Logitech MX Mechanical Keyboard

[venom600]

I had been using the old Logitech K811 for years and loved it to death. I wanted to upgrade to a mechanical so I bought a Keychron K1 a couple of years ago. I liked that it was specifically designed for Macs and built like a veritable tank with a weighty all aluminum construction. I didn't like that it disconnected after 10 minutes and it was slow to connect. I also didn't like that the keys didn't have a proximity sensor for the backlight. On top of all that, I didn't like the tactile switches all that much.

When I saw the MX Mechanical I ordered it immediately with clicky switches, Mini size. After a week of using it I can say it's fantastic but not perfect. The build quality is nowhere near the Keychron, but it has the proximity sensor, connects seamlessly, and has software to control and customize buttons. I don't like that it has no buttons for screen brightness, but instead dedicates four buttons to dictation, emojis, screen capture, and mic mute. Sure, you can change the functions but the legend on the key won't be correct. It also aggressively changes the backlight strength based on ambient light and I find myself constantly turning it all the way up.

 

[mfram]

I have the full-sized version of this keyboard with the Linear switches. It still seems pretty clicky compared to the original MX wireless keyboard. But it has a lot more key travel and is faster to type on than the standard one. I find that the keys can be kinda dark during the day, but at night the backlight is wonderful. Of course, you won't really be looking at the backlight while typing. Overall, I'm happy with this keyboard. Connects over BT to my MBP just fine.

 

[venom600]

I have the full-sized version of this keyboard with the Linear switches. It still seems pretty clicky compared to the original MX wireless keyboard. But it has a lot more key travel and is faster to type on than the standard one. I find that the keys can be kinda dark during the day, but at night the backlight is wonderful. Of course, you won't really be looking at the backlight while typing. Overall, I'm happy with this keyboard. Connects over BT to my MBP just fine.

Have you ever used another mechanical keyboard, or is this your first?

 

[mfram]

Have you ever used another mechanical keyboard, or is this your first?

I've used several mechanical keyboards in the past. Some from Logitech (wired gaming keyboards) and a mechanical Das Keyboard. I was hoping the Linear version of the MX would be a little quieter than it is. But it seems as clicky as other gaming Logitech ones I've had in the past. It's not as clicky as my Das Keyboard. That thing makes a big sound!

Overall, I like the MX mechanical. It types well and I get the convenience of a truly wireless keyboard I can share between 3 devices: personal PC (BT), Mac (BT), and work laptop (Receiver).

 

[diggy33]

So glad you posted this; I've been looking for another mechanical keyboard and have thought about the MX Mechanical. I switch between the MX Keys, a Satechi bluetooth keyboard, and a wired Velocifire mechanical keyboard. I was all set to pull the trigger on a keychron, but now I am tempted by the MX Mechanical.

 

[mfram]

So glad you posted this; I've been looking for another mechanical keyboard and have thought about the MX Mechanical. I switch between the MX Keys, a Satechi bluetooth keyboard, and a wired Velocifire mechanical keyboard. I was all set to pull the trigger on a keychron, but now I am tempted by the MX Mechanical.

If you like the experience of the MX Keys, then you'll love the MX Mechanical. It's functionally pretty much the same except with an actual mechanical key mechanism. You'll need the new Logitech "Options+" software to configure it.
The MX Mechanical uses the newer Logitech Bolt receiver instead of the older one. Annoying because my original MX Master 3 mouse uses the older Unifying receiver. That's the only negative I came up with. The newer MX Master 3S mouse uses the new receiver.

 

[BotchQue]

I wanted to upgrade to a mechanical so I bought a Keychron K1 a couple of years ago. I liked that it was specifically designed for Macs and built like a veritable tank with a weighty all aluminum construction. I didn't like that it disconnected after 10 minutes and it was slow to connect.

I have the Keychron K4 with Gateron "brown" switches, loved everything but the 10-minute sleep timer was a pain for me too (most cat videos are between 12~13 minutes long). I finally connected the wire, and that solved the issue (I couldn't care less if a desktop keyboard is cordless or not).

Mechanical keyboards are their own subculture/rabbit-hole, kinda fun to poke around in but I have enough expensive hobbies.

 

[Fozzybadfeet]

Ahh, cool to see some MX Mechanical users on this forum. I've been watching reviews and am tempted to upgrade from my MX Keys. Might go for the full-size tactile model.

 

[MacMandy]

I have the Keychron K4 with Gateron "brown" switches, loved everything but the 10-minute sleep timer was a pain for me too (most cat videos are between 12~13 minutes long). I finally connected the wire, and that solved the issue (I couldn't care less if a desktop keyboard is cordless or not).

Mechanical keyboards are their own subculture/rabbit-hole, kinda fun to poke around in but I have enough expensive hobbies.

