The Apple Magic keyboard may be the obvious choice for Mac users, but the Logitech MX Keys Mini is a worthy competitor. Both have their unique features and choosing the better option, can be challenging.
Our technology experts have examined both keyboards in-depth and made it easier for you to gain a better insight into each of them.
Without further ado, let’s get into it
Table of Contents
Comparison Table of the Key Features
Let’s take a look at the differences between MX Keys Mini and Apple Magic Keyboard
| FEATURES | LOGITECH MX KEYS MINI | APPLE MAGIC KEYBOARD |
| GAMING APPLICATIONS | – Excellent for gaming – Great pre-travel time – Good typing experience – Comparatively lower Latency when connected via Bluetooth – Designed to assist more gaming modes 8/10 | – Not designed for gaming – Requires more effort while typing – Offers no programmable Macro keys – Bluetooth Latency is not as required for gaming – Cannot be used in the dark and has no software support for saving profiles 5.4/10 |
| BACK-LIGHTING | Illuminated from within with good back-lighting options and colors. Can be used in dimly lit or dark rooms. Adds aesthetic value as well 8.9/10 | No back-lighting is provided reducing usability in darker environs |
| WIRELESS CONNECTIVITY | Excellent connectivity options with Bluetooth and additional Bluetooth multi-pairing options 10/10 | Regular Bluetooth connectivity with no optional pairing provisions. 7.5/10 |
| EASE OF USE | Lighter keys and cause less fatigue plus an additional Incline 7/10 | The keys are marginally heavier and can be tiring over extended periods 6/10 |
| SOFTWARE & PROGRAMMING | Permits reasonable flexibility with Macro programming for customizing settings with Cloud Sync and Onboard memory options 6/10 | Does not permit any further software or programming possibilities. Quite rigid in this respect |
| DESIGN & BUILD QUALITY | It offers a good overall product feel and quality and is well designed with due consideration given to the ergonomics 8.5/10 | There is little to differentiate in this respect and most of the essential design and build parameters are adhered to giving near-perfect satisfaction. 9/10 |
| BATTERY LIFE | Full charge lasts 5 months. 10 days with full illumination | Full charge lasts 1 month |
| DIMENSIONS | 0.8” x 16.9” x 5.2” Weighs 1.77 lbs | 0.4” x 11” x 4.5″ Weighs 0.51 lbs |
Analysis of the Finer Points
This table compares some of the important features such as connectivity, back-lighting and more.
| Key Features | LOGITECH MX KEYS MINI | APPLE MAGIC KEYBOARD |
| Incline This is the degree of inclination/angle from the horizontal or flat position. Inclined Keys are easier to use with better visibility and proximity | 5.8o | 2.8o |
| Back-lighting | Yes, including individual Keys | None |
| Wireless Connectivity | Bluetooth and Logi Bolt Receiver (with enhanced security features) 10/10 | Bluetooth only but with one device at a time. 7/10 |
| Wired Connectivity | None | Lightning USB-A to USB-C 10/10 |
| Pre-Travel [definitions below] | 1.3 mm | 0.9 mm |
| Operating force [see below] | 58 gf | 66 gf |
| Typing Noise | Quiet | Very Quiet |
| Bluetooth Latency | 16.2 milliseconds | 30.2 milliseconds |
| Bluetooth Multi-pairing [read below] | Yes | Not Applicable |
| Profiles/Customizing and saving | 6 Plus accounts | Not Applicable |
| Cloud Sync | Yes | No |
| Windows Compatibility | Full | Partial First, you have to pair the Apple magic using Bluetooth. Second, some keys will have to be mapped/re-assigned to suit Windows OS functionality. You may have to download an app called ‘Microsoft Power Toys’ and follow the instructions. |
| With macOS | Full | Full |
| With Linux | Partial | Partial |
| Android | Partial | No |
| iOS | Partial | Full |
| Portability | Larger and heavier 6/10 | Smaller size and lighter 10/10 |
Note: All ratings are as per standard industry methodologies and measurements.
Definitions
Pre-Travel Time: This is the distance a key must travel before it is activated. Denotes better touch or sensitivity.
A lower Pre-Travel time is preferred generally and more so with gamers
Operating force: Physical pressure required to initiate a key activation and measured in gram-force or gf. This is the pressure a key requires to respond or to be actuated.
A lighter softer force is preferred especially for long typing jobs
Bluetooth multi-pairing: When multiple Bluetooth devices can be connected simultaneously. There are times when you are working with several devices at the same time. Also, there are times when you have to share a File or Content from one device to another seamlessly.
Multi-pairing is an excellent feature
Latency: This is the time taken for a command to be executed. High latency can be very frustrating, especially for gaming.
The lower the latency, the better
Rating Average
Based on our technical analysis, the scores for the two keyboards are as follows
Logitech MX Keys Mini 7.05
Apple Magic Keyboard 5.61
Overall when comparing features, connectivity, versatility and more, the Logitech MX Mini scores higher.
Summary
In our analysis we uncovered many noteworthy features of the Logitech MX Keys Mini. It is appropriate to mention that Logitech knew they were up against the best in the business and left no stone unturned to match Apple’s quality and features one on one, if not outdo them in some areas.
As a summary let’s take a look at three different applications and which of the two keyboards is best for each.
Office applications
The keys of the MX keys can provide a better typing experience with softer and more responsive keys.
However, they lack the finesse of the material used in the Magic keyboard The finger contoured design, and the back-light is advantageous. The angle or degree of inclination and the lesser operating force are other benefits. The biggest negative is that it can only be connected using Bluetooth, which is not very practical for office use.
Winner: Apple Magic Keyboard
Gaming
The MX keys are far superior in this regard. With softer operations and much lower Latency, it is streets ahead of the Apple Magic Keyboard. Most games require a fast reaction/response time and latency can be a critical issue here. By the time the Apple Magic sends a signal, the event may have passed in the game.
Winner: Logitech MX Keys Mini
Home Use
The illuminated keys of the MX Mini not look more attractive, but, are a very a big plus at home. The back-lighting is advantageous – no need for overhead or table lamps that can disturb others. The versatility of the wireless connection gives the Mini an edge.
Winner: Logitech MX Keys Mini
