now at LogitechGChallenge.com

If you need to up your kit I am sure Logtiech would love for you to try their G923.

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Now that more of us are working from home at least some of the time, we are starting to spend some coin to make it more comfortable. Logitech’s ERGO Lab has launched which may help educate you on how and where to spend money to help keep that RSI away from you.

I mean it will also work in the work paid office, but make work pay for the ergo tech there.

If course the website shows of some of the cool new ergonomic tech that Logi are developing and releasing. But it is also loaded with tips on how to make your workplace more comfortable.

Now I know what some people will be thinking. Why spend all that money on a keyboard when your youthful wrists don’t have any issues. Well this 30 something year old regrets thinking that way as he battles with painful RSI every day.

The ERGO K860 Keyboard & MX Vertical Mouse are two of the products that are coming form this initiative already and they look pretty slick. 

The Logitech ERGO K860 Keyboard is aiming to reduce wrist bending by 25% and offer 54% more wrist
support to promote a more relaxed typing posture.

The curved, split keyframe takes the pressure off your wrists and forearms while the pillowed wrist rest creates the optimal ergonomic position.

The humble mouse is a key player in supporting your alignment. The handshake position of Logitech MX Vertical Mouse supposedly reduces wrist pressure and forearm strain.

If they do what they say, this is a significant comfort improvement.

Logitech ERGO K860 Wireless Split Keyboard is priced at $279.90 and the Logitech MX Vertical Ergonomic Wireless Mouse comes in at $199.90.

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Logitech G launches LIGHTSPEED Wireless version of its award-winning PRO X Gaming Headset designed with and for the world’s top esports pros

Logitech G’s Pro X headset was a real winner for us. The main issue, being tethered to a cable like Prometheus to a mountain, has been solved with the announcement of a new, improved, wireless edition.

This new headset promises pro-grade LIGHTSPEED wireless technology. This means no lag, with the same responsiveness and quality you’d get from the original recipe Pro X.

The PRO X LIGHTSPEED Wireless Gaming Headset is now equipped with 2.4 GHz LIGHTSPEED wireless, which delivers over 20 hours of battery life and 42 feet of range. That’s… Wow, that’s pretty excessive actually. But still neat.

Pricing and Availability

The Logitech G PRO X Wireless LIGHTSPEED Gaming Headset is expected to be available in August of 2020, for just under $400. For more information, check out Logitech G’s website, or find them @LogitechG.

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Building on the success of previous Logitech G Challenge eRacing competitions, Logitech G and McLaren today announced the 3rd Annual Logitech McLaren G Challenge 2020.

“Over the last few months, we’ve seen an explosion in eRacing,” said Jim Hoey, Head of G Challenge at Logitech G. “It’s clear that the line between virtual and real racing has been blurred, and now more than ever people everywhere have access to an incredible racing experience. With the Logitech McLaren G Challenge 2020, we’ve upped the ante. The season has been extended to include even more adrenaline-fueled racing, and the drivers will be battling for bigger prizes. We can’t wait to get started.”

The stakes have been raised for this year’s G Challenge. This year’s winner will earn a four-day all-expenses paid trip to London, where they’ll get a behind-the-scenes experience at McLaren including a tour of the McLaren Technology Centre, coaching from internationally-renowned race car driver Lando Norris, a drive in a McLaren supercar and a VIP experience at the F1® British Grand Prix 2021.

“The Logitech McLaren G Challenge 2020 is an incredibly exciting step forward in our successful partnership with Logitech G” said Mark Waller, Managing Director of Sales & Marketing at McLaren Racing. “G Challenge will continue providing McLaren and Logitech G with a powerful way to connect with our fans and enable more gamers from around the world to share their passion for racing and test their driving skills.”

The Logitech McLaren G Challenge is divided into four divisions – North America, Latin America, Europe and Asia Pacific – that will each host online qualifiers and/or wildcard events throughout the summer of 2020. The winners of these events will go on to compete in their division’s regional finals. The top three racers from each division will then compete in the worldwide grand finals.

The Challonge Tournament Integration Service is driving global player registration, automated timekeeping across multiple platforms, and point tracking for the entire Logitech McLaren G Challenge’s Global Online Qualifier. The Logitech McLaren G Challenge online qualifiers, wildcards and regional finals will all be played on Project CARS 2. Regional finalists will win a spot in the grand final and paid travel for themselves and a guest to the competition.

“This is our third year working on the G Challenge with Logitech and we can’t wait for the green flag,” said Joe Barron, Marketing & Esports Manager at Slightly Mad Studios. “Previous years have been closely fought, epic contests, which helped us to discover some of the very best new talent in the racing eSports community. 2020 will see new faces going up against established names, and with such a great prize at stake the drivers will be pushing very hard indeed.”

Think you have what it takes? Registration for the online qualifiers is open now and you can register at https://www.logitechg.com/en-us/esports/g-challenge-eracing.html.

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