⌨️ BUY the new MX Keys Mini for Mac right here (Amazon associates link): amzn.to/3aENFMu The MX Keys Mini is a portable and adorable workhorse, but definitely not cheap at $99. Lmk what you think about it down below! 👇🏽
7:29 I think the reason is that there's virtually no cost difference in producing the two. Difference in material costs, logistics, manufacturing time and things related to the size difference are negligible when considering the other costs like manufacturing of tooling and setting up production, marketing etc. which is equal between the two. It's just a consumer choice if you want a numpad or if it's a waste of space on your desk :)
I have bought one of these and its amazing! The ability to use multiple devices is a boon for people with laptop / iPad combo. It now travels with me. Now if only I could find a compact case to take it all in…
I had the same complaints about the keyboard myself. I worked around the screen brightness controls complaint by hijacking the backlit keys to control screen brightness (I don't have a need for illuminated keys myself). Nevertheless, I've been using this keyboard for several weeks and love it still!
@@PfropfNo1 I can adjust to both. These days I hover my hands over the keyboard (with thumbs anchored) so the tilt isn't an issue for me. I suppose you can always raise the bottom of the keyboard a little to make it more flat :)
On the price tag, Amazon has it discounted by at least 10 USD/EUR on a regular basis. Having swapped over to the MX Mini from the bigger brother, I can wholehearted recommend this keyboard if you’re not going to be using the number pad.
Glad you enjoyed it! I have an MX Anywhere 2S that works beautifully on the Mac. Haven’t had a reason to upgrade to the 3, but I’m sure it’s a similar experience.
This is my first wireless keyboard. There's one thing that bothers me about the MX Keys Mini. When I walk away from my computer for a while, then come back, I can't immediately begin typing. I first have to touch any key, then the Function 1 key lights up, then in about a second I can begin typing. Is this normal for a bluetooth keyboard. It's like the keyboard goes into a sleep mode. Thanks!
Thanks for making this video! I recently purchased the Logitech K380, and although I've been enjoying it I've been wondering about the MX Keys Mini. It seems like they're both approximately the same size, and the layout look somewhat similar. So far it's hard to validate the big price difference, especially since I would consider adding on the Bolt receiver. Would love to hear your feedback. Thanks!
Happy to help! That’s a great question because it may be hard to justify spending $60 more on the Keys Mini. You’ll get Bolt support, the adaptive backlight, better overall key feel (IMO), rechargeable battery, and better build quality (IMO). BUT, if you don’t need/care about all that, you should be good with the K380.
@@OneTechMind Thanks for your quick response! I appreciate it. I've only had the K380 for about a week, and I honestly can't say that I hate it. But since I'm using it for about 7 hours a day for work, I've been thinking if the MX is a better investment and will offer me a better experience. Although it's a nice feature, I really don't see myself using the backlighting. I do like that it's rechargeable, but I also almost always use rechargeable batteries. The premium feel might be worth it in the long run, and might help with the overall lifespan. Since you've used both, do you feel a difference in your typing experience? It seems like the keys on the MX might be spread a bit further apart, and I'm wondering if that makes a difference. I just subscribed to your channel, and looking forward to future videos. Thanks again!
No problem! I absolutely think the MX Keys Mini has a better typing experience and feel. The keys feel more solid, whereas the K380 keys feel cheaper and wobbly. Plus, I just don’t like round keys. 😜 Thanks so much for joining the OTM community! I truly appreciate your support. 🙏🏽
I remapped F4 and F5 for screen brightness because those keys line up with the keyboard backlight brightness controls. I realize that Launchpad is linked (by default) to F4 so I just made F8 my Launchpad key. (The little screenshot icon reminds me of the Launchpad - but then again, I don't use Launchpad that much.)
Have you tested whether this keyboard properly wakes up a your Mac if you switch to it from another device? So if you're typing on your iPad and wanna switch your Mac that is asleep, will it pair and wake up? I wanna get it to use on a Mini and a MBP that I usually switch back and forth, but 99% of the times I'd be switching when the other Mac is asleep. Loved the review otherwise!
