DESIGN
Logitech MX Keys
The Logitech MX Keys have a compact design. While it isn’t as compact as TenKeyLess keyboards, it has minimal borders beyond the keys, allowing it to be as small as possible without feeling cramped. The Logitech MX Keys Mini is a more compact version of the board. The build quality of the Logitech MX Keys is excellent. The entire frame is composed of high-quality plastic that appears to be metal, and the keys are made of dense, good-quality plastic. Unfortunately, there is considerable flex in the keyboard, and the frame beneath the space bar feels flimsy and wiggly. On the plus side, the keyboard seems very strong overall, and its feet are sticky enough to keep it from moving around on the desk when typing.
The ergonomics of the Logitech MX Keys are satisfactory. You can’t modify the angle because it’s a straight keyboard with no incline settings. Because of the low profile of the keyboard, most individuals shouldn’t need a wrist rest; however, Logitech does sell a companion low-profile palm rest separately. The white-only illumination on the Logitech MX Keys glows through the key legends and makes them simple to read in the dark. A built-in sensor detects when your hands are nearby and turns the backlighting on or off to save battery life.
This sensor also includes an adaptive brightness capability, which adjusts the brightness of the backlighting based on the amount of light overhead. However, several customers have reported some issues with the proximity sensor, including but not limited to the sensor not responding or the sensor switching off too rapidly, which has an impact on overall keyboard usability, particularly in low-light situations.
Logitech MX Keys Mini
The Logitech MX Keys Mini is a 75% smaller board that has a dedicated function row and arrow keys. The Logitech MX Keys Mini is well-made. Its chassis and outer frame are comprised of high-quality plastic that resembles the appearance of metal. The keys are stable, with very little rattles, and the keycaps feel like ABS, though this is not indicated on the product page. The board is held in place by five rubber pads on the underside.
The Logitech MX Keys Mini is ergonomically sound. It’s a flat, straight board with no incline options. While it does not include a wrist rest, it is low enough that you should not require one. The Logitech MX Keys Mini features white backlighting and individually illuminated keys. F5 and F6 are special hotkeys for controlling the brightness settings. A built-in sensor turns on the backlight automatically in the dark and turns it off after a period of inactivity. However, several customers have reported issues with the proximity sensor, including but not limited to the sensor not responding or the sensor switching off too rapidly, which has an impact on overall keyboard usability, particularly in low-light situations.
CONNECTIVITY
Logitech MX Keys
A USB-C cable is used to charge the Logitech MX Keys. Even when plugged in, the keyboard connects with the PC using the wireless transmitter. The Logitech MX Keys wireless keyboard is incredibly versatile. It may be used via Bluetooth or its proprietary USB dongle, and it can couple up to three devices at the same time, allowing you to choose between them without having to repeat the pairing process. The three buttons next to the function keys allow you to switch between the paired devices.
Logitech MX Keys Mini
A regular rubber USB-C charging cable is included with the Logitech MX Keys Mini. You can only charge the battery with the cable, which means you can’t use the board in wired mode. It can connect to up to 3 devices through Bluetooth or the Logi Bolt USB receiver; however, the receiver must be purchased separately. Unlike the full-size Logitech MX Keys and many other Logitech products, the Mini isn’t compatible with Logitech’s unifying receiver.
EXTRAS
Logitech MX Keys
The Logitech MX Keys include only a few added features. When you press down the ‘Fn’ key, the media buttons on the top of the keyboard double as function keys. You may programme all of the media keys to perform a variety of tasks, including opening any programme or file on your computer. You can also configure a second layer of functions to be accessed by pressing Fn+Esc. Unfortunately, macros cannot be assigned to them. This keyboard is Logitech Flow compatible, allowing you to copy and paste data from one PC to another using the exact same keyboard, even if they run different operating systems.
Logitech MX Keys Mini
The Logitech MX Keys Mini misses some of the function keys found on the full-size version, such as those for controlling display brightness, switching between desktops, organizing work spaces, and launching apps quickly. It also lacks a Numpad and navigation keys, and the arrow keys, while there, are minuscule. It does, however, feature several additional function keys, such as a separate Mute key, a Dictation key for talk-to-text, and an Emoji key.
