Logitech MX Keys S & Logitech MX Keys share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the Logitech MX Keys S rather than the Logitech MX Keys.
Why Do I Recommend The Logitech MX Keys S?
- The Logitech MX Keys S supports Logi Options+ software with Smart Actions for advanced customization and workflow automation, while the Logitech MX Keys uses the older Logi Options software with limited customization and no automation.
- Logitech MX Keys S includes updated function keys for dictation, emoji access, and microphone mute to improve productivity during modern communication, whereas the Logitech MX Keys retains the original function row without these dedicated shortcuts.
- It features refined adaptive backlighting with more responsive sensors for consistent brightness adjustments in varying lighting conditions, while the Logitech MX Keys uses standard adaptive backlighting with less sensitivity.
- The Logitech MX Keys S comes with the Logi Bolt receiver for stronger wireless security and improved reliability in congested environments, whereas the Logitech MX Keys uses the older Unifying receiver with weaker encryption.
- Logitech MX Keys S incorporates firmware improvements for better power efficiency and longer standby performance, while the Logitech MX Keys relies on older firmware that provides standard battery efficiency.
- It receives ongoing software updates through Logi Options+ to ensure compatibility with new operating systems and features, whereas the Logitech MX Keys has legacy support with fewer updates.
- The Logitech MX Keys S is constructed with a higher percentage of recycled materials for environmentally conscious production, whereas the Logitech MX Keys uses minimal recycled plastic.
- Logitech MX Keys S is available in Graphite, Pale Gray, and Black to suit a wider range of desk setups, while the Logitech MX Keys is only available in Graphite and Pale Gray.
Maybe the Logitech MX Keys price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Logitech MX Keys S. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.
Side By Side Comparison
| Feature | Logitech MX Keys S | Logitech MX Keys |
| Software | Logi Options+ | Logi Options |
| Automation | Smart Actions supported | No Smart Actions |
| Function Row | Includes Dictation, Emoji, Mic Mute keys | No Dictation, Emoji, Mic Mute keys |
| Backlighting | Refined adaptive backlighting | Standard adaptive backlighting |
| Connectivity Receiver | Logi Bolt USB receiver | Unifying USB receiver |
| Power Efficiency | Improved firmware for longer standby | Standard firmware efficiency |
| Recycled Material Use | 11%–26% | Minimal recycled plastic |
| Supported OS | Windows, macOS, Linux, ChromeOS, iPadOS | Windows, macOS, limited Options support |
| Color Options | Graphite, Pale Gray, Black | Graphite, Pale Gray |
| Sustainability Focus | Yes, eco-certified build | No eco-certification |
| Function Key Customization | Expanded in Options+ | Limited in Options |
| Software Updates | Actively updated in Options+ | Legacy support only |
| Security | Bolt receiver with better encryption | Unifying receiver with standard encryption |
| Price | Check MX Keys S Price | Check MX Keys Price |
What Common Both Can Do?
- Keyboard Layout: Both keyboards feature a full-size layout with a numpad and function row, providing a complete typing experience for productivity tasks.
- Key Mechanism: Each model uses Logitech’s Perfect Stroke scissor-switch keys, delivering a quiet, laptop-like tactile typing feel for comfort and precision.
- Backlighting: Both include automatic backlighting with hand proximity and ambient light sensors, ensuring visibility in low-light environments.
- Multi-Device Pairing: Each can connect to up to three devices simultaneously and switch seamlessly using Easy-Switch keys for efficient workflow management.
- Wireless Connectivity: Both support Bluetooth Low Energy technology, enabling stable wireless connections with a range of up to 10 meters.
- Battery Life: Each provides up to 10 days of use with backlighting on or up to 5 months with backlighting off, reducing the need for frequent charging.
- Charging Method: Both feature USB-C charging, allowing fast recharging with modern, universal cables.
- Build & Design: Each keyboard is built with an aluminum top plate and slim, minimal design, offering a premium and professional aesthetic.
- Cross-Platform Support: Both support Windows, macOS, Linux, ChromeOS, and iPadOS, with dual keycap printing for seamless use across systems.
- Typing Stability: Each model has large, stable keycaps, enhancing accuracy and comfort during long typing sessions.
Common Features
| Feature | Logitech MX Keys S | Logitech MX Keys |
| Keyboard Layout | Full-size layout with numpad and function row | Full-size layout with numpad and function row |
| Key Type | Low-profile scissor-switch keys with Perfect Stroke mechanism | Low-profile scissor-switch keys with Perfect Stroke mechanism |
| Typing Experience | Quiet, laptop-like tactile feel | Quiet, laptop-like tactile feel |
| Backlighting | Automatic backlighting with hand proximity sensors | Automatic backlighting with hand proximity sensors |
| Multi-Device Support | Connects to up to 3 devices simultaneously | Connects to up to 3 devices simultaneously |
| Device Switching | Easy-Switch keys for seamless switching | Easy-Switch keys for seamless switching |
| Wireless Connection | Bluetooth Low Energy supported | Bluetooth Low Energy supported |
| Battery Life | Up to 10 days with backlight on, up to 5 months with backlight off | Up to 10 days with backlight on, up to 5 months with backlight off |
| Charging Port | USB-C charging | USB-C charging |
| Build Material | Aluminum top plate with plastic body | Aluminum top plate with plastic body |
| Design | Slim, minimal, premium aesthetic | Slim, minimal, premium aesthetic |
| Compatibility | Windows, macOS, Linux, ChromeOS, iPadOS | Windows, macOS, Linux, ChromeOS, iPadOS |
| Cross-Platform Keys | Dual layout printing for Windows & Mac | Dual layout printing for Windows & Mac |
| Stability | Stable key switches with large keycaps | Stable key switches with large keycaps |
| Backlight Adjustment | Adaptive brightness & manual adjustment | Adaptive brightness & manual adjustment |
| Wireless Range | Up to 10 meters | Up to 10 meters |
| Battery Type | Rechargeable Li-Po | Rechargeable Li-Po |
| Included Accessories | USB-C cable | USB-C cable |
| Price | Check MX Keys S Price | Check MX Keys Price |
FAQ
What type of keyboard are the Logitech MX Keys S and MX Keys? Do the Logitech MX Keys S and MX Keys support multi-device pairing? How long does the battery last on these keyboards? What type of charging port do these keyboards use? Do the keyboards have backlighting? Are the keyboards compatible with Mac and Windows systems? What is the difference in software support between the MX Keys S and MX Keys? Do the keyboards have dedicated function keys for modern shortcuts? Which wireless receivers do the keyboards use? Is the typing experience the same on both models? How far is the wireless range of these keyboards? Do the Logitech MX Keys S and MX Keys have the same build quality? Are there any differences in sustainability between the two? What colors are available for the MX Keys S and MX Keys? Which keyboard is better for future use and updates? |
