The Logitech MX Keys Mini is a low-profile, 75% compact board with a dedicated F-row and arrow keys. It's very similar to the full-size Logitech MX Keys, but it's missing some keys, like the numpad and navigation keys, but it also has some new functions like a Dictation key, an Emoji key, and a Mic Mute key. You can use it via Bluetooth and pair it with up to three devices, and it's compatible with most common operating systems, though some keys don't work on certain devices. Unfortunately, while it's compatible with Logitech's new Logi Bolt USB receiver, you have to buy it separately. Also, it isn't compatible with Logitech's unifying receiver, so if you already have Logitech devices and prefer using the receiver, you'll have to have both plugged in at once.
Our Verdict
The Logitech MX Keys Mini scores well for gaming, but it isn't intended for this use. Its latency is fairly high for gaming, and you can't set macros to any key. While you can remap some function keys, you're limited to a list of preset options. Also, it doesn't have mechanical switches, which some gamers may not like. On the bright side, its scissor switches have a short pre-travel distance, giving the board a responsive feel. It feels well-built, and it has nice white backlighting to help you see the legends in the dark.
-
Great typing experience.
-
Feels well-built.
-
Bright white backlighting.
-
High latency.
-
No macro-programmable keys.
The Logitech MX Keys Mini is excellent for mobile devices. You can use it wirelessly via Bluetooth and pair it with up to three devices. It's compatible with most common operating systems, though some keys don't work on certain devices. It's very thin, which is great for sliding into a laptop bag, and it feels well-built, so you won't need to worry about it breaking while traveling.
-
Great typing experience.
-
Compatible with most common operating systems.
-
Feels well-built.
-
Bright white backlighting.
-
Some functions don't work on mobile.
The Logitech MX Keys Mini is good for office use. Its scissor switches feel light and responsive overall. The board is quiet to type on, and while it doesn't come with a wrist rest, it's very low profile and doesn't need one. You can use it wirelessly via Bluetooth and pair it with up to three devices, and you can also use it with the Logi Bolt USB receiver if you buy it separately. Unfortunately, while you can remap some keys, it's limited to a preset list of options, and you can't set any macros, which may bother some people.
-
Great typing experience.
-
Compatible with most common operating systems.
-
Feels well-built.
-
Bright white backlighting.
-
Not compatible with Logitech unifying receiver.
-
USB receiver is sold separately.
-
No macro-programmable keys.
The Logitech MX Keys Mini is good for programming. The scissor switches feel light and responsive overall. The board is very low-profile and comfortable to type on, even without a wrist rest. It feels well-built and has white backlighting to help you see your keys in the dark. You can use it wirelessly via Bluetooth and pair it with up to three devices, and you can use it with the Logi Bolt USB receiver if you buy it separately. It's compatible with most common operating systems, but some keys don't work on certain devices. Unfortunately, you can't set any macros, and while you can remap some keys, it's limited to a preset list of options.
-
Great typing experience.
-
Compatible with most common operating systems.
-
Feels well-built.
-
Bright white backlighting.
-
Not compatible with Logitech unifying receiver.
-
USB receiver is sold separately.
-
No macro-programmable keys.
The Logitech MX Keys Mini is okay for a home theater PC setup, but it isn't designed for this use. It doesn't have a built-in trackpad, meaning you also need a mouse to navigate the interface, and there isn't a volume control wheel. On the bright side, it has media hotkeys and white backlighting. Also, you can use it wirelessly via Bluetooth or the Logi Bolt USB receiver if you buy it separately, and it's compatible with many operating systems, though some keys don't work on certain devices.
-
Great typing experience.
-
Compatible with most common operating systems.
-
Bright white backlighting.
-
USB receiver is sold separately.
-
No macro-programmable keys.
-
No built-in trackpad.
- 8.1 Gaming
- 8.6 Mobile/Tablet
- 7.8 Office
- 7.7 Programming
- 6.8 Entertainment / HTPC
- Updated Aug 05, 2024: We've added a link to the newly-reviewed Keychron B1/B6 Pro to the Backlighting section.
