Logitech MX Keys Mini review

Logitech MX Keys Mini: Two-minute review

The Logitech MX Keys Mini is a compact, tenkeyless keyboard designed in reply to requests for a extra compact model of one other beloved product from Logitech, the MX Keys. Just like its bigger cousin, the MX Keys Mini was designed with creatives and busy working professionals in thoughts which units it aside from many of the current marketplace for compact keyboards as many are concentrating on players (such because the Corsair K65 Mini) or followers of customizable mechanical builds.

Losing the Numpad definitely makes it extra bag pleasant, however your pockets may want a bit of extra convincing as at $99 / £99 / €109, it prices the identical as the unique MX Keys keyboard. Availability is a bit of unsure in Australia proper now, however we might assume that the pricing will observe this format, inserting it at round AU$230. Otherwise, the MX Keys Mini is obtainable now straight from the Logitech web site.

There are two SKUs out there, one for Windows and one for Mac customers, although you possibly can technically interchange the 2 - the Mac keyboard has a extra acquainted structure for Mac customers and is barely out there in Pale Gray. The Windows mannequin nevertheless is obtainable in three colours: Pale Gray, Rose Pink and Graphite to match one other product within the MX vary, the MX Anywhere 3 mouse.

The US truly get a fourth shade, a strong black model that eliminated the grey accents from the Graphite model, however this does not seem like out there in some other area.

The function keys of the Logitech MX Keys Mini

(Image credit score: Future)

The typing expertise is nice, with the keys ergonomically designed to raised suit your fingertips, and whereas there are not any mechanical switches on the MX Keys Mini, it feels tactile moderately than squishy. A slight frustration is that the keyboard is mounted right into a slight leaving place and there isn't any adjustable stand on the rear of the system so in the event you prefer to work on a totally flat keyboard, you are out of luck.

The pads situated on the underside of the keyboard are rubberized regardless of mixing completely with the shade of keyboard you chose, so you need to use it throughout nearly any floor and never have to fret about it slipping throughout aggressive typing, and also you're additionally impossible to scratch something both.

The construct high quality can be particularly strong regardless of being light-weight and Logitech have taken further care to make sure the product is eco-friendly, with the Graphite model utilizing 30% post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic, and each the Rose and Pale Gray fashions utilizing as much as 12% as a result of lighter coloration.

We did not see any detectable scratches or bumps after every week of carting it round in a backpack alongside different peripherals so the standard is very sturdy, however Logitech do not make a particular carry case or cowl for the MX Keys Mini so in the event you're significantly valuable about holding your merchandise 'like new', you may need to discover a third-party protecting wrap.

The keyboard can be completely wi-fi, Bluetooth particularly as Logitech has acknowledged it believed within the capabilities of Bluetooth over wi-fi dongles (although the MX Keys Mini is appropriate with the Logi Bolt USB Reciever), so you possibly can't use the system with a linked USB-C.

If you do pair the MX Keys Mini with the MX Anywhere 3 or MX Master 3 mice then you need to use the Flow system to modify the keyboard between totally different computer systems in the event you prefer to work throughout each a desktop and a laptop computer. It additionally comes with 'Easy Switch' so you possibly can pair three totally different gadgets and allocate them to one of many out there buttons situated on the prime proper of the keyboard, permitting you to pair the keyboard with a tool in seconds.

Logitech MX Keys Mini keyboard from the rear on a wooden table

(Image credit score: Future)

You can stand up to 10 days of use on a full cost, and as much as 5 months in the event you flip off the backlighting, however the Logitech Options software program you need to use with the keyboard will truly make you conscious if the battery is getting low and robotically change off the backlighting to increase the battery life.

On backlighting, the MX Keys Mini has a sensible, movement detection characteristic that can illuminate the keys with out you needing to press a key. We discovered this to be principally correct, however there have been a couple of situations the place it took a couple of passes of waving our hand over the system for it to be detected. The lighting is comfortable, however not so dim that you do not discover, discovering the proper stability to make use of in darkish environments with out hurting your eyes.

If you possibly can dwell with out the Numpad on a keyboard there are some severe advantages to getting this downsized model as, regardless of its smaller measurement, a couple of helpful options have been included that will have made distant working through the Covid-19 pandemic a bit of simpler.

There are three keys situated on the operate row of be aware: a system mute, an emoji key and a dictation key. The mute button does precisely what you suppose it could – immediately mutes your microphone with out you needing to hunt for the proper possibility in your conferencing software program. As it is a system mute, it really works throughout all the things from Microsoft Teams to Discord so you possibly can keep away from any embarrassing interruptions.

The emoji key opens up the emoji choice window for something that you may stick one into which is a nice time-saver, particularly given how helpful they're in speaking feelings to colleagues or household when working remotely. The dictation key will open your system's default dictation software so you possibly can relaxation your fingers whilst you communicate.

We did not discover any points utilizing any of those options throughout a spread of functions, they usually rapidly grew to become an asset throughout a busy working day, so it is little surprise that the MX Keys Mini is concentrating on creatives and folks having to adapt to 'the brand new regular'. It was straightforward to maneuver the keyboard between totally different gadgets across the residence, switching from taking notes on an iPad Pro, to transferring to a desk and pairing with a desktop PC immediately due to the 'Easy Switch' characteristic.

This is not going to be for everybody – players will doubtless choose a keyboard higher optimized for FPS or Battle Royale titles and with loads of RGB lighting, whereas individuals with a set setup may discover that the dearth of Numpad is a ache when engaged on spreadsheets. But for these of us touring between work and residential, it is fairly onerous to not fall in love with the Logitech MX Keys Mini.

Logitech MX Keys Mini showing the illuminated keys

(Image credit score: Future)

Buy it if...

You desire a trendy keyboard
While many gadgets available on the market proper now are available in a single coloration, there is a good handful of choices to select from with the MX Keys Mini, and the general design is beautiful.

You want one thing compact
If you will not use the Numpad anyway then going for a smaller keyboard could make entry to your mouse simpler and actually clear up your workspace, alongside being higher for portability.

You use a number of gadgets
Logitech has an awesome system for wi-fi connectivity between a number of gadgets, so you possibly can rapidly change the MX Keys Mini between laptops, desktop computer systems, tablets and even cellphones.

A side shot of the Logitech MX Keys Mini

(Image credit score: Future)

Don't purchase if...

You're on a finances
At $99 / £99 / €109, that is expensive for a compact keyboard. We suppose it is definitely worth the cash, however in the event you're on a decent finances there are quite a few choices out there which might be extra reasonably priced.

You need the complete RGB expertise
The Backlighting is fairly, nevertheless it's solely in strong white so you possibly can't customise it to go well with one thing like a gaming setup.

You cannot kind at an angle
The place of the MX Keys Mini is mounted at a slight incline, so in the event you're used to writing on a flat keyboard, it will take some adjustment to kind comfortably on this.