Logitech’s $99 MX Keys Mini is a better keyboard than Apple’s Magic Keyboard, assuming you can live without the Touch ID button.
I can, as my work set-up (see the image below) allows me to use Touch ID on my MacBook Pro. However, if your set-up is different — and a Touch ID keyboard is a must-have for you — the MX Keys Mini won’t be your cup of tea.
For everyone else, it has some features that make it better than Apple’s keyboard. For example, it’s available in black, pale grey, rose, and graphite; choose the black or graphic flavor, and you’ll have a keyboard that’s a better aesthetic match with a MacBook Pro than Apple’s white model. A trivia concern? Perhaps, but I like the color consistency the Logitech keyboard offers.
The MX Keys Mini also has an “Easy-switch” option, allowing you to connect up to three devices and switch between them. This works with macOS, iOS, iPadOS, and Windows devices.
The MX Keys Mini Easy Connect button
Another advantage the MX Keys Mini has over the Magic Keyboard is that it has backlighting. Backlit keys light up when your hands approach the keyboard and automatically brighten or fade to suit your environment.
Backlighting drains the battery quicker than non-backlit mode. But when fully charged, the MX Keys Mini lasts up to to 10 days with backlighting enabled and up to five months without it enabled.
Speaking of recharging, the Logitech keyboard has USB-C connectivity just like Apple’s recently revamped Magic Keyboard, Magic Mouse, and Magic Trackpad.
You connect the MX Keys Mini via Bluetooth Low Energy technology. Logitech says the keyboard has a wireless range of 33 feet. I’ve found that to be a little exaggerated, but, really now, how far are you going to be using a keyboard with a device to which it’s paired.
Other nice touches of the Logitech mouse are Caps Lock and Battery indicator lights and buttons that let you easily send emojis, mute and unmute your mic, and activate talk to text.
There are also customization options when used with a Mac. The customization options require you to download the free Logi Options+ app.
Another plus: the MX Keys Mini includes post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic up to 30% for Graphite and 12% for Pale Gray and Rose.
The MX Keys Mini for Mac costs about 50 bucks less than the Magic Keyboard with Touch ID. Which means it’s a good alternative to Apple’s keyboards as long as you can live without the Touch ID feature.
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