Logitech mechanical mini keyboard makes superb Mac companion [Review]

The Logitech MX Mechanical Mini is a keyboard optimized for Mac. It features low-profile mechanical switches and backlighting, and can be paired with up to three computers

I’ve been using the Bluetooth keyboard in my home office for weeks. Here’s why I’ve come to love it.

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Logitech MX Mechanical Mini for Mac review

The keyboard is the second most important accessory you use with your computer, behind the screen. You spend hours a day pounding out emails, reports, spreadsheets, etc. with it. There’s no reason to settle for one that doesn’t exactly fit your needs.

The MX Mechanical Mini features a Mac-oriented keyboard layout, Logitech’s Tactile Quiet low-profile switches and smart backlighting.

It isn’t a Windows keyboard you can use with a Mac. It’s designed for Apple computers, though you can use it with a PC if you need to. The keyboard also works with iPad and iPhone, which is very convenient in my office full of Apple devices.

A full-featured mechanical Mac keyboard

The keyboard is moderately “clicky” sounding.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The most important feature of any keyboard is the keys (duh). The Logitech MX Mechanical Mini for Mac uses mechanical keys (again, duh). If you’re accustomed to a membrane keyboard, the difference is very noticeable.

I’m seeing at least a millimeter of pre-travel and a bit over 3 millimeter of total travel. That’s typical for a good mechanical keyboard.

The downside of mechanical switches is they are noisier than membrane ones. But, as noted, Logitech’s latest uses Tactile Quiet low-profile switches to try to reduce the clickity-clackity sounds.

I find the keys still a bit noisy, but not excessively so. And some people buy mechanical keyboards because they like the clickity sounds.

Beyond the noise, mechanical switches sometime require more pressure to type on. This keyboard does need slightly more force to get a key to register, but not a significant amount.

And the keys aren’t the slightest bit mushy. They feel very crisp.

I used a Logitech K780 as my primary keyboard for many years. It’s a membrane keyboard, and I hadn’t realized how accustomed I’d become to spongier keys until I moved to mechanical switches.

A Mac-friendly mini keyboard layout

My Logitech MX Mechanical Mini review unit uses the standard QWERTY layout, with the familiar Mac-friendly symbols added to the command, option and control keys. It’s also available in versions for French, German and more.

The row of function keys does double duty. They are also a set of media controls, volume and screen brightness controls for your Mac, and more. These are very convenient when listening to music while working.

With Logitech’s Logi Options+ software for Mac, you can configure the keys to perform common tasks.

With “Mini” in the name, it’s no surprise that this there’s no dedicated numbers pad. But unless you’re an accountant, the extra keys are probably just a waste of desk space – that’s true for me, anyway.

To get specific, the MX Mechanical Mini for Mac is 12.25 inches wide, 5.15 inches deep and 1.0 inches thick at its max. There are the traditional fold-out feet to prop the back up slightly.

The keyboard comes in pale grey or space grey. My review unit is more white than grey, and it blends nicely with Apple accessories that are that same color.

Backlights for easier typing

Even in a darkened room, backlights make the keys easy to see.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The keys are backlit, and Logitech implemented this feature very intelligently. The backlights automatically adjust to the right level for the ambient light. They’re on whenever the keyboard is in use – putting my hands over the keys lights them up – and I find the letters and symbols easy to see in my office or outdoors.

Logitech also built in some backlighting effects, like having the keys light up in a wave effect. These are nice, I guess.

Or you can turn the backlights off to save battery power. Logitech says the MX Mechanical Mini for Mac will last for 15 days on a single charge, and that’s about right. I used my review unit for nearly two weeks (including the weekends) and the battery level got down to the point where the backlights shut themselves off to reduce the drain. That seems short – I’m used to Bluetooth keyboards with backlights that go months without needing to change.

Juice the keyboard back up with a Mac or iPad USB-C charging cable. You can keep typing while doing so.

Logitech video

Logitech MX Mechanical Mini for Mac final thoughts

Keyboard choice is very personal – there’s not one best option. Some people prefer the clickiness of a mechanical keyboard, while others prefer the quiet of a membrane one.

If you like a well-made mechanical keyboard that’s made for Mac, and don’t need the number pad, then the MX Mechanical Mini for Mac might be what you’re looking for. Just be prepared to charge it every couple of weeks.

★★★★☆

Pricing

The Logitech MX Mechanical Mini for Mac is available now in space gray and pale gray for $149.99.

Buy from: Logitech

Buy from: Amazon

Those looking for a full-size mechanical keyboard for Mac should read my review of the Das Keyboard MacTigr.

Logitech provided Cult of Mac with a review unit for this article. See our reviews policy, and check out more in-depth reviews of Apple-related items.