The MX Mechanical exemplifies Logitech’s legacy in keyboard engineering, fusing the productivity chaps of the Master Series with the mechanics of the G-line.
When it comes to computing peripherals, Logitech has built a legacy that’s hard to match. The MX Master Series, for one, is highly regarded for its productivity-enhancing keyboards and mice. While Logitech’s G-line, for gaming, offers a slew of quality gear that have earned rankings on ZDNet’s best lists. Today, Logitech is bringing a new entrant to its MX Master Series; a mechanical keyboard that promises the productivity chaps of its predecessors and the tactile mechanics that professional users have longed for. The MX Mechanical, available in a full size ($169) and Mini ($149), is primed to round out Logitech’s small but mighty ecosystem of Master peripherals. And by borrowing some design cues from the brand’s G-line, Logitech is flexing its own multiverse of madness along the way. The Logitech MX Mechanical, as I mentioned before, comes in two sizes: a full size and a Mini. The former, like other full-sized keyboards, offers a 104-key layout with the number pad and all. Naturally, its 828-gram footprint is heavier than the Mini (87 keys at 612 g) and requires a greater commitment of desk space. Putting the size difference aside, though, you’re looking at two very similar boards. I like that, because no matter your preference, Logitech is fielding the same aluminum frame of matte-treated keycaps. And that