- Updated Jun 19, 2024: We've added a note about the Space Grey Mac variant in the Differences Between Variants section of this review.
- Updated Mar 21, 2024: We've added a link to the newly-reviewed Logitech Pebble Keys 2 K380s to theWireless Versatility section of this review.
- Updated Sep 23, 2022: Updated the review based on user feedback regarding the "time of flight" sensor for the backlighting.
- Updated May 27, 2022: After we discovered we incorrectly reported the building materials of the original Logitech MX Keys, we investigated this keyboard and concluded the building materials are plastic and not metal. The review text has been amended, and there has been no change to the scoring.
- Updated Dec 21, 2021: We've reclassified the size of this keyboard from a compact 65% to a compact 75%.
- Updated Oct 28, 2021: Review published.
- Updated Oct 25, 2021: Early access published.
- Updated Oct 15, 2021: Our testers have started testing this product.
- Updated Oct 12, 2021: The product has arrived in our lab, and our testers will start evaluating it soon.
- Updated Oct 05, 2021: We've purchased the product and are waiting for it to arrive in our lab.
Differences Between Sizes And Variants
We tested the Logitech MX Keys Mini in Graphite, but it's also available in Pale Gray, Rose, and Black, though Black isn't available at all retailers. There are Pale Grey and Space Grey variants dedicated to Mac, which exclude Windows-specific functions from the keycaps. There's also a business variant that comes with the Logi Bolt USB receiver. You can see the label of our unit here.
Compared To Other Keyboards
The Logitech MX Keys Mini is a good low-profile wireless board for office use. It's a smaller version of the Logitech MX Keys, without the numpad and navigation keys, and some other functions are replaced by a Dictation key, a Mute key, and an Emoji key. It's very similar to the Apple Magic Keyboard 2017, which is also a thin and compact office board made for Mac. Like many office boards we've tested, you can use the MX Keys Mini over Bluetooth and pair it with up to three devices. You can also connect it with a USB receiver, but unlike most other Logitech keyboards we've tested, the USB receiver isn't included with the board.
See our recommendations for the best wireless keyboards, the best low-profile keyboards, the best keyboards for typing, and the best ergonomic keyboards.
The Logitech MX Keys Mini is essentially a smaller variant of the Logitech MX Keys S. The MX Keys Mini has a compact (75%) form factor, while the MX Keys S is a full-size model. The MX Keys S also has a backlighting feature that adjusts the backlight brightness depending on your environment. Both keyboards connect wirelessly via Bluetooth and are compatible with the Logi BOLT USB receiver. However, while the BOLT receiver is included in the box with the MX Keys S, it's sold separately for the MX Keys Mini.
The Logitech MX Keys Mini is a similar but more compact version of the full-size Logitech MX Keys. The MX Keys has a numpad and navigation keys which the smaller version lacks. Also, it comes with Logitech's unifying receiver, which you can use to connect with multiple Logitech devices. Comparatively, the Mini isn't compatible with the unifying receiver, and while it's compatible with the Logi Bolt USB receiver, you need to buy it separately. Also, the Mini includes some new function keys, like a dictation key, a mic mute key, and an emoji key, but some don't work on certain operating systems.
The Logitech K380 and the Logitech MX Keys Mini are both compact wireless boards, but the MX Keys Mini is better overall. It has a rechargeable battery instead of disposable AAA batteries like the K380, and it has white backlighting to help you see the key legends when in the dark. Also, you can remap a few more keys on the MX Keys Mini than on the K380, and you can also create profiles for specific programs.
The Logitech MX Keys Mini is a standalone wireless keyboard that connects via Bluetooth or with an included USB receiver and recharges with a USB-C cable. It's compatible with all major computer and mobile operating systems, including all generations of iPads. Comparatively, the Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro (M4) is exclusively compatible with iPad Pro (M4) models. It has an integrated glass trackpad with haptic feedback and includes a folio cover with a hinge that acts as a stand for your iPad. It doesn't connect wirelessly but connects with Smart Connector pins, using your iPad for power.
