4 Reasons NOT to buy a Logitech MX Keys Mini
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- Опубликовано: 3 авг 2024
- The all-new Logitech MX Keys Mini is a great keyboard, but it's not perfect. So let's lay down four reasons why you might want to think twice before buying it.
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MX Keys Mini geni.us/UKr6
MX Keys Mini for Mac geni.us/dA42f
MX Keys geni.us/7BQ51K
MX Keys for Mac geni.us/4fOOy
Keychron K3 V2 geni.us/ohQg
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Hey! Apologies for not mentioning the FN + arrow keys. I was comparing it to my prior keyboard which had dedicated end/home/pgup/pgdown keys and I realized I like that better than doing FN/CMD + arrows (which I do a lot when using the macbook built-in keyboard)
That being said, there's plenty of good information exchanged in the comments section. Thanks!
Thanks for your complement! I found my razer laptop keyboard also supports these fn+arrow key binding after knowing this. Saved me from buying an extra keyboard XD.
Thanks for this detailed review. I sometimes use the "insert" key which is also not on the mini .. is there an key combination for insert as well ?
@@YellowSock66 on my keyboard the button next to the DEL key has insert function. So FN+Volume Up is Insert, at least in International Layout.
@@diabolikro On my keyboard (UK layout) as well .. I never noticed that .. thanks
As a unified receiver user you've just saved me the hassle of finding out I wouldn't be able to use my unified receiver and it's totally changed my decision to buy it. Thank you!
I ended up buying the full size MX keys and whilst it is quite wide it's not as bad as I thought it would be so I'm happy with my purchase. The ultimate version would be a TKL version that worked with a unifying receiver though!
@@JCJW101 glad to have helped! indeed, a unifying TKL version would be sweet
This is going to become more of a problem down the road, Bolt is apparently replacing Unifying going forward on all devices. Bolt is more secure and solves issues that unifying faced in the past, so it is a good thing, but unfortunately it does cause a headache with old devices.
Unifying uses 2.4 GHz where Bolt uses a secure version of low power Bluetooth.
@@webthefox And what about latency?
@@JulioJairdeAlba not entirely sure, it is based on Bluetooth LE technology. Apparently some bolt devices can connect directly using Bluetooth, but it sounds like the exact conenction it makes with the receiver is non-standard (decreasing congestion and latency).
Sounds good, but I haven't used it to say. They claim latency is fine, but you never know what's true coming from marketers.
There is some misinformation here.
The MX keys mini do have all the navigation keys. "Insert" and "Delete" are marked on the keyboard.
Navigation keys that are not marked -> "Home", "End", "Page up", "Page down". These can be accessed by pressing "fn + arrow keys".
This is a industry standard for TKL keyboards, so I don't blame Logitech for not marking this on the keyboard.
thank you. One reason that I wished these RUclipsrs prioritized quality information over quantity.
Much respect for an unbiased, no bs review. Straight to the point, all pros and cons. Thanks man!
Thanks for the video! What you mentioned, plus the mini arrow keys made me choose the full size one.
GREAT Review... You answered the questions I have and some I didn't think of that was needed. Thanks!
Hey man, very useful info, thank you vwey uch for sharing.
That bolt receiver ( and the lack of it) is very disturbing for me.
I really like the Keychron K3 that you compared it with. It would be great if you can give us some more details or a comparison between the two if you have used them both.
Many thanks in advance
Thanks very much for this, good info!
Thank you for posting this helpful video!
I thought this will be a clickbait but wow you made very valid points. You have saved me from checking out my basket with mini. Will get full size now. Thanks!
Out of curiosity, what are the major differences between the regular/Mac/Business versions other than what’s printed on the keys?
Thanks for the video. Almost ordered one but won’t do it anymore because of the receiver issue. I am using mx 3 and mx keys at home and planned to buy this mini one for travelling but don’t want any extra receivers.
