Logitech MX Keys S Review

Introduction

Sometimes, it is best to go back to what you know best. And the short-travel soft, laptop-like keys are what I know best. So I temporarily put my Logitech MX Mechanical in the closet and give the MX Keys S a go.

So after using it for a few weeks, I decided to write a short review and comparison with the MX Mechanical in hopes it will be useful to someone trying to decide between the two.

Straight to the Point

The Logitech MX Keys S is a very well-built and high-quality keyboard and it’s an excellent choice for anyone who prefers the laptop-like look and feel keyboards.

With great connectivity options, an extremely comfortable typing experience and incredible features, like my absolute favourite – easy switching between multiple devices, the MX Keys S is an excellent choice.

Summary: MX Mechanical vs MX Keys S

Even the choice between this keyboard and the MX mechanical is easy: it comes down only to the type of keys you prefer. If you prefer mechanical switches, get the MX Mechanical. If you prefer laptop-like keys, get the MX Keys S.

If you never used a mechanical keyboard but want to try it, I highly recommend that you attempt to try one in a store as the feeling and the force necessary to actuate a switch are completely different to what you have been using so far. After you try it, consider that you will have to work like that for 10+ hours a day, sometimes. If you find the idea appealing after these tests and considerations, go for the MX Mechanical. In all other cases, the MX Keys S will be a better, more comfortable and cheaper choice.

Detailed Review

Design

The MX Keys S has a premium look and feel, the same as the other products from the MX lineup. The high-quality build is visible on almost any corner of it, with the overall impression being subtle and elegant. It falls more on the office-friendly look and feel on the side of the spectrum, as opposed to a more flashy, gaming look.

The lighter grey of the upper plate is tastefully contrasted with the darker keys and white backlighting and it looks to me like a type of keyboard James Bond would prefer to use.

The layout is very close to standard, with the same size numeric and function keys, which double as special keys. Unfortunately, the special keys are exactly the keyboard’s weakest point, as they are different in shape and size to the numeric and symbol keys which adds a dimension of awkwardness because it makes function keys not in line with the numeric keys.

Above the positional navigation keys, are the keys for device selection, which means there’s more space for the special keys above the numeric and symbols keys.

There are also extra buttons above the numeric keys and by default, they are mapped to: Calculator, Screen Capture Look Up and Lock.

The charging port is USB-C and is located on the right, next to the on/off switch. The keycaps have both Windows and Mac symbols where applicable. I prefer this approach over having to guess which button you pressed on each OS. So, even if you only use a Mac, I would recommend the “universal” version as it is more flexible.

The keyboard has white backlighting, giving it more of an “office vibe,” which is good. It, however, as opposed to the MX Mechanical doesn’t support different backlighting effects.

The sensors ensure that the backlighting only turns on when needed, such as when your hands approach the keyboard, which helps save battery since it’s a wireless keyboard.

The backlighting is “intelligent”, it adapts to the ambient conditions, but you can increase or decrease it with a press of a button. You can even turn off backlighting completely using the software. However, as opposed to the “regular” MX Keys, you can now adjust the backlighting duration before it automatically turns off. You also have the option to make the backlighting automatically switch to the specific brightness level, as opposed to having the sensors automatically detect the level of ambient light.

Typing feeling and performance

Regarding typing on this particular keyboard, there is some space between the keys which makes it less likely you’ll strike a wrong key than on a keyboard which does have keys closer together. You feel this space beneath the fingers and in addition to that, you’re more likely to feel where every key begins and ends which will be a great help if you don’t fully know touch-typing or are just getting started.

Each key has a little “well” where the finger is supposed to go and I think this is an amazing idea. Even if the well is subtle, it is enough to help ensure you are hitting the correct key. Hell, I am going to go out on a limb and say that this is a very beginner-friendly keyboard, as the space between the keys, the key wells and backlighting all work together to make you a better typist, even if you’re using only your index fingers to type.

The keys are soft and easy to actuate which makes typing a smooth experience, albeit arguably less satisfying than on a mechanical keyboard.

Again, it comes down to what you prefer. For a crisper and more tactile feeling, go for the mechanical keyboard. For a smoother, subtler and more casual experience, go for MX Keys S or a similar laptop-like keyboard.

I guess I will say it again: as there is more force required to make a mechanical keyboard register every single key press, especially if you’re using blue switches, and this does accumulate over the long hours we developers sometimes have, the effect of the mechanical keyboards on your tiredness over long days will probably not be negligible. However, if you prefer the feeling of the mechanical keyboards, that might be a price you’re willing to pay. For other users, except gamers, MX Keys S will probably be a better and safer choice.

I didn’t notice any difference in programming on this full-size keyboard compared to other full-size keyboards, except for the typing feel, of course. Developers often use auto-complete and Intellisense, so you may experience the full benefits of easier typing when writing documentation, for example, as opposed to during development.

What I do not like very much is that on the right side of the spacebar, there are only three keys – Command/Alt, Fn and Opt/Ctrl, as opposed to the MX Mechanical which has four – Command/Alt, Fn, Opt/Start and Ctrl,s o here you will have to live without the additional Ctrl on MacOS, but it is certainly possible to live like this and I am unsure if I would prefer having that extra key if it meant smaller size keys and no spacing between them.

In short, the development and typing experience on this keyboard is top-notch and I can pretty much guarantee you will not be disappointed.

Batteries and connectivity

The keyboard has a rechargeable battery that can be charged using USB-C, which is no surprise given that the keyboard is backlit. The battery, along with the intelligent backlighting, ensures a comfortable experience. With backlighting on, it provides up to 10 days of usage, and with the backlighting completely off, it can last up to 5 months.

Connectivity, as is typical with Logitech, is particularly impressive. As always, you can connect the keyboard to up to three devices and switch between them with the press of a button. This has always been one of Logitech’s best features.

You can connect the keyboard using Bluetooth or Logitech’s Bolt receiver which goes into the USB-A port of your device. And of course, you can mix and match: for example, one device can be connected using Bluetooth and the other with the Logi Bolt receiver and you can simply switch between them with a key press.

The keyboard can be connected to the computer using a USB-C cable, but it’s important to note that this connection is solely for charging the keyboard. The actual data transfer will still be done through Bluetooth or the USB Logitech Bolt receiver. This might be disappointing for those who prefer wired connections, especially in companies where IT departments require wired keyboard connections.

Software

Logitech Options+ software enables you to reprogram almost all the function buttons and as always with Logitech products I highly recommend that you download it.

The standout feature of this product is its ability to reprogram all function buttons for a wide range of different apps.

With this functionality, you can assign distinct functions to the buttons depending on the currently active app. This feature is especially beneficial for power users, as it has the potential to significantly enhance productivity by streamlining tasks and customizing the device to specific workflow requirements.

Conclusion

From what I know about ergonomics, this keyboard should indeed be a bit better than the mechanical keyboards because of its low profile. What is good for ergonomics as well is the low force needed to use the keyboard and the space between the keys and the key wells which all contribute to you not having to look as often down at the keyboard, even if you’re not. a touch-typist.

When you consider intelligent backlighting, the very flexible connectivity options with easy device switching and the possibility to program the special keys on a per-app basis, the bit-higher price becomes not so unreasonable.

However, if you already own the regular MX Keys, I would recommend against updating as the improvements are marginal.

All in all, this is a first-class keyboard which will surely not disappoint even the most demanding users.