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Logitech MX Mechanical Keyboard Review

Tested using Methodology v1.3.1
Reviewed Jun 13, 2022 at 10:30 am
Latest change: Test bench update Nov 29, 2023 at 09:32 am
Logitech MX Mechanical Picture
7.2
Gaming
8.0
Office
6.8
Mobile/Tablet
8.2
Programming
6.0
Entertainment / HTPC
6.4
Raw Performance

The Logitech MX Mechanical is the first mechanical keyboard released in Logitech's office-focused MX lineup. It's a wireless model that comes with Logitech's BOLT receiver, which is designed for use simultaneously with other select Logitech products, but you can also connect it with Bluetooth. You can choose from Kailh low-profile switches in tactile Brown, clicky Blue, and linear Red, and there's a compact version of this keyboard available called the Logitech MX Mechanical Mini.

Our Verdict

7.2 Gaming

Although the Logitech MX Mechanical isn't specifically for gaming, it offers very good performance for this use. Overall, it feels well-built and comfortable, and its white-only backlighting makes the keys easy to read in the dark. Also, the tactile Brown switches have a short pre-travel distance, and keypresses are smooth throughout. However, its latency is only low enough for casual gaming.

Pros
  • Solid build quality.
  • Feels comfortable to use for long periods.
Cons
  • Latency isn't low enough for reaction-based gaming.
8.0 Office

The Logitech MX Mechanical is a very good keyboard for office use. Thanks to its low profile, it feels comfortable to type on for long periods, even without a wrist rest. The build quality is solid, and with the tactile Brown switches installed, the typing noise is minimal. You can connect it wirelessly with its USB receiver or via Bluetooth, and it pairs with up to three devices. While it's fully compatible with Windows, some buttons don't work as intended on macOS and Linux.

Pros
  • Solid build quality.
  • Feels comfortable to use for long periods.
Cons
6.8 Mobile/Tablet

The Logitech MX Mechanical is an adequate keyboard to use with mobile devices. Although it has outstanding wireless versatility and can connect with up to three devices at once, its bulky size makes it inconvenient to carry around.

Pros
  • Solid build quality.
  • Feels comfortable to use for long periods.
Cons
  • Too bulky to carry around easily.
  • No software options for mobile operating systems.
8.2 Programming

The Logitech MX Mechanical is a good keyboard for programming use. Thanks to its low-profile, it feels well-built and comfortable to type on for long periods. The typing quality feels great with the tactile Brown switches installed, and the backlighting shines through the legends, meaning they're easy to read in the dark. Also, it can connect with up to three devices at once using Bluetooth.

Pros
  • Solid build quality.
  • Feels comfortable to use for long periods.
Cons
6.0 Entertainment / HTPC

The Logitech MX Mechanical is an okay keyboard to use with a home theatre PC. You can connect it wirelessly with Bluetooth or its USB receiver, and it pairs with up to three devices at once. It also has white backlighting, so the keys are visible in the dark. Unfortunately, it doesn't have a trackpad, so you'll have to use another peripheral to navigate on-screen. It also lacks a wheel to control the volume.

Pros
  • Solid build quality.
  • Feels comfortable to use for long periods.
Cons
  • Some buttons don't work as intended on macOS.
  • No trackpad for on screen navigation.
6.4 Raw Performance

Pros
  • Solid build quality.
  • Feels comfortable to use for long periods.
Cons
  • 7.2 Gaming
  • 8.0 Office
  • 6.8 Mobile/Tablet
  • 8.2 Programming
  • 6.0 Entertainment / HTPC
  • 6.4 Raw Performance
  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 Oct 16, 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.
  3. Updated Jul 05, 2023: We've added a link to the newly-reviewed Logitech MX Keys S to the Backlight Features section of this review.
  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.
  5. Updated Jun 12, 2023: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.2. This update introduces new Backlight Features and Backlight Clarity test boxes. We've also added a new Switches test box, added additional test comparisons to our Hardware Customizability test box that we introduced with our last Test Bench. For an in-depth look at our changes, you can see our full changelog here.
  6. Updated Apr 26, 2023: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.1. This update adds several new tests addressing Hardware Customization, Macro Keys And Programming, and Wireless Mobile Compatibility. We've also added new objective evaluations to the Typing Noise test, and we've simplified several tests and removed several others that were no longer relevant. For an in-depth look at all our changes, you can see our full changelog here.
  7. Updated Jun 13, 2022: Review published.
  8. Updated Jun 08, 2022: Early access published.
  9. Updated Jun 01, 2022: Our testers have started testing this product.
  10. Updated May 31, 2022: The product has arrived in our lab, and our testers will start evaluating it soon.
  11. Updated May 28, 2022: We've purchased the product and are waiting for it to arrive in our lab.

