Logitech MX Keys S assessment: Nice typing really feel & function packed – Uplaza

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 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 person by providing a variety of keyboards with the Mac’s specific 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 lots of methods to customise the keyboard, and lots of operate keys have been given new, helpful duties. The F5 by means of F7 keys now mute and un-mute the inner 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.

The Logitech MX Keys S has many distinctive options, which I will talk about subsequent. However all of the options on this planet will not allow you to for those who’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 appreciated as a result of its customizable, responsive really feel.

Mechanical keys are purported to make typing simpler, however one thing about them makes my fingers drained over time. The Keychron Q1 HE finally 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 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 enable me to slip between keys.

The thick prime fringe of the Logitech MX Keys S has a lone energy gentle, and on the rear is a USB-C port for charging and non-wireless use.

The highest edge serves a extra necessary 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 affords 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 shortage of a fingerprint sensor is a dealbreaker provided that you repeatedly depend on Contact ID for authentication. I exploit Contact ID fairly a bit, largely to log into web sites.

Just 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, 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 arms method the keys, triggering the backlight.

Since backlighting is a big supply of energy drain, the keys illuminate in accordance with ambient gentle. The sunshine sensors maintain the keys from being lit in a brilliant room and stop blindingly brilliant 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 person steps away.

The software program permits the brightness and length of backlighting to be personalized. For instance, for those who like super-bright keys that fade slowly whenever you transfer your arms away, that is simple to arrange.

Backlighting automation is especially necessary 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 without doubt one of the few corporations that gives 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 (under).

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 notably useful in current convention calls. Mousing to the mute button in Zoom takes a couple of seconds and is way quicker 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 change 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 does not cease on the F15 key. The free software program from Logitech, Logi Choices+, permits keyboard customization. Working the Choices+ software program permits display screen seize utilizing the F17 button.

To launch Highlight, you’ll be able to 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 into a key a part of my video enhancing course of.

Choices+ permits for deep customization of Logitech gadgets.

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

There’s an motion to launch all your work apps at the beginning 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 practically three dozen pattern Good Actions. Creating actions is an easy matter of choosing triggers and actions, all of which will 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 affords a dubiously helpful AI instrument referred to 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 embrace AI instruments.

Persons are very specific 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 does 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 a way they really feel. Whilst a long-time Logitech person, 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 sensible 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 can be onerous.

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