Over time, Logitech has developed plenty of mainstream keyboards with a number of iterations of its G collection keyboards for avid gamers. After testing the waters with the MX Keys and extra just lately, the MX Keys Mini in India, Logitech has boldly gone forward with the launch of its first mechanical keyboard within the MX collection known as MX Mechanical and MX Mechanical Mini.
At Rs. 17,495, appears outrageously costly at first look; whether or not you’re a mechanical keyboard fanatic or not. I believe the Logitech MX Mechanical Mini is unquestionably the extra fascinating of the 2 wi-fi keyboards as a result of it’s extra compact and transportable which many ought to discover helpful, particularly those that have to modify between a work at home and an workplace setup typically. and have to carry their keyboard with them. Is Logitech's first MX collection mechanical keyboard any good? After utilizing the MX Mechanical Mini for over a month, right here's what I believe.
Logitech MX Mechanical Mini Worth in India and Field Contents
The usual Logitech MX mechanical keyboard, which is the total measurement, prices Rs. 19,999, whereas the Mini is priced at Rs. 17 495. A distinction of Rs. 2,504 could not look like loads, however this makes the Mini really feel a little bit dearer than it ought to be. Within the field, Logitech supplies a USB Kind-A to Kind-C cable for charging and a Logi Bolt dongle for wi-fi connectivity.
Logitech despatched me the MX Mechanical Mini with linear switches that aren’t very noisy (or clicky), however these switches have their disadvantages as we are going to come to within the subsequent part. Linear switches are the one ones on sale on the time of publishing this evaluation, however Logitech tells us that brown switches will quickly be supplied as an choice in India.
Logitech MX Mechanical Mini design
Each the MX Mechanical Mini and the MX Mechanical are low-profile mechanical keyboards and can be found in only one colour choice known as Graphite. The underside case of the keyboard is fabricated from plastic, whereas the highest, in line with Logitech, is fabricated from low-carbon aluminum. About 47 p.c of the plastics used to make the Mini are stated to return from post-consumer recycled plastic (PCR).
The Logitech MX Mechanical Mini keyboard has a 65 p.c format
Regardless of having a plastic backside, the keyboard feels surprisingly sturdy and has zero flex. Its 612g weight comes primarily from the steel faceplate and mechanical switches. There may be an LED mild on the high proper nook of the keyboard face that exhibits pairing and battery standing. The battery compartment for the rechargeable battery is hidden behind a sticker, and is accessible, however Logitech recommends taking it to a service heart to do any battery upkeep.
As for the peak changes for the keyboard, Logitech permits two ranges for the MX Mechanical Mini. The primary is with the keyboard that sits on the desk on its three rubber caps, which nonetheless presents a minor tilt because of the tapering form of the keyboard itself. The second place with the ft drawn provides a better incline, which some could desire. I desire to make use of the keyboard with out its prolonged ft, however I nonetheless want a wrist pad even supposing the MX Mechanical Mini is noticeably slimmer in comparison with a standard mechanical keyboard. That is very completely different from the Logitech MX Keys Mini that I reviewed earlier than which doesn’t require a wrist pad and is far more compact.
The keycaps on the Logitech MX Mechanical Mini have a two-tone end. Logitech used grey for among the operate keys (F1-F4, F9-F12), many of the alphanumeric keys and cursor keys, and black for the remaining. This two-tone impact along with a refined white backlight solely, seems to be very elegant and “company”, and ought to be proper at house in a office or house workplace setup.
The Logitech MX Mechanical Mini presents six lighting patterns. Proven right here is the “wave” sample.
Since there isn’t a flashy RGB lighting, Logitech has provide you with lighting fashions which can be good to see. One of many quantity management keys doubles as a lighting key and lets you change between six lighting patterns, certainly one of which additionally features a static mode. Just like the MX Keys Mini (Evaluation), the backlight system routinely dims after 5 seconds when your fingers are away from the keyboard to save lots of energy. Whereas I'm not a fan of RGB lighting, I nonetheless would have appreciated some refined RGB customization on this entrance, particularly maintaining in thoughts the excessive worth of the keyboard in India.
The Logitech MX Mechanical Mini keyboard has a 65 p.c format, which can be a bit too compact for some with the cursor keys connected to the alphanumeric keys. Going for one hundred pc (the MX Mechanical) is nice for many who wish to use their keyboard solely within the workplace or at house and never journey with it.