The Logitech MX Keys Mini and the Logitech Pebble Keys 2 K380s are wireless low-profile keyboards. The MX Keys Mini has better, more premium-feeling build quality and is a bit larger. It has more conventional rectangular-shaped keycaps and provides a slightly better overall typing quality. It recharges with an included USB cable and has white backlighting, which the Pebble Keys 2 lacks. On the other hand, the Pebble Keys 2 uses two AAA batteries for power and has somewhat more unusual circular-shaped keycaps.
The Logitech MX Keys Mini and the Logitech POP Keys are both compact wireless keyboards. The MX Keys Mini is a thin, low-profile board with scissor switches. It uses a rechargeable battery, so you can continue to use it while it charges, and it has white backlighting to help you see your keys in the dark. On the other hand, the POP Keys has tactile TTC Brown mechanical switches, and it features five dedicated emoji keys that you can reprogram to whatever emojis you use most when messaging friends, family, or coworkers.
The Logitech MX Keys Mini and the Logitech MX Mechanical are wireless office keyboards. The major difference between the two is that the MX Mechanical uses mechanical switches, whereas the MX Keys Mini uses scissor switches. Both keyboards are compatible with the LOGI BOLT receiver, but the MX Keys Mini doesn't include one in the packaging. While the typing experience is slightly different due to their switch types, they perform pretty similarly. Also, you can buy the MX Mechanical in a compact form factor that is the same size as the MX Keys Mini.
The Apple Magic Keyboard with Touch ID and Numeric Keypad and the Logitech MX Keys Mini are wireless, low-profile boards. The Apple is a full-size model, though it also comes in the same compact size as the Logitech. The Apple has a Numpad, a Touch ID key in the top right corner, and full compatibility with macOS. Also, you can use its cable for changing and in wired mode, while the Logitech is a wireless-only board that only lets you use the cable to charge the battery. That said, the Logitech has a few more features, like white backlighting, multi-device pairing via Bluetooth, and customization software to remap some keys.
The Keychron K3 and the Logitech MX Keys Mini are both low-profile wireless keyboards with multi-device pairing via Bluetooth. If you prefer compact mechanical boards, the Keychron K3 is a better choice since it's available with a variety of Gateron Mechanical and Keychron Optical switches. You can also use it in a wired mode with its cable, while the Logitech only lets you charge the battery with the cable. Also, it has RGB backlighting and some navigation keys that the Logitech lacks. On the other hand, the Logitech is a compact non-mechanical board with scissor switches. It has white backlighting and customization software to remap keys and create profiles. Also, unlike the Keychron, you can use it with a USB receiver, but you need to buy it separately.
The Logitech MX Keys Mini and the Keychron K3 (Version 2) are both compact wireless keyboards, but the Logitech is a non-mechanical keyboard, while the Keychron is a mechanical keyboard with hot-swappable switches. Both keyboards have a low profile that feels comfortable to use; however, the Logitech has indented keycaps and uses scissor switches which provide an overall better typing quality. The Logitech also has companion software, meaning you can remap keys. The Keychron has better latency, and it has two incline settings for better ergonomics.
The Logitech MX Keys Mini and the Keychron B1 Pro are wireless, low-profile keyboards designed for productivity and everyday browsing. The Logitech has better overall build quality, with higher quality materials and a more premium-feeling typing experience. It also features per-key backlighting and shine-through legends, which the Keychron lacks. In contrast, the Keychron offers superior software customizability with web-based software and ZMK firmware support. It also supports both Bluetooth and a 2.4GHz wireless connection, the latter of which the Keychron lacks.
The Logitech MX Keys Mini and the Apple Magic Keyboard 2017 are both compact, low-profile, wireless keyboards. The Logitech has a few more features, like white backlighting, multi-device pairing via Bluetooth, and customization software to remap some keys. Also, the Logitech is compatible with more operating systems, including Android, which the Apple keyboard isn't compatible with at all. On the other hand, the Apple keyboard is fully compatible with macOS, iPadOS, and iOS since it's made for Apple products. Also, you can use its cable for both charging and wired mode, while the Logitech is a wireless-only board, and you can only use the cable to charge the battery.
