Logitech MX Keys Mini keyboard review (in progress)


Logitech’s MX lineage has given us the impressive MX Master 3 mouse and the so-so MX Keys external keyboard.

But in a world where working from home has exploded, the latter of those two — a full-size keyboard  — can be too big for whichever corner of the house you’ve managed to convert into an office. Enter the MX Keys Mini, which says sayonara to the number pad and gives you a smaller, more versatile option in a remarkably portable package.

At $99 (£99), the same as its larger predecessor, is it worth that similar amount of investment? Let’s find out.

Logitech MX Keys Mini keyboard review

(Image credit: Laptop Mag)

I’ve been using this keyboard for a few days, so I would not want to make a definitive opinion about the MX Keys Mini just yet. But I can give you some early impressions while I complete the full review.

Logitech MX Keys Mini design

At 11.7 x 5.1 x 0.8 inches and a weight of 17.9 ounces, the MX Keys Mini is a sleek keyboard that shaves width and mass off the original MX Keys — 5.3 inches off the width and 10.7 ounces to be specific.

(Image credit: Laptop Mag)

Beyond that, it’s business as usual with a similarly sleek design that helps it visually blend into any desk setup with ease. Of course, with the Mini, you get the benefit of two additional color finishes, a pale gray and rose option alongside the classic graphite. You can pick up an Apple-specific version of this Mini, or one that works across both Windows and macOS with control keys clearly marked.

One issue I didn’t expect when compared to the full-size is the function keys. Now that the three dedicated bluetooth channel keys are shifted over to F1, F2 and F3, Logitech sacrificed some keys, and I don’t agree with some of its choices. For example, instead of an app switcher keys, window view and track skip media controls, we have a screenshot key, a dictation key, mute/unmute microphone key and an emoji key. Dictation is important, but the rest seem redundant to the keys people actually use to navigate the OS.

Logitech MX Keys Mini keyboard review

(Image credit: Laptop Mag)

Also, the restrictive permanent tilt is frustratingly still here. As someone who has spent a long time with the original MX Keys, I’ve learned to get used to this angle and its touch type benefits. But I can see this being limiting for those who may prefer a more flatter typing profile or a greater angle to bring the keys closer to you.

Logitech MX Keys Mini software, lighting and battery life

The MX Keys Mini works right out of the box. But if you want the full experience, you can install Logitech Options, which gives you the app specific presets across office apps and the likes of Photoshop and Final Cut Pro, battery level indicators, button and key customisation and much more. Having the versatility of shortcuts for each app I use is warmly welcomed.

(Image credit: Laptop Mag)

And a shoutout to Logitech Flow, which allows you to switch the mouse cursor and keyboard between devices by moving it to the edge of one screen and onto the other. Not only that but you can click and hold and drag items between them (or use control c and v to do so). This is a godsend for those with more than one device (like a personal computer and a work laptop). 



Source link

We will be happy to hear your thoughts

Leave a reply

SHOP WITH THE DURENS
Logo
Enable registration in settings - general
Compare items
  • Total (0)
Compare
0
Shopping cart