Table of Contents
This is What We Like
- Substantial battery life
- Light-weight and wi-fi
- Backlighting
- Keycap visuals
And What We Do not
- Swap really feel
- Keycap wobble
- Excessive value
- Not hot-swappable
Logitech launched its MX Mechanical keyboard on Could 24, 2022—with options like a virtually year-long battery life, low-profile keycap design, wi-fi connectivity, and Good Illumination backlighting, this board seems to be nice on paper. But it surely doesn’t really feel so good beneath your fingertips.
As a lot as I wish to like this keyboard for its neat options and actually redeeming qualities, it’s robust to look previous the problems that stick out like a sore thumb. Right here’s what you need to know before you purchase.
Type Issue and Construct High quality
- Type Elements: Full-size and Mini
- Dimensions: 26.10 x 433.85 x 131.55mm (1.03 x 17.08 x 5.18in)
- Weight: 828g (1.83lbs)
The Logitech MX Mechanical keyboard is available in two kind elements: full-size and Mini. The complete-size mannequin that I acquired for assessment ($169.99) has every part the MX Mechanical Mini ($149.99) does, plus a numpad on the correct, a couple of extra operate keys, and a few further padding between the navigation (del, residence, and so forth.) and arrow keys.
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Particularly, the full-size board encompasses a numpad, Brightness Up/Down management operate keys, Earlier/Subsequent media keys, a Calculator key, and a Present/Cover Desktop key greater than the Mini.
The Mini, whereas missing some fascinating functionalities, is extra compact. Examine its 26.10 x 312.60 x 131.55mm measurement to the 26.10 x 433.85 x 131.55mm of the full-size model and there’s a substantial distinction. In the event you’re tight on desk area or eager on a wi-fi keyboard that may simply slip into your backpack for bus rides, lengthy flights, or espresso retailers, give the Mini a glance.
If you’d like a numpad for fast Home windows PIN logins or information entry together with a bit extra management over your show and media, think about the full-size board.
The MX Mechanical is surprisingly light-weight, and the aluminum high case does a adequate job conserving issues sturdy, however there’s some slight deck flex to pay attention to. It was by no means noticeable whereas typing, however take care when cleaning or storing the board to maintain it out of structurally-compromising positions.
Whereas there are some metallic pings on standalone keys (just like the arrow keys), the noise degree (sitting within the low- to mid-60-decibel vary on common) aligns with what you’d anticipate from a Brown swap. There’s an audible “thock,” nevertheless it received’t get up the neighbors.
The sustainably-sourced PCR (post-consumer recycled) plastic housing is clean to the contact and pleasing to the attention, although some smudges will present up over time as you deal with the board. The ability swap and USB-C port, discovered behind the numpad, are handy and dependable.
The plastic toes on the again of the MX Mechanical flip out and lock into place in case you desire a raised typing expertise, although I discovered it a lot simpler to make use of whereas mendacity flat on the desk.
The general construct high quality of the board (with out contemplating the keycaps, switches, and stabilizers) feels sturdy sufficient to place your thoughts comfy from any worries of injury throughout use, nevertheless it’s not probably the most sturdy possibility on the earth because of its light-weight design.
Connectivity and Battery Life
- Bluetooth: Bluetooth Low Power
- Dongle: Logi Bolt USB-A Receiver
- Battery: 15 days, as much as 10 months with out backlight
- Charging: USB-C (Kind-C to Kind-A cable included)
Connectivity is a key win for the MX Mechanical. Utilizing Bluetooth and the Logi Bolt Receiver, you’ll be able to sync your board with as much as three units throughout Home windows, Mac, Linux, Chrome OS, iPhone, iPad, and Android units. Seamlessly swap between them with the built-in profile keys (discovered on each kind elements) and kind away. You’ll additionally discover Home windows/Mac keys for Command/Alt and Management/Begin.
Tip: Earlier than choosing up this keyboard for its intensive connectivity, be certain the units you intend to make use of it with are working appropriate working system variations.
