Verdict
The Logitech MX Keys S is a fantastic keyboard. Its comfortable typing experience, robust build quality, and productivity-enhancing features make it a joy to use. While the price may be a deterrent for some, the MX Keys S offers a compelling package for those seeking a premium typing experience.
Pros
- Excellent typing experience with comfortable keycaps and responsive scissor switches
- Sleek and premium design with a robust build quality
- Long battery life
- Seamless multi-device connectivity
- Powerful customization options with Logi Options+ software
Cons
- For a non-mechanical keyboard, it is very expensive
- No dedicated storage for the Logi Bolt receiver
- Lack of height adjustment
- Backlighting could be brighter
Logitech MX Keys S Review
After using the Logitech MX Keys S as my primary keyboard for the past three months, I’m excited to share my detailed experience with this high-end peripheral. From extended typing sessions to navigating its productivity features, I’ve spent considerable time exploring what makes it stand out and where it falls short. This keyboard combines comfort, functionality, and design into a compelling package. However, some quirks—especially considering its price—are worth discussing.
First Impressions and Design
Right out of the box, the MX Keys S exudes a sense of sophistication. I received the graphite color, which enhances its sleek, minimalist aesthetic. The keyboard’s low-profile design and brushed metal finish lend it a premium appearance that immediately catches the eye. It’s hard not to compare it to Apple’s Magic Keyboard, which shares a similar ethos. However, the MX Keys S offers a more robust construction, with a reassuringly heavy build. While this weight gives the keyboard a sense of durability, it compromises portability—this is not a keyboard you’ll want to frequently carry around. This keyboard is designed primarily to rule your desk, not for chauffeuring around.
The keyboard’s low-profile design and brushed metal finish lend it a premium appearance that immediately catches the eye.
The keyboard’s design is undeniably high-end. It feels luxurious, with details like concave keycaps and smooth edges that contribute to its premium aura. However, one noticeable omission is the lack of height adjustment. There were times during prolonged typing sessions when I wished for a steeper tilt angle to improve ergonomics. Without this option, users may need to invest in a separate wrist rest or adjust their desk setup for optimal comfort. Most user will find the default height of the keyboard just fine though.
This keyboard can be purchased individually or as a part of the MX Keys S Combo, which includes the MX Keys S keyboard, MX Master 3S mouse and the palm-rest. If you purchase the individual keyboard, you will not receive the palm-rest and you will have to purchase it separately. The palm-rest is made of some very premium feeling soft-touch compound. It feels as though it is filled with some sort of gel, but it might just be foam. It is really well built and meant to last. There is no way to attach it to the keyboard, which is a good thing as you can adjust its position as you see fit. The bottom side manages to hold on to the surface it sits upon.
Typing Experience
The typing experience on the MX Keys S is undoubtedly one of its standout features. Logitech’s scissor switches provide satisfying tactile feedback that strikes a balance between being responsive and quiet. The concave keycaps make it easy for fingers to glide across the keyboard, which significantly improved my typing speed and accuracy over time. Compared to my previous Keychron K2, the MX Keys S feels more refined and consistent, though it lacks the hot-swappable switch customization that mechanical keyboards offer. This is not a mechanical keyboard.
The typing experience on the MX Keys S is undoubtedly one of its standout features. Logitech’s scissor switches provide satisfying tactile feedback that strikes a balance between being responsive and quiet.
However, the MX Keys S falls short as a gaming keyboard. Its uniform key design, while great for typing, becomes problematic in gaming scenarios. Unlike gaming keyboards that differentiate the WASD keys with unique textures or shapes, the MX Keys S offers no such distinction. This makes it challenging to locate keys by feel during intense gameplay. Additionally, the low-profile design can lead to misclicks when gaming without glancing at the keyboard.
A specific issue I encountered while playing Dota 2 was the uniform height of the number keys and the QWERTY row. Several times, I unintentionally pressed the number keys when I meant to use QWE. While this might not bother casual gamers, serious gamers may find these design choices limiting. The function keys are also flat and lack the concave design of the primary keys, however they offer the same robust tactile feedback as the rest of keys.
