Logitech’s MX Keys keyboard has been on the market for a couple of years now, but is it still the best productivity keyboard for professionals?
A feature rich keyboard, the MX Keys is priced at a premium however, based on what you get we find that the keyboard offers excellent value.
We have had this keyboard for several months and have been busy using it under a variety of conditions and what follows is our experience using this rechargeable full-sized keyboard.
Design
The MX Keys keyboard by Logitech would best be classified as a low profile production keyboard. The full-sized keyboard’s layout has a total of 108 keys, is 430 mm wide, 131 mm in height and 20 mm in depth, due to its angled construction. The keyboard weighs a rather robust 810 grams.
Made of mostly ABS plastic held together by a single metal plate for strength and rigidity, the MX Keys feels durable in hand.
A brief tour of the 108 key face of the device yields six rubber feet on the bottom of the keyboard to stop it from sliding around on the surface where it is being used. The sides of the keyboard are bare with only a power button and a USB-C port for charging present on the back of the keyboard.
While there is an incline for the keyboard, it is not adjustable nor is there the ability to alter the physical nature of the keyboard – what you see is what you get.
Lastly, the keyboard uses a lithium ion rechargeable battery which is housed in the raised part of the keyboard at the back. We will talk about battery life later.
Layout
The layout of the keyboard is spacious with full-sized keys across the face of the device. Even the directional arrow keys which are sometimes reduced in size on keyboards of competitors are full-sized keys. Additionally, the keyboard also has a number pad for those that utilize that feature.
Most of the keycaps except the function keys along the top row and utility keys located on either side of the space bar, feature a concave indent designed to “capture” your finger. This is designed to make it easier to click on the key you intend to press without making errors. Logitech also notes that this will also increase comfort for the user.
Like many keyboards, Logitech has designed the layout with a focus – in this case, the keyboard is aimed at the those using the device for productivity and not gaming. As a result, a few keys look different than what you may find on a generalist-style keyboard. For example, the ESC key at the top left hand side of the keyboard is about the size of two keys. This ends up shifting the Function keys along the top row to the right. There are also the utility keys on either side of the spacebar designed to be shared between Windows and Mac users. Incidentally, Logitech has also has released a dedicated MX Keys keyboard for Mac users.
Typing Experience
Logitech decided to use scissor switches with a low key travel of just 1.8 mm for the keycaps of the MX Keys. This results in a laptop style typing experience for your desktop setup.
Each key feels stable without much movement from side to side which we really appreciate. Additionally, each key is separated from its neighbour by 2 mm providing sufficient space between keys to avoid inadvertently tapping a key in error.
As noted earlier, the indent on the keycaps has been executed very well. We found that as we were using the keyboard, the concavity of the keycaps allows our fingers to settle into the keys increasing the likelihood of actuation while typing.
Unlike a mechanical keyboard where you may hear that clickity-clack sound as you are typing, this keyboard does not make much noise when being used. Logitech notes that each key stroke is meant to be felt and not heard and so if you are looking for that clickity-clack sound of a mechanical keyboard, you won’t find it here.
Overall we find the typing experience on the MX Keys keyboard to be excellent.
Connection
There are essentially three different ways to connect the MX Keys keyboard to a PC. First, the keyboard comes packaged with a Logitech Unifying USB receiver which fits into any standard USB-A port, allowing you to link up to your device via an RF frequency.
Second, you can use your PC’s Bluetooth to connect the keyboard, or lastly, you can use the supplied USB-A to USB-C charging cable to connect the keyboard to your device while you work. It is worth pointing out that when you are charging the keyboard, you can do so while continuing to use the keyboard.
Features
In our introduction, we described the Logitech MX Keys keyboard as being “feature rich”, and for good reason. This keyboard offers a variety of custom options and characteristics which add to the device’s appeal.
Below, we will highlight some of the features we feel, contribute to the keyboard’s appeal.
Multiple Devices
The ability to connect to various devices is a feature that we have been utilizing extensively since having the keyboard in our possession. The ability to transition from one device to another with the simple tap of a key has added convenience and improved productivity within our daily routine.
In our working environment, we use three PCs for varying tasks and the ability to use one keyboard for all three is a welcome option that you may find equally as important if you regularly use multiple devices throughout your workday.
Operating System Agnosticism
This brings us to the keyboard’s operating system agnosticism. The MX Keys keyboard works just as well for MACs, Windows based systems, Android or Linux without any need to make any changes or adaptations.
So while we discussed how easily the keyboard can be used with multiple devices, those devices can each be using a different operating system. For example, you could link the keyboard to your Windows PC, MAC and Android tablet with the simple tap of a key.
