Logitech MX Keys Mini Review: A Journey After 10 Months of Use
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The Logitech MX Keys Mini: A Compact Powerhouse
For the past ten months, I have relied on the Logitech MX Keys Mini as my primary keyboard. This compact version of the MX Keys retains essential features while being more portable. But would I purchase it again? More importantly, is it the right choice for you, or would another keyboard serve you better?
Let's explore this further!
Portability That Excels for Travelers
As someone who travels often, the size of the MX Keys Mini is a major advantage. I can easily toss it into my backpack or suitcase without a second thought. It fits snugly into my bag, and its sturdy design gives me confidence that it won’t break, even when jostled around. In contrast, the larger model with the numpad would be too cumbersome for travel.
(Don't mind the clutter on my desk!)
The full-sized MX Keys isn’t oversized, but I prefer having a centered keyboard for extended typing sessions without needing to shift my mouse or trackpad. My workspace is already cramped, so I prefer to maximize my desk area, especially since I rarely use a numpad.
Evaluating the Typing Experience
A keyboard is only as good as its typing experience. As someone who types extensively, the comfort of the MX Keys Mini has been crucial. Over the last ten months, I have typed far more on this keyboard than on either of my laptops' built-in options.
While the keyboards on my MacBook Pro and Dell XPS 17 are functional, they cause my hands to tire sooner. In contrast, the MX Keys Mini allows for longer typing sessions without discomfort. This is essential for my writing on platforms like Medium, Substack, and my blog.
The MX Keys and MX Keys Mini provide a similar premium feel, which I appreciate. However, if you're looking for a mechanical keyboard experience, this model may not meet your needs. Logitech does offer a mechanical variant if that's your preference.
Battery Life and Charging Convenience
Both the MX Keys and MX Keys Mini come with rechargeable batteries that charge through a single USB-C port. Even with heavy use, I rarely find myself needing to charge the keyboard obsessively. A quick top-up every few days suffices, and I’ve never reached a point where I worried about running out of battery.
Using the backlight does consume more power, so turning it off can extend battery life—though I personally enjoy having that feature. Fortunately, the battery is replaceable, albeit with some effort to access the screws hidden beneath the rubber feet of the keyboard.
Wear and Tear: A Reality Check
After ten months of blogging and intensive use, some cosmetic wear is to be expected. Bumps and scratches are commonplace, especially with travel. Ironically, while drafting this review, I noticed one of the rubber feet missing from my keyboard. Although it still functions well, that’s a bit frustrating.
In addition, I’ve observed some paint wear on the keyboard, particularly around the K and L keys—areas I didn’t expect to show signs of use.
However, given the amount I’ve put this keyboard through, I can't really complain.
Would I Purchase the MX Keys Mini Again?
In conclusion, would I buy the MX Keys Mini again? Absolutely! In fact, I already have. I purchased a second unit as a backup. This way, if I can’t locate the missing rubber foot from my original keyboard, I can seamlessly transition to the new one.
For anyone seeking a high-quality, aesthetically pleasing keyboard that is compact, backlit, and compatible with Windows, macOS, and mobile devices, the MX Keys Mini is a fantastic choice.
Additional Review Insights
This video offers further insights into the long-term usability of the Logitech MX Keys Mini. Explore whether it truly stands out as the best choice for users in various scenarios.