Thanks for your review! It was really insightful. I’m purchasing a M1 Pro MacBook and looking for a wireless keyboard. I saw you got rid of your Keychron V2 and was wondering if you have any suggestions or what is your daily driver for a keyboard right now?
glad to help! i'm using the m1 macbook's keyboard now, I find it satisfying to type on compared to my previous macbook (2015 pro), sooo I don't think I'll get an external keyboard anytime soon
I’ve purchased Logitech Mx Mini and I LOVE IT. It’s comfortable and doesn’t take the space. I connected it easily to my laptop via bluetooth. There is no need for a receiver. I was between this keyboard and Apple Magic’s one. It took me 30 min to adjust as I was using Apple Magic before.
Same here. Excellent keyboard imo.
Wow, that Bolt vs. Unify issue is mind-boggling! I have the MX Master mouse and now want to add a TKL keyboard but this is just nuts that I need another USB slot
Thanks for this video. I was looking for a small, bluetooth, and backlit mac keyboard. Surprisingly hard to find a good keyboard with all that. I thought the Logitech MX Key Mini might fit the bill, but your video turned me on to Keychron. Hadn't heard of them before and it looks like.great stuff for the price. Thank you.
Thanks for the video. I was considering buying a bolt device and have a bunch of old unifying devices. Now i know they arent compatible. This changes things for me! Thanks!!
Bro... thank you. I've been looking for a compact, wireless, backlit keyboard for a long time. The K810 would pretty much be perfect but I can't find it anywhere. Got my hopes up with this one.
Great info You know your stuff Thanks
I bought the keyboard, on windows you can access home/end using fn + left/right. If you need page up/down it's fn + up/down. Honestly I find it a little easier this way. It can still work with Shift to select text while at it, also you can also apply ctrl to extent the utility of it on the whole document instead of a single line.
I ran windows 7 on a 2013 macbook pro for quite a few years. It was a great combo and I learned the fn+arrow key combos you mentioned! Works great.
It's just bad reviewing when he doesn't even mention those. Smh
It would help to read the manual
Can we use options in it by pressing fn+ctrl?
@@GauravYadav-fx8ld if youre asking about switching the default behaiviour of the fn keys (either fn or the actions like connection, light, volume, dictation and so on) without having to press fn at the same time, yes you can: use fn+esc to switch between how you want fn keys to behaive. fn+ctrl does nothing
Thank you for the information about Bolt! I was just about to buy this keyboard, but with the Logitech Pebble mouse that can internally house the Unifying receiver and me using this stuff with my tablet, on the one hand Bluetooth is fine, but on the other hand Bolt vs Unifying would get incredibly annoying once I put down more than just tablet, mouse and keyboard.
This is very very helpful. I was on the brink of selling my mx keys to buy mx keys mini (cos I want a white one). But after watching your vid, I decided against it. Thanks so much!
super useful video!
This was excellent, thanks
Thanks, i do own this keyboard, and really like the typing sensation but there were somethings i did not understand. Thanks again.
thank you. you saved me some money. the unifying receiver issue is a deal breaker.
Great video, I found out the same issues just a few days ago and I decide to stay with my Logitech K780 🤣
I have both keyboards and I agree with all the points in this video.
i bought the mini knowing of its shortcomings. However i love the typing experience on the MX keys and wanted a traveling keyboard for it. so yeah thats the onyl reason why i got the mini.
overall mini version is not worth the price you pay for.
well said
Your review is very helpful to me
I'm attempting to get one
Is the experience on the mini version as good as the full version?
Unless one APPRECIATES the size, battery life, backlit keyboard… etc. Bluetooth is the future, not USB A receivers 👍🏾
Woah! Thanks a lot! I'm about to purchase the the MX master 3 with the mini. Really, man! Thanks a lot!
Glad I could help!
Good vodeo. Also reason 5 - No option for direct wired connection such as when you may have to be in safe mode or boot mode.
I'm also disappointed because from where I live the price of the mini is almost double of the full sized mx keys. Now that you mentioned that the mini does not offer more in terms of connectivity, then it is definitely a no go. I would then have to make do with the reliable K380 as my mini keyboard until logitech either lower their price on the mini or offer enable the unifying receiver.
