Cordless Desktop MX 5500 Revolution Review

by Jerry Jackson

Last month Logitech released their take on innovative keyboard design: the Cordless Desktop MX 5500 Revolution. While we were initially skeptical of the typical Logitech marketing hype, the MX 5500 Revolution looks like a remarkable Bluetooth keyboard and mouse set. Continue reading to find out how the new Revolution keyboard and mouse performed.

Perhaps the biggest challenge in using any new keyboard and mouse is the learning curve. By that I mean every keyboard has slightly different key spacing and overall layout. Likewise, the latest high-end mice feature multiple buttons and scroll wheels ... so the days of the simple two-button mouse are numbered. The MX 5500 ($169.99) does take a couple days to get used to, but after that, it's full speed ahead. Once my fingers and brain got used to the different location for keys like volume, media center, and gadgets, I was fine and typing at full speed.

Package Contents:

• Logitech Bluetooth MX 5500 Keyboard
• Logitech Bluetooth MX Revolution Laser Mouse
• USB Bluetooth mini-receiver (can be used as Bluetooth hub)
• Four AA alkaline batteries
• CD with software, comfort guidelines, and help center
• Quick-Start guide

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The Beauty of a Bluetooth Keyboard

At first glance the design of the MX 5500 is pretty straight forward and almost "old fashioned" compared to some of Logitech's other keybords. Upon closer examination you'll find some well-placed media controls, Windows Vista hotkeys, and an interesting LCD display.

Logitech's "dynamic keyboard display" is an integrated LCD that makes it easy to play music, use your calculator, receive incoming message notifications, and check the time and date. It's a nice feature I wish we found on more desktop keyboards, but given the fact this wireless keyboard runs on AA batteries I'm a little concerned about the long-term impact on battery life.

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The wrists also receive a padded palm rest, which gives a little more comfort and encourages better hand positioning. I will note that the palm rest will wear quickly, you might even notice the wrist marks on ours in the photographs.

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As is standard on keyboards in this class, the MX 5500 also features several media and programmable hot keys. The keyboard is powered by four AA batteries. Battery life is expected to be 180 days. There is a low-battery warning that appears on the LCD when it's time to replace the batteries.

About the only "problem" I experienced with the keyboard was the included SetPoint software from Logitech. SetPoint is a virtual requirement with this keyboard if you want to program specific hot keys and if you want to disable certain features like on-screen caps lock confirmation or the beep that occurs every time you receive a new email. I honestly believe Logitech could have developed this desktop set without the need for SetPoint. If it weren't for the ability to program keys I'd call the SetPoint software nothing but "bloatware."

A Great Mouse Made Even Better

While the keyboard is the main attraction here, the MX 5500 desktop set also includes the much loved MX Revolution cordless laser mouse. As if this sculpted mouse wasn't already incredible, the latest revision of the MX Revolution Cordless Laser Mouse now uses Bluetooth.

While I've had bad experiences with Bluetooth mice in the past that offered poor range and even poorer accuracy, the new MX Revolution provides excellent accuracy and pinpoint tracking on almost any surface. The primary scroll wheel lets you switch from rapid scrolling to click-to-click for navigating lists, slides, and images. The thumb scroll wheel helps you take advantage of Vista by letting you jump between multiple windows and your desktop with ease.

The rapid charging stand eliminates the need to change batteries but also makes the mouse a little less useful for notebook users who might like to bring the mouse with them when they travel. The mouse is powered by a built-in rechargable battery and there is a light on the mouse to indicate low battery levels.

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The Included Bluetooth Adapter

I must confess that I have mixed feelings about the Bluetooth USB adapter that Logitech includes with the MX5500 Revolution set. On one hand, the Bluetooth 2.0 EDR adapter is a great thing to have if your notebook or desktop isn't equipped with built-in Bluetooth. On the other hand, just about every company that manufactures computer accessories has released much smaller USB adapters over the last year.

The included Bluetooth USB adapter
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I don't think many consumers will appreciate a two-inch Bluetooth adapter sticking out of a USB port when they can get one that measures less than 1/4th an inch. Again, this isn't a major issue and I'm glad Logitech included an adapter of some kind with this set.

