I believe if it were bluetooth, yes (but verify that with someone else; I haven't tried a 3rd party BT keyboard). If you're using the Logitech RF dongle, then no (computer thinks it's hard-wired).
No, no different if you have an Apple Watch.
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Magic Keyboard vs. MX Keys / Magic Trackpad vs. MX Master 3/3S
- Thread starter thomasparra
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No, no different if you have an Apple Watch.
I am very happy with the Magic Keyboard and how it feels but I feel like I should maybe have bought it without the keypad as there is extra travel to reach the mouse/Magic Trackpad. I do not think I would need the keypad based on on the frequency that I input numbers. On the other hand I prefer to have a keypad and the extra travel might not be that bothering? What do you guys think?
I personally find a full-size keyboard to be uncomfortable to reach across (I'm right handed as well).
I've found two solutions that work for me, as do I often need the numpad.
1) Keep the compact keyboard and buy a separate numpad. There's several that match pretty close the style of Apple's keyboard (or go for something completely different). Then you can move the numpad up and out of the way when you don't need it, put it to the right of the mouse, or put it to the left of the keyboard if you don't mind using your left hand to enter numbers.
2) Use a more compact type of keyboard that removes the spacing between the alpha keyboard and the numpad by eliminating/moving the navigation keys. Examples are the Keychron K4 (a so-called 96% keyboard) or Keychron Q5 (a so-called 1800 layout). I have a K4 on my PC at the office and a Q5 on my work-from-home PC workstation. Both are a bit more compact than a full-size.
Congrats on finding a keyboard you like! Does it have Touch ID? I would return it and get the one without the numpad if they're otherwise the same. I've always used a full-size keyboard and do use the number keys, and it's never occurred to me that there is a reach. It's just what I'm used to. To. But if you don't use those keys, I think it would be nicer not to have the extra width.
Agreed. I think that the full keyboard is not that comfortable either. I might switch for the Magic Keyboard without the keypad since I really like the feel and look of the keyboard.
I have the MX Keys for Mac and the MX Master 3. This is an excellent combination. One thing the Magic Keyboard is lacking is a backlight. For me, who often works in low light, the backight on the MX keys is essential.
This said there is one nagging firmware issue that has to do with the motion sensor in the keyboard. Sometimes the backlight keeps turning on and off when not in use. Usually just turning the keyboard off/on fixes it. If you look at the Logitech forum on this there are many people with the same problem.
I "fixed" this by using a Benq lamp over my keyboard and turning off the backlight. Battery now lasts forever!
Other than that, an excellent non-mechanical keyboard.
This said there is one nagging firmware issue that has to do with the motion sensor in the keyboard. Sometimes the backlight keeps turning on and off when not in use. Usually just turning the keyboard off/on fixes it. If you look at the Logitech forum on this there are many people with the same problem.
I "fixed" this by using a Benq lamp over my keyboard and turning off the backlight. Battery now lasts forever!
Other than that, an excellent non-mechanical keyboard.
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I use the Logitech Unified Receiver, the little USB dongle that comes with their prodcuts, and never have a problem logging in after reboot. I think these run on their own 2.4GHz network.
I had the Unified Receiver from my MX Master S mouse. I noted that when I bought MX Keys for Mac it did not come with the receiver. I think they charge you $10 for it. Much better than Bluetooth. Very reliable. You can connect numerous Logitech devices to a single receiver.
if you buy the regular mx keys (not the one for Mac) it comes with this receiver and Apple/windows commands on the keyboard
Is this the one you're talking about? https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07S92QBC...colid=KZU8EQ7TFNT5&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it
Is there a Logitech mouse that can also work with both? I currently have an iMac that I'm replacing that I use with a Trackpad. I guess I could use a mouse with my Windows laptop and the Trackpad with the Macbook Air M2 (this is replacing my iMac). I'd really like to just use one pointer device though.
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Yes, that’s the one!
I use the mx master 3s with both my windows and Mac laptops, and I used my mx anywhere 2 before that. A button allows you to pair it with, and switch between, 3 different devices.
The advantage of the mx master 3 or 3s (and mx keys keyboard as well) is that you can enable Logitech flow using the Logitech software (Logitech options +) which allows you to use mouse and keyboard across 2 devices at the same time (almost like using a MacBook and using an iPad as a second screen in sidecar) and these devices can be a windows and max laptop at the same time. You can also copy from one device and paste onto another device - again from Mac to windows and vice versa. Other benefits of the 3s is customise the mouse to respond differently in every app. Example - scroll wheel can turn up/down volume in music app and zoom in/out in chrome automatically without you having to change the settings.
