Logitech MX Keys  Keyboard Review

Review updated Mar 03, 2021 at 02:00pm
Test bench update Nov 29, 2023 at 09:32am
Tested using Methodology v1.3.1 
Logitech MX Keys

Track

0.0
Gaming 
0.0
Office 
0.0
Mobile/Tablet 
0.0
Programming 
0.0
Entertainment / HTPC 
0.0
Raw Performance 

Track

 5

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 repeating 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 also comfortable to type on without a wrist rest due to the keyboard's low profile.

Our Verdict

0.0
Gaming 

The Logitech MX Keys is an adequate keyboard for more casual gaming, and its scissor switches have short pre-travel distance, making them feel responsive. Unfortunately, the latency is quite high and very inconsistent, so it's not well-suited for reaction-based games.

Pros
  • Premium and well-built design.
  • Good typing experience.
  • Works with any OS and supports multi-device pairing.
Cons
  • Latency too high for reaction-based games.
0.0
Office 

The Logitech MX Keys is a great 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.

Pros
  • Premium and well-built design.
  • Good typing experience.
  • Works with any OS and supports multi-device pairing.
Cons
  • Limited software customization options.
0.0
Mobile/Tablet 

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.

Pros
  • Premium and well-built design.
  • Good typing experience.
  • Works with any OS and supports multi-device pairing.
Cons
  • Large full-size layout.
0.0
Programming 

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.

Pros
  • Premium and well-built design.
  • Good typing experience.
  • Works with any OS and supports multi-device pairing.
Cons
  • No dedicated macro keys.
  • Limited software customization options.
0.0
Entertainment / HTPC 

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.

Pros
  • Premium and well-built design.
  • Good typing experience.
  • Works with any OS and supports multi-device pairing.
Cons
  • No trackpad.
0.0
Raw Performance 

While perfectly suitable for everyday browsing or work, the Logitech MX Keys has inadequate raw performance for gaming. Overall, it has adequate single-key latency but has disappointing multi-key latency, no n-key rollover, and its low effective update rate of 250Hz acts as a bottleneck for its polling rate of 500Hz.

Pros
  • Premium and well-built design.
  • Good typing experience.
  • Works with any OS and supports multi-device pairing.
Cons
None
  • 0.0
    Gaming
  • 0.0
    Office
  • 0.0
    Mobile/Tablet
  • 0.0
    Programming
  • 0.0
    Entertainment / HTPC
  • 0.0
    Raw Performance
  • Changelog

    1.  Updated Nov 29, 2023: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.3.1, which adds a new estimated PCB latency test to the Single-Key Latency section and a new Analog test to the Switches section of this review. You can see the full changelog here.
    2.  Updated Aug 30, 2023: We've added text to this review for the new tests added in TBU 1.3.
    3.  Updated Aug 30, 2023: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.3, which overhauls how key input is evaluated. We've added new tests for Single Key Latency, Multi Key Latency, Data Transmission, and Chord Split. We've also introduced a new Raw Performance usage and adjusted how the Gaming and Office usage scores are calculated. You can see the full changelog here.
    4.  Updated Jun 27, 2023: We've updated this review because this keyboard's configuration software offers new functionality. We've added supporting text in several places, notably in theMacro Programming with Software section. Additionally, the Macro Programming With Software and Windows Lock tests' test results have changed from No to Yes.

    Check Price

    Black (Multi-OS)
    SEE PRICE
    Amazon.com
    Graphite (Multi-OS)
    Amazon.com
    Space Grey (macOS)
    SEE PRICE
    Amazon.com

    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.

    Popular Keyboard Comparisons

    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, 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.

    Logitech MX Keys S

    Track

    The Logitech MX Keys S is a newer version of the Logitech MX Keys. The MX Keys S only has minor physical differences in its shortcuts on the F-row. It also has an auto-brightness feature that adjusts the backlighting according to your environment, and it provides more options for customizing the backlighting using the software, while the older MX Keys only allows you to toggle the lighting on or off. The other major difference is that the MX Keys S connects wirelessly via Bluetooth or with the Logi BOLT receiver. In contrast, the older MX Keys connects wirelessly via Bluetooth or the Logitech Unifying Receiver.

    Logitech MX Mechanical

    Track

    The Logitech MX Keys and the Logitech MX Mechanical are two full-size wireless keyboards designed for office use. Overall, they share similar features and functionality, but the MX Keys uses scissor switches whereas the MX Mechanical uses mechanical switches. Also, the MX Keys is compatible with the Logitech unifying receiver while the MX Mechanical uses the BOLT receiver.

    Logitech Craft

    Track

    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.

    Logitech K780

    Track

    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.