What's that laptop stand that you're using? I'd love a stand to prop up my laptop like that.
I don't have too much trouble connecting to all my devices. Really easy set up and is a great keyboard to use on the go. I have a new found appreciation for low profile keys as they have a lot less travel than typing on a normal keyboard and is better for longer periods of use. Everyone has their own opinion on this keyboard but for me it was worth the money spent on it
I saw the mini, saw it in pink and I was immediately about to buy it even though it's as expensive as the big one. But since my PC doesn't have BT, I was looking for the dongle icon and I got very confused about the bolt, cause that was the only available info I could find. Thanks to your video I got my questions answered. Mini won't be for me I guess, will have to wait or buy the regular Keys one (even though it comes only in black....)
I wish there was an MX Keys in a pink version
Have you tried the FN key + arrow keys for pgup pgdown home end keys?
Previous compact keyboard by Logitech have this functionality.
Also, people keep acting like this is the first mini form factor keyboard by Logitech. It isn't.
btw fn+up = page up, fn+down = page down, fn+left = home, fn+right = end. It's easy to get used to, I use it all the time. Worth the compromise for the size
great review, i almost pull the trigger on this mini, luckily i see your video, now i'll stick with the keychron one :))
glad to help! you'll get the K3? have you decided on what switch type to get?
@@earlmalaki i like clicky so blue it is ;)
@@bongkem2723 nice hahaha
Sorry I had a hard time understanding so I'd like to ask, does Logitech Mx Keys Mini version work with the Bolt receiver ?
You can use FN+(left arrow) or FN+(right arrow) for home/end. This was an issue for me when I initially got the keys mini; after I realized this, wasn't an issue anymore.
Well explained! Will wait for the unifying version. This is a deal breaker! Thanks again for the video!
glad to help! but I think they won't release a unifying version anymore because Bolt is the standard moving forward. For example, the newly released MX Keys Mechanical and MX Master 3S come with a free Bolt receiver
I tried both keyboards the large and the mini and I agree that you’d think the mini should be cheaper, but honestly the form factor of the mini is what sold me and Logitech knows it. Bigger isn’t always better
EDIT: I actually ended up buying the MX Keys Mini (again) but this time bought a Logi Bolt USB Receiver as well along with it. It works great with Linux even though there is no official software for Linux (you need to use the Solaar package to hook up the Bolt USB Receiver with the MX Mini). The keys have a bit more resistance compared to the full sized MX Keys with numberpad. Very happy with the MX Keys Mini. I just wish they included the Bolt Receiver in the package and did not made us pay extra for it.
---
I bought one and immediately returned it because it does not come with a USB receiver. Sure, I can connect to my laptop's built-in bluetooth, but this means the keyboard is unusable until the os has fully started. So if you need to control bios options, or enter password for disk decryption before the os starts, this keyboard is unusable in these scenarios
Also, it would have be good if the USB C wire could be used for wired mode use, just like the keychron keyboards
Those are great points, thanks. I built a PC last June and I definitely found the USB connection on my K2V2 useful in configuring bios.
Do you think I can connect BOTH usb unifying receiver and BOLT receiver on the same laptop so I can connect both my wireless mouse and my keys mini keyboard (since one uses unifying receiver and the other uses bolt)???
This looks great. I need something to go with my Chromebook and monitor. Do you know if this keyboard top row keys can be mapped the same as the chromebook keyboard top row keys?
Check out Logitech K580 (geni.us/cS4VC51 ). It has a ChromeOS layout
@@earlmalaki thanks
These are relevant things to be dissatisfied with, but not good reasons to not buy it.
I have bought it and love it.
Great video bro
Was very close to buying the mini. You make excellent points against doing so.
Good point, i finally realize
Got mine today, and absolutely agree with your points! It's a solid keyboard, and I'm really enjoying typing on it, but that price is insane. Especially in New Zealand, where I forked out $140US! The lack of compatibility with the unifying receiver is incredibly annoying. Especially since you're paying this much, yet they don't even give you the bolt receiver. And the inability to permanently keep the backlight on, and addition of the pointless emoji key over media controls baffles me (considering there's already a shortcut for that). Imo it's a very nice keyboard, as long as you know what you're getting into, but Logitech really cheaped out with some things (Ironic considering the price).
