Logitech MX Keys

Yup, it's a keyboard.

Pretty expensive at that. 120 € is a bit much for a wireless keyboard with backlight. So why?

I'm a big fan of Logitech keyboards. And mice. I had them all the way back in the 90s and my first wireless set was Logitech Cordless Desktop Optical all the way back in 2001. Optical mouse was one of the first ones and not very good, but it lasted for years, and when it gave up, I had a new one from warranty. In fact, I had a newer set when I sent some parts of the old one to them (to render the old one useless). It lasted for years as well. I was happy with the quality and the customer service, and although it was not cheap, it did not feel that expensive either.

Then I upgraded to Logitech diNovo Media Desktop, which was expensive, but it was a good one. I think I might still have it somewhere. Bluetooth and everything, and rechargeable mouse. I loved the low-profile keyboard and I've been a fan ever since. The numpad was great and you could use it as a calculator since it had it's own display. Also date and time was visible all the time. It was great.

I didn't need a wireless keyboard, but I did need a backlighted one, so eventually I upgraded to Logitech K740 Illuminated Keyboard, and Logitech M705 Marathon mouse. Both were great. Could not be happier. It's pretty much a perfect keyboard, not cheap but not too expensive, and again with a 5 year warranty, so I got a new one when the first one was beaten to death. I've also gone through several M705 mice, they have their button-double-click-issues when they get old, but it takes years.

So when my K740 finally gave up again, I decided it was time to get a new one. There was not a perfect option for me, I didn't want to get another K740 since it was getting old, so after a long wait and a good offer from a local shop, I got this MX Keys keyboard, that seemed good enough on paper. Low profile, full-size, Bluetooth and 3-device connectivity, backlight. Wiereless but rechargeable. I could always use it as a wired keyboard. Or so I thought...

What the hell, Logitech?!

There are two (2) major issues with this keyboard. 1) you cannot use it as a wired keyboard, the USB-C is only for recharging the battery, and 2) the f***ing backlight that is supposed to turn on with some kind of proximity sensor, and it never does when you expect it, but it does on it's own in the middle of the nigth or on other seemingley random occasions. It's driving me crazy! Why, WHY?

I would be perfectly happy with it, if it would work as a wired keyboard when connected with USB-C to the computer, and if the backlight would stay on (or off) when I push a button. But no. It's a deal-breaker for me. I actually had to ditch the keyboard and get a new one. So there you have it. One (1) star. I am disappointed. And sad. And after 30 years, I don't think I'm coming back anytime soon. I've now invested another 100+ € to a mechanical keyboard, that I can fully customize to my liking, so I see no reason to ever go back to a "normal" keyboard. So thank you Logitech, and good bye.

And I did give it time. I tried to get used to it. I had it for almost a year before I had to replace it. The feel is a bit mushy for my liking, but I could live with that. Connectivity works and battery life is decent, I only had to charge it a couple of times.