Hey there, great question! Yes, it did wake my iMac up when switching from another device (tested by switching from my iPad). You don’t even need to press anything else. The Mac wakes up upon Bluetooth connection.
You didn’t mention a few critical issues. You can’t use this in wired mode. No dongle is included (its included in full size). The hilarious part is the mini uses bolt and the full size uses unified usb. Having no dongle included further increases the price. Finally the battery is not replaceable making this essentially a timed throw away keyboard. In my opinion Logitech had the opportunity to have a near perfect keyboard but these issues are critical when your using this in your business. I can get over the battery but but this at the same price point as the full size and NOT including a dongle is just…. ???
Very valid points that make it hard to justify the $99 price. Because this is marketed for Apple devices, the Bolt adapter isn’t 100% necessary for everyone, but its inclusion would definitely make the price more palatable. I personally don’t see the built-in battery as inherently negative, but I appreciate where you’re coming from.
I see the built in battery as a huge positive. I hate having to worry about the AAs and AAAs of the world when it comes to devices. As for “timed throw away”, that timeline is likely pretty long. Likely 7 years+ or more of frequent use. I’m personally fine with that. I guess you’re looking for more longevity.
For sure! The big one is a custom build: TKC1800 case/PCB with Zealios v2 65g switches and MAXKEY Foundation SA keycaps. The smaller one is the Keychron K2 with Brown switches and their optional Mac keycaps.
@@OneTechMind Thanks! Any preferences between the 2? Have watched some reviews for the Keychron now and quite likely to pick one up. Have you tried the red switches?
Are there dedicated buttons that allow for navigation between screens? Like a button on the keyboard that takes the place of the iPad Home button? Additionally, are there back buttons that allow you to back out of apps or select apps, so I don’t have to keep touching the screen? Or would I need a mouse as well? Is there anywhere I could go for a list of keys that are native to the iPad? I’m having trouble using it without constantly poking my screen.
There aren’t dedicated buttons on the keyboard, but Apple does have expanded keyboard shortcuts for some of those things. For example, CMD + H will take you back to the Home Screen. Here’s a full list: support.apple.com/en-us/HT211096
Beware, if you've got an M1 Mac, Logitech is not supporting those Macs. You have any problem and they will tell you the MX Keys are not compatible with M1 Macs-end of story. Since my problem with my brand new full size MX Keys is unsolvable due to this, I will be returning mine. I couldn't understand why the Apple Store doesn't even carry the Mac "version" of these keyboards, but now I do.
@@OneTechMind Assigning keys and the backlighting. I bought the keyboard for a room that is relatively dark. I don't need backlighting to type, but I'm mostly using the keyboard there for shortcuts and a backlit keyboard is very helpful in that situation. The keyboard constantly reset the backlighting to off all through the day. I pulled out an older Intel Mac, installed the software and the keyboard worked perfectly. The problem is I don't want to use an intel Mac anymore.
Question: is it possible to put it on top of a laptop(e.g. Macbook pro)? Does the rubber stand at the bottom stand on the frame(of laptop keyboard) instead of triggering any keys on the laptop?
Hey there, great question! I tried this out on a 14-in MacBook Pro. Yes, you can place it directly over the built-in keyboard, with the stand portion just above the function row and it won’t trigger any laptop keys.
@@OneTechMind Thank you so much, that is exactly I am concern about. The stand of this keyboard is like a bar, if it is possible to put the bar above the function row of built-in keyboard, it won't hit any keys. I was not sure if it's possible to do so, now as you confirmed, That is great to hear. Thank you!
The only thing holding me back from buying this keyboard is the lack of music forward/skip song functionality. Is there a way to skit to the next song? I see only as play/pause button.
This is a great call-out and the answer is a little complicated. Here’s what I found out: 1. On Mac or Windows, you can use the Logitech Options app to easily change any of the function keys to “Previous” and “Next” actions for media control. 2. On iOS, you can’t do this. What you can do is something like re-map the Caps Lock key to the Globe Key under Settings > General > Hardware Keyboard > Modifiers. Then, you can quickly open Control Center by pressing Caps (Globe) + C and tap/click next. Apple really should build in iOS system keyboard shortcuts for playback control!
