Logitech MX Keys S Review
Research-based review. Pickora separates manufacturer specifications and third-party evidence from our editorial buying judgment. We do not present unperformed hands-on testing as our own.
The Logitech MX Keys S is a premium full-size wireless keyboard designed for productivity, office work, programming, and multi-device setups.
Its low-profile scissor keys, full numeric keypad, quiet typing profile, smart backlighting, and support for both Bluetooth Low Energy and the included Logi Bolt receiver make it especially suitable for users who spend long hours typing across Windows, macOS, or Linux devices. The keyboard can pair with up to three devices and switch between them using dedicated Easy-Switch keys.
The MX Keys S also supports programmable keys and Smart Actions through the Logi Options+ app, allowing users to assign shortcuts or automate repetitive workflows. Its main drawbacks are the relatively high price, large desk footprint, and limited appeal for users who prefer mechanical switches or a more compact layout.
Editor’s Summary
The Logitech MX Keys S is one of the strongest full-size productivity keyboards for users who value quiet typing, multi-device flexibility, smart backlighting, and workflow customization.
It is not the best choice for competitive gaming or mechanical-keyboard enthusiasts, and its premium price may be difficult to justify for basic use. However, for office professionals, writers, programmers, and anyone managing several devices, it offers a polished and highly practical feature set.
Best For
- Office professionals
- Programmers and writers
- Spreadsheet-heavy workflows
- Multi-device workstations
- Windows and macOS users
- Users who prefer quiet keyboards
- Remote workers using frequent shortcuts
- Buyers who want a full numeric keypad
Who Should Skip It
- Competitive gamers seeking ultra-low-latency gaming features
- Mechanical-keyboard enthusiasts
- Users with very limited desk space
- Buyers looking for a low-cost wireless keyboard
- Travelers who need a compact portable design
- Users who do not need a numeric keypad
Key Specifications
- Product
- Logitech MX Keys S
- Keyboard Type
- Full-size low-profile wireless keyboard
- Key Mechanism
- Scissor keys
- Layout
- Full-size with numeric keypad
- Connectivity
- Bluetooth Low Energy, Logi Bolt USB receiver
- Device Switching
- Up to 3 devices
- Backlighting
- Smart proximity-activated illumination
- Customization
- Logi Options+
- Productivity Features
- Smart Actions, programmable keys
- Charging
- USB-C
- Battery Life
- Up to 10 days with backlighting
- Compatibility
- Windows, macOS, Linux, ChromeOS
- Color
- Graphite
- Model Number
- 920-011558
Strengths
- Comfortable and quiet low-profile typing — The spherically dished keys are shaped to guide the fingertips toward the center of each key. Logitech also uses a stable scissor-switch design intended to reduce typing noise and provide a fluid, laptop-like feel.
- Excellent multi-device support — The keyboard can connect to as many as three devices through Bluetooth Low Energy or the included Logi Bolt USB receiver. Dedicated switching keys make it easy to move between a desktop, laptop, or tablet without repairing the keyboard each time.
- Smart and customizable backlighting — The backlit keys illuminate when hands approach the keyboard and adjust according to the surrounding light. Brightness and backlight duration can also be customized through Logi Options+.
- Useful productivity features — Smart Actions in Logi Options+ can combine several repetitive tasks into a single shortcut. The keyboard also includes dedicated keys for dictation, microphone mute, and emoji access, making it useful for remote work and communication-heavy workflows.
Limitations and Trade-offs
- Expensive for a non-mechanical keyboard — The MX Keys S is positioned as a premium productivity keyboard. Buyers mainly seeking basic wireless typing can find less expensive alternatives with similar core functionality.
- Large full-size footprint — The numeric keypad and full navigation cluster are useful for spreadsheets and office work, but the keyboard takes up considerably more desk space than compact or tenkeyless models.
- Limited appeal for mechanical-keyboard users — The low-profile scissor switches are quiet and precise, but they do not provide the deeper travel, switch choice, or tactile feedback that many mechanical-keyboard users prefer.
Battery life and backlight
Logitech rates the battery at 10 days with backlighting on and up to five months with it off. The backlight turns on as your hands approach, but Tom’s Guide found it dim and white only. If you type in a dark room often, check whether that is bright enough for you.
Smart Actions and multi-device use
The keyboard pairs with up to three devices over Bluetooth or the Logi Bolt receiver and switches with dedicated keys. Logi Options+ adds Smart Actions, macros that can, for example, open several apps with one key. Keys are dual-labeled for macOS and Windows, and the keyboard detects which system it is connected to.
Typing feel
Tom’s Guide found it comfortable and quiet to type on, with concave keycaps that help reduce typos and scissor switches that give clear feedback. It is closer in feel to a laptop or Apple Magic Keyboard than to a mechanical keyboard, which suits long writing sessions in shared spaces.
Buying Decision
Buy the MX Keys S if you want a comfortable, quiet full-size keyboard for work across several computers, ideally on sale. It is less suited to gamers, mechanical-keyboard fans and anyone who wants a small footprint.
Value and Trade-offs
Tom’s Guide calls it hard to recommend at full price but a strong choice on sale. You get concave scissor keys, dual-labeled Mac and Windows keys, automatic OS detection and Smart Actions macros. You give up colorful lighting, mechanical switches and a slot to store the receiver.
Final Verdict
The Logitech MX Keys S is one of the strongest full-size productivity keyboards for users who value quiet typing, multi-device flexibility, smart backlighting, and workflow customization.
It is not the best choice for competitive gaming or mechanical-keyboard enthusiasts, and its premium price may be difficult to justify for basic use. However, for office professionals, writers, programmers, and anyone managing several devices, it offers a polished and highly practical feature set.
How Pickora Scored It
Pickora Rating: 4.5/5. This is an editorial research rating, not an Amazon customer rating or a laboratory measurement.
Sources and Research
- Logitech MX Keys S review — Tom's Guide. Independent review: battery rating with and without backlight, backlight brightness, Smart Actions, OS detection, typing feel, price and verdict.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the MX Keys S battery last?
Logitech rates it at 10 days with backlighting on and up to five months with backlighting off.
Does the MX Keys S work with a Mac?
Yes. Keys are labeled for macOS and Windows, and it detects the connected system automatically.
Is it mechanical?
No. It uses low-profile scissor switches, similar to a laptop keyboard.
Amazon listing note: This Amazon link opens the Logitech MX Keys S in Graphite. Price, seller, color options, and availability may change.