Honey, I shrunk the keyboard: Logitech’s MX keys are now available in Mini

Logitech MX Keys is one of our favorite everyday bluetooth keyboard options and it is now available in two smaller versions which leave the numeric keypad and a few other keys: MX Mini Keys and MX Mini Keys for Mac. Both cost $ 100, the same price as standard MX keys, and ship in late October. Color options include pink, light gray, and graphite.

While you get less keyboard for the same amount of money, the MX Keys Mini has three new keys, giving you shortcuts to dictation (available in some countries for Windows and MacOS users), emojis, and very important mute and reactivation of your microphone for videoconferencing calls. Additionally, Logitech claims its “minimalistic form factor aligns your shoulders and lets you place your mouse closer to your keyboard for less reach, resulting in better posture and improved ergonomics.” Based on my testing, I agree with this assessment.

The keyboard is similar in size to the popular and cheaper Logitech Keyboard K380 ($ 30). But MX Keys Mini, equipped with Perfect Stroke, Logitech’s “best non-mechanical typing technology”, has a more premium look and feel. And, like the standard MX keys, it has backlit keys that light up when your hands are approached and automatically adapt to lighting conditions, dimming or even turning off to save power.

Battery life is rated at up to 10 days on a single charge and up to 5 months if you turn off the backlight. Both versions of the keyboard are recharged via USB-C.

Personally, I prefer a smaller keyboard, but if you’re a spreadsheet jockey or someone who works with a lot of numbers, the numeric keypad is an essential feature. For better or worse, those extra touches are wasted on me, so I fall into the Mini’s target audience.

Note that MX Keys Mini can connect up to 3 devices (via Bluetooth or the Logi Bolt USB Receiver) and is compatible with Windows, Chrome, Linux, Android, MacOS, iOS and iPadOS. As the name suggests, MX Keys Mini for Mac is optimized for Apple computers as well as iOS and iPadOS devices.

We are seeing more and more companies coming up with an eco-friendly element in their new products and this is no exception: Logitech claims that some of the plastic parts in MX Key Mini are made from post-consumer recycled plastic. (PCR).

It’s a very nice keyboard for home use and small and light enough (506.4 grams or 1.1 pounds) to fit in a backpack for mobile use. Needless to say, it pairs well with Logitech MX anywhere 3 mouse or MX Master 3 and works with Logi Options software from Logitech.