Guys, if you do not mind the size, BUY THE FULL SIZE. The mini version has so many shortcomings (I won’t bother going into cause it’s ridiculous). I have both versions and bought the mini strictly for travelling purposes so I don’t mind. But it’s a waste of money in comparison to its original keyboard. It’s kind of embarrassing and insulting that Logitech would charge the same amount for less than you would get.
According to Logitech’s site, Android compatibility is only listed under the generic version of the keyboard. I am unable to test the Mac version on Android myself, but I would assume most of the keys would work - just not sure what the modifier keys would do.
Oh yes. It’s definitely quieter and the switch mechanism is MUCH smoother than K380. I would actually say it’s the nicest low-profile membrane keyboard I’ve ever typed on.
I hate that they placed FN button on bottom left corner. I didn't buy Apple keyboard for the same layout. On a full-size MX keyboard it is placed elsewhere freeing space for Control button which I use pretty often. And this color choice bruh. It even doesn't match iPad Pro or Space Grey Macbook like the full-size one does.
The Fn placement hasn’t bothered me too much, but those are some fair points and I definitely hear you on the colors. I’m thinking they’ll make this one available in at least Grey at some point (like the MX Master 3 for Mac).
@@OneTechMind I hope so. I already own a full-sized MX Keys and absolutely happy with it but sometimes I prefer to work in coffeshops or coworkings. And white color is probably not the best for a gadget you carry with you everywhere.
sadly they wasted many of the top row of keys. the fact that they dont have the screen brightness control keys is a bummer. i know u could remap them, but it shouldn't be the case.
⌨️ BUY the new MX Keys Mini for Mac right here (Amazon associates link): amzn.to/3aENFMu
The MX Keys Mini is a portable and adorable workhorse, but definitely not cheap at $99. Lmk what you think about it down below! 👇🏽
the keycaps are still abs plastic though, would be great to have a similar membrane keyboard with pbt plastic keycaps
7:29 I think the reason is that there's virtually no cost difference in producing the two. Difference in material costs, logistics, manufacturing time and things related to the size difference are negligible when considering the other costs like manufacturing of tooling and setting up production, marketing etc. which is equal between the two. It's just a consumer choice if you want a numpad or if it's a waste of space on your desk :)
I have bought one of these and its amazing! The ability to use multiple devices is a boon for people with laptop / iPad combo. It now travels with me. Now if only I could find a compact case to take it all in…
3:36 the k380 man, that design was so dope, i hope they some day make an aluminum version with backlight, integrated battery and wired option.
Ooh that would be pretty cool. Do you prefer round keycaps?
I think we ALL fundamentally disagree with Logitech charging the same price for less device 😂
Right!? I think $70-$75 would have been a fairer price.
@@OneTechMind that's what I paid for mine from a bulk reseller. Otherwise I would've felt ripped off...cheated 😅
Nice! That’s a better deal for sure.
Love the new look! Less moody, but looking super slick 😁
Hey Matt, thanks man! Yeah, I felt like it was time to brighten things up a bit. Appreciate you stopping by!
I had the same complaints about the keyboard myself. I worked around the screen brightness controls complaint by hijacking the backlit keys to control screen brightness (I don't have a need for illuminated keys myself).
Nevertheless, I've been using this keyboard for several weeks and love it still!
Nice! Did you do that with Logitech Options? I wish you could save those changes to the keyboard so they’d work on iOS. 😭
@@OneTechMind Yes, just used their Logi Options app.
I don't use these for my iOS devices so I can't comment on that :)
@@glui2001 are you used to tilted keyboards? Ive always had my keyboard flat. This looks like a perfect keyboard except its tilted...
@@PfropfNo1 I can adjust to both. These days I hover my hands over the keyboard (with thumbs anchored) so the tilt isn't an issue for me.
I suppose you can always raise the bottom of the keyboard a little to make it more flat :)
On the price tag, Amazon has it discounted by at least 10 USD/EUR on a regular basis. Having swapped over to the MX Mini from the bigger brother, I can wholehearted recommend this keyboard if you’re not going to be using the number pad.