You can turn that off. Press fn + S + O (for 4s).

 

[OW22]

I just got the iQunix F97, Hitchhiker model. It's really cool. I got Cherry Blues and they're great for typing accuracy. I'm going to try Gateron Box Black Inks to see the difference.

 

[venom600]

You can turn that off. Press fn + S + O (for 4s).

Sure, but then it's just on all the time. The backlight is coupled to the connection timer, so when you turn off the 10 minute disconnect, the backlight on the keyboard stays on constantly and drains the battery. That's an example of one of the little touches that Logitech gets better than anyone else.

 

[Lucas Curious]

If you like the experience of the MX Keys, then you'll love the MX Mechanical. It's functionally pretty much the same except with an actual mechanical key mechanism. You'll need the new Logitech "Options+" software to configure it.
The MX Mechanical uses the newer Logitech Bolt receiver instead of the older one. Annoying because my original MX Master 3 mouse uses the older Unifying receiver. That's the only negative I came up with. The newer MX Master 3S mouse uses the new receiver.

then buy the 3s mouse. I prefer it.

 

[klky]

I stopped by the Logitech store today and played around with the MX Mechanical Mini (Tactile Quiet). It didn't take long for me to decide to pick one up. I actually like my Apple Magic Keyboard but have been intrigued by mechanical keyboards from watching all these desk setup videos. I must say I find it very satisfying to type on and don't miss the Touch ID as much as I thought I would. If anything, I look forward to typing in my passwords now! The store also gave me an MX Palm Rest for free which was nice.

 

[Lucas Curious]

I stopped by the Logitech store today and played around with the MX Mechanical Mini (Tactile Quiet). It didn't take long for me to decide to pick one up. I actually like my Apple Magic Keyboard but have been intrigued by mechanical keyboards from watching all these desk setup videos. I must say I find it very satisfying to type on and don't miss the Touch ID as much as I thought I would. If anything, I look forward to typing in my passwords now! The store also gave me an MX Palm Rest for free which was nice.

I used Apple keyboards since 2009 and picked up the Logitech Mechanical when it came out out of curiosity. Yes its a good keyboard but keyboard reviewers kept saying its kinda mushy and the keycaps are cheapy. I randomly found NuPhy and ordered their Nuphy Air75 and Air60 keyboards. Wow the feeling of these is better. Again, the mechanical snobs dont like the low mechanical profile of the NuPhy but I dont like the keys they are used to.

I also ordered the NuPhy keycaps for the Logitech and the typing experience improved. I jsut like the feel of the keycaps. They aren't transparent for the light to go through but the letters are whiter and bigger so easy to see. I love the setup of the Logitech mechanical but I prefer the tactile feeling of the NuPhy tactile brown switches. in comparison the Logitech does now feel mushy even with the NuPhy keycaps. I only replaced the letters and the command keys on it since I dont like the windows/Mac combo keys on the logitech.

Anyways give the NuPhy a try. You may fall in love with it. I'll keep the Air60 and return the Air75 because the 75 is similar to the Logitech and I prefer the smaller air60 for moving around. I use both the logitech and the Nuphy. I like to swap them around. Now, I cant touch the Apple Full size keyboard. yes its low and light but the keys feel like crap. its not an experience. The NuPhy also works while being plugged in.

Also try the HyperX wrist rest. Its a perfect height for the Logitech and very comfortable. It's almost like touching a boob. I never cared for Touch ID. With these mechanical keyboards, the passwords come up automatically and I jsut click for them to auto enter. Are people not using Keychain?

 

[klky]

I used Apple keyboards since 2009 and picked up the Logitech Mechanical when it came out out of curiosity. Yes its a good keyboard but keyboard reviewers kept saying its kinda mushy and the keycaps are cheapy. I randomly found NuPhy and ordered their Nuphy Air75 and Air60 keyboards. Wow the feeling of these is better. Again, the mechanical snobs dont like the low mechanical profile of the NuPhy but I dont like the keys they are used to.

I also ordered the NuPhy keycaps for the Logitech and the typing experience improved. I jsut like the feel of the keycaps. They aren't transparent for the light to go through but the letters are whiter and bigger so easy to see. I love the setup of the Logitech mechanical but I prefer the tactile feeling of the NuPhy tactile brown switches. in comparison the Logitech does now feel mushy even with the NuPhy keycaps. I only replaced the letters and the command keys on it since I dont like the windows/Mac combo keys on the logitech.

Anyways give the NuPhy a try. You may fall in love with it. I'll keep the Air60 and return the Air75 because the 75 is similar to the Logitech and I prefer the smaller air60 for moving around. I use both the logitech and the Nuphy. I like to swap them around. Now, I cant touch the Apple Full size keyboard. yes its low and light but the keys feel like crap. its not an experience. The NuPhy also works while being plugged in.

