Is The Logitech Mx Keys Worth It Over Apple Magic Keyboard

Choosing a keyboard isn't just about typing—it's about workflow efficiency, comfort during long sessions, and seamless integration across devices. For Mac users, the Apple Magic Keyboard has long been the default choice: sleek, minimalist, and tightly integrated with macOS. But for those who work across multiple platforms or demand more from their peripherals, the Logitech MX Keys often enters the conversation. So, is the upgrade from the Magic Keyboard to the MX Keys justified? The answer depends on your priorities—whether you value ecosystem simplicity or enhanced functionality.

Build Quality and Design Philosophy

The Apple Magic Keyboard embodies minimalism. Its aluminum frame, low-profile scissor switches, and seamless integration with MacBooks make it a favorite among purists who appreciate clean lines and quiet operation. It’s lightweight, portable, and charges via USB-C (on newer models), fitting naturally into a MacBook-centric setup.

In contrast, the Logitech MX Keys takes a more utilitarian yet refined approach. It features an aluminum top plate but adds subtle design cues like backlit keys with smart illumination, concave keycaps designed for fingertip contact, and a slightly deeper key travel. While heavier than the Magic Keyboard, this added mass improves stability during intense typing sessions. The MX Keys also includes rubberized feet and a magnetic wrist rest (sold separately in some regions), signaling its focus on ergonomics and all-day comfort.

Both keyboards feel premium, but they serve different aesthetics. The Magic Keyboard blends into Apple’s ecosystem; the MX Keys stands out as a productivity tool first.

Tip: If you frequently type on glass or slick surfaces, the MX Keys’ larger footprint and grippy base offer better stability than the lighter Magic Keyboard.

Typing Experience and Key Mechanism

Key feel is where personal preference plays a major role. The Magic Keyboard uses Apple’s custom scissor-switch mechanism, delivering shallow actuation (around 0.5mm) and a soft, silent keystroke. This design prioritizes quietness and portability—ideal for libraries, meetings, or late-night work—but may feel less responsive to touch typists used to tactile feedback.

The MX Keys, meanwhile, uses low-profile dome switches with 1.5mm of travel and a pronounced tactile bump. The result is a more deliberate, satisfying keystroke that reduces finger fatigue over time. Independent reviews, including those from The Verge and Wirecutter, consistently praise the MX Keys for offering “desktop-like typing comfort” in a compact form.

“Logitech nailed the balance between portability and performance—the MX Keys feels like a full-sized keyboard shrunk down without compromise.” — David Pierce, The Verge

For writers, developers, or anyone spending hours at the keyboard, the MX Keys provides superior feedback. However, if you prefer near-silent input and don’t mind flatter keys, the Magic Keyboard remains perfectly adequate.

Cross-Platform Performance and Connectivity

This is where the Logitech MX Keys pulls significantly ahead. Designed for multi-device professionals, it supports up to three simultaneous Bluetooth connections and allows instant switching between them using dedicated function keys. Whether you're toggling between a Mac, Windows PC, iPad, or Linux machine, the transition is smooth and reliable.

The Magic Keyboard, by contrast, pairs cleanly with one Apple device at a time. Switching requires manual disconnection and re-pairing—a minor friction point when working across multiple Macs or iPads. Moreover, while it works with iOS and iPadOS, support for non-Apple operating systems is limited or inconsistent.

Another critical advantage: the MX Keys integrates with Logitech’s Flow software. This allows you to move your mouse cursor and copy-paste text between computers on the same network—as if they were one system. For hybrid workers juggling laptops and desktops, this feature alone can justify the price difference.

Connectivity Comparison Table

Feature	Logitech MX Keys	Apple Magic Keyboard
Bluetooth Profiles	Up to 3 devices	1 primary device
OS Compatibility	macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android	iOS, iPadOS, macOS (limited elsewhere)
Fast Device Switching	Yes (dedicated F-keys)	No (manual re-pairing required)
Logitech Flow Support	Yes (mouse & clipboard sharing)	No
USB-C Charging	Yes	Yes (M1 model onward)

Battery Life and Sustainability

Both keyboards boast excellent battery life, but their charging behaviors differ. The Magic Keyboard can last about a month on a single charge under typical use and charges quickly via USB-C. However, it lacks any battery indicator—so you won’t know it’s running low until it stops responding.

