Logi Bolt vs Logitech Unifying Receiver - which one should I buy? - OneSDR

In this post we compare the two different receiver types, explain the similarities and differences and provide recommendations on which one to buy depending on your application

Table of Contents

What is Logi Bolt Receiver?

Logi Bolt is a USB receiver dongle that can be used with Bolt wireless mouse and keyboard. It was officially released on October 15, 2021 and is the latest and newest USB receiver dongle from Logitech.

It has a USB Type-A port to connect to the computers. In addition, it can be connected to a USB-C port with the help of a USB-C to USB-A adapter. This USB dongle allows you to connect up to six Logitech Bolt wireless mice and keyboards to one computer.

Logitech Bolt Technology

The Logi Bolt receiver is Logitech’s next-gen wireless technology that provides a secure and high-performance wireless connection between Logitech Bolt mouse, keyboard and computer.

Even in congested wireless environments with interference from Wi-Fi access points or nearby wireless devices, it is designed to deliver a reliable connection. It supplies a robust, no drop-off connection for up to ten meters (33 feet). The Logi Bolt also features Bluetooth Low Energy wireless technology (Security Mode 1, Security Level 4), reducing the chances of vulnerability when devices are paired with it.

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Logi Bolt wireless devices are Bluetooth Low Energy 5.0 or higher. As well, it uses all security mechanisms introduced in Bluetooth Low Energy Core Specification 4.2.

You can use Bolt receiver with Flow-enabled Logi Bolt mouse to connect with two different computers for multi-computer workflows. This is a powerful feature that reduces the need for multiple keyboards – one for each laptop. For instance you can share one wireless Bolt keyboard and mouse combination across a work and home laptop for instance.

Logitech Bolt Compatible Devices

Here is a list of devices that are compatible with Logi Bolt receiver:

The above Logi Bolt products cannot be paired with other Logitech USB receivers. In other words, these keyboards and mouse cannot be used with either the Logitech nano receiver or the Logitech Unifying receiver.

You can buy a new Bolt receiver if you need to replace the one that comes with a Bolt product. Logitech Bolt has no backward compatibility, so you cannot connect to devices with older versions.

PROS

It provides a high connection for up to 10 meters (33 feet).
It supports up to six Logi Bolt wireless keyboards and mice to one computer.
It uses Bluetooth Low Energy wireless technology to deliver a secure connection.
It is compatible with multiple operating systems: Windows, macOS, Linux, and Chrome OS.

CONS

It is only compatible with Logi Bolt wireless keyboards and mice.

User Reviews

Users can comfortably say that their connections are always reliable and secure with Logi Bolt. Some users said that it works well with MX keys mini. Some users are disappointed as it is not compatible with old devices.

What is Logitech Unifying receiver?

Logitech Unifying Receiver is a USB receiver to connect with the Logitech Unifying mouse and keyboard. It is so tiny that you can leave it in a laptop when you move around. It will stay in your computer, so your mouse is always connected and ready to use. You can connect up to six Unifying mice and keyboards to each computer with Unifying Receiver. This product was officially launched on ‎June 6, 2017.

Logitech Unifying Technology

The Unifying receiver has advanced 2.4 GHz wireless technology that delivers a reliable and robust connection up to 10 meters (33 feet) with no dropouts. It allows you to connect a Logitech Flow or Easy-Switch mouse to a second computer. With an additional Unifying receiver plugged in your second computer, you can use a Logitech Flow mouse to cut, paste and move files smoothly between computers. The mouse cursor automatically crosses from one screen to another screen. You can switch from one computer to the other with the push of a button using the Easy-Switch mouse.

Logitech Unifying Compatible Devices

If you lose a Unifying receiver dongle, you could replace it with another one. It is compatible with all Logitech Unifying products. You can recognize Unifying compatible products via the Unifying logo displayed on products. Some products come along with a receiver, but the Unifying receiver should be bought separately if not. The Logitech Unifying Software is used to connect and manage the devices.

