The Logitech MX Keys S is spectacular and one in all solely a handful of third-party Mac keyboards that may actually compete in opposition to Apple’s Magic Keyboard.
The Logitech MX Keys S has an impressively responsive really feel and, in my thoughts, a significantly better typing really feel than Apple’s Magic Keyboard. It additionally has quality-of-life options which can be lacking from the Magic Keyboard.
Keyboards with a Mac format really feel like a uncommon discover, however Logitech has catered to the Mac consumer by providing a variety of keyboards with the Mac’s explicit modifier keys format. Whereas some “full-size” keyboards solely have the management, command, and possibility keys on one aspect, this keyboard has them on each.
There are numerous methods to customise the keyboard, and lots of perform keys have been given new, helpful duties. The F5 by means of F7 keys now mute and un-mute the interior microphone, launch the emoji picker and launch dictation, for instance.
I’ve lengthy used Logitech keyboards, preferring them over Apple’s choices. For years, I used Logitech’s K750 solar-powered Mac keyboard, and I cherished the sensation of it. After utilizing the K750 for years, I unsurprisingly just like the MX Keys S keyboard.
Logitech MX Keys S evaluate: The typing expertise
The Logitech MX Keys S has many distinctive options, which I will focus on subsequent. However all of the options on the earth will not enable you to when you’re typing on a keyboard that does not really feel good.
Not everybody has the identical style in keyboards. Whereas I like the texture of Apple’s Magic Keyboard, it is by no means been my favourite typing expertise.
I’ve additionally used mechanical keyboards just like the Keycrhon Q1 HE, which I previously reviewed and appreciated as a consequence of its customizable, responsive really feel.
Mechanical keys are imagined to make typing simpler, however one thing about them makes my fingers drained over time. The Keychron Q1 HE in the end drained my fingers, although not as a lot as mechanical keyboards with a non-adjustable tactile response.
The Logitech MX Keys S is not a mechanical keyboard, though confusingly, a mechanical keyboard is a part of the MX line.
To my fingers, the Logitech MX Keys S gives a major improve over the sensation of the Apple Magic Keyboard, and that of my beloved now departed K750 Mac.
The keys are rounded on the edges, which some high-speed typists like myself desire. The beveled edges make it straightforward to slip fingers from key to key.
Not like Apple’s slippery keys, the MX Keys S keys have a matte end that’s extra typical of mechanical keyboards. The friction on the keys gives tactical suggestions, so I at all times know when my finger is on a key.
The matte end and deep finger wells in every key maintain my fingers centered, whereas the fileted edges permit me to slip between keys.
The thick prime fringe of the Logitech MX Keys S has a lone energy mild, and on the rear is a USB-C port for charging and non-wireless use.
The highest edge serves a extra vital perform, one which’s made clear when the keyboard is turned over. The MX Keys S is raised on the again and slants downward for a snug typing expertise.
The bumper that raises the keyboard is related to the highest fringe of the keyboard, and I think it additionally homes the rechargeable batteries.
Some folks detest a keyboard raised at an angle. I desire typing with the keyboard at an angle a lot that I 3D printed a foot for the Apple keyboard to get it slanted the way in which I prefer it.
Logitech MX Keys S evaluate: The lacking characteristic
The one factor Apple affords in a keyboard lacking from the Logitech MX Keys S is the Touch ID sensor discovered on the Apple Magic Keyboard with Contact ID.
The absence is not Logitech’s fault. Apple is not more likely to ever open up biometric authentication to a third-party firm.
The Apple Magic Keyboard with Contact ID is dearer than the usual Apple Magic Keyboard. The shortage of a fingerprint sensor is a dealbreaker provided that you frequently depend on Contact ID for authentication. I take advantage of Contact ID fairly a bit, principally to log into web sites.
Lately, I have been utilizing the Arc browser, which is predicated on Chromium and makes use of Chrome extensions. The 1Password extension makes logging into many web sites a zero-click expertise.
With 1Password so nicely built-in into my browser, I discover myself reaching for the Contact ID much less and fewer.
I just like the Logitech MX Keys S a lot that I will most likely settle for the inconvenience of not having Contact ID, a minimum of on the Mac the place I do most of my writing.
Logitech MX Keys S evaluate: Good Illumination and battery life
The MX Keys S has proximity sensors that detect when arms method the keys, triggering the backlight.