The MX Keys shines here with up to 10 days of use (or 5 months with backlighting off) and intelligent power management. More importantly, it includes a battery level indicator accessible through the Logitech Options+ app or via a quick key combo. A full charge takes around two hours, and a mere three-minute charge delivers two full hours of use—an invaluable perk when you’re caught off guard.

Tip: Enable “auto-sleep” mode on both keyboards to extend battery life. On the MX Keys, reduce backlight duration in low-light environments to conserve energy.

Smart Features and Customization

The Magic Keyboard offers zero programmability. Function keys are locked to system controls (brightness, volume, etc.), and there’s no way to remap keys or create shortcuts. This aligns with Apple’s philosophy of simplicity but limits flexibility for power users.

The MX Keys, paired with Logitech Options+, unlocks deep customization. You can reprogram every key, assign complex macros, adjust backlight behavior, and even set application-specific profiles. For example, pressing F5 could trigger “Send Email” in Outlook, while a double-tap of the right Alt might launch Slack. These capabilities turn the keyboard into a productivity accelerator.

Additionally, the MX Keys features adaptive backlighting that activates when hands approach the keyboard and dims after inactivity. Unlike always-on lighting, this sensor-driven system enhances usability in dim rooms without draining the battery.

Real-World Example: A Freelancer’s Workflow

Sophie, a freelance content strategist, uses a MacBook Pro, a Windows desktop for video editing, and an Android tablet for client calls. She previously owned the Magic Keyboard but found herself constantly re-pairing devices and missing essential shortcuts. After switching to the MX Keys, she programmed F1–F3 to launch her most-used apps across platforms and enabled Flow to drag files between her Mac and PC effortlessly. Within a week, she reported a measurable reduction in context-switching delays and greater control over her digital workspace.

Price and Value Proposition

The Apple Magic Keyboard retails for $99 (for the M1-compatible version with numeric keypad), making it expensive for what it offers in features. It excels in design and integration but lacks modern conveniences expected at this price point—like backlighting or programmable keys.

The Logitech MX Keys typically sells for $129–$149, depending on region and bundle (e.g., with mouse). While costlier upfront, its broader compatibility, longer-term durability, and advanced functionality deliver stronger long-term value—especially for users outside a pure Apple environment.

Consider this: if you own even one non-Apple device, or plan to switch ecosystems in the future, the MX Keys retains utility. The Magic Keyboard does not.

Checklist: Is the MX Keys Right for You?

• ✅ Do you use multiple operating systems (Mac + Windows/Android)?
• ✅ Do you want customizable keys or macros?
• ✅ Do you need fast switching between devices?
• ✅ Do you work in low-light conditions and want backlit keys?
• ✅ Do you value ergonomic typing comfort over ultra-thinness?

If you answered yes to two or more, the MX Keys is likely worth the investment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Logitech MX Keys pair with an iPad or iPhone?

Yes. The MX Keys fully supports iOS and iPadOS devices via Bluetooth. You can pair it with an iPad and use it seamlessly with apps like Notes, Pages, and Microsoft Office. Some function keys may require remapping through the Logitech Options+ app for optimal behavior.

Does the Magic Keyboard have backlighting?

No. Neither the standard nor the extended Magic Keyboard models include any backlighting. This can be a significant drawback in dimly lit environments, such as airplanes or evening workspaces.

Is the MX Keys quieter than the Magic Keyboard?

No—typically, the MX Keys produces a slightly more audible click due to its tactile switches. However, it’s still considered quiet compared to mechanical keyboards. If absolute silence is your priority, the softer scissor switches of the Magic Keyboard may be preferable.

Final Verdict: Who Should Upgrade?

The Apple Magic Keyboard remains a solid choice for users deeply embedded in the Apple ecosystem who prioritize aesthetics, portability, and plug-and-play simplicity. It looks great next to a MacBook and functions flawlessly within that bubble.

But for professionals, remote workers, or tech-savvy users who demand more from their tools, the Logitech MX Keys is not only worth the upgrade—it’s a strategic enhancement. Its superior typing feel, cross-platform versatility, smart backlighting, and deep customization offer tangible improvements that compound over time. The added cost is offset by increased productivity, reduced friction, and longer usable lifespan across changing hardware setups.

If you’ve ever wished your keyboard could do more than just type, the MX Keys answers that unmet need.

🚀 Ready to optimize your workspace? Try the Logitech MX Keys for two weeks in your real-world workflow. Compare it directly with your current keyboard—you’ll likely notice the difference within a single typing session.