- Table of Contents
- Intro
- Our Verdict
- Test Results
- Differences
- Compared To Others
- Deals
- Discussions
The Logitech MX Keys is a good productivity keyboard. Its wireless connectivity allows you to pair up to three devices over Bluetooth or its USB dongle, and you can switch easily between the paired devices without having to repeat the pairing process. Typing feels light and responsive due to its scissor switches' short pre-travel distance and low operating force, and its indented keys help minimize typos. Also, typing noise is quiet and shouldn't bother people around you. It's relatively comfortable to type on without a wrist rest due to the keyboard's low profile; however, there are no incline settings. Unfortunately, while there are quite a few programmable buttons, you can only reassign them to preset functions, not macros. Lastly, the latency is a bit high, so it's not ideal for playing fast, reaction-based games, although it should be fine for general desktop use.
Our Verdict
The Logitech MX Keys is a very good keyboard for gaming, although it's mainly due to its scissor switches' short pre-travel distance and low operating force. Unfortunately, its latency is a bit high, so it's not the most ideal for reaction-based games. Also, there are no macro-programmable keys. On the upside, it has backlighting so that you can game in the dark.
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Premium and well-built design.
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Good typing experience.
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Works with any OS and supports multi-device pairing.
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No macro programmability.
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Minimal customization options through software.
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Latency too high for reaction-based games.
The Logitech MX Keys is decent for mobile or tablet use. It has Bluetooth capability, so you can use it with a wide variety of mobile devices running on Android, iOS, or iPadOS. However, it's a full-sized keyboard that might be hard to fit in a backpack.
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Premium and well-built design.
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Good typing experience.
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Works with any OS and supports multi-device pairing.
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Minimal customization options through software.
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Large full-size layout.
The Logitech MX Keys is a very good keyboard for office use. While it lacks incline settings, its low profile design means you likely don't need a wrist rest to type comfortably. It provides a great typing experience with keys that are quiet and easy to actuate. Its wireless connectivity helps reduce the number of cables on your desk, and it supports multi-device pairing so that you can pair multiple devices simultaneously.
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Premium and well-built design.
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Good typing experience.
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Works with any OS and supports multi-device pairing.
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Minimal customization options through software.
The Logitech MX Keys is a good keyboard for programming. It feels well-built, and it's compatible with most desktop operating systems. Its scissor switches provide a light typing experience with good tactile feedback, and its indented keys help reduce typos. Unfortunately, you can't reprogram any of the keys with macros, which may be a problem for some programmers.
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Premium and well-built design.
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Good typing experience.
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Works with any OS and supports multi-device pairing.
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No macro programmability.
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Minimal customization options through software.
The Logitech MX Keys is okay for use with a home theater PC. You can connect wirelessly thanks to its Bluetooth capability, and it has backlighting so that you can see the keys when watching a movie or gaming in the dark. However, it lacks a trackpad, which means you need a dedicated mouse to navigate the user interface.
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Premium and well-built design.
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Good typing experience.
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Works with any OS and supports multi-device pairing.
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Minimal customization options through software.
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No trackpad.
- 8.0 Gaming
- 7.0 Mobile/Tablet
- 7.8 Office
- 7.8 Programming
- 6.9 Entertainment / HTPC
- Updated Mar 03, 2021: Updated review for accuracy and clarity.
- Updated Feb 04, 2021: Converted to Test Bench 1.0.
- Updated Jan 29, 2020: We discovered that Logitech's Options software supports Cloud Sync, as well as the ability to set different profiles for specific programs. The review has been updated to reflect these changes, and some scores have changed.
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Test Results
The Logitech MX Keys has a fairly small footprint. While it isn't as small as TenKeyLess keyboards, it has minimal borders beyond its keys which helps keep it as small as possible without feeling cramped. For a smaller full-size design, check out the Logitech K780.
The Logitech MX Keys' build quality is great. The entire frame is made of metal, and the keys are made from dense and good-quality plastic. Unfortunately, the keyboard has some flex to it, and the metal beneath the spacebar feels loose and wiggly. On the upside, the keyboard feels quite sturdy overall, and its feet are grippy enough to prevent any movement on the desk while typing. For something similarly well-made that has a built-in trackpad, check out the Corsair K83 Wireless Entertainment Keyboard.