Battery life is one other large plus of this keyboard. Utilizing the backlighting options will fetch you about 15 days of battery life. My testing is unquestionably conclusive with these claims—I’ve been utilizing the board with backlighting on for over per week and the battery life continues to be holding robust at 45%.
In the event you work or sport in a sufficiently-lit space, or don’t care a lot about backlighting on the whole, flip it off for a colossal 10-month battery life. Set it and overlook it, this board is able to code, write, or browse when you find yourself.
Whenever you discover your battery lastly begin to deplete in Logi Choices+ (more on this later), plug the MX Mechanical into your laptop through the included USB-C cable (and Kind-C to Kind-A connector if wanted) and let it cost up in a single day or as you proceed to make use of it.
Keycaps, Switches, and Stabilizers
- Swap Choices: Logitech MX Purple, Brown, Blue
- Scorching-Swappable: No
In the event you like a toned-down trendy design, these keycaps will doubtless catch your eye. Visually, they appear wonderful once they’re not coated in fingerprints. The mid-grey tones that make up the majority of the board distinction properly with the darker accent keys, serving to you discover your means throughout the keys with delicate coloration coding.
Sadly, like a Mustang with a V6 engine, these keycaps are extra anxious about trying good than performing nicely. The MX Mechanical’s keycaps jiggle round as you sort, and it’s clear to see once you get a hen’s eye view. Quite than completely straight rows, some keys are rotated to the correct or left, and a few have shifted up or down, encroaching on different keys (just like the “G,” “F,” and “D” keys for instance).
Have your decide of three swap choices: Logitech MX Purple, Brown, or Blue. In the event you’ve been across the mechanical keyboard block a couple of instances, there aren’t any surprises right here. The Purple switches are linear, offering little tactile suggestions. The Brown switches, my private swap of alternative, provide a tactile bump suggestions with a dampened activation sound when in comparison with the clicky Blue switches.
They’re not lubed in any means, they usually’re not hot-swappable. These of you who’ve constructed customized mechanical keyboards earlier than, or used a pre-lubed inventory keyboard just like the Keychron Q3 QMK, loved studying these statements as a lot as I loved typing them—under no circumstances.
The stabilizers positively aren’t the worst I’ve ever used, however they’re removed from the perfect. They supply snug area bar inputs no matter the place you faucet the important thing, however they’ve a rattling downside. Wiggle your finger throughout the highest of keys like Enter, Backspace, and Shift, and also you’ll see and listen to what I’m speaking about.
Whereas the low-profile nature of the board invitations a typing fashion that sees your fingertips glide throughout the keyboard, punching the right keys in fast succession, the inflexible switches, shaky stabilizers, and off-kilter keycaps don’t. Typing on this board led all too usually to typos, further capitalizations, and pissed off backspaces.
Logitech designed this keyboard with creators in thoughts. I made a decision to check out the MX Mechanical in some Unity game development, and I can actually say that I didn’t discover any time-saving makes use of transitioning to this board from my traditional each day driver.
Relating to gaming, the board is underwhelming. In the event you play RTS (Actual-Time Technique) video games like Dota 2, League of Legends, or Smite, you’ll most likely end up rebinding your operate keys and by chance activating your gadgets.
Whereas comprehensible, it’s not the first use case of the board in any case, it’s one thing to remember earlier than buying.
Backlighting and Customization: Logi Choices+
As for the backlighting, this keyboard isn’t RGB, and it doesn’t must be. In my view, throwing flashy RGB lighting onto this in any other case low-profile, minimalist-style board would look jarring and out-of-place.
As an alternative, Logitech correctly chooses to focus in and increase on a easy white backlight design. Maybe probably the most attention-grabbing function of which is the Good Illumination facet, which units the backlighting off by default and breathes to life as your fingers come close to the keys.
