Logitech’s MX Keys Mechanical is a satisfying, wireless introduction to mech keebs
Enlarge / Logitech's MX Keys Mechanical (bottom) and MX Keys Mini (top) keyboards. (credit: Scharon Harding)
| Specs at a glance: Logitech MX Keys Mechanical | |
|---|---|
| Switches | Kailh low-profile tactile, clicky, or linear |
| Keycaps | ABS plastic |
| Connectivity options | Bluetooth Low Energy or 2.4 GHz USB-A dongle |
| Backlighting | White |
| Size | 17.08*5.18*1.03 inches (433.85*131.55*26.1 mm) |
| Weight | 1.35 lbs (612 g) |
| Warranty | 1 year |
| Price (MSRP) | $170 |
With an office-friendly appearance, tasteful backlighting, multi-PC wireless control, and simple software all backed by a reputable name, the Logitech MX Keys Mechanical ($170 MSRP) wireless keyboard was announced Tuesday, as well as the smaller MX Keys Mini ($150), are solid, serviceable entry points into mechanical keyboards.
If the new keyboards look familiar, it's because they take inspiration in appearance and features from the MX Keys ($120) and MX Keys Mini ($100) membrane wireless, respectively, but with satisfying, low-profile clicky, tactile, or linear mechanical switches. It's the kind of design that leads plenty of people to try a mechanical keyboard for the first time. But when comparing it to other wireless mechanical keyboards, you can find more features, including some that power users will miss, from rivals for less money.
- Keeping a low(er) profile
- Mildly programmable
- A classic functional design
- Sensor-driven backlight
- Battery life
- Tough wireless competition
- A pricey ticket into mechanical keyboards
- The good
- The bad
- The ugly
I tend to be wary of low-profile mechanical keyboards. Some subpar options I've tried with shallow, mushy, linear low-profile switches and flat keycaps have scarred me a bit. They're popular among gamers, due to a perceived speed advantage, but you'd have to be quite competitive (I'm not) for that to make a huge difference.