The Logitech MX Keys has decent ergonomics. It's a straight keyboard with no incline settings, so you can't adjust the angle. Most people shouldn't need a wrist rest due to the keyboard's low profile, though Logitech does make a companion low profile palm rest that you can purchase separately. For a more ergonomic keyboard, check out the Logitech ERGO K860 Wireless Split Keyboard.
The Logitech MX Keys has excellent backlighting. There's a built-in brightness sensor that turns the backlight on automatically in the dark, or you can manually adjust the backlight as well. Unfortunately, there are no RGB settings since the backlighting is only in white. If you prefer RGB backlighting, consider the Keychron K1.
The Logitech MX Keys charges via a USB-C cable. When plugged in, the keyboard still communicates to the PC via the wireless transmitter.
The Logitech MX Keys is an extremely versatile wireless keyboard. It can be used via Bluetooth or its proprietary USB dongle, and you can pair up to three devices simultaneously so that you can switch between them without having to repeat the pairing process. You can switch between the paired devices with the three buttons next to the function keys.
The Logitech MX Keys has minimal extra features. There are media buttons along the top of the keyboard, and they double as the function keys when holding down 'Fn'. You can reprogram all the media keys to do a wide range of actions, as well as open any program or file on your PC. You can also set a second layer of functions that can be accessed by pressing Fn+Esc. Unfortunately, you can't set macros to them. This keyboard is compatible with Logitech Flow, which lets you copy and paste files from one PC to another using the same keyboard, even if they use different operating systems. If you want a near-identical keyboard that has a unique dial that you can program to perform different tasks, check out the Logitech Craft.
- Logitech MX Keys keyboard
- USB-A to USB-C cable
- Unifying USB receiver
- Quick Start manual
As is common with scissor switches, the pre-travel distance is very short, resulting in greater responsiveness. The tactile bump requires a bit of force to get over, but it still feels light and shouldn't cause fatigue over time.
The Logitech MX Keys' typing quality is great. The keys are stable, easy to actuate, and provide tactile feedback. They're indented to make it easier to hit the key in the center, which helps reduce typos. Most people shouldn't need a wrist rest due to the keyboard's low profile, although Logitech does sell one separately. Unfortunately, the material on the keys themselves doesn't feel as good as some other keyboards. If you want a keyboard with outstanding typing quality, check out the IBM Model M.
Typing noise on the Logitech MX Keys is quiet and shouldn't bother those around you.
The latency is okay. It should be fine for general productivity, but not ideal for playing fast-paced, reaction-based games.
This keyboard uses the Logitech Options software to set its programmable buttons. Unfortunately, while you can reassign quite a few buttons to a preset list of different functions, you can't set macros to them. This is likely fine for most daily or office use, but the lack of macros may be disappointing to programmers. On the upside, you can set different profiles for specific programs, and the keyboard is recognized in the software even when used via Bluetooth.
The Logitech MX Keys Advanced Wireless Illuminated Keyboard has outstanding compatibility. All keys work as intended on Windows and macOS. The media buttons don't work on Linux, and the 'Calculator' key doesn't work on mobile devices running on Android, iOS, or iPadOS.
Differences Between Sizes And Variants
We tested the 'Multi-OS' version of the Logitech MX Keys in the Graphite color. This version is also available in black, though it isn't available through all retailers. Some users have reported a slightly different feel to the keys between the black and the Graphite versions, but we can't speak to this. There's also a variant with Mac-specific symbols that's available in Space Grey to match other Apple products, though we haven't tested it. If you have this keyboard and it doesn't seem to line up with our results, let us know in the discussions.
Compared To Other Keyboards
The Logitech MX Keys is one of the best non-mechanical office keyboards we've tested. Even though it doesn't offer the same ergonomics as the Logitech ERGO K860 Wireless Split Keyboard, fans of traditional, straight keyboards should be happy with it. The typing quality is great and the low profile means it doesn't get too tiring typing on this keyboard. Also see our recommendations for the best keyboards, the best wireless keyboards, and the best keyboards for writers.
The Apple Magic Keyboard 2017 and the Logitech MX Keys are both good office keyboards; however, there are many differences between them. The Logitech is a full-size keyboard with a multi-device pairing feature, while the Apple is a compact 60% keyboard that can only connect to one device at a time. The Logitech has backlighting and software for customization, which the Apple lacks. Both keyboards provide a great typing experience, but the Apple requires a bit more force to actuate the keys. Unfortunately, even though the Logitech scores much higher for gaming, it isn’t recommended for that use because it has fairly high latency.