Backlighting
Logitech has done a commendable job with the backlighting on the MX Keys S. The illumination is even, and the automatic brightness adjustment works seamlessly. However, some may feel that the backlighting isn’t bright enough for well-lit environments. In dimly lit settings, it’s perfectly adequate, but it could use a bit more intensity to enhance visibility in brighter spaces. Light leakage from individual keys remains an issue with 99% backlit keyboards, and the MX Keys S is one of them. It might be a non-issue for most, but light leakage is definitely an issue for me. Although there’s nothing functional about it, it is purely aesthetic. Light leaking from the border of every individual key looks unrefined, and if you’re sitting at an angle, you can directly see the light from the bottom of all the keys.
Productivity Features
Where the MX Keys S truly excels is in its productivity-oriented features. The Easy-Switch keys allow seamless switching between up to three devices—a game-changer for those who juggle between a laptop, tablet, and phone. Transitioning between devices is instantaneous, making this keyboard ideal for multitaskers. I use the keyboard between three machines that sit on my desk: desktop, Macbook Pro 16 laptop and Lenovo Legion Tab. The Logi Bolt USB receiver is connected the desktop, and it automatically configures to profile “1”. The laptop and the tablet, configured on profiles “2” and “3” use Bluetooth. I seamlessly switch between these three profiles by just pushing one of the dedicated profile buttons on the keyboard.
The Logi Options+ software takes customization to the next level. It enables key remapping, backlighting adjustments, and the creation of Smart Actions (Logitech’s term for macros). I’ve used these Smart Actions to automate repetitive tasks, such as launching specific applications or performing multi-step actions with a single keystroke. This level of customization is a boon for professionals and power users who want to optimize their workflows.
After a recent update, Logitech has added the “AI Prompt Button” feature to the Logi Options+ suite. You can assign a button that fires up a window where you can rephrase or summarize text, or you can reply to emails or create a document. It offers a choice of Length and Tone prompts. It’s a pretty nifty feature, one that I’m experiencing the first in a software of this nature. It works pretty well, and it uses ChatGPT’s API.
Additionally, the keyboard includes dedicated keys for emojis, mute/unmute, and dictation. While I haven’t extensively used the dictation feature, it’s a thoughtful addition that some users may find helpful. The inclusion of these shortcuts reflects Logitech’s focus on enhancing productivity.
Battery Life
Battery life is another area where the MX Keys S shines. Even with moderate backlighting usage, the keyboard lasts for weeks on a single charge. This longevity is a significant advantage over some competitors that require frequent recharging. Charging is straightforward via the USB-C port, ensuring compatibility with modern charging setups.
Minor Gripes
While the MX Keys S has much to offer, a few minor drawbacks are worth noting.
- No Storage Slot for the Logi Bolt Receiver
This omission feels puzzling, especially for a premium product. Having a dedicated storage slot for the receiver would have been a convenient addition, especially for those who frequently switch between workspaces. I have misplaced my MX Master 3’s receiver for the simple reason that it does not have a storage slot. Buying a replacement is expensive and now I am bound to using the mouse exclusively on Bluetooth, which isn’t as snappy as the USB adapter. - Adjustable Height
Most, if not all keyboards come with adjustable height, either 2-step or 3-step. Logitech has done away with adjustable height on the MX Keys S probably to maintain its slim profile, but including this feature would have been nice, especially during long typing sessions. - Price
Retailing at approximately ₹12,000 in India, the MX Keys S is positioned at the premium end of the market. While its features and build quality justify the price to some extent, it remains a significant investment, especially when compared to more affordable alternatives. Also, this might just be the most expensive non-mechanical keyboard out there, barring the Apple Magic Keyboard.
Who Is It For?
The MX Keys S is best suited for professionals, students, and anyone who works with multiple devices on the same desk. Its seamless device switching, comfortable typing experience, and productivity-enhancing features make it an excellent choice for these use cases. Programmers and software engineers will love this keyboard. People who use multiple devices on one desk should feel right at home with the MX Keys S. However, gamers and users looking for budget-friendly options may need to look elsewhere.
Disclaimer: The product featured in this review was provided to us by the respective brand for testing and evaluation purposes. We did not pay for the product, nor were we compensated in any way for this review. All opinions expressed are solely our own and reflect our genuine assessment of the product’s features and performance.