I'm happy with the keyboard, have been using it for three days. My only issue is not having full size arrow keys. I don't care much for the lights, and yes the price is £100 here in the UK, which is high for this keyboard. Page up and down, home and end can be used with the function key and arrows, so that's not a problem. But yes the small arrow keys are annoying. I haven't decided if I I'm keeping it, but I probably will.
@@SzTz100 did you keep it lol?
@@dimaan12 I did keep it and I do like it, the arrow keys are less of an issue now, but they are tiny for no good reason.
The keyboard is made for bluetooth. The unifying receiver is out of date tech.
This is a very detailed review and lots of researching going on
However, missing a scenario
I'm planning on getting this specially just for tablet use, which usb basically would not be an option, for tablet use home and end buttons are not widely use as the on screen keyboard doesn't do it, plus it is touch screen
For someone that love mechanical keyboards and want one to connect to tablet for uni courses this is perfect, as it is mechanical and it is quiet and very small and portable, the full size would not be possible unless I carry a huge traveling backpack, typical uni backpacks can fit a 15.6" laptop, that's like the maximum size on average, therefore the mini would fit very well, and the fact that it's so thin makes it lighter and easier to take around
你說的沒錯，mini的好處在於更適用iPad，搭配平板電腦並且隨身攜帶，mini還是值得購買的
Nice video!! But what about using Fn + Arrow keys for Home, End, PgDown and PgUp, it's a way how it's work on laptops :)
I agree. So, this point doesn't matter at all for me.
Does it works on the mx keys using the fn button?
Thanks! Yeah that's what I do too when I'm using the built-in keyboard haha
But when I'm on my desk with an external keyboard, I notice just how streamlined it is to have a dedicated button for those. It's kind of like how it's better to have a dedicated mute/unmute button versus having to do a 2 or 3-key combo everytime.
The more frequently you use these functions, the more you'll appreciate having a dedicated button for it.
thank you for the review! so helpfull!!
I didnt understand the connection issue. i have the mx mouse and it has a usb that came with it and its connected to my computer.
if i will buy the new mx mini and i dont to buy the usb i wont be able to connect it? or its just more stable connection than the bluetooth.
also, if i will buy the new usb that logitech wants me to buy, ill be able to connect both my mouse and keybord to it?
You can use the Mini with bluetooth only.
Unifying and Bolt isn't compatible sooo if you want to use a USB receiver with the Mini for a more reliable connection, you will need to use two usb receivers: one for mouse (unifying) and one for keyboard (bolt)
Where can I buy a bolt receiver to be delivered in the UK? It seems to be out of stock everywhere.
Does LogiOptions work with this? As in can I change what the top Fn keys do?
im with you on all points except i have an mx anywhere and use bluetooth. i've never once had any connectivity issue
Is there a Bluetooth-USB interface in the box?
It's needed if your PC does not have a built-in Bluetooth X-mitt/receiver interface
Thx
I´m a little confused right now.. i would like to get the mx master 3 and the mx keys mini. So to use them both with one dongle i need to buy the mx master 3 for business and seperately the bolt dongle to connect both the mx keys mini and the mx master 3 (business) to one dongle, right? Or can i just buy the normal mx master 3? Are the unifying products compatible with the bolt dongle? i dont get it :D
If they had full arrow keys and the missing functions keys, that'd be a different story. I think a TKL version of the MX Keys would have been absolutely perfect to accommodate a smaller form factor but also allow people to have access to such vital keys for productivity. Guess I'll be sticking with the MX Keys for now.
Agree, a TKL version would be perfect.
@@JCJW101 They kind copied the Mac layout to please that whole crowd. TKL would be awesome. I dont even need backlighting...
Function keys like PageUp, PageDown, Home and End are available using Fn + arrow keys which is for me ok.