Differences Between Sizes And Variants

The Logitech MX Mechanical comes in three different switch options: tactile Brown, clicky Blue, and linear Red. You can also get a compact version of this keyboard called the Logitech MX Mechanical Mini. We bought and tested the full-size version in the Graphite colorway with tactile Brown switches installed, and you can see the label of our unit here.

Compared To Other Keyboards

The Logitech MX Mechanical is a straightforward wireless keyboard designed for productivity and office use. It's essentially the mechanical version of the popular Logitech MX Keys, but it offers a slightly different typing experience. Typing is louder and can feel a bit softer than the distinct tactile bump found with scissor switches. Also, the keycaps are low-profile but don't have the dip in the middle to help guide your fingers. Overall, it feels similar to the low-profile offerings from companies like Keychron, but with slightly better-feeling keycaps. Unlike the Keychron keyboards, you'll maximize the device and software features if you use the MX Mechanical in a larger Logitech ecosystem with other MX series devices.

If you're interested in more products, check out the recommendations for the best Logitech keyboards, the best wireless keyboards, and the best keyboards for typing.

Logitech MX Keys

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 G915 LIGHTSPEED

The Logitech G915 LIGHTSPEED and the Logitech MX Mechanical are both low-profile, wireless mechanical keyboards. However, the G915 LIGHTSPEED is a gaming keyboard, while the MX Mechanical is an office keyboard.

Logitech MX Keys S

The Logitech MX Mechanical and the Logitech MX Keys S are wireless full-size keyboards with low-profile designs. The MX Mechanical uses mechanical switches and can be purchased with tactile Brown or clicky Blue switch varieties. On the other hand, the MX Keys S has tactile scissor switches, which are quieter.

Keychron K3

The Keychron K3 and the Logitech MX Mechanical are both low-profile wireless mechanical keyboards. The Keychron comes in a compact form factor and has full RGB lighting, while the Logitech only has wite-only backlighting. That said, the Logitech is a full-size model that has a bit more premium-feeling build quality and flip-out feet that provide an additional typing angle.

Keychron K5 Max [K1 Max, K3 Max, etc.]

The Logitech MX Mechanical and the Keychron K5 Max are wireless mechanical keyboards with low-profile designs. The Logitech has keycaps with shine-through legends, making them much easier to read in darker rooms. On the other hand, the Keychron has significantly better latency performance for gaming and has expanded wireless versatility with an option for 2.4GHz connectivity, which the Logitech lacks. You can also buy the Keychron with a hot-swappable PCB, an option that isn't available for the Logitech.

Razer Pro Type Ultra

The Razer Pro Type Ultra and the Logitech MX Mechanical are two wireless mechanical keyboards. However, the Logitech uses low-profile switches and keycaps, which provide a different typing experience from standard mechanical switches like the Razer has. The Razer is also better-suited if you want a multi-purpose board to game and work with as it has much better latency, whereas the Logitech is only suited for productivity tasks.

Logitech MX Keys Mini

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.

Keychron K3 (Version 2)

The Keychron K3 (Version 2) and the Logitech MX Mechanical are both low-profile wireless mechanical keyboards. The key difference is that the Keychron comes in a smaller form factor by default, but the Logitech has a compact version called the Logitech MX Mechanical Mini. Also, the Keychron is fully compatible with Windows and macOS, while the Logitech is only fully compatible with Windows as a few keys don't work on macOS.

Keychron K1

The Keychron K1 and the Logitech MX Mechanical are both wireless, low-profile mechanical keyboards designed for office use. The main difference is that the Keychron comes in a TKL form factor, so it lacks a Numpad and companion software. The Logitech comes in a full-size or compact form factor, and it has customization software available for both Windows and macOS.

NuPhy Air75

The NuPhy Air75 and the Logitech MX Mechanical are wireless, low-profile mechanical keyboards but have different features. The NuPhy is more customizable through the software, and it has a hot-swappable PCB, meaning you can swap out the switches. The Logitech is a pre-built option designed for office use, so you're limited in how much you can customize it through the software, and you can't change the switches out.

Keychron K4

The Keychron K4 and the Logitech MX Mechanical are both wireless, mechanical productivity boards. However, the K4 will give you a more classic mechanical typing experience as it uses standard switches, while the MX Mechanical feels like a hybrid between a mechanical and scissor-switch keyboard thanks to its low-profile switches.

Ducky One 3

The Logitech MX Mechanical and the Ducky One 3 have some different features. The Logitech is wireless and suited for the office. It also uses low-profile switches, which offer a different typing experience than standard mechanical switches. On the other hand, the Ducky is wired-only and isn't low profile, so it offers a more traditional typing experience. Also, it's better if you're looking for a multi-purpose keyboard for gaming and office tasks as it has much lower latency.