Not solely does this save vital battery life over time, nevertheless it additionally seems to be satisfying and can provide you a bit of jolt of productiveness as you agree into work as nicely. When your fingers have been off the keyboard for a couple of seconds, the backlighting dims its means again right down to zero.
In the event you’re out there for extra designs than a easy static backlight, Logi Choices+ is the place you’ll discover them. You’ll additionally have the ability to add customized macros and remap keys as you want. Navigating Logitech’s new customization software program was a breeze, and a welcome improve from the functions of the G402 mouse period.
Logitech G402 Hyperion Fury Wired Gaming Mouse
Excessive-speed monitoring, intensive customization, and a snug design that matches your hand.
Download and install Logi Options+, create an account in case you don’t have already got one, be certain your system is linked, and also you’re able to customise. Logi Choices+ will stroll you thru a first-time tutorial to be sure to know your means across the place, however in case you’ve used related customization software program earlier than, you doubtless received’t want it.
Click on on the system you wish to customise, navigate by functionalities with the left-side navigation bar, and start modifying.
Tip: You may also press the Lightbulb key to the correct of the F12 key to toggle between backlight results. Relying in your settings, you could have to carry the FN (operate) key right down to activate it.
As for the Keys tab itself, which permits for key remapping and macros, it’s disappointing. You possibly can solely remap 24 keys (F1 by F12, Quantity Up and Down, navigation keys (ins, residence, and so forth.), and the highest row of the numpad (Calculator, Present/Cover Desktop, and so forth.) of the full-size keyboard. The Different Actions dropdown record is appreciated although, supplying you with choices like “Copy,” “Open Folder,” and “Do Nothing” so that you don’t need to document these macros your self.
The Backlighting tab is the place you’ll be able to select between six backlighting results so as to add some taste to your MX Mechanical. You received’t see a preview of the lighting results within the software program, you’ll have to observe your board for modifications.
- Static retains your entire keyboard lit up your entire time you utilize it.
- Distinction lights up solely the darker keycaps.
- Respiratory rapidly fades gentle out and in throughout your entire board.
- Waves sends a band of sentimental gentle throughout your keyboard from left to proper.
- Response illuminates keys as you sort on them, leaving all different keys darkish.
- Random lights up keys throughout the board on a whim.
The Simple-Swap tab enables you to configure as much as three units that you simply’d like to hook up with and swap between utilizing your MX Mechanical. Lastly, Settings is the place you’ll be able to replace your system’s firmware and tweak some basic functionalities like Battery saving mode, operate key utilization, and others.
An underwhelming word to take is the shortage of customization for the consequences. If you’d like waves, you’re solely ever going to get a singular smooth wave touring from left to proper. The Respiratory impact is simply ever one velocity.
What you see is what you get; it is a related theme of the MX Mechanical, a board marketed as having choices. The switches aren’t hot-swappable. Logitech doesn’t provide another keycap kinds or finishes. A number of lighting impact variants are current however in the end meager compared to different boards of this value vary.
If customization and longevity are your high priorities in a keyboard, I can’t advocate the MX Mechanical (particularly given the guarantee is just one to 2 years relying on the area).
Ought to You Purchase the Logitech MX Mechanical Keyboard?
I might not think about this board at its full value of $169.99 until staying within the Logitech ecosystem is your utmost concern. Whereas it has some redeemable qualities, the uncomfortable typing expertise this board gives isn’t price Good Illumination and an extended battery life in my thoughts.
I’d recommend testing different wireless mechanical keyboards just like the Keychron K6 or K8 earlier than shopping for the MX Mechanical. These boards are extra reasonably priced, have the identical wi-fi connectivities, and permit for infinitely extra customization. If the low-profile design is what you’re after, give the Satechi Slim X2, which is available in at lower than half the worth of the MX Mechanical, or the $95 Keychron K3 a glance.
Right here’s What We Like
- Substantial battery life
- Light-weight and wi-fi
- Backlighting
- Keycap visuals
And What We Do not
- Swap really feel
- Keycap wobble
- Excessive value
- Not hot-swappable
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