Logitech launched its first low-profile mechanical keyboards last month with the MX Mechanical and MX Mechanical Mini. These new keyboards combine the goody feel of gaming keyboard’s mechanical switches with the productivity acumen of Logitech’s acclaimed MX keyboards.
Personally, I would prefer to review the smaller-footprint MX Mechanical Mini (S$259) keyboard as I usually use tenkeyless (TKL) or 80% keyboard. But Logitech only has the full-size MX Mechanical (S$299) keyboard for review.
- Price: S$299, get it at Lazada
- Connectivity: Bluetooth, Logi Bolt USB Receiver
- Weight: 828g
With the MX Mechanical, you get the full 110 keys including the numeric keyboard and other shortcut keys like Calculator and Search. While the MX Mechanical only comes in one colour of grey, it is available in three switch options of Brown (tactile quiet), Blue (clicky) and Red (linear).
| PROS | CONS |
| Superb and pleasant typing experience | Expensive |
| Quiet typing (for Brown switches) | Only one tilt angle available |
| Pairs up to three devices | No wired mode |
| Long battery life | Can only rebind very few keys |
The review unit comes in Brown switches. Again, I would have prefer the Blue clicky switches, as I love the audible loud clicks and tactile feedback. But I guess I need to test out how quiet the Brown switches are.
Apart from the “exposed” mechanical switches and the “floating” key caps, the MX Mechanical looks quite similar to the MX Keys with its power switch and USB-C charging port at the same location in the rear.
But unlike the MX Keys, the MX Mechanical comes with a tiltable stand that can be flipped up for a 8-degree tilt. This is great as the keyboard is too flat otherwise. But I think Logitech could have included at least another tilt angle of 12 degrees for better typing ergonomics.
The MX Mechanical comes with an aluminium top plate but its chassis is made of plastic. The keycaps have a dual colour combination of grey and black, which looks pretty good.
Despite the “quiet” switches, the MX Mechanical offers a superb typing experience that is comparable to my custom mechanical keyboards. I am genuinely surprised by how pleasant and enjoyable typing experience.
The key travel is optimal and the key response is as enthusiastic as a excited puppy. While it is certainly not as loud as those clicky switches, it still offers a nice soft click. My wife was taking a nap while I was typing on this keyboard near her. And she said she didn’t hear the key clicks as I typed this review.
Because of its standard key layout, you will type as smoothly as fish is in water. In fact, I think I typed faster on this keyboard than my favourite mechanical keyboard.
By default, smart illumination is activated. In other words, the keyboard uses proximity sensors to light up the keyboard when it senses your hand approaching. It turns off when it senses no motion above the keys.
The backlight only comes in white but allows for different effects. You can toggle through the lighting effects by pressing Fn and Lightbulb keys, or change the effect you want using the Logi Options+ software.
The software also allows you to rebind some of the keys to what you desire. However, unlike those gaming keyboards whereby you can rebind every key, you can only rebind limited keys including the F keys and the Home/End key cluster.
There are three quick switch keys on top of the Home/End key cluster. This keyboard can be paired to three devices. Pressing the respective quick switch key will immediately re-connect to the paired device.
It is important to note that this keyboard does not support wired mode. You can only use it wirelessly either via Bluetooth or Logi Bolt USB receiver. While the MX Mechanical cannot be used in wired mode, its USB-C port is conveniently located for you to use the keyboard while charging.
Battery life is rated at 15 days with backlight turned on and up to 10 months without backlight. Having used the keyboard with smart illumination for three weeks, I found the battery level to drop to only 65 per cent.
With a whopping price tag of basically S$300, the lack of a wrist rest is almost a sin. This is especially so, since the MX Mechanical has such a low profile. Normal wrist rests will not work with it.
VERDICT: Apart from its hefty price tag and other minor quirks, the Logitech MX Mechanical keyboard is one of the best productivity mechanical keyboards in the market. It offers a superb and pleasant typing experience by combining the best of gaming and productivity.