The Logitech MX Keys is a better wireless keyboard than the Logitech Craft. The two keyboards offer a very similar experience. While the MX Keys lacks the Craft's unique dial, it may represent a better value for some people.
The Logitech MX Keys is a better keyboard than the Logitech K780 overall. It features backlighting, which is nice and is rechargeable instead of using batteries like the K780. Both use very similar switches, but the MX Keys' keycaps feel a bit better, and the keys are easier to actuate.
The Logitech MX Keys is a much better overall keyboard than the Logitech K380. The MX Keys has a better build quality, better typing experience, and has white backlighting. The K380 is smaller and lighter so it's much easier to carry around and, like the MX Keys, has multi-device pairing with up to three devices via Bluetooth. The MX Keys is more suited for in-office use while the K380 is designed to be used on-the-go.
The Logitech G915 LIGHTSPEED is slightly better overall than the Logitech MX Keys, but their differences come down to their uses. The G915 is a wireless gaming keyboard with mechanical switches, full RGB backlighting, and dedicated macro-programmable keys. Also, it has much lower latency to provide a more responsive gaming experience. The MX Keys is designed for office use with very quiet scissor switches, a great typing quality, and Bluetooth pairing with up to three devices at once.
The Logitech MX Keys is significantly better than the Microsoft Surface Keyboard. The Logitech has better wireless versatility, as it can be paired using an USB receiver or through Bluetooth, and it can be paired to three devices simultaneously. The Logitech also has programmable keys and can be customized using Logitech's Options software, however, the Microsoft's build quality is much better.
The Logitech MX Keys is a better office keyboard than the Keychron K1. The Logitech has scissor switches that provide a better typing experience, but the keys do require a bit more force to actuate than the Keychron. Also, it uses the Logitech Options companion software and is fully compatible with macOS and Windows. That said, the Keychron has full RGB backlighting, whereas the Logitech has white backlighting.
The Logitech ERGO K860 Wireless Split Keyboard and the Logitech MX Keys are very different. The K860 is a split keyboard that includes a fixed wrist rest, while the MX Keys has a straight board design. Both keyboards have wireless connectivity and multi-device pairing, but only the MX Keys has backlighting. They both provide a great typing experience; however, the K860's keys require a bit more force to actuate, and it might take longer to get used to its split layout.
The Logitech MX Keys is a better wireless keyboard than the Logitech K800. It's better-built, can be used over Bluetooth with three devices simultaneously, offers better backlighting, and has a noticeably better typing quality. If your budget allows it, the MX Keys is better in almost every category.
The Logitech MX Keys and the Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad 2021 are keyboards with low profiles; however, they're for different uses. The Apple is a folio board meant to be used with the iPad Pro and iPad Air only, so it isn't compatible with any operating system except for iPadOS. Also, it doesn't have a USB receiver, Bluetooth, or a cable, so it can't pair with any other devices since it only uses the Smart Connector to connect to the iPad. On the other hand, the Logitech is for office use, so it has a USB receiver, Bluetooth, and can pair with up to three devices at once. It's much larger with a function row and a Numpad, and it's compatible with many operating systems.
For most uses, the Logitech MX Keys is better than the Keychron K4. Both are wireless keyboards, and both have a multi-device pairing feature for multitasking. Although both feel great to type on, they provide very different typing experiences since the Logitech is a low-profile keyboard with scissor switches, and the Keychron is a mechanical keyboard with a fairly high profile. The Logitech has software support, which the Keychron doesn't have, and it produces less typing noise, which is better for quiet offices.
The Logitech MX Keys is better for office use than the Logitech K845. The MX Keys' scissor switches on our unit are much quieter than the Cherry MX Blues on our K845 unit, so it shouldn't be loud in an open office. Also, it's wireless and has a multi-device pairing feature, has a lower profile, and it's fully compatible with both macOS and Windows. However, the K845 has a higher pre-travel distance, which should help prevent typos.
The Logitech MX Keys is better than the Microsoft Bluetooth Keyboard. It feels more high-end, has white backlighting, offers a better overall typing quality, and can be connected to up to three devices simultaneously. However, if you don't like scissor switches and prefer a bit longer travel distance, go with the Microsoft and its rubber dome switches.