Keychron C1 Pro/C2 Pro

The Keychron C1 Pro/C2 Pro and the Logitech MX Mechanical are all mechanical keyboards. The Keychrons are wired-only models with high-profile designs available with RGB or white-only backlighting. On the other hand, the Logitech is a wireless, low-profile keyboard only available with white-only backlighting. The Logitech is only available in a full-size format, while the Keychron C1 Pro and C2 Pro are TKL and full-size models, respectively. The Keychrons are also available in a hot-swappable variant, while the Logitech is not.

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Video

Test Results

perceptual testing image
Design
Design
Dimensions
Size
Full-size (100%)
Height
1.1" (2.7 cm)
Width 17.1" (43.4 cm)
Depth
5.2" (13.2 cm)
Depth With Wrist Rest
N/A
Weight
1.82 lbs (0.827 kg)

The Logitech MX Mechanical is a full-size keyboard. Despite its full size, it doesn't take up too much space on a desk. However, if you'd prefer something smaller, you can purchase a compact version of this keyboard called the Logitech MX Mechanical Mini.

8.5
Design
Build Quality
Keycap Material ABS

The Logitech MX Mechanical has excellent build quality. The top plate is aluminum, while the chassis is made of solid plastic, so the board exhibits no flex. The keycaps are ABS plastic with a soft coating that adds extra grip, which is good as ABS keycaps are prone to becoming slick from finger oil over time. The legends are shine-through, meaning you can see the backlighting in the dark. The stabilizers inside offer good stabilization, so there's very little wobble in the larger keys. On the top right of the keyboard, you'll find the charging port and power switch. Along the bottom of the board, there's a long rubber strip that does a good job of keeping it in place, and there are two smaller strips at the top and on each incline foot.

7.0
Design
Ergonomics
Curved/Angled
No
Split Keyboard
No
Key Alignment
Staggered
Minimum Incline
3.5°
Medium Incline
N/A
Maximum Incline
Home Row Height
23.3 mm (0.9")

The Logitech MX Mechanical is a low-profile board that's comfortable to use without a wrist rest, though Logitech does offer one for purchase on their website. It also has one incline setting should you need the extra angle.

5.7
Design
Hardware Customizability
Replaceable Cherry Stabilizers
Yes
Stabilizer Fixation
Plate-Mounted
Spacebar Stabilizer Size
Non-Customizable Design
Size Of Right Mod Keys
1.25u
Hot-Swappable Switches
No
Switch Stem Shape
Low Profile Cherry MX Style
Switch PCB Socket
Soldered
North-Facing Cherry MX Interference
No
8.0
Design
Backlight Features
Backlighting Yes
RGB
No
Per-Key Backlighting
Yes
Effects
Yes
Software Controllable
Yes

The Logitech MX Mechanical has excellent white-only backlighting. It has a built-in sensor that turns the backlighting on when your hand is near and off when you've left the keyboard to conserve battery power. If you're interested in a similar keyboard that can also automatically adjust the backlight brightness according to the lighting conditions around you, check out the Logitech MX Keys S.

8.0
Design
Backlight Clarity

The key legends are shine-through, meaning you can read your keys in a dark environment. While there are lighting effects available, you can't program or customize any of them.

Design
Cable & Connector
Connectivity Wireless
Detachable
Yes (Charge Only)
Length 3.4 ft (1.0 m)
Connector (Keyboard side)
USB type-C

This keyboard comes with a simple rubber USB-A to USB-C cable.

10
Design
Wireless Versatility
Bluetooth
Yes
Bluetooth Multi-Device Pairing
3
Proprietary Receiver
Yes
Battery Type
Rechargeable

The Logitech MX Mechanical is extremely versatile in its wireless connectivity options. It comes with Logitech's BOLT receiver, which connects with select Logitech productivity devices, so you only need one receiver for multiple devices. When used with its receiver, you can still pair it with up to two other devices using Bluetooth. Without using its receiver, you can pair it with up to three devices via Bluetooth. You should also note that this keyboard isn't compatible with the Logitech Unifying Receiver and only works with the BOLT receiver. Logitech advertises that the battery lasts up to 15 days when used with the backlighting on and up to 10 months with the backlighting off.

4.0
Design
Macro Keys And Programming
Dedicated Macro Keys Count 0
Onboard Macro Programming
No
Macro Programming With Software
Yes

This keyboard allows you to program macros (called 'Smart Actions') to function row keys using the customization software.

Design
Extra Features
Media Keys
Non-Dedicated
Trackpad / Trackball No
Scroll Wheel
No
Control Knob
No
USB Passthrough
No
Numpad Yes
Windows Key Lock
Yes
Lock Indicator Caps Lock

The Logitech MX Mechanical doesn't have many extra features. You can access a number of functions as hotkeys including media controls and screen brightness controls. You can also access certain features and applications through hotkeys like a calculator app, an emoji menu, and a speech-to-text (dictation) feature.