Also try the HyperX wrist rest. Its a perfect height for the Logitech and very comfortable. It's almost like touching a boob. I never cared for Touch ID. With these mechanical keyboards, the passwords come up automatically and I jsut click for them to auto enter. Are people not using Keychain?

I do use keychain which is very useful. I guess I meant during times like startup when you need to type in the password.

Thanks for the NuPhy recommendation! So far, I'm very happy with the MX Mechanical Mini.

 

[xraydoc]

I'm becoming a mechanical keyboard junky, and it's a very tough habit to break.

I have 6 different mechanical keyboards spread over three different computers (Mac, work PC at home, work PC at work). My favorite I think is my Keychron Q1 with Gateron Pro Brown switches, but I also have a Keychron K1 (ultra slim like the MX Keys mechanical) with clicky Blues that I really like, too.

I know I don't really need another one, but I've been looking at the MX Keys mini with quiet tactile "brown" switches versus a Keychron K3 Brown versus the Nuphy Air75 (also available with tactile "brown" switches).

As for Logitech, I have a Pro X keyboard with a combination of Logitech's Blue and Brown switches (browns for the letters, blues for the function keys). I find their brown switches to be a little heavy in that they require a bit more force than I'm typically used to. Not sure if the MX Mechanical Mini will suffer from the same issue.

I'm not a great typist, to be honest, so I've found that the "Red" style switches are often too light for me and I end up making more mistakes, though could also be a factor of just being different than I'm used to.

I've also been looking on the iQunix website -- they look really nice and have great reviews but I'm not sure I want another keyboard that tall and chunky. The Q1 and Keychron K4 that I have are thick enough.

 

[Lucas Curious]

I'm becoming a mechanical keyboard junky, and it's a very tough habit to break.

I have 6 different mechanical keyboards spread over three different computers (Mac, work PC at home, work PC at work). My favorite I think is my Keychron Q1 with Gateron Pro Brown switches, but I also have a Keychron K1 (ultra slim like the MX Keys mechanical) with clicky Blues that I really like, too.

I know I don't really need another one, but I've been looking at the MX Keys mini with quiet tactile "brown" switches versus a Keychron K3 Brown versus the Nuphy Air75 (also available with tactile "brown" switches).

As for Logitech, I have a Pro X keyboard with a combination of Logitech's Blue and Brown switches (browns for the letters, blues for the function keys). I find their brown switches to be a little heavy in that they require a bit more force than I'm typically used to. Not sure if the MX Mechanical Mini will suffer from the same issue.

I'm not a great typist, to be honest, so I've found that the "Red" style switches are often too light for me and I end up making more mistakes, though could also be a factor of just being different than I'm used to.

I've also been looking on the iQunix website -- they look really nice and have great reviews but I'm not sure I want another keyboard that tall and chunky. The Q1 and Keychron K4 that I have are thick enough.

I have teh NuPhy and the MX Mechanical mini. both brown switches. The Nuphy is more tactile than the MX. After using the NuPhy, the MX feels soft, almost like red switches. Maybe going with MX blue switches and NuPhy brown switches would be a nice combo. I put Nuphy Key caps on the MX switches and it feels nicer. Originally I thought that the MX brown was tactile and probably just right but after the Nuphy I got curious if I should have tried the MX blue also. MX Mechanical was my first mechanical keyboard.

I tried both NuPhy air75 and Air60. will keep the Air60 because its more portable, cuter and I find myself not using the extra top and side keys since the layout is different than the MX mechanical mini. MX has a great layout and I cant switch it on Nuphy just yet cause they dont have the Mac console software support yet. I like both keyboards but I find myself itching to touch the Nuphy each morning.

 

[venom600]

I am intrigued by the Nuphy, but backlighting is a must have feature for me. The keys on the Nuphy are solid without any shine through so even though there is lighting on the keyboard, you can't actually see the legend in the dark. Looks very cool otherwise though.

 

[Lucas Curious]

I am intrigued by the Nuphy, but backlighting is a must have feature for me. The keys on the Nuphy are solid without any shine through so even though there is lighting on the keyboard, you can't actually see the legend in the dark. Looks very cool otherwise though.

Yes but the symbols do appear brighter. When they decide to release shine through keycaps, its going to be a fantastic keyboard.

 

[xraydoc]

I am intrigued by the Nuphy, but backlighting is a must have feature for me. The keys on the Nuphy are solid without any shine through so even though there is lighting on the keyboard, you can't actually see the legend in the dark. Looks very cool otherwise though.

