Logitech MX Keys Mini for Mac review: Good keyboard if you don’t need Touch ID

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Regardless that I’ve been utilizing Apple keyboards for many years, I don’t like them. I don’t like the best way they really feel whereas typing, so I flip to third-party keyboards. I’ve discovered that an excellent various to Apple’s Magic Keyboard is Logitech’s new MX Keys Mini for Mac—although it has one lacking main characteristic that homeowners of current Macs will need.

Just like the Magic Keyboard, the MX Keys Mini for Mac is a compact keyboard—it’s primarily Logitech’s MX Keys keyboard nevertheless it’s simply the primary keyboard. And whereas this assessment appears on the MX Keys Mini for Mac, Logitech does make a model that works on each Home windows and Mac, the MX Keys Mini, which is similar keyboard besides it has Choice/Begin and Command/Alt keys as an alternative of devoted Choice and Command keys as an alternative. Additionally, the MX Keys for Mac is out there solely in silver with white keys, whereas the common model is out there in Black, Graphite, Pale Grey, and Rose.

When typing on the MX Keys Mini for Mac, the keys really feel a bit softer than the Magic Keyboard, however the journey distance is about the identical. The MX’s keys have an indented floor that cradles your fingertips when typing. The Magic Keyboard with Contact ID’s keys are a bit of flatter. I discovered the MX Keys to be extra comfy throughout lengthy writing periods.

Nonetheless, the key lacking characteristic of the MX Keys Mini for Mac is a Contact ID button. In case you purchased an M1 Mac and also you’re on the lookout for an exterior keyboard with Contact ID, the Magic Keyboard with Contact ID is your solely alternative (and prices $50 extra).

The MX Keys Mini for Mac does have three keys you gained’t discover on Apple’s keyboards. The F6 key additionally can be utilized to activate dictation so you need to use talk-to-text. The F7 key opens the emoji window so you may insert an emoji character into your writing. And the F9 secret’s a mute button that works in your mic throughout videoconferences. To make use of any of these keys as Operate keys, all it’s important to do is maintain down the Fn key.

The keyboard wirelessly connects to your Mac by way of Bluetooth and has a USB-C port for charging. Logitech states that the keyboard can go ten days with the backlighting on without having a cost, however I usually would go 14 to 18 days.

If you wish to use the keyboard with as much as three computer systems, the MX Keys Mini for Mac has assist Logitech Circulation. You’ll want to put in the Logitech Choices software program in your computer systems, Home windows or Mac. Circulation additionally works with Logitech’s mice.

Backside line

The MX Keys Mini for Mac prices about the identical as Apple’s Magic Keyboard with out Contact ID, however you would possibly favor the best way Logitech’s keyboard feels. It’s various to Apple’s keyboards in case you don’t want Contact ID. In case you do need Contact ID, nevertheless, your solely alternative is Apple’s $149 Magic Keyboard with Contact ID.