review – Unless you’re a tablet purist and only use the on-screen keyboard for all text input, the physical keyboard will be one of your most used computer/laptop peripherals when you want to get real work done. Logitech’s line of MX keyboards and mice has always been a favorite of mine, and today I’m excited to show you Logitech’s newest keyboard that I had the opportunity to test. It is the Logitech MX Keys Mini Keyboard (macOS version). Let’s type!
What is it?
The Logitech MX Keys Mini is a Bluetooth keyboard This is a full size smaller version Logitech MX Keys keyboard It has been my favorite keyboard and daily driver since I reviewed it in 2019.It pairs with your computer or tablet via bluetooth, or you can Logi Bolt USB Receiver (sold separately).
What’s in this box?
- Logitech MX Keys Mini Keyboard
- USB-C charging cable
Design and Features
As I show in the second image in this review, the Logitech MX Keys Mini keyboard is almost a scaled-down version of the original MX Keys keyboard. It’s easy to see that the Mini keyboard is a QWERTY-style keyboard, but lacks a number pad, full-sized arrow keys, and a grouping of 9 keys that includes Input Toggle, Insert, Home, Page Up, Delete, End, and the Page Down key.
These are the missing keys, but the top row of keys on the Mini includes input toggle keys that allow you to use this keyboard with up to 3 devices, backlight adjustment keys, dictation toggle keys, emoji selection keys, screenshot selection keys, Microphone mute key, play/pause key, speaker mute, volume adjustment button and do not disturb toggle button.
The MX Keys keyboard has rubber feet on the bottom to prevent the keyboard from sliding on the desktop.
On the top edge, you’ll find a power switch and a USB-C charging port. If you keep the backlight on, you can use the MX Keys Mini for up to 10 days per charge, but with the backlight off, you can use the keyboard for up to 5 months per charge!
The PC version of the Logitech MX Keys Mini keyboard is available in Gray, Graphite, Black, and Rose.But the Mac version of the MX Keys Mini is if only Available in grey (as shown). While the frame of this keyboard appears to be aluminum, it’s actually made of plastic.I think the plastic parts in the MX Keys Mini contain certified post-consumer recycled plastic which is cool. Graphite and black 30%, grey and rose 12%.
Since I’m already a fan of the Logitech MX Keys keyboard, there is no learning curve to use the Mini version. The keyboard layout, key sizes, etc. feel the same except for two things. The first thing I noticed had to do with the do not disturb key in the upper right corner. You can see it in the image above, it looks like a moon. The problem is that I often accidentally press that button without realizing it and it sets up my MacBook and Do not disturb my iPhone. This means that I will miss receiving notifications until I realize what’s going on.
This brings me (for me) the 2nd question. On the PC version of the MX Keys Mini, the Do Not Disturb button is the DEL button. I have a delete button on my full size MX Keys and I really miss it. If you’re a macOS user, you know there’s no dedicated button like the delete button on a PC. Yes, there is a button on the Mac keyboard labeled Delete, but its function is to backspace one character to the left. On a PC, the delete button deletes the character on the right, and the backspace key deletes the character on the left. Yes, you can get the same functionality as the PC delete key on a Mac by pressing FN+Delete, but I like to have 2 separate dedicated keys.
Fortunately, you can use the Logi Options software to remap any function key. So I just remapped the do not disturb button to the key combination of FN+Delete and voila and bliss worked!
what do I like
- Same as Logitech, but in a smaller form factor
- Media and other special keys
- comfortable typing
what would i change
- Available in Graphite, Black and Rose like the PC version
final thoughts
The Logitech MX Keys Mini keyboard is another great keyboard from Logitech. I love that I have more desk space than using the full size version!
Price: $99.99
where to buy: Logitech and Amazon
resource: Samples for this review provided by Logitech.
