Logitech MX Keys S evaluation: Nice typing really feel & characteristic packed

The Logitech MX Keys S is highly effective, one thing most keyboards cannot say.

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 might 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 facet, this keyboard has them on each.

There are a lot of methods to customise the keyboard, and plenty of operate 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 beloved the sensation of it. After utilizing the K750 for years, I unsurprisingly just like the MX Keys S keyboard.

The Logitech MX Keys S has many distinctive options, which I am going to focus on subsequent. However all of the options on this planet will not show you how to in case you’re typing on a keyboard that does not really feel good.

The Logitech MX Keys S is available in packaging with no plastics.

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 beforehand reviewed and preferred on account of its customizable, responsive really feel.

Mechanical keys are alleged 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 choose. The beveled edges make it simple to slip fingers from key to key.

In contrast to 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 all the time know when my finger is on a key.

The matte end and deep finger wells in every key hold my fingers centered, whereas the fileted edges enable 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 operate, 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 cushty typing expertise.

The bumper that raises the keyboard is linked to the highest fringe of the keyboard, and I think it additionally homes the rechargeable batteries.

Some individuals detest a keyboard raised at an angle. I choose typing with the keyboard at an angle a lot that I 3D printed a foot for the Apple keyboard to get it slanted the best way I prefer it.

The one factor Apple gives in a keyboard lacking from the Logitech MX Keys S is the Contact ID sensor discovered on the Apple Magic Keyboard with Contact ID.

The Contact ID sensor is the one factor lacking on the Logitech MX Keys S

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 costlier than the usual Apple Magic Keyboard. The dearth 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, largely 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 effectively 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 am going to in all probability settle for the inconvenience of not having Contact ID, at the very least on the Mac the place I do most of my writing.

The MX Keys S has proximity sensors that detect when palms method the keys, triggering the backlight.

Since backlighting is a big supply of energy drain, the keys illuminate in keeping with ambient mild. The sunshine sensors hold 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 palms method it, turning the backlighting on for typing and turning it off if a consumer steps away.

The software program permits the brightness and length of backlighting to be custom-made. For instance, in case you like super-bright keys that fade slowly while you transfer your palms away, that is simple to arrange.

Backlighting automation is especially vital for a wi-fi keyboard. With the backlighting on, Logitech claims a 10-hour runtime between expenses. With out backlighting on, it claims 5 months. That is a major distinction.

Logitech is among the few corporations 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 linked to sometimes unused keys.

The Logitech MX Keys S (above) and the Apple Magic Keyboard (beneath).

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 helpful in latest convention calls. Mousing to the mute button in Zoom takes a number of seconds and is way sooner with a devoted key.

F13 by means of F15 are sometimes 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 permits display seize utilizing the F17 button.

To launch Highlight, you may faucet the F18 key. To close out distractions proper from the keyboard, the F19 button toggles Do Not Disturb.

Logitech’s Choices+ software program is a customization and automation instrument that works throughout the Logitech product line. I have been utilizing it to automate my Logitech MX Grasp mouse for years, and it is turn out to be a key a part of my video modifying course of.

Choices+ permits for deep customization of Logitech gadgets.

With the MX Keys S, Choices+ permits macro creations, which Logitech calls Sensible Actions. Choices+ gives many starter Sensible Actions to get began.

There may be an motion to launch your entire work apps firstly of your day. One other prepares for a Zoom name by citing the app, launching Notes, and setting your Mac to don’t disturb.

There are almost three dozen pattern Sensible Actions. Creating actions is an easy matter of selecting triggers and actions, all of which might be chained collectively. The interface is almost equivalent to IFTTT and Zapier in order that will probably be acquainted to automation followers.

Whereas I did not strive 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 gives a dubiously helpful AI instrument referred to as Immediate Builder. Immediate Builder helps you to make small queries and create adjustments out of your chosen textual content. Whereas summarizing textual content by copying an internet site sounds handy, it is not going for use, particularly when so many apps embrace AI instruments.

Persons are very explicit about keyboards. What feels nice to at least one particular person feels terrible to another person.

The Logitech MX Keys S pairs properly with Logitech’s different equipment.

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. At the same time as 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 an enormous 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 laborious.

• Strong really feel when typing
• Abundance of options
• Simple-to-use software program permits customization and automation
• One-touch switching of linked computer systems

• No contact ID
• Comparatively restricted battery life with backlighting on

The Logitech MX Keys S is obtainable in white or black, and each variations are $110. The Logitech MX Keys S is obtainable at Amazon