The Logitech MX Keys is a better wireless keyboard than the Logitech K360. The MX Keys feels better built, has Bluetooth support, and has white backlighting. On the other hand, the K360 has equally comfortable ergonomics and is available at a much lower price.
The Logitech MX Keys is a better keyboard than the AmazonBasics K4R. The Logitech is noticeably better built, offers a better typing experience, and has backlighting. It also connects to devices via Bluetooth, so it's a bit more versatile than the AmazonBasics as well. The only thing better with the AmazonBasics is the fact that it has an integrated touchpad.
The Logitech MX Keys is a better keyboard than the Logitech K350. It feels noticeably higher-end, can connect up to three devices simultaneously, and can also be used with mobile devices via Bluetooth. Its chiclet keys have a very short pre-travel distance and each key is individually lit. The typing quality is much better on the MX Keys, but some people might like the ergonomic board design of the K350 better.
Overall, the Razer Pro Type is much better than the Logitech MX Keys. They're both designed with productivity in mind and share similar features like wireless connectivity, multi-device pairing, and a full-size layout with backlit keys. However, the Razer is a mechanical keyboard with Razer Orange switches and provides a significantly better typing experience than the scissor switches on the Logitech. The Logitech has better compatibility with various operating systems, but the Razer is more customizable because every key is programmable.
The Logitech MX Keys and the Das Keyboard 4 Professional are very different keyboards. The Logitech is a wireless keyboard, which means it can be used with mobile devices, and you won't have a cable running from the TV to the couch in a home theater PC setup. It has backlighting, multi-device pairing, and it provides a better and quieter typing experience. The Das Keyboard has dedicated media keys and USB passthroughs, which the Logitech lacks. Neither keyboards are recommended for fast-paced gaming as they both have relatively high latency.
The Logitech MX Keys is better than the Corsair K57 RGB Wireless Gaming Keyboard, but they're designed for different uses. The Logitech provides a much better typing experience as its keys feel light. It also has a better build quality and features white backlighting. The Corsair has reprogrammable keys, it has six dedicated macros, it has full RGB backlighting, and it comes with a wrist rest.
The Corsair K83 Wireless Entertainment Keyboard is a better wireless keyboard than the Logitech MX Keys but is designed for a different use. The Corsair has a built-in trackpad which makes it great to use on the couch while connected to a Smart TV. Its software is better than the Logitech's as it allows you to program the backlighting as well as set macro keys. On the other hand, the Logitech provides a better typing experience and is a full-sized keyboard with a Numpad.
The Logitech MX Keys is significantly better than the Brydge 10.2 Keyboard for Apple iPad. The typing quality is much better, it has multi-device pairing, each key is individually lit, and it has a software that allows you to reprogram a few keys. The Brydge has a better build quality, and since it's a compact keyboard designed to be attached to your iPad, it's lighter and easier to carry around.
The Logitech MX Keys and the Brydge Pro are two keyboards aimed at different uses. The Logitech is a full-sized keyboard meant for office use with multiple devices because it has multi-device pairing with up to three devices. It also offers better typing quality. However, the Brydge is meant to be used with your iPad, so it's smaller and lighter to carry around, and it has a better build quality.
The Logitech MX Keys is better overall than the Logitech Folio Touch. The MX Keys a full-sized keyboard with multi-device pairing, individually-lit keys, and a better typing quality. On the other hand, the Folio Touch is designed to be used with an iPad, so it's much lighter and more portable.
The Logitech MX Keys is a full-size office board with a numpad, while the Lenovo is a compact board with an integrated pointing stick and mouse click buttons. Both boards support Bluetooth, but the Logitech can pair with up to three devices at once while the Lenovo can only pair to one Bluetooth device. While the Lenovo has an incline setting, the Logitech feels much better built, and it has backlighting, which is helpful if you're typing in the dark.
The Logitech MX Keys is a better keyboard than the Logitech K400 Plus. The MX Keys has a rechargeable battery and can pair with up to three devices at once via Bluetooth, unlike the K400 Plus that uses AA batteries and doesn't support Bluetooth. The MX Keys also has a built-in brightness sensor that will turn on backlighting to help you type even in darker rooms. However, the MX Keys has a Numpad instead of a trackpad, so you would need to have an accompanying mouse if you wanted to use it with a home theater setup.