Logitech Unifying Receiver Mice

MX Master 2S
MX Anywhere 2S
Logitech Performance MX Wireless Mouse
MX Keys
MX Master 3 Advanced Wireless Mouse
MX Anywhere 2
MX Anywhere 3
M720 Triathlon Multi-Device Mouse
M705 Marathon Mouse
Wireless Mouse M585 Multi-Device
Wireless Trackball M570
M545 Wireless Mouse
M525 Wireless Mouse
M510 Wireless Mouse
M317 Wireless Mouse
M187 Ultra-Portable

Logitech Unifying Keyboards and Combos

PROS

Its advanced 2.4 GHz wireless technology provides a robust and reliable connection up to 33 feet
A single Unifying Receiver connects up to 6 compatible keyboards and mice to one computer
With an extra Unifying receiver, you can connect a dual-connectivity mouse and keyboard to a second computer

CONS

Only supports Unifying compatible mice and keyboards
Limited compatibility with Windows 10,11 or later and macOS 10.10 or later only

User Reviews

Some users said the receiver works perfectly after downloading the unifying receiver software. Availability of the unifying receiver to replace lost dongles is a plus. The receiver can pair up to 6 devices, and once paired, it can be moved to other computers for pairing again. The unifying software is helpful for un-pairing and pairing.

Few users are disappointed because they are not compatible with older devices. Some users also reported that it does not work with Windows 11, which is the latest Windows OS.

What are the Similarities?

Both Logitech Bolt and Unifying are:

Both Bolt and Unifying dongles are replaceable. So if you lose either dongle, you can simply buy a replacement Bolt receiver or Unifying dongle. Your Keyboard or mouse won’t become unusable if you lose the dongle.
USB receivers to connect Logitech wireless keyboards and mice to a computer.
Each Bolt and Unifying receiver can connect up to six compatible mice and keyboards to one computer.
The connection range of both receivers is the same, i.e., 10 meters.
Both are compatible with Windows and macOS. However, the devices that are compatible with the Logi Bolt receiver are not compatible with the Unifying receiver. And the devices that are compatible with the Unifying receiver are not compatible with the Logi Bolt receiver. Logitech Options software allows you to customize device settings like changing mouse buttons, changing function key shortcuts, adjusting point and scroll settings, etc.
Price of both receiver dongles is approximately the same

What are the Differences?

	Logitech Bolt	Unifying Receiver
Technology	Bluetooth Low Energy	2.4 GHz proprietary protocol
Immunity to RF interference	High	Low
Device compatibility range	Low	High
Operating System Support	Windows, macOS, Linux and Chrome OS	Windows and macOS
Weight	2 grams	1.2 grams
Size	0.72 x 0.57 x 0.26 inch	0.59 x 0.35 x 0.24 inch
Peripheral cost	Higher	Lower

Logitech Bolt uses Bluetooth technology which has better RF interference avoidance capabilities relative to the Unifying receiver. This means fewer drop outs and loss of connectivity with the Bolt receiver.

Logitech unifying receiver has a larger ecosystem of Keyboard and Mouse products relative to the Bolt product line. Peripherals in the Bolt family are more expensive in general.

Bolt products are compatible with a larger range of operating systems to include Linux.

Finally, Logitech Bolt products are lighter and smaller.

Note that some devices like the MX Master 3 come in two variants – one for business (Bolt version) and an advanced (Unifying version) device for non-business applications. This becomes important should you misplace or lose the MX Master USB receiver dongle.

Conclusion

This post compares two Logitech wireless technology: Logi Bolt and Unifying Receiver. Logitech wireless technology is designed for reliable connections with fewer interruptions, even in congested wireless environments. Bolt and Unifying receivers are useful for connecting compatible Logitech wireless mice and keyboards to the computer.

If you are looking for reliable, secure connectivity we suggest going with the Logitech Bolt products. On the other hand, if you’re looking for something cheaper with a wider range of product offering, go with the Logitech Unifying receiver products.

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