Nice to hear it's already being discounted! That definitely helps a bit with the pricing concern.
Cool Rush picture!! Oh yeah, great video too ;)
Rock on and thanks on both accounts! 🤘🏽
Enjoyed this review! Thanks for covering both the ipad and mac use cases. Do you happen to have an MX Anywhere 3 mouse to pair with it on the mac?
Glad you enjoyed it! I have an MX Anywhere 2S that works beautifully on the Mac. Haven’t had a reason to upgrade to the 3, but I’m sure it’s a similar experience.
This is my first wireless keyboard. There's one thing that bothers me about the MX Keys Mini. When I walk away from my computer for a while, then come back, I can't immediately begin typing. I first have to touch any key, then the Function 1 key lights up, then in about a second I can begin typing. Is this normal for a bluetooth keyboard. It's like the keyboard goes into a sleep mode. Thanks!
Thanks for making this video! I recently purchased the Logitech K380, and although I've been enjoying it I've been wondering about the MX Keys Mini. It seems like they're both approximately the same size, and the layout look somewhat similar. So far it's hard to validate the big price difference, especially since I would consider adding on the Bolt receiver. Would love to hear your feedback. Thanks!
Happy to help! That’s a great question because it may be hard to justify spending $60 more on the Keys Mini.
You’ll get Bolt support, the adaptive backlight, better overall key feel (IMO), rechargeable battery, and better build quality (IMO). BUT, if you don’t need/care about all that, you should be good with the K380.
@@OneTechMind Thanks for your quick response! I appreciate it. I've only had the K380 for about a week, and I honestly can't say that I hate it. But since I'm using it for about 7 hours a day for work, I've been thinking if the MX is a better investment and will offer me a better experience. Although it's a nice feature, I really don't see myself using the backlighting. I do like that it's rechargeable, but I also almost always use rechargeable batteries. The premium feel might be worth it in the long run, and might help with the overall lifespan. Since you've used both, do you feel a difference in your typing experience? It seems like the keys on the MX might be spread a bit further apart, and I'm wondering if that makes a difference. I just subscribed to your channel, and looking forward to future videos. Thanks again!
No problem! I absolutely think the MX Keys Mini has a better typing experience and feel. The keys feel more solid, whereas the K380 keys feel cheaper and wobbly. Plus, I just don’t like round keys. 😜
Thanks so much for joining the OTM community! I truly appreciate your support. 🙏🏽
I remapped F4 and F5 for screen brightness because those keys line up with the keyboard backlight brightness controls. I realize that Launchpad is linked (by default) to F4 so I just made F8 my Launchpad key. (The little screenshot icon reminds me of the Launchpad - but then again, I don't use Launchpad that much.)
How did you remap on the iPad?
good review answers most of my questions.
Glad to hear you found it useful!
Will it work with an iPhone?
Is there any shortcut for “Home” in this keyboard? I need that shortcut since I worked a lot with that in my previous keyboard =/
Great review. Thank you. Very useful.
My pleasure! Glad you found it helpful.
Have you tested whether this keyboard properly wakes up a your Mac if you switch to it from another device? So if you're typing on your iPad and wanna switch your Mac that is asleep, will it pair and wake up? I wanna get it to use on a Mini and a MBP that I usually switch back and forth, but 99% of the times I'd be switching when the other Mac is asleep. Loved the review otherwise!
Hey there, great question! Yes, it did wake my iMac up when switching from another device (tested by switching from my iPad). You don’t even need to press anything else. The Mac wakes up upon Bluetooth connection.
@@OneTechMind Excellent! I think I'm just gonna get it then. Thanks for confirming that for me!
@@tearblastgaming7186 Glad I could help. Let me know how it works out for you!
I didn’t just like this video. I loved it. Great review of the MX Keys Mini. Looks like a really nice keyboard.
I’ll admit you got me for a sec. 😅 Thanks so much, glad you enjoyed this one.
