The initial heft of the package suggests a substantial piece of equipment, and upon opening, the build quality is immediately apparent. The keyboard weighs in at just over 800 grams, lending a feeling of robustness. With the MX Mechanical, Logitech presents a mechanical keyboard suitable for both gaming and professional environments. While feature-rich and incorporating intelligent design elements, the MX Mechanical truly excels when paired with the Logitech MX Master 3S mouse.
Overview – Logitech MX Mechanical
This wireless keyboard is available in two sizes (110 and 85 keys respectively) and offers three distinct switch types, each providing a different tactile and auditory experience. The keys are mounted on a brushed aluminum base in a graphite gray finish.
The function (Fn) keys offer a range of dedicated functions, including quick access to emojis (facilitating seamless integration with symbols in applications like Word) and tools for screen clipping and media playback.
Users who prefer a traditional Fn key arrangement can easily switch to the classic setup, either temporarily or permanently. Above the Home key cluster are three dedicated device switching keys, enabling seamless operation across three different devices. The Logi FLOW functionality will be discussed in further detail below.
The top row’s far-right side features an additional four keys with specialized functions. With the exception of the device switching buttons, these keys are fully customizable, allowing users to assign alternative functions and shortcuts.
The backlighting system of the Logitech MX Mechanical offers several sophisticated and practical features. It’s important to note that the MX Mechanical does not provide the extensive RGB LED customization options often associated with gaming keyboards. Instead, it emphasizes a more refined and understated aesthetic.
Notably, the keyboard intelligently illuminates upon detecting hand proximity. This proactive illumination proves particularly useful in low-light environments, as it allows users to locate keys before pressing them. In contrast to keyboards that only illuminate upon keypress, the MX Mechanical enhances usability. Ambient light sensors automatically adjust the backlight brightness to optimize battery life during the day or in well-lit environments.
For users seeking additional visual flair, various lighting effects are available, including a trail effect where the light briefly persists after a key is pressed. This provides a visually appealing and responsive typing experience.
The mechanical experience
Typing on a mechanical keyboard provides a distinct tactile experience, characterized by precision and a degree of forgiveness. The audible feedback contributes to a sense of efficiency and provides a satisfying confirmation of each keypress. A firm press of the Enter key can provide satisfying emphasis at the conclusion of a paragraph.
Logitech positions the MX Mechanical as a versatile keyboard suitable for both office and gaming applications. Its design and functionality lend themselves well to the demands of a professional environment. The clear tactile feedback also makes it suitable for gaming. However, the inherent noise level associated with mechanical keyboards may not always be ideal for all office settings, depending on the specific context.
Logi Options+ and Logi FLOW
As previously mentioned, the keys on the top row, excluding the device switching buttons, are customizable via the Logi Options+ software.
Logi Options+
In addition to a comprehensive suite of customization options, users can assign shortcuts such as Ctrl+C or utilize Logi Smart Actions. Smart Actions are essentially macros that enable users to automate complex tasks by stringing together a series of commands and parameters.
As a demonstration, we configured a key to launch the Brave browser, open a new tab with Ctrl+T, navigate to www.senses.se, press Enter, and then bring the application to the foreground after a two-second delay. While a simple example, it illustrates the potential of Smart Actions.
A further advantage of the MX Mechanical is its cross-platform compatibility with both Windows and macOS. This proves particularly useful for users working across multiple operating systems, which is facilitated by Logi FLOW.
Logi FLOW
Cross-platform operation refers to working between devices such as a PC and another PC, or a PC and a Mac. Similar functionality has been available in macOS and through third-party applications like Synergy. Here, it is integrated directly with the keyboard.
Setup was straightforward, requiring only the installation of Logi Options+ on both devices and ensuring they are connected to the same network. In our testing, we connected a MacBook via WiFi and a stationary PC via Ethernet, and the configuration process took only a few minutes.
The functionality is enhanced when paired with the Logitech MX Master 3S mouse, enabling seamless device switching. The keyboard automatically follows the mouse as it transitions between devices. This experience is analogous to using multiple monitors; the user defines the relative positioning of the devices, and the mouse cursor seamlessly moves between them.
It’s important to emphasize that this feature is included within Logitech’s software suite and does not require any additional subscriptions, cloud services, or add-on programs.
Conclusion – Logitech MX Mechanical
The Logitech MX Mechanical is a well-executed mechanical keyboard that extends beyond the gaming sphere, presenting a versatile and elegant solution for a variety of users. Its functions are easily accessible, intuitive, and well-designed. The flexibility, particularly the ability to seamlessly switch between operating systems, is impressive.
The initial review unit received from Logitech exhibited a defect: the aluminum baseplate was bent, causing the keyboard to wobble. This issue was partially mitigated when the 8-degree legs were retracted, but the problem persisted. We brought this to Logitech’s attention and requested a replacement, which they provided. Because our assessments are based on the units we test, a lower rating would have been unavoidable otherwise. The replacement unit performed as expected, exhibiting a straight and stable base.
Therefore, apart from this isolated incident, we consider the Logitech MX Mechanical to be a high-quality keyboard that excels in flexibility, feel, and overall capabilities.
Logitech provided review units for this evaluation. Provision of materials does not influence our editorial independence; our reviews are conducted with the interests of our readers and consumers as the primary focus.