Since backlighting is a big supply of energy drain, the keys illuminate in accordance with ambient mild. The sunshine sensors maintain the keys from being lit in a vibrant room and stop blindingly vibrant lights when utilized in a darkish room.
Sensors within the keyboard detect when arms method it, turning the backlighting on for typing and turning it off if a consumer steps away.
The software program permits the brightness and period of backlighting to be personalized. For instance, when you like super-bright keys that fade slowly if you transfer your arms away, that is straightforward to arrange.
Backlighting automation is especially vital for a wi-fi keyboard. With the backlighting on, Logitech claims a 10-hour runtime between prices. With out backlighting on, it claims 5 months. That is a major distinction.
Logitech MX Keys S evaluate: Mac format and tons of options
Logitech is likely one of the few firms that provides a variety of Mac-specific keyboards. The MX Keys S is equivalent to the Magic Keyboard in key format, however some particular options are related to usually unused keys.
The F5 key has been remapped to launch dictation, F6 launches the emoji menu, and F7 mutes and unmutes the microphone. This final key has been significantly useful in latest convention calls. Mousing to the mute button in Zoom takes a number of seconds and is way quicker with a devoted key.
F13 by means of F15 are usually unused in keyboards, however the Logitech MX Keys S makes use of these buttons to modify the connection for as much as three gadgets. I’ve set the keyboard to work with my Mac Studio, MacBook Air, and an iPad. With only a button push, the keyboard switches between these gadgets.
Logitech would not cease on the F15 key. The free software program from Logitech, Logi Choices+, permits keyboard customization. Working the Choices+ software program allows display seize utilizing the F17 button.
To launch Highlight, you possibly can faucet the F18 key. To close out distractions proper from the keyboard, the F19 button toggles Do Not Disturb.
Logitech MX Keys S evaluate: The facility of automation
Logitech’s Choices+ software program is a customization and automation device that works throughout the Logitech product line. I have been utilizing it to automate my Logitech MX Grasp mouse for years, and it is change into a key a part of my video enhancing course of.
With the MX Keys S, Choices+ allows macro creations, which Logitech calls Good Actions. Choices+ affords many starter Good Actions to get began.
There may be an motion to launch your whole work apps firstly of your day. One other prepares for a Zoom name by mentioning the app, launching Notes, and setting your Mac to don’t disturb.
There are almost three dozen pattern Good Actions. Creating actions is an easy matter of choosing triggers and actions, all of which may be chained collectively. The interface is sort of equivalent to IFTTT and Zapier in order that it will likely be acquainted to automation followers.
Whereas I did not attempt it, the Choices+ app additionally permits copying and pasting textual content between computer systems. Apple merchandise can do that with Common Clipboard, however the Logitech model permits copying and pasting between Home windows and Mac machines.
Choices+ additionally affords a dubiously helpful AI device known as Immediate Builder. Immediate Builder allows you to make small queries and create adjustments out of your chosen textual content. Whereas summarizing textual content by copying a web site sounds handy, it is unlikely for use, particularly when so many apps embody AI instruments.
Logitech MX Keys S evaluate: Strong keyboard with tons of options
Persons are very explicit about keyboards. What feels nice to 1 particular person feels terrible to another person.
The Logitech MX Keys S is a middle-of-the-road keyboard with regard to the sensation of the keys. It would not require forceful typing like a mechanical keyboard and isn’t squishy like Apple’s Magic Keyboard.
As somebody who has used Logitech keyboards for years, I’ve an affinity for the way they really feel. Whilst a long-time Logitech consumer, I discover the MX Keys S to be an enchancment over earlier designs.
The options packed into this keyboard make it higher than most. I am a giant fan of automation, and simplifying duties by means of good keyboard programming permits me to fly by means of duties.
The Choices+ app manages the Logitech ecosystem, controlling the options and performance of keyboards, mice, and webcams.
Discovering a keyboard with extra to supply than the Logitech MX Keys S could be onerous.
Logitech MX Keys S evaluate: Professionals
- Strong really feel when typing
- Abundance of options
- Simple-to-use software program permits customization and automation
- One-touch switching of related computer systems
Logitech MX Keys S evaluate: Professionals
- No contact ID
- Comparatively restricted battery life with backlighting on
Logitech MX Keys S score: 4.5 out of 5
The place to purchase the Logitech MX Keys S
The Logitech MX Keys S is offered in white or black, and each variations are $110. The Logitech MX Keys S is offered at Amazon