Verdict: The Logitech MX Keys is a worthy entry to the Master series, truly living up to the standard set by the superlative title. This is an excellent keyboard for a professional of any discipline.
The Review
The Rundown
“Think It. Master It.” It’s with these four words that Logitech introduces you to the MX Keys. As part of the Logitech Master Series, a peripheral range designed specifically to aid professional computer-based workflow, the keyboard is said to offer precision and performance. A fuss-free operation and considered design promise to make it easier for you to do what you do best.
The Logitech MX Keys keyboard is marketed as a comfortable and responsive keyboard, boasting multiple Easy-Switch Bluetooth connections, dual and unrestricted Windows and Apple iOS compatibility, a significant battery life, and integration with the Logitech Flow system.
The Experience
The construction of the MX Keys is something we must applaud. The foundation of the keyboard is stable, with no bounce or flex. The rubber feet, backed up by the keyboard’s substantial 800g-plus weight, keeps the keyboard firmly in place, even on a shiny surfaces. This stability means that after hours of typing, we remain locked into the same position – which is ideal, saving us from having to disrupt our workflow to readjust.
The keys are, as Logitech describes, “spherically dished”. This indentation is simple yet effective, allowing us to work in confidence when touch typing, confident that we are hitting the centre of the key. It lets us work quickly too, with the low profile keys saving our fingers from having to travel far, reducing fatigue and improving our typing flow. The Perfect Stroke key design provides keystrokes with a quiet, firm, and responsive action, with force-feedback treading the line of feeling between a mechanical switch and the Apple Magic Keyboard. It’s a satisfying and reassuring sensation.
Keeping up with the high standards set by the physical design of the MX Keys, the software and functionality are all well delivered. The keyboard is supported by Logi Options software, an intuitive and highly functional suite that operates as a control hub for compatible devices. We already had this software installed on our iMac system from when we tested the Logitech MX Master 3 mouse, and once Bluetooth connection as established, the keyboard was automatically synced to the suite, ready for customisation. From Logi Options, we were able to configure and assign the keyboard’s function keys as we pleased with great ease. Though our personal preferences saw us make few edits to the default arrangements, the quantity of available key assignments is impressive, and would surely please those wanting to diversify their working routine.
The Easy-Switch keys are a particular highlight of the keyboard. These three keys allow individual Bluetooth connections to be stored and switched between with a single keystroke. We found the Easy-Switch function flawless, allowing us to switch between an Apple iMac, Samsung Android tablet, and HP Pavilion Windows laptop seamlessly. The connections are re-established near-instantly, keeping our worktime free from disruption. Here too, the MX Keys’ multi-OS keyboard layout proved its worth, automatically allowing us to access OS-specific functions and keyboard layouts.
The Easy-Switch function has made a significant impression on us. Despite working across three disparate devices and operating systems, the MX Keys provides a unified experience akin to using one single system.
The Logitech MX Keys is a worthy entry to the Master series, truly living up to the standards set by the superlative title. This is an excellent keyboard for a professional of any discipline.
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Features
Multi-OS and Dual-OS Key Layout
The MX Keys will work across Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android operating systems. The MX Keys automatically assigns OS-specific key bindings, and even has both Windows and Apple Mac keyboard markings on the keys for ease of use.
Perfect Stroke keys
The Perfect Stroke keys offer a responsive and quiet keystroke, and when coupled with their low profile, provide a rapid and accurate typing performance.
Smart Illumination
The Logitech MX Keys is loaded with proximity sensors which will illuminate the keys when your hands are approaching. The backlighting is also set via sensor, automatically brightening or dimming depending on a room’s lighting. This feature can also be operated manually, or disabled.
Long Battery Life
Logitech states that the MX Keys can keep charged for up to five months without the backlighting switched on. We’re disposed to believe them, as during our test we never once have needed to recharge the device. The keyboard is charged via a USB-C connection.
Logitech Flow
Logitech Flow is a feature that’ll entice any user of multiple workstations and operating systems. Setting up Flow on two computers, either macOS or Windows, allows for seamless cross-computer control with a single mouse – and the MX Keys will follow this mouse between devices. What’s more is that Flow has a file-sharing capability, which allows for text, images, and files between systems.
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Specifications
Size (H, W, D) - 131.63 mm x 430.2 mm x 20.5 mm
Weight - 810 g
Connections – Bluetooth, or USB port for Bluetooth receiver (included)
Requirements - Internet connection for software download. Logitech Options software on macOS and Windows.