Smart Illumination
If you find yourself needing to work in a low light environment, the MX Keys keyboard has you covered. Through the use of sensors, the keyboard’s keys will light up as your hands approach the keyboard, while powering off when you move your hands away. This not only is highly efficient, but is part of the ‘wow’ factor associated with this keyboard.
The backlighting feature is well executed as lighting is even between keys and bright. You can always adjust the brightness of the backlight option using specific keys on the keyboard to make the necessary adjustments.
Logi Options+
Logi Option+ refers to the accompanying software that can be used for some of Logitech’s latest products including the MX Keys keyboard.
Inside Logi Options+ you can program the Function keys of the MX Keys keyboard. We used the software to program keys to mainly open specific programs we use daily. For example, we have programmed keys to open our site as well as software related to coding such as Anaconda and VS Code.
Battery Life
We can now discuss battery life for the Logitech MX Keys keyboard. Since we have been using this keyboard now for well over a year, we feel that we can discuss battery life with more confidence, than had we only had this keyboard in our possession for a few weeks.
The battery in the Logitech MX Keys keyboard is 1500mAh and according to Logitech will last up to 10 days with the backlighting feature enabled and up to five months with backlighting turned off. We have tested the keyboard under both scenarios.
In an environment where the keyboard is used to code for up to 12 hours per day for seven days a week and with the backlighting feature enabled at a medium level of brightness, we found it necessary to recharge the battery after eight days.
We have also used the keyboard without backlighting and again under similar circumstances, the battery was able to remain charged for six months. We would note that our workload may be considered more heavy than the average user, but it just demonstrates that the MX Keys keyboard can be used several weeks without the backlighting option before the internal battery needs to be recharged.
While the results without backlighting were better than expected, having backlighting enabled was on par with Logitech’s claims. We continue to utilize the keyboard without the backlighting option for the most part as our working environment is well lit and we continue to see outstanding results related to battery life more than a year later.
What we like
Battery Life: We have been impressed with the MX Key’s battery. We were able use the keyboard daily for six months before needing to recharge albeit without the backlighting featured engaged. If you work in a well lit environment and backlighting is not a necessity, only needing to recharge your battery once during a calendar is no trouble at all.
Keycaps: The keys on this keyboard are well made and stable. There is no side to side wobbling of keys and little concern of keys becoming loose over time.
Multiple System Use: This is a feature that we feel every wireless keyboard should have. Productivity these days often requires more than one system being utilized and the ability to seamlessly jump from one to the other with the simple tap of a key is a huge time saver. Furthermore, the fact that there are no wires needed to accomplish this feat allows for a clean workspace. Additionally, if you have a workspace that uses various operating systems, that’s no problem either.
Integrated Software: The Logi Options+ software that accompanies the keyboard allows for significant customization which we see in many keyboards. Logitech has done a good job listening to testers and users in the implementation of features and bug fixes that have resulted in product that will have something for just about everyone.
Build Quality: The MX Keys keyboard is certainly one of the better built keyboards that we have used. There is virtually no flex in the keyboard unless you make a very determined effort and that translates into a durable product.
Customer Service: When we first purchased the Logitech MX Keys keyboard, it had some bugs that were impacting our productivity. For example, often times when we would press down on a key the system would repeat that key press without rhyme or reason. We also had problems controlling the volume which would at times race to the maximum level. The only way to fix these issues at the outset, was to turn off the keyboard and turn it back on. These concerns were promptly addressed by Logitech through various firmware updates and we have not had any issues since.
What we don’t like
Price: Although we really like the Logitech MX Keys keyboard, we find that the price is still at a premium. This is a keyboard that was initially priced at $99USD you can still find the keyboard priced at above this level even now. Furthermore, Logitech offers a palm rest for the keyboard for an additional $20 which we feel should have been included with the product to begin with at no additional charge.
Final thoughts
More than a year has passed since our purchase of the Logitech MX Keys keyboard. We felt the necessity to wait for this length of time before evaluating the keyboard in order to evaluate the claims made by Logitech with respect to the battery’s performance. Too often we see reviews of products as soon as they hit the market and although any new product appears like a winner at the outset, too often, we have seen products not meet the expectations of end users.
Although this keyboard did have a couple of quirks early on, the team at Logitech quickly addressed any concerns leading to a near flawless device.
Summarizing, we would say that if you are in the market for a quality productivity keyboard, the Logitech MX Keys full-sized keyboard is an excellent choice and we would certainly recommend it.
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