Conclusion

We're always skeptical when a new wireless keyboard and mouse set like this comes to market. All the promises rarely live up to the marketing hype. This time we're pleasantly surprised. After using this desktop set for a solid week I am very happy. Everything works as it should, the keyboard is responsive and it didn't take long to get my brain used to the layout. If you use an ultraportable notebook or even a standard 15-inch laptop with a slightly cramped keyboard then you will immediately appreciate the comfort and spacing provided by this full-sized desktop set. Results will vary of course, but for $170, this wireless bundle is worth checking out ... if you must have Bluetooth.

Pros:

• Overall design is surprisingly comfortable and easy to use
• Includes a great mouse
• Nice integration with Windows Visa
• Excellent Bluetooth connectivity

Cons:

• USB adapter is a little large
• Palm rest shows skin oils/wear almost instantly
• SetPoint software is very annoying
• A little expensive compared to standard wireless keyboard and mouse sets

 

The included Bluetooth adapter would not need to be used if the computer has built-in Bluetooth, right?

 

Correct. I used this set with two laptops (one Dell and one HP) with built-in Bluetooth and an Eee PC with that tiny Bluetooth adapter. All three notebooks connected to the keyboard and mouse just fine without the giant adapter that Logitech included.

You don't need to use the adapter if you already have Bluetooth ... but it's nice that Logitech included the adapter for those who don't have Bluetooth.

 

huh

 

I was on the fence about price while writing the review. On one hand, this is a great Bluetooth keyboard and mouse set. On the other, you can get an old-fashioned USB wireless keyboard and mouse set for half the price (or less).

If you want/need a Bluetooth set you can't go wrong here ... but if price is more of a issue for you than the wireless connection method then there are cheaper options out there.

Hopefully that's little clearer ... I also cut the one conflicting pro from the list.

 

A left handed version per-chance? Finding that out when you guys review 'biased peripherals' like this in general would be really handy (hehe!) for the other half of your audience.

That's constructive criticism, not me having a go 'JerryJ'. Otherwise it was really rather informative. Thanks.

 

Ah ok cheers for clearing that up! I am using wired keyboard and mouse at the moment

 

I've been using this particular mouse for over a year and have nothing but good to say about it. The buttons on the left are awesome for document flip (or alt-tab in xp) and the Search button on the top is easily reconfigured to show desktop. I have rather large hands so most mice are kinda uncomfortable, but this one is perfect. It was pricey when I bought it ala carte (about 100 bucks) but I think its worth it.

 

curious, what's the battery life like?

 

As I mentioned, the SetPoint software reports the battery life estimate for a fresh set of batteries in the keyboard as 180 days. I don't know if the keyboard batteries will really last that long, but that's what it reports.

As far as the mouse goes, a full charge is reported by SetPoint as lasting for 16 days. However, with roughly 8 hours of use every day without putting the mouse back on the charger for a couple days the battery life was reported at between 4-6 days by SetPoint.

 

I had read that either this keyboard/mouse set or its predecessor require the use of the included BT dongle to have full functionality of the keyboard-mounted display. Are you finding that the display is fully functional with built-in BT 2.0 EDR laptops?

I have been reading the reviews on this set as they start to roll out across the 'net, sounds like a great setup. I really like the idea of walking up to my hope desktop area, setting down the M1330, plugging in the power and the HDMI for my 2407WFP and *voila* instant desktop. A BT keyboard/mouse would help make this a reality.

Now to scheme the wireless power and HDMI...

Oh, and thanks for the review, Jerry!

 

I have MX revolution for about 1 year now.

I always use drain the battery all the way to the bottom before recharging.

I still get around 7 week of battery life without docking it. Pretty amazing!

 

Logitech ROCKS!!!!!!!!

 

looks great but i wish logitech started using different shades of color other than metallic grey.

 

I'd have to say that after dealing with the Logitech diNovo keyboard for two years, I'll probably pass on this one. Never came close to advertised battery life, with brand new batteries as well.