I noticed that the Universal Software has not been getting updates with the recent MacOS updates. Bolt might be an indication that Logitech is beginning to refresh its product line. I probably will not be purchasing any new Logi products until the dust settles across the board.
This review just saved me $100. I almost placed an order on the MX Mini until I caught wind of the lack of Universal receiver.
Dude, thank you for this review! Indirectly, you made me decided to go with the Keychron instead. As others have mentioned in the comments, you can still access the Home and End functions on the Logitech, but because that wasn't clear I started looking at the Keychron. It fits my needs way more than the Logitech.
You answered my question, thanks. It doesn't work with unifying receiver 😢
Wanted the mini for a tablet pc with only 2 USB ports, but as new Mini uses the Bolt receiver I have to buy a bolt mouse that I can’t use with my other Logitech unifying receivers. Ugh.
Also, the mx master 3 mouse “bolt” is targeted to business market and not as many retailers carry it.
Ugh Ugh
Good solid arguments in this video.
1 use fn key with arrow key for pg up down home and end. This is standard for all devices with fn
2 i have the bolt...no difference over the bluetooth, tested both. So im assuming anyone who has an old bluetooth device might have an issue? Now it just sits in my drawer.
3 prices difference are different here in australia so honestly this is the only gripe i see that sucks
4 i dont know what your fourth problem is but this was a waste of your time and mine now for a stupid rant. Also bonus tip download the logitech software to customise f1-12 keys
yea i just found out that my unifying peripherals don't work with the bolt. i could've knwon i suppose but i would also argue that it hasn't been made as clear as it could've been
Are you able to use the keyboard wired USB-C to USB-A? Just a question
From what I'm seeing, the Bolt receiver is now included. The keys you mentioned are on the Mini keyboard, but I plan on getting the Full Size version. Don't think this video applies anymore.
i think the bolt is set-up for a full room of people using the same keyboard. ghz may have problems with that set-up. and there is security flaw in ghz where hackers can record those strokes. it was found early in 2016 so I'm guessing that's the reason for the change of format for the receiver. ALTHOUGH they should have at least included one in the package. one reason why i'm still rocking the k380 as my work-home set-up as I can easily jump to my personal computer and office laptop easily even after buying a bunch of mechanical wireless (i went through 3). the only reason why i'm looking at the mx keys mini is the backlit and logi flow compatibility.
Hey man HI from West Java and thanks a trillion for making this video. I really appreciate hearing your comments.
it's a great keyboard, I'm enjoy using it and I use it almost everyday for working, however keep in mind that if you guys have a pair of Airpods or Airpods Pro, the bluetooth connection will mess up the Airpods microphone sound quality (the other person you talk with will only hear your robotic voice). The only solution until now is either you have to use an USB dongle to establish the connection or disconnect/turn off the MX keys mini keyboard. (I also use an MX anywhere 2S mouse and I have to turn it off too, seems like Logitech MX peripherals is having conflicts with Airpods)
The moment you said it misses the big-4 keys, I stood by my decision to stay with the full keys version
I think TP-Link UB500 Wireless works well as receiver. Can you test it?
thank you!
Look into the protocols used to secure the connection and You will see why is it more secured than previous versions. Security solutions prevent being backwards compatible.
hi! do you know how I can disable the backlight? i've been googling for a solution but nothing seems to work
Thank you man, you saved me a regretful purchase. My regular MX Keys broke recently and I almost hit the checkout button on this one but knowing it does not support unifying, it's a dealbreaker as my MX vertical only supports unifying.
glad to have helped! the bolt/unifying situation really is disappointing especially for us with existing unifying mouse. i'm curious what you plan on getting then?
@@earlmalaki I ended up ordering another MX Keys. I'll try to be more careful this time (the other one broke because my cats dropped it from the desk during their night zoomies). Happy Holidays btw!
That’s crazy! I spent days trying to connect via the receiver. There no message telling you that you can’t. Just doesn’t work.
Thanks a lot!! You prevent me from buying a device that can’t do what I need (unifying x3)!!
Great explanation. None of them affect me, but now I know what I'm getting. Thank you.