Design
In The Box

  • Logitech MX Mechanical
  • USB-A to USB-C charging cable
  • BOLT USB receiver
  • User documentation

Typing Experience
8.0
Typing Experience
Typing Quality
Key Spacing
19.0 mm (0.748")

The Logitech MX Mechanical offers a great typing experience. The ABS keycaps have a soft covering that adds a bit of grip and feels nice on the fingertips. The keys themselves are stable, though the larger keys have slightly more wobble; however, it isn't noticeable during use. Due to the flat, low-profile keycaps, the keys feel closer together than standard keyboards, but not enough to feel cramped. The Kailh Choc V2 Low-Profile Brown switches in the unit provide a slight tactile bump that doesn't feel rough or resistant, so the keypress feels smooth throughout. Overall, if you're used to typing on a scissor switch or other low-profile board, this keyboard will provide an enjoyable typing experience with little to no learning curve. If you're coming from a high-profile board, you may notice your typing speed is slightly slower at first as you get used to the low-profile keycaps and switches. You're unlikely to experience any wrist fatigue or finger fatigue during long periods of use.

8.2
Typing Experience
Typing Noise
Average Loudness
49.1 dBA
High Pitch Clicks
No

With the tactile Brown switches installed, typing on this keyboard is quiet. If you buy this keyboard with clicky Blue switches, the typing noise is louder.

Typing Experience
Switches
Switch Name
Kailh Choc V2 Low Profile Brown
Switch Type
Mechanical
Feel
Tactile
Analog
No
Typing Experience
Keystrokes
Operating Force
48 gf
Actuation Force
46 gf
Pre-Travel
1.4 mm
Total Travel
3.3 mm

This Logitech MX Mechanical unit has Kailh Choc V2 Low Profile Brown switches, which have a subtle tactile bump halfway through the keypress. The pre-travel distance is short, but the smoothness of the switch means that the tactile bump doesn't offer a lot of resistance and doesn't require much force to get over. Overall, the keystroke is light and responsive, though this will feel different if you purchase the board with linear Red or clicky Blue switches.

Performance
7.6
Performance
Single-Key Latency
Best Connection
12.4 ms
Best Connection Std Dev ±2.9 ms
Wired
N/A
Receiver
12.4 ms
Bluetooth
16.4 ms
PCB (Estimated)
11.2 ms

The Logitech MX Mechanical has decent latency. It's very well-suited for productivity tasks and even casual gaming, but it isn't suitable for reaction-based or competitive games.

6.9
Performance
Multi-Key Latency
Connection Evaluated Receiver
Key Press
15.1 ms
Key Release
40.4 ms
5.4
Performance
Data Transmission
Connection Evaluated Receiver
USB Polling Rate
1,000 Hz
Effective Update Rate
143 Hz
N-Key Rollover (NKRO)
No
Multiple Keys Per USB Report
No
4.2
Performance
Chord Split
4 Chord Split Delay
22.1 ms
8 Chord Split Delay
N/A
Software and Operating System
Software and Operating System
Configuration Software
Software Name Logi Options+
Software Windows Compatible
Yes
Software macOS Compatible
Yes
Onboard Memory
No
Profiles
6+

This keyboard uses the Logi Options+ software, which is very similar to Logitech Options but features an updated interface that's clean and simple. You can use the software to create app-specific profiles, so your settings will be different for different applications. Although this keyboard doesn't have onboard memory, you can back up your settings with the Cloud and sync them across devices. This software also allows you to program macros (called 'Smart Actions') to this keyboard's function row keys.

10
Software and Operating System
Computer Compatibility
Windows
Fully Compatible
macOS
Fully Compatible
Linux (Ubuntu 22)
Fully Compatible
Media Key Compatibility
Windows, MacOS & Linux

The Logitech MX Mechanical is fully compatible with Windows. While there's software available for Mac, some function keys, like the screen brightness function (F1, F2), may not work if you use a Mac computer with a monitor that isn't fully Mac compatible. For Linux systems, the dictate (F5), emoji (F6), screen grab (F7), and mic mute (F8) functions don't work.

9.2
Software and Operating System
Wireless Mobile Compatibility
Android
Fully Compatible
iOS
Fully Compatible
iPadOS
Partially Compatible
Media Key Compatibility
Android, iPhone & iPad

On mobile devices running Android or iOS, the emoji button (F6) and Mic Mute (F8) and Calculator buttons don't work, and the Insert button doesn't work on iOS. iPadOS users should note that similar to iOS, the mic mute (F8), calculator, and Insert buttons don't work.