Apple Magic Keyboard VS Logitech MX Keys Mini: Features, Differences & Price

Apple ships its Magic Keyboard with the purchase of iMac and Mac Pro, but not Mac mini or Mac Studio, forcing users to purchase it separately or opt for a third-party alternative. One of the most recommended peripheral brands is Logitech for its products with an excellent quality-price ratio, and the Logitech MX Keys Mini is one of their most recommended keyboards. We put them face to face to see their characteristics, their differences and their prices.

Features Magic Keyboard VS Logitech MX Keys Mini

• Design: we are facing two keyboards minimalist and compact design, with very similar dimensions, although with a higher weight in the Magic Keyboard (239 grams compared to 140 grams). The MX Keys Mini is made with 12% recycled plastic, but the main material, like Apple’s, is aluminum, and it works great with Apple devices.

• connectivity– Both keyboards connect to your Mac, iPad or iPhone via Bluetooth, it is when recharging the batteries that we find a difference: the connector. The Magic Keyboard integrates Lightning and the MX Keys Mini, USB-C. USB-C is the connection that is adopted as the standard and is appreciated. However, the Logitech can also connect through the Logi Bolt receiver, which is sold separately.

• Compatibility: Both proposals work perfectly with Mac, iPadOS and iOS. Although this Logitech keyboard is sold with a specific version for macOS, it can be used without problems with other operating systems such as Windows or Android; the Magic Keyboard only works with Apple products.

• Feed: Both keyboards do not use batteries, instead they have built-in batteries. Apple specifies about a month with normal use, while Logitech offers up to five months of battery life, but with a but: no backlight. Which brings us to the next point…

• Backlight: Apple did not integrate backlit keys into the Magic Keyboard, but yes Logitech, both of which have “smart” backlights: they are activated when we notice that the hands are getting closer. Almost magical. The problem is that if we use the backlight, the battery is shortened to 10 days on average. Of course, it all depends on the usage.

• multi-device function: Another highlight of the Logitech MX Keys Mini is that can pair with three devices at the same time and quickly jump between them with the press of a button. Very useful if we work simultaneously with a Mac, an iPad and an iPhone, or two Macs, or devices from different companies that are compatible with Bluetooth.

• biometric security: Apple has integrated its popular Touch ID fingerprint reader into the Magic Keyboard. Of course, there is a trick: it is a different model from the normal model, with a price of 159 dollars, and only works on computers with M1 or M2 chip

  no Intel.

• Price: its recommended retail price is almost identical, but it is true that from time to time offers of Logitech MX Keys Mini are found and they make it significantly more affordable. The Magic Keyboard starts at 109 dollars and the Logitech MX Keys Mini costs 115 dollars.

Magic Keyboard for Mac VS Logitech MX Keys Mini, which one to buy?

If you want to buy a keyboard for your Mac because you need it or because it increases your productivity (you are going to use it to connect your MacBook to an external monitor, for example), and you hesitate between these two options, the Logitech MX Keys Mini is a better proposal, complete and interesting just to offer backlight. The multi-device connection is also appreciated so that it can be used with several of our products.

Unless Touch ID is essential for youWell then the Magic Keyboard is the only one to offer it to you, with the Logitech MX Keys Mini, which is generally found cheaper because of the offers, it will satisfy the needs of the vast majority of users.

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