I have the full mx master keys and I love it but already have the mini and love more, you can purchase a mouse m620 with an including bolt receiver and use it for both
what mouse would that be? it's not from logitech, right?
i think you are missing a little use scenario : the "on the go" keyboard .
i use the keyboard for taking notes in university and for the desktop at home but not for gaming . consider the upgrade over a k380 (absolute best buy).
the k380 is a fantastic keyboard but it suffers a lot from being cheap , main problem: squeaky keys , not the best in university, but still a best buy.
what if i could buy an alluminium keyboard with backlight , better keys, usb-c charging , copy-paste across devices, nice looks and potentially even a little smaller?
can the k380 works with the unify receiver ?
@@bongkem2723 no, bluetooth only
good point, I have not considered this use case. curious though, what device do you use for this use case, iPad?
I remember wanting to buy the K380 way back, tried it on the store and wasn't happy. That's when I thought of a compact MX Keys haha
Mx keys doesnt come with aluminium body, and flexes more then the k380. Heavier too. For an on the go, mx keys isnt it. For a portable keyboard that u bring out from time to time, its okay
Will it work with the USB receiver that comes with my MX Master 3S?
useful intro, receiver is a big problem, it should move to the first section.
I ordered the K380 on Amazon. However, they sent out the Mx keys mini. So I basically got it for 30 bucks.
brooo you lucked out hard hahaha
@@earlmalaki Yeah man. I definitely got lucky. I ordered from my iPad. Amazon on the iPad (at least for me) has an issue. When you click on a product then check the reviews, they’re for an entirely different product sometimes. I believe this is what happened in my case.
well the missing home, end, pgup, pgdwn are not really relevant on mac since it is just cmd + left right up down, so I am glad they didn't include them on the keyboard since it would mean that the enter key wouldn't be on the very right side.
The bolt thing seems to really... suck a bit. but I guess they needed to change at some point to a newer standard (because of security and signal strength) - so in 1-2 years this won't matter at all, but of course it sucks in the transition phase. It's even worse that it is quite hard to purchase the bolt receiver as well. even logitechs own website in europe currently only tells us "coming soon".
friendly for mac user?
tysm. You saved me a lot of headache.
Does this keyboard cover all aspects of working in Photoshop?
"an unfortunate double whammy". No truer words were ever spoken!
Crazy to think they would make the same keyboard but not make it compatible with the see l standard receiver.
I just knew that it doesn’t come with full-sized arrow keys, didn’t notice it until I watch your video.
Page up/down, Home/End are emulated by holding fn and using the arrow keys. They should be more clear about that, but the functionality is there none the less. But I agree on the receiver thing, they should have at least made it backwards compatible with unifying receivers, especially if they're too stingy to include a bolt receiver in the box. That's just baffling.
I really didn't know that or I might have gotten the mini.
How is not including out of date tech baffling? This thing works great with Bluetooth. The bolt is really more for a office business environment. You don't need it.
@@scmseanyeah the review mentioned the different variations but didn’t explain why they went with this approach. It’s not as bad & isn’t as complicated as he made it seem, they’re making products for specific markets
The information about Bolt Receiver was quite helpful, I should say. Many thanks to Author of the review.
Greetings from Russian Federation!
Can we use options by pressing fn+ctrl?
Yeah and it needs a bolt connector for unification, means old usb receiver isnuseless.
Does it support bluetooth of some laptop that is 11yrs old?
When I read the title, I honestly thought "Clickbait-y title, typical RUclipsr stuff", however, after watching the video, I'm surprised its not. Especially since I'm a Log MX Keys for Mac user and wanted the smaller version but had no clue that the unified receiver wont work. That's a huge no for me. Sounds like id be getting the Magic keyword again
Thanks.
Does the mx mini have backlight?
Thank you! Help me.
Question: is it possible to put it on top of a laptop(e.g. Macbook pro)? Does the rubber stand at the bottom stand on the frame(of laptop keyboard) instead of triggering any keys on the laptop?
usb receiver is included in the mini business version
Home end page up and page down are there using the arrow keys. It's a non issue