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Do recommend the 3 or 3S? I’ll be using an M2 Air and a Dell laptop running Window 11 if it matters. What are th differences?
They're virtually the same - the 3s is an upgrade over the 3 which is different from the 2019 MX Master 3 that it’s replacing: it’s got a higher resolution 8,000 DPI sensor (up from 4,000 DPI last time around) and a silent click mouse click (which is still tactile) that Logitech claims is 90 percent quieter, and it comes with an updated USB receiver as well as some minor updates to the scroll wheel and interior.
I personally LOVE the silent (yet still tactile) clicking - I can work away in a quiet house in the early hours of the morning without anybody knowing anything different, or in a cafe without annoying their person next to me, or in a silent area without annoying myself LOL. I used a mx anywhere two before this and while not a loud mouse, I'm grateful for the silent clicking on the 3s and have 3 of them - one at home, one at work, and one for travel.
In saying that, the 3 can be found on sale - but, ahead of Black Friday I'm sure you'll be able to grab a great deal on the 3s. I wouldn't upgrade from a 3 to a 3s based on cost, but if buying one from scratch I'd go with 3s if the silent clicking intrigues you
Happy shopping
Thanks again, one more quick question. Will either one of these mice work with the MX Keys keyboard. The MX Keys comes with a USB receiver as well. Do I only use one receiver for both the mouse and keyboard? If so, which one? Or does each peripheral use their own receiver. I'm new in this area as you might have guessed.They're virtually the same - the 3s is an upgrade over the 3 which is different from the 2019 MX Master 3 that it’s replacing: it’s got a higher resolution 8,000 DPI sensor (up from 4,000 DPI last time around) and a silent click mouse click (which is still tactile) that Logitech claims is 90 percent quieter, and it comes with an updated USB receiver as well as some minor updates to the scroll wheel and interior.
I personally LOVE the silent (yet still tactile) clicking - I can work away in a quiet house in the early hours of the morning without anybody knowing anything different, or in a cafe without annoying their person next to me, or in a silent area without annoying myself LOL. I used a mx anywhere two before this and while not a loud mouse, I'm grateful for the silent clicking on the 3s and have 3 of them - one at home, one at work, and one for travel.
In saying that, the 3 can be found on sale - but, ahead of Black Friday I'm sure you'll be able to grab a great deal on the 3s. I wouldn't upgrade from a 3 to a 3s based on cost, but if buying one from scratch I'd go with 3s if the silent clicking intrigues you
Happy shopping
No worries at all
Both of the devices (keyboard and mouse) come with a receiver and you can pair up to 6 devices on either receiver, and both of these devices will connect to either receiver.
I don’t use any receivers with either my windows laptop (running windows 10 enterprise) or my MBP 14” (running Ventura) - I don’t find the need to as they connect to my laptops with Bluetooth just fine with no issues or lag.
I’ve read on the Mac that a few people have had issues with lag but connecting via the receiver fixed it for them
If I’m not mistaken the mx keys comes with a universal receiver and the max master 3s comes with a logi bolt receiver which is just the more current receiver. Both receievers work with both devices
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According to reviews on Amazon, the MX Keys will only connect to the Bolt receiver, not the universal. I think I'm going to get the 3S mouse so it isn't a big deal to me because the 3S comes with the Bolt receiver.
That could be the case, and you’ll be more than happy with the 3s. When you get it, install the Logi options + software as that’s what gives you flow and the customisations on the mouse.
I’ve added some pics to my previous post so you can see the difference between pale grey and graphite
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@Misheemee - I've just hooked up my MX Master 3S as well as the MX Keys. Both connected via Bluetooth. Switching between the two is no problem.
What I am having a problem with is using Flow. I've installed Logi Options+ on both machines, but neither one can see the other when I'm trying to set up Flow.
- Both machines on the same WiFi network, WiFi on Window PC set to "Private"
- MBA is on channel 1, Windows PC on channel 2
- There is no way to "enable" Flow, a second computer must be found first
Thanks
Oooh, I had this issue at first too - trying to think what I did to solve it! I’ll have a think and come back to you.
Are you trying the flow with the mouse or keyboard? Does either computer have an admin controlling the settings?
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I've only skim-read so apologies if this has been answered, but I use a Logitech MX keyboard with both iMac and MBP and it automatically connects every time I boot/wake up the machine. No need for a corded keyboard.