You didn’t mention a few critical issues. You can’t use this in wired mode. No dongle is included (its included in full size). The hilarious part is the mini uses bolt and the full size uses unified usb. Having no dongle included further increases the price. Finally the battery is not replaceable making this essentially a timed throw away keyboard.
In my opinion Logitech had the opportunity to have a near perfect keyboard but these issues are critical when your using this in your business. I can get over the battery but but this at the same price point as the full size and NOT including a dongle is just…. ???
Very valid points that make it hard to justify the $99 price. Because this is marketed for Apple devices, the Bolt adapter isn’t 100% necessary for everyone, but its inclusion would definitely make the price more palatable. I personally don’t see the built-in battery as inherently negative, but I appreciate where you’re coming from.
I see the built in battery as a huge positive. I hate having to worry about the AAs and AAAs of the world when it comes to devices. As for “timed throw away”, that timeline is likely pretty long. Likely 7 years+ or more of frequent use. I’m personally fine with that. I guess you’re looking for more longevity.
Can we swap fn and ctrl key when we want to use it on Windows?
Wow! Your review is very concise and efficient! Excellent points are raised and not to mention, you have an amazing studio setup!
This comment made my day! Thanks so much for the kind words. 😀 Are you going to pick up the MX Keys Mini?
Are you able to share what mechanical keyboards you’re using? They look cool!
For sure! The big one is a custom build: TKC1800 case/PCB with Zealios v2 65g switches and MAXKEY Foundation SA keycaps. The smaller one is the Keychron K2 with Brown switches and their optional Mac keycaps.
@@OneTechMind Thanks! Any preferences between the 2? Have watched some reviews for the Keychron now and quite likely to pick one up. Have you tried the red switches?
Are there dedicated buttons that allow for navigation between screens? Like a button on the keyboard that takes the place of the iPad Home button? Additionally, are there back buttons that allow you to back out of apps or select apps, so I don’t have to keep touching the screen? Or would I need a mouse as well? Is there anywhere I could go for a list of keys that are native to the iPad? I’m having trouble using it without constantly poking my screen.
There aren’t dedicated buttons on the keyboard, but Apple does have expanded keyboard shortcuts for some of those things. For example, CMD + H will take you back to the Home Screen. Here’s a full list: support.apple.com/en-us/HT211096
Is there a way to modify the iMac screen brightness with the MX Keys Mini for Mac?
Beware, if you've got an M1 Mac, Logitech is not supporting those Macs. You have any problem and they will tell you the MX Keys are not compatible with M1 Macs-end of story. Since my problem with my brand new full size MX Keys is unsolvable due to this, I will be returning mine. I couldn't understand why the Apple Store doesn't even carry the Mac "version" of these keyboards, but now I do.
Wow, that is strange. What is the issue you are experiencing?
wow i found it fine with the logi+ apps for mac
@@OneTechMind Assigning keys and the backlighting. I bought the keyboard for a room that is relatively dark. I don't need backlighting to type, but I'm mostly using the keyboard there for shortcuts and a backlit keyboard is very helpful in that situation. The keyboard constantly reset the backlighting to off all through the day. I pulled out an older Intel Mac, installed the software and the keyboard worked perfectly. The problem is I don't want to use an intel Mac anymore.
@@genocideist The problem is they apparently only partially work on the M1 Macs and Logitech's official line is they are incompatible.
Great video!
Thanks Katie! Are you on the hunt for a keyboard?
Question: is it possible to put it on top of a laptop(e.g. Macbook pro)? Does the rubber stand at the bottom stand on the frame(of laptop keyboard) instead of triggering any keys on the laptop?
Hey there, great question! I tried this out on a 14-in MacBook Pro. Yes, you can place it directly over the built-in keyboard, with the stand portion just above the function row and it won’t trigger any laptop keys.
@@OneTechMind Thank you so much, that is exactly I am concern about. The stand of this keyboard is like a bar, if it is possible to put the bar above the function row of built-in keyboard, it won't hit any keys. I was not sure if it's possible to do so, now as you confirmed, That is great to hear. Thank you!
@@clifflin7149 Happy to help!
