Logitech MX Keys for Mac Review: The Keyboard Apple Should Have Made

After 10 years of being an Apple user, I was given the opportunity to try out the Logitech MX Keys.

I am unable to tell you what a fool I have been for not giving other peripheral makers a try because a Bluetooth keyboard this well thought out should come with every iMac.

But let’s get into the review.

Build

In terms of build, the Logitech MX Keys for Mac is heftier than any Apple keyboard.

The Logitech MX Keys for Mac comes in a darker shade of brushed aluminium with a black plastic backing. The heft of the keyboard is substantial and in line with what I expect in high-quality peripherals. I prefer the metallic feel as well as the reassuring weight behind it.

Keyboard experience

In terms of keyboard typing experience – its something to get into in-depth.

Most of the Apple keyboards I’ve used in my time have a flat feel to them. After using the Logitech MX Keys for Mac, I’m open to new experiences. This is because Logitech built into their typing keys a concave depression for the fingers to rest in. This helps me identify which keys are for typing and which keys are for everything else, like the function keys.

Function keys

You’ll find the same function keys you are used to using with an Apple keyboard, as well as a few new keys.

Firstly, there are keys that have to do with the backlighting. Secondly, there are keys for easy switching between three different devices. Thirdly, Logitech, in all their wisdom, included function keys for the calculator app, screenshot feature, dictionary and sleep mode (this activates the lock screen automatically).

If you use the calculator app a lot, the function key helps in that you no longer have to pin the calculator app to the dock or search for the app manually. With one click of that function key, the calculator app will come up. That saves a ton of time and is super convenient. The dictionary function key is helpful to an extent, but if you want to use it for something else, you could actually reprogram it if you want to.

No more stains

When you first look at the Apple keyboard, you get a feeling of a designer finish – that everything looks great together – and it does. But what they should have included in their thought process was how that all-white finish would hold up over time. And this is where I feel the Logitech MX Keys for Mac made the right choice in black keys. I no longer have unsightly stains on my keyboard. What I see is a great backlit keyboard experience that doesn’t suffer from stains because of heavy everyday use.

Backlit selection

It may come as no surprise that I like backlighting in my keyboards. Logitech has incorporated a fade on and off feature which activates when the built-in proximity sensors detect your hands on the keyboard, and turn the lights on or off depending on whether you’re using the keyboard or not. It’s not so obtrusive as to affect me when I’m working, but it also clearly shines through when you need it most. For myself, I have gotten used to putting the backlighting on its highest setting. I just like it shining back at me – even in clear daylight.

Battery and charging

Charging the keyboard is easy. It comes with a USB-C charging port on the back of the device but unfortunately, I’m not able to tell you how long the battery will last because I have a habit of plugging in my devices to ensure they are always powered up. But there is a power indication LED at the top right-hand corner and you can review the battery status through the Logi Options app.

Easy Switch

This is where I think Logitech truly shines. From my experience of the MX3 mouse and the Logitech MX Keys for Mac – I think Logitech takes their products’ ability to switch between devices as a pillar of their value proposition.

This is a keyboard that was made specifically for the Mac, but it is also able to be paired and connected to a PC build. The switching between Mac and PC was pretty flawless from my usage. Now I am able to forego the need for an additional keyboard and mouse. With one setup, I now have a very pleasant experience that is programmable and customisable to what fits me and my needs.

Verdict

You will not go wrong partnering your MX3 mouse with the MX Keys for Mac. Buy it for all the reasons above and a clean desk.

More information about the Logitech MX Keys for Mac (S$169) is available on Logitech’s website.

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Written by Zayed Talib (Tech360.tv Community Creator)