From programming to gaming, data entry to office applications, people use keyboards for different purposes.
Logitech MX Keys Mini is well known for its portability, light scissor switches, ease of typing, build quality, design and back lighting. But before you buy, it might be worthwhile considering the alternatives.
After careful technical and market research, we present to you the three best alternatives to MX Keys Mini.
Editor’s Choice – Nacodex 308I – “I wanted a keyboard that had a mechanical feel and was also really beautiful. This fits both of these categories and it is also really affordable.”
Best Logitech Alternative – K380 Multi device – “small enough to fit into my backpack. I was worried it’d be too small and uncomfortable for extended use, but I’ve been happy with it so far and use it throughout the work day.”
Cost-effective Alternative – Easytone Mini Wireless Keyboard – “I hooked an old laptop to my non smartTV for streaming, this little keyboard/mouse combo is perfect !! its a little bigger than a remote but the buttons are large enough even fat fingers like mine can push the buttons with ease.”
Table of Contents
Editor’s Choice – Nacodex 308I
Product Overview
The main selling point of this keyboard is its retro-style look inspired by a typewriter and its round keycaps with rich colors to give you a refreshing visual experience.
It uses a stable wireless Bluetooth 3.0 connection with a range of 10m. (Please note that Bluetooth 3.0 might not be compatible with some latest Apple devices, so ensure the compatibility with your device before purchasing).
The ergonomic design and the matte touch keycaps give you a comfortable and painless typing experience. The buttons use noise reduction technology to reduce the click sound. There are different color options, including grey, pink, green, white, brown, yellow, and multi-color.
It has an auto power-saving mode that turns the keyboard off after 10 minutes of inactivity. When you turn it on, you need to reconnect the Bluetooth. To connect and reconnect the Bluetooth, click Fn+C. The keyboard uses AAA batteries that are not included in the pack. The battery lasts one week with eight hours of daily use. The standby time of the battery is thirty days. A low battery indicator on the keyboard tells you exactly when to replace the batteries.
Pros and Cons of Nacodex 308I Keyboard
Pros
- Its 12 different combinations of multimedia keys help increase productivity.
- Bluetooth uses 2.4GHz wireless technology, so there is minimum interference in the connection.
Cons
- No instruction manual is included.
- No Back-lighting
NACODEX Vs. Logitech MX Keys Mini Comparison Table
| Specifications | NACODEX Wireless Bluetooth | Logitech MX Keys Mini |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 7 days/ AAA Batteries | 10 days/ USB C-type |
| Compatibility | Windows, Android, iOS | Windows, Mac OS, Android, iOS, Linux Chrome |
| Connectivity | Up to 3 Devices/ Bluetooth | Up to 3 Devices/ Bluetooth |
| Back light | No | Yes |
| Weight | 10.6 ounces | 24 ounces |
| Dimensions | 12.6 x 5.39 x 1.97 inches | 11.65 x 5.19 x 0.83 inches |
Best Logitech Alternative – K380 Multi device
Product Overview
If you are looking for an ultra-portable, lightweight Logitech alternative to the MX Keys Mini, consider the Logitech K380. This fine-quality plastic keyboard comes with rubber feet at the bottom to keep it firm on the table.
It uses standard Bluetooth 3.0 for wireless connection. Compared to more conventional square keycaps, this keyboard has rounded keycaps with low-profile scissor switches.
The K380 is a multi-device, multi-OS keyboard with three buttons on the top for easy switching. After switching, the keyboard easily adjusts according to the platform like Windows, Chrome OS, Mac, Android OS, etc. The keyboard has a small footprint and is small enough to easily sit in your laptop bag and adequately sized for easy typing.
It comes with 2 AAA batteries and has a battery life of 24 months. An On/Off button on the side lets you turn it off when not in use. There are multiple media control keys available at the top for better productivity. Please note that the K380 keyboard doesn’t come with a USB dongle, nor does it support the unifying dongle.
Pros and Cons of Logitech K380
Pros
- You don’t need to buy separate keyboards for work and home because of its multi-device, multi-OS features.
- The round keycaps give a comfortable typing experience
Cons
- There is no backlight
Logitech K380 vs. Logitech MX Keys Mini Comparison Table
| Logitech K380 | Logitech MX Keys Mini | |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 24 Months/ AAA Batteries | 10 days/ USB C-type |
| Compatibility | Windows, Mac OS, Android, iOS, Linux, Chrome OS | Windows, Mac OS, Android, iOS, Linux, Chrome OS |
| Connectivity | Up to 3 Devices/ Bluetooth and Wired | Up to 3 Devices/ Bluetooth |
| Back light | No | Yes |
| Weight | 14.4 ounces | 24 ounces |
| Dimensions | 10.9 x 4.9 x 0.6 inches | 11.65 x 5.19 x 0.83 inches |
Cost-effective Alternative – Easytone Mini Wireless Keyboard
Product Overview
What if we tell you about a keyboard that is not only cost-effective and small but also has a touchpad?
Easytone Backlit Mini wireless keyboard is a multi-functional keyboard that you can use for PC, Laptop, Car TV, XBOX, Smart TV, HD Player, and big screen. With a multitude of applications, this is a very versatile product. It comes with a USB dongle and uses 2.4 GHz RF wireless for connectivity with a range of 10 meters.
To set up the keyboard, you need to plug in the USB dongle in your device and long press Fn and F1 key. It has an auto-shutoff feature after 10 minutes of inactivity. You can choose from Red, Blue, Green, or Multi-Color back lighting. It has a rechargeable battery with battery life. A mini charge port and a charging cable are included in the box. Its meager cost makes it a perfect choice for budget-conscious users. Its shape resembles the handheld PlayStation remote.
Pros and Cons of Easytone
Pros
- No extra software is needed for configuration.
- Its small size makes it easy to carry wherever you go.
- The multi-touch trackpad is a plus.
Cons
- It doesn’t support Bluetooth connectivity
- It is not a multi-device keyboard
Easytone Mini Wireless Keyboard Vs. Logitech MX Keys Mini Comparison Table
| Easytone Backlit Mini | Logitech MX Keys Mini | |
| Power | USB C-type | 10 days/ USB C-type |
| Compatibility | Windows, Mac OS, Android, Linux | Windows, Mac OS, Android, iOS |
| Connectivity | Single Device at a time/ 2.4 GHZ RF Wireless | Up to 3 Devices/ Bluetooth |
| Backlight | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 3.84 ounces | 24 ounces |
| Dimensions | 5.78 x 0.75 x 3.84 inches | 11.65 x 5.19 x 0.83 inches |
Conclusion
We have carefully researched and recommended the three best alternatives to the Logitech MX Mini keyboard. Here are our recommendations – all worthy alternatives:
- Editor’s Choice – Nacodex 308I
- Best Logitech Alternative – K380 Multi device
- Cost-effective Alternative – Easytone Mini Wireless Keyboard