The only thing holding me back from buying this keyboard is the lack of music forward/skip song functionality. Is there a way to skit to the next song? I see only as play/pause button.
This is a great call-out and the answer is a little complicated. Here’s what I found out:
1. On Mac or Windows, you can use the Logitech Options app to easily change any of the function keys to “Previous” and “Next” actions for media control.
2. On iOS, you can’t do this. What you can do is something like re-map the Caps Lock key to the Globe Key under Settings > General > Hardware Keyboard > Modifiers. Then, you can quickly open Control Center by pressing Caps (Globe) + C and tap/click next.
Apple really should build in iOS system keyboard shortcuts for playback control!
@@OneTechMind You've solved my problem! Many thanks!
@@OneTechMind hey, can you also configure its function keys for launch pad and mission control?
Guys, if you do not mind the size, BUY THE FULL SIZE.
The mini version has so many shortcomings (I won’t bother going into cause it’s ridiculous).
I have both versions and bought the mini strictly for travelling purposes so I don’t mind. But it’s a waste of money in comparison to its original keyboard. It’s kind of embarrassing and insulting that Logitech would charge the same amount for less than you would get.
Definitely agree. If size isn’t an issue, the regular MX Keys is the much better deal. Thank you for sharing your experience!
thank u! im buying full size.
Did you experince any bluetooth connection issues?
Nope, the connection has been rock solid.
This works with windows as well? I am pretty sure it does just would love to confirm!
It does! Just some of the modifier keys will work differently.
@@OneTechMind I ordered the regular one, the fact that there is only a black regular one made the decision easier :)
Does the fn key work as globe key for the ipad os?
Unfortunately not, BUT you can re-map other modifiers to Globe in iPadOS settings. For instance, I remapped Caps Lock.
Does this Mac version work on Android as well?
According to Logitech’s site, Android compatibility is only listed under the generic version of the keyboard. I am unable to test the Mac version on Android myself, but I would assume most of the keys would work - just not sure what the modifier keys would do.
What about the typing sound? Does it sound quieter and more pleasant than K380?
Oh yes. It’s definitely quieter and the switch mechanism is MUCH smoother than K380. I would actually say it’s the nicest low-profile membrane keyboard I’ve ever typed on.
@@OneTechMind, thank you
Best keyboard ever
I hate that they placed FN button on bottom left corner. I didn't buy Apple keyboard for the same layout. On a full-size MX keyboard it is placed elsewhere freeing space for Control button which I use pretty often. And this color choice bruh. It even doesn't match iPad Pro or Space Grey Macbook like the full-size one does.
The Fn placement hasn’t bothered me too much, but those are some fair points and I definitely hear you on the colors. I’m thinking they’ll make this one available in at least Grey at some point (like the MX Master 3 for Mac).
@@OneTechMind I hope so. I already own a full-sized MX Keys and absolutely happy with it but sometimes I prefer to work in coffeshops or coworkings. And white color is probably not the best for a gadget you carry with you everywhere.
It's much better than magic keyboard. I have both keyboards
In fact, the frame is made on aluminum.
Do U mean ‘Generic’ or ‘Universal’?
Universal probably is a better word choice!
sadly they wasted many of the top row of keys. the fact that they dont have the screen brightness control keys is a bummer. i know u could remap them, but it shouldn't be the case.
Yeah, after spending some more time with it I agree. Screen brightness keys would have been better, especially for use with iPad.
this would be the perfect keyboard, if it was not tilted that much. I need my keyboard flat...
Oh no! I like the slight tilt, but I get that it’s not for everyone.
Do not disturb button instead of delete WHAT IN TARNATION!!!!
😂 Yeahhhh, I’d MUCH rather have a proper delete key!
that is not plastic. it's aluminum
Hmm, well it definitely tastes like plastic.
Fn+Down=PgDn?
I have found it depends on the app. For example: in Safari, both Fn + Down and Option + Down work as Page Down. In Apple Notes, neither seem to work.
There is no generic MX Keys Mini. There are Windows, Chromo, Android, and Mac compatable keyboards.
You are welcome for the free eduction...
You spelled education wrong. 😏