Efficiency of Logitech MX Mechanical Mini
The Logitech MX Mechanical Mini makes use of the Logi Choices+ app, just like the MX Grasp 3S mouse. The 2 make a fantastic mixture because the keyboard works nicely with Logitech's Circulation operate, which permits customers not solely to make use of the mouse or keyboard with two programs, but additionally to repeat and paste recordsdata between them. Not like the Common Management function obtainable on macOS and iPadOS gadgets from Apple, Logitech's Circulation is cross-platform.
Logitech's software program additionally lets you customise the MX Mechanical Mini. It’s nicely designed and really straightforward to put in, use and add customization. The keyboard customizations aren’t as superior in comparison with different fanatic high quality mechanical keyboards (learn: superior macros), however ought to be ok for normal {and professional} customers.
The again case of the Logitech MX Mechanical Mini is fabricated from plastic
This consists of the power so as to add app-specific profiles, assign keys to a specific operate (like launching an app), or customise keyboard shortcuts to launch a specific operate if you're in a selected app. The Choices + app additionally lets you test the battery standing of a related gadget by proportion and alter the operate of the Perform key. The checklist of customizable keys consists of the Delete, House, Finish, Web page Up and Web page Down keys, however doesn’t embody the F1, F2 and F3 keys that are used to modify and pair with as much as three Bluetooth gadgets.
The wi-fi connection of the Logitech MX Mechanical Mini was respectable. I’ve confronted some disconnections with my MacBook Professional 2018, however these have been fairly uncommon. Should you do disconnect, you possibly can at all times plug within the bundled Bolt receiver for bulletproof connectivity. That is vital primarily as a result of those that use this keyboard will most definitely find yourself customizing plenty of features that might in any other case break if the keyboard disconnects.
The Logitech MX Mechanical Mini we reviewed got here with low-profile Kailh Choc Pink switches
The ABS keys have a coating on them that doesn't make them slippery. Additionally they have a pleasant texture. The low-profile keycaps aren’t meant to get replaced, as are the switches which can be soldered to the PCB beneath. Certainly, this isn’t a keyboard for many who wish to customise or “modify” their typing expertise.
The typing expertise with the low-profile Kailh Choc Pink switches on the Logitech MX Mechanical Mini was good. All of the keys, apart from the spacebar, wobble a bit and sound a little bit scratchy as you sort. These low-profile switches provide a tender click on that sounds a bit uneven and are pretty quiet. Additionally they require minimal actuation power with a pre-travel of only one.3mm in comparison with common switches which have a pre-travel of round 2mm.
The extendable ft provide an 8-degree tilt
The Choc Pink switches lack the tactile suggestions with a slight bump which is helpful in case you sort loads. Since they’re linear and have a brief pre-travel, I typically ended up making errors whereas typing as they felt too delicate. Common pink switches can be higher, however these come at the price of portability and luxury. If you’re a typist, then I’d advocate you to get this keyboard with brown switches, each time Logitech makes it obtainable in India or you might be searching for another keyboard.
Battery life within the Logitech MX Mechanical Mini is sort of good, thanks largely to the good backlight system. The keyboard lasted me about two months on a single cost, which is fairly good for a wi-fi mechanical keyboard that's fairly mild and compact.
Verdict
There may be little selection with regards to shopping for a low-profile mechanical keyboard in India. There are just a few manufacturers (Keychron, Redragon, and many others.) that supply wi-fi mechanical keyboards in India with after gross sales help, aside from Logitech, however they don't formally promote a single low-profile keyboard. There are a number of choices (NuPhy's Air 75, Keychron's K3, and many others.) if you wish to import a pre-built keyboard or equipment to India, however none which you can purchase instantly on-line or from a retailer. Manufacturers like Redragon, Razer and Logitech's G line additionally provide mechanical keyboards (with common profile switches) however they’re designed primarily for avid gamers and never for critical typists.
The Logitech MX Mechanical Mini will enchantment to the kind of person who doesn't desire a flashy mechanical keyboard however a extra satisfying typing expertise. It additionally fits professionals (creators and coders) who use Logitech's stream and customization options to the fullest. There's no hot-swapping or modding functionality available with it, which is accessible on wi-fi keyboards with regular-sized switches at this worth level, however stable software program help and customization make up for it, which appears to be. Logitech's robust level. Mechanical keyboard lovers can avoid this one as there are higher choices obtainable through the import route.
Scores out of 10
- Drawing: 8
- Efficiency: 8
- Worth for cash: 6
- General: 8
Execs
- Stable construct high quality
- Good writing expertise
- Good backlight
- The peak of the keyboard is adjustable
- Wonderful battery life
- Strong companion app, customizable keys
cons
- It doesn't sound good
- No choice for RGB lighting
- Soldered key switches, not interchangeable
- The battery shouldn’t be person replaceable