I'm torn about backlighting. While nice, some of the nicest keycaps aren't shine-through, so it's a feature that is kind of hit or miss with me.
If the keycaps are dark, then shine-through is helpful. If the keycaps are light/white, then I think it's less important.
So definitely necessary on my MacBook Pro's keyboard, and the keycaps on my Keychron K4 at work are stock (combo of dark grey & black), so backlight is necessary. However, the keycaps on my Q1 and K2 are light, so even in dim lighting, the backlight isn't necessary.

 

[satcomer]

I'm waiting for the finger print on third party keyboards to become more and more included! The one on Mac Bool Air is wonderful on so many web sites and is in the saved passwords in Keychain too!

 

[TheIntruder]

I am intrigued by the Nuphy, but backlighting is a must have feature for me. The keys on the Nuphy are solid without any shine through so even though there is lighting on the keyboard, you can't actually see the legend in the dark. Looks very cool otherwise though.

Nuphy has stated they intend to release shine-through keycaps some time in the remainder of this year, if not the next couple months.

But with these small, boutique brands, availability and timing can be issues, so there isn't the instant gratification of running down to Best Buy to just pickup up a Logitech or something similar.

Since shine-through isn't a feature enthusiasts prioritize, I'd also expect the keycap set to remain an optional extra, which will add to the cost. Still, that would place an Air75 with extra set within the ballpark of the MXM Mini. (Order direct, and expect to pay $20 for shipping. Or through Amazon, with that built into the price, and easy returns.)

I tried the Air75, but didn't keep it because I missed the number pad more than I thought I would, and adjusting to 75% layout wasn't something I wanted to commit to. I'm just too accustomed to having a full layout, despite often wishing that my mouse wasn't pushed so far out to the right. And a low-profile mechanical is still going to have a higher profile than something like the MXK, or my old A1243, never mind a Magic Keyboard. Didn't want the additional clutter of a wrist rest either.

I didn't try Nuphy's custom key mapper (Windows only, beta), but comments also suggested that the screen cap key and Cat key couldn't be remapped to something I'd find more useful, which also worked against it. Don't have any need for those, or the Emoji key Logitech saddled the Mini version of the MXM with.

It is a nice keyboard, though, and doesn't have any fatal compromises for a Mac user.

I'm still willing to try a Keychron Q5 at some point, but it, too, is ill-suited to shine-through keycaps, with its south-facing lighting and almost total scarcity of possible shine-through options.

 

[Lucas Curious]

Nuphy has stated they intend to release shine-through keycaps some time in the remainder of this year, if not the next couple months.

But with these small, boutique brands, availability and timing can be issues, so there isn't the instant gratification of running down to Best Buy to just pickup up a Logitech or something similar.

Since shine-through isn't a feature enthusiasts prioritize, I'd also expect the keycap set to remain an optional extra, which will add to the cost. Still, that would place an Air75 with extra set within the ballpark of the MXM Mini. (Order direct, and expect to pay $20 for shipping. Or through Amazon, with that built into the price, and easy returns.)

I tried the Air75, but didn't keep it because I missed the number pad more than I thought I would, and adjusting to 75% layout wasn't something I wanted to commit to. I'm just too accustomed to having a full layout, despite often wishing that my mouse wasn't pushed so far out to the right. And a low-profile mechanical is still going to have a higher profile than something like the MXK, or my old A1243, never mind a Magic Keyboard. Didn't want the additional clutter of a wrist rest either.

I didn't try Nuphy's custom key mapper (Windows only, beta), but comments also suggested that the screen cap key and Cat key couldn't be remapped to something I'd find more useful, which also worked against it. Don't have any need for those, or the Emoji key Logitech saddled the Mini version of the MXM with.

It is a nice keyboard, though, and doesn't have any fatal compromises for a Mac user.

I'm still willing to try a Keychron Q5 at some point, but it, too, is ill-suited to shine-through keycaps, with its south-facing lighting and almost total scarcity of possible shine-through options.

I also bought the extra Nuphy air75 key cap set for my MX Mechanical Mini. Wasn't aware Nuphy is releasing a shine through set this year. is thats the case, I guess I should return the extra set. I do like the shine through cause I never learned how to type without looking at the keys.

 

[venom600]

I also bought the extra Nuphy air75 key cap set for my MX Mechanical Mini. Wasn't aware Nuphy is releasing a shine through set this year. is thats the case, I guess I should return the extra set. I do like the shine through cause I never learned how to type without looking at the keys.

How does it look with the Nuphy caps?

 

[Lucas Curious]

How does it look with the Nuphy caps?

look at my attached photo above in reply post #14. its dark but a little wacky cause I only replaced the letters and some command keys. ENTER was a little sticky on the side, spacebar not replaceable. overall I wanted lit keys so I left most of them alone. but again, if they are planning to release shine through keys made of the same plastic, id be all over those.