MX Keys keyboard review — the ideal working keyboard?

The Logitech MX Keys is a versatile wireless office keyboard with backlit keys. The keyboard is suitable for both Windows and Mac users. The backlight activates automatically when you put your hands on it, yet the battery lasts a long time.

I started using the MX Keys keyboard when I wanted to start saving my laptop, which is connected to an external monitor and has a slightly neater desk. The clapped-out notebook sits on the display stand, and if it weren’t for the necessary power cable due to the GTX graphics, only one USB-C cable to the monitor would be enough. No extra cable is needed as this is a low-stroke, backlit wireless office keyboard.

MX Keys can be used not only for Windows users, but its versatility also targets Apple users, making it an exciting keyboard for Mac. Moreover, its price is very reasonable compared to Apple’s keyboards, with better features.

Keyboard design

The keyboard looks rather uninteresting in the product photos, but after unpacking it in person, you will immediately change your mind. It’s pleasantly heavy, and thanks to six rubber pads, it doesn’t slip on the desk at all. The keyboard also looks excellent, as evidenced by the Red Dot Design award.

The craftsmanship is excellent and doesn’t look cheap like some product photos. The body is made up of a single metal plate, and if you grip the keyboard on one side, even with the higher weight, it won’t sag even a little bit.

Keyboard functions and how to type on it

The Logitech MX Keys will be appreciated by anyone looking for a keyboard capable of switching between multiple devices. For example, if you need to switch between your laptop, PC, and Mac, there are three keys. These are located above the insert, home, and page-up keys. I use these quite often, and unfortunately, I sometimes get confused and switch to the other device instead of jumping to the beginning of the line. However, switching is rapid, and you need to get used to the keyboard layout. Aside from the LED on one of the three keys lighting up for a moment when you switch, the entire keyboard goes dark for about a second.

Source: Logitech

By default, the F keys don’t work as you’re probably used to but are set to media mode. The switch is easily achieved by pressing Esc + Fn. You can use the Fn keys to control the display backlight, keys, volume, scroll media, or bring up notifications in Windows or menus on macOS. Above the number pad, there’s a calculator, a camera icon key for screenshots, a key that simulates a right mouse click, and an OS lock.

The MX Keys keyboard layout is standard without any trappings. I just needed some getting used to, as the layout is a bit different than on a laptop keyboard, and some keys are, for example, slightly more offset than I’m used to. But it took me about a week to get typing on it quickly, comfortably, and without mistakes. The cut-out of each key is very nice, making typing even more accessible.

Key noise

The noise level of the keys is at the level you’d expect from a membrane design with a low stroke and is very similar to the noise level emitted by a regular laptop keyboard. Typing won’t disturb anyone even in the evening at home in the bedroom, let alone on a busy day at the office.

Keyboard backlighting

Although the keyboard is wireless, the keys are still backlit. Since this is not a gaming keyboard but an office keyboard, there is no RGB color backlighting, only white. This can be controlled using the Fn and the two F keys dedicated to the backlight. You can change the intensity in seven levels and always be informed of the current one directly on display.

To avoid unnecessarily draining the battery, the backlight automatically switches off when idle. But place your hands over the keyboard, and the backlight will light up again. This feature works very reliably, and I believe it will make the same impression on your surroundings as it did on mine.

Battery life

The battery life claimed by the manufacturer is ten days when the backlight is on and up to 5 months when it is off. I can confirm those ten days. Unfortunately, I don’t have it long enough to confirm the endurance without the backlight so I will trust the manufacturer. Even so, battery life of almost half a year is very long.

If the battery life drops below 10%, the LED above the number pad will start flashing red, so you should never be surprised by a low battery. The keyboard can be recharged via a USB-C cable that plugs in on the top right side, and you should see a full charge in less than 2 hours.

Software

For the MX Keys, the manufacturer has created the Logitech Options app or Logitech Options+, which you may be familiar with if you already use a Logitech mouse, for example. There is not much to see and set up here, only the F-key mode can be switched, or the app will guide you through the main functions of the keyboard.

What we like

• Fast, accurate, and comfortable typing.
• High-quality workmanship.
• The keyboard backlight activates when you put your hands on it.
• Ability to switch between up to three devices.
• Long battery life.

Conclusion

Logitech MX Keys is an honestly crafted wireless keyboard suitable for both PC and Mac users. Despite its wireless design, its keys are backlit, yet you won’t be hampered by constant charging. The keys only light up when you place your hands over them, which works a treat. With the backlighting on, the keyboard will last almost two weeks, and with the backlighting off. It will last up to 5 months.

I also like the inter-device switching feature, where I can quickly switch between PC and laptop. Plus, you can connect to up to three devices; it doesn’t matter if you’re running Windows or macOS. The keyboard is also quick and comfortable to type on, which is easy to overlook in the flood of other benefits. This is a given with a keyboard of this quality, and I can certainly only recommend it highly.

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