PERFORMANCE
Logitech MX Keys
The pre-travel distance is quite small, as is customary with scissor switches, resulting in improved responsiveness. The tactile hump takes some effort to overcome, but it feels light and should not create tiredness over time. The typing quality of the Logitech MX Keys is excellent. The keys are sturdy, simple to use and provide tactile feedback. They’re indented to make it easy to press the middle key, which reduces typos.
Because of the low profile of the keyboard, most individuals shouldn’t need a wrist rest, but Logitech does sell one separately. Unfortunately, the substance on the keys does not feel as wonderful as it does on other keyboards. The Logitech MX Keys make a low typing noise that should not irritate anyone around you. The Logitech MX Keys produce a quiet typing noise that should not annoy anyone around you.
Logitech MX Keys Mini
Scissor switches are used on the Logitech MX Keys Mini, which feature a short pre-travel distance and feel light to type on. It’s a pleasure to type on the Logitech MX Keys Mini. Each key has a rounded indent to aid in hitting the key in the middle and reducing typos. While the board is small, the keys are evenly placed and do not seem crowded. All of the keys feel stable and even, although the spacebar feels a little different and makes a little more noise when pressed. In a noise-sensitive area, the Logitech MX Keys Mini is quiet and should not bother others around you. Bluetooth latency is enough for most applications; however, it is likely too high for gaming.
SOFTWARE
Logitech MX Keys
The Logitech Options software is used to configure the programmable buttons on this keyboard. Unfortunately, while you can reassign a number of buttons to a list of different functions, you cannot attach macros to them. This is probably fine for most daily or office use, but programmers may be disappointed by the lack of macros. On the plus side, you can create separate profiles for different programmes, and the keyboard is recognised in the software even when connected via Bluetooth.
Logitech MX Keys Mini
Logitech Options software allows for some changes, such as the creation of different profiles and the creation of unique settings for specific applications. You can also remap parts of the F-row keys, but only to a set of predefined functions.
GAMING AND ENTERTAINMENT
Logitech MX Keys
The Logitech MX Keys is an excellent gaming keyboard, owing mostly to its scissor switches’ short pre-travel distance and low operational force. Unfortunately, its latency is a little high, making it unsuitable for reaction-based games. There are also no macro-programmable keys. On the plus side, it has backlighting, allowing you to play in the dark. The Logitech MX Keys work well with a home theatre PC. Its Bluetooth functionality allows you to connect remotely, and it includes backlighting so you can see the keys when watching a movie or gaming in the dark. However, it lacks a trackpad, necessitating the use of a separate mouse to navigate the user interface.
Logitech MX Keys Mini
The Logitech MX Keys Mini performs well in gaming, but it is not designed for this use. It has a rather high latency for gaming, and you can’t assign macros to any key. While you can remap some function keys, your selections are restricted to a set of presets. It also lacks mechanical switches, which some gamers may dislike. On the plus side, the board’s scissor switches feature a short pre-travel distance, giving it a responsive feel. It has a sturdy build and beautiful white backlighting to help you see the legends in the dark.
The Logitech MX Keys Mini is adequate for a home theatre PC setup, but it is not intended for it. It lacks a built-in trackpad, so you must use a mouse to navigate the UI, and there is no volume control wheel. It does, however, have media hotkeys and white backlighting. You can also use it wirelessly via Bluetooth or the Logi Bolt USB receiver if you purchase it separately, and it’s compatible with a wide range of operating systems, albeit some keys are incompatible with specific devices.
CONCLUSION
The Logitech MX Keys Mini is a smaller version of the full-size Logitech MX Keys. The MX Keys include a Numpad and navigation keys that the smaller version does not. It also has Logitech’s unified receiver, which may be used to connect to multiple Logitech products. In comparison, the Mini does not work with the unifying receiver, and while it does work with the Logi Bolt USB receiver, you must purchase it separately. The Mini also contains some new function keys, such as a dictation key, a mute mic key, and an emoji key; however, some of these are incompatible with specific operating systems.