    Show more 

    Test Results

    perceptual testing image
    Sort:
    RATINGS
    Category:
    All
    Design
    Dimensions
    Size
    LockedFull-size (100%)
    Height
    LockedLock" (Lock cm)
    WidthLockedLock" (Lock cm)
    Depth
    LockedLock" (Lock cm)
    Depth With Wrist Rest
    LockedN/A
    Weight
    LockedLock lbs (Lock kg)

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    0.0
    Build Quality
    Keycap MaterialLockedLocked

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    0.0
    Ergonomics
    Curved/Angled
    LockedLocked
    Split Keyboard
    LockedLocked
    Key Alignment
    LockedLocked
    Minimum Incline
    LockedLock°
    Medium Incline
    LockedN/A
    Maximum Incline
    LockedN/A
    Home Row Height
    LockedLock mm (Lock")

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    0.0
    Hardware Customizability
    Replaceable Cherry Stabilizers
    LockedLocked
    Stabilizer Fixation
    LockedLocked
    Spacebar Stabilizer Size
    LockedLocked
    Size Of Right Mod Keys
    LockedLocked
    Hot-Swappable Switches
    LockedNo
    Switch Stem Shape
    LockedLocked
    Switch PCB Socket
    LockedLocked
    North-Facing Cherry MX Interference
    LockedLocked
    0.0
    Backlight Features
    BacklightingLockedLocked
    RGB
    LockedLocked
    Per-Key Backlighting
    LockedLocked
    Effects
    LockedLocked
    Software Controllable
    LockedLocked

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    0.0
    Backlight Clarity

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    Cable & Connector
    ConnectivityLockedWireless
    Detachable
    LockedLocked
    LengthLockedLock ft (Lock m)
    Connector (Keyboard side)
    LockedLocked

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    0.0
    Wireless Versatility
    Bluetooth
    LockedLocked
    Bluetooth Multi-Device Pairing
    LockedLocked
    Proprietary Receiver
    LockedLocked
    Battery Type
    LockedLocked

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    0.0
    Macro Keys And Programming
    Dedicated Macro Keys CountLockedLock
    Onboard Macro Programming
    LockedLocked
    Macro Programming With Software
    LockedLocked

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    Extra Features
    Media Keys
    LockedLocked
    Trackpad / TrackballLockedLocked
    Scroll Wheel
    LockedLocked
    Control Knob
    LockedLocked
    USB Passthrough
    LockedLocked
    NumpadLockedLocked
    Windows Key Lock
    LockedLocked
    Lock IndicatorLockedLocked

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    In The Box

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    Typing Experience
    0.0
    Typing Quality
    Key Spacing
    LockedLock mm (Lock")

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    0.0
    Typing Noise
    SAMPLE
    JOIN NOW

    for videos & test results

    Logitech MX Keys Typing Sample Sample
    Average Loudness
    LockedLock dBA
    High Pitch Clicks
    LockedLocked

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    Switches
    SAMPLE
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    for videos & test results

    Logitech MX Keys Wobble Video Sample
    Switch Name
    LockedLocked
    Switch Type
    LockedScissor
    Feel
    LockedLocked
    Analog
    LockedLocked
    Keystrokes
    Operating Force
    LockedLock gf
    Actuation Force
    LockedLock gf
    Pre-Travel
    LockedLock mm
    Total Travel
    LockedLock mm

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    Performance
    0.0
    Single-Key Latency
    Best Connection
    LockedLock ms
    Best Connection Std DevLocked±Lock ms
    Wired
    LockedN/A
    Receiver
    LockedLock ms
    Bluetooth
    LockedLock ms
    PCB (Estimated)
    LockedLock ms

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    0.0
    Multi-Key Latency
    SAMPLE
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    for videos & test results

    Logitech MX Keys Latency Video Sample
    Connection EvaluatedLockedLocked
    Key Press
    LockedLock ms
    Key Release
    LockedLock ms

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    0.0
    Data Transmission
    Connection EvaluatedLockedLocked
    USB Polling Rate
    LockedLock Hz
    Effective Update Rate
    LockedLock Hz
    N-Key Rollover (NKRO)
    LockedNo
    Multiple Keys Per USB Report
    LockedLocked

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    0.0
    Chord Split
    4 Chord Split Delay
    LockedLock ms
    8 Chord Split Delay
    LockedN/A

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    Software and Operating System
    Configuration Software
    SAMPLE
    JOIN NOW

    for videos & test results

    Logitech MX Keys Software Tour Sample
    Software NameLockedLocked
    Software Windows Compatible
    LockedLocked
    Software macOS Compatible
    LockedLocked
    Onboard Memory
    LockedLocked
    Profiles
    LockedLocked

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    0.0
    Computer Compatibility
    Windows
    LockedLocked
    macOS
    LockedLocked
    Linux (Ubuntu 22)
    LockedLocked
    Media Key Compatibility
    LockedLocked

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    0.0
    Wireless Mobile Compatibility
    Android
    LockedLocked
    iOS
    LockedLocked
    iPadOS
    LockedLocked
    Media Key Compatibility
    LockedLocked

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