The Logitech MX Keys Mini and the NuPhy Air75 are both compact keyboards with outstanding wireless connectivity options; however, they have some key differences. The NuPhy uses low-profile mechanical switches, and it's hot-swappable, meaning you can change those switches out at any point without having to solder. Also, every key is macro-programmable, and it has full RGB backlighting and much better latency. On the other hand, the Logitech uses scissor switches, and its white-only backlighting shines through the key legends, meaning you can see them in the dark.
Test Results
The Logitech MX Keys Mini is a 75% compact board with a dedicated function row and arrow keys.
The Logitech MX Keys Mini feels very well-built. Its chassis and outer frame are made of a high-quality plastic that looks like metal. The keys are stable, with very little rattle, and while it isn't stated on the product page, the keycaps feel like ABS. There are five rubber pads on the underside that keep the board in place.
The Logitech MX Keys Mini has decent ergonomics. It's a straight, flat board with no incline settings. While it doesn't come with a wrist rest, it's low enough that you shouldn't need one.
The Logitech MX Keys Mini has white backlighting with individually lit keys. You can control the brightness settings by using the dedicated hotkeys, F5 and F6. There's a built-in sensor that turns the backlight on automatically in the dark and turns it off when you haven't typed for a while. However, many users have reported issues with the proximity sensor, including but not limited to the sensor not responding or the sensor shutting off too quickly, which impacts the overall use of the keyboard, especially in dark environments.
If you don't need backlighting and are interested in a very similar wireless low-profile option, see our review for the Keychron B1/B6 Pro.
The Logitech MX Keys Mini has a standard rubber USB-C charging cable. You can only use the cable to charge the battery, meaning you can't use the board in wired mode.
You can pair it with up to three devices via Bluetooth or the Logi Bolt USB receiver; however, you need to buy the receiver separately. Unlike the full-size Logitech MX Keys and many other Logitech devices, the Mini isn't compatible with Logitech's unifying receiver.
If you're interested in a similar portable keyboard that uses AAA batteries instead, check out the Logitech Pebble Keys 2 K380s.
The Logitech MX Keys Mini lacks some of the function keys that its full-size version has, like those for monitor brightness control, desktop swap, workspace organization, and quick app launch. It's also missing a numpad and navigation keys, and while it does have dedicated arrow keys, they're small. On the other hand, it does have some new function keys, like a dedicated Mute key, a Dictation key for talk-to-text, and an Emoji key.
The Logitech MX Keys Mini uses scissor switches, which have a short pre-travel distance and feel pretty light to type on. If you'd prefer a portable, low-profile keyboard with mechanical switches, check out the NuPhy Air75.
The Logitech MX Keys Mini feels great to type on. Each key has a rounded indent that helps you hit the key in the center and reduce typos. While the board is compact, the keys are well-spaced and don't feel too cramped. All of the keys feel stable and even, but the spacebar feels a bit different when actuating and makes a bit more noise.
The Logitech MX Keys Mini is quiet and shouldn't bother those around you in a noise-sensitive environment.
The Bluetooth latency is low enough for general tasks, but it's likely too high for gaming. While it's compatible with the Logi Bolt USB receiver, the board doesn't come with it, meaning we couldn't test it.
The Logitech Options software offers some customizations, like creating multiple profiles and creating custom settings for specific applications. You can also remap some of the F-row keys, but you're limited to a list of preset functions.
The Logitech MX Keys Mini is compatible with most common desktop and mobile operating systems. However, as it only connects to devices via Bluetooth unless you buy the proprietary receiver separately, it won't work with older devices or operating systems that don't support Bluetooth. Also, some keys don't work on certain devices. On macOS, the Mute key and Dictation key don't work. On Linux, the Dictation, Emoji, Screenshot, and Mute keys don't register. On Android and iOS, the Emoji and Mute keys don't function, and only the Mute key doesn't work on iPadOS.