Three RMAs later because something just mysteriously stopped working everytime, my keyboard crapped out on me so it needs to get replaced again.

Anyway, about the review:
1) I never needed to have SetPoint installed for Windows to recognize the special key functionality, so you might not need it. SetPoint is really bloated IMHO, and sometimes conflicts with ATI graphics drivers.
2) I tried a similar Logitech keyboard with the same type of keys, and ended up returning it because I didn't like the keyboard feel. Jerry, how long have you used it...and did you find that over time the keyboard layout became more natural for you to use?

 

I have a Logitech Wave keyboard at home and my wife uses a Logitech Media Keyboard with her laptop when she's not using it as a laptop. Neither of those keyboards require SetPoint, but this MX 5500 keyboard does ... if you want to enable all the functions or stop the annoying beep every time you press the caps lock.

If you don't mind the caps lock beep or don't care about enabling all the media buttons then you don't have to install SetPoint. I decided to install it because I didn't want my coworkers to kill me after listening to the caps lock beep multiple times over two days.

Every keyboard has a slightly different feel so keyboard choice is really a matter of personal preference. I know it isn't always possible, but I recommend that anyone shopping for a keyboard should find a local store that sells it and test it out in the store before buying it. There's nothing worse than buying a new expensive keyboard only to find out you don't like the position/spacing of the keys or how loud the keys are during typing.

I've been using this keyboard for a week and I've already decided to replace the old classic Logitech keyboard and Microsoft mouse I was using at the office. I'll be keeping this set ... for now.

 

The only thing I didn't try with this keyboard was working in the BIOS. With other Bluetooth keyboards that I've used in the past they require the included/dedicated Bluetooth adapter in order to work in BIOS.

Everything I tried in the standard Windows XP and Windows Vista environments worked perfectly without using the included adapter. When I tried using this Bluetooth set with a Dell laptop (Vista) and an HP laptop (Vista) they both worked fine using the built-in Bluetooth in those laptops. Likewise, when I tried using this keyboard and mouse set with an Asus Eee PC (Windows XP) and the tiny third party Bluetooth adapter the keyboard and mouse worked fine with the Eee PC.

Bottom line, this set should be fully functional with the built-in Bluetooth in your laptop ... but I can't say for sure it will work in BIOS unless you use the included adapter. That shouldn't be a problem for laptop users because when you go into BIOS you can just use the laptop keyboard.

 

In terms of the points you made about the rather large USB transceiver... I am pretty sure that it is designed to be that big because it is meant for desktop use ... the USB tranceiver does not need to be small.

Also, uberOptions is an addon for SetPoint that reveals many options that SetPoint hides, just as something you may want to look into ^.^

 

If I am not mistaken, Logitech has Bluetooth USB adapter which is very small on the VX Nano mouse rather than larger one they ship with MX5500.

 

It's actually an "old fashioned" 2.4GHz wireless USB receiver ... not a full Bluetooth stack. The VX Nano isn't Bluetooth.

Still, like I mentioned, almost every Bluetooth accessory manufacturer on the planet has started producing tiny Bluetooth adapters/stacks so I'm reasonably certain we'll eventually see one from Logitech. Likewise, I suspect a future generation of the VX Nano will be Bluetooth and eliminate the need for a USB adapter all together.

 

Sounds great, thanks much for the detailed reply. The MX5500 might be just the ticket for what I'm after. Now to find a "deal" on one... Thanks again!

 

I have this combo since Wednesday and I have had the regular MX revolution before.
Actually I got the MX5500 only because of the BT version of the MX revolution. Which works flawlessly with the built-in BT of my Asus VX2s.

Just for everyone who is using Logitech keyboards or/and mice: The provided driver software setpoint unfortunately lacks the freedom in customizing all the buttons of the MX revolution (and I guess of quite a few other mice and keyboards). Therefore I am using überOptions which basically extends the features of the setpoint software by allowing you to customize each button function with each possible action.
The latest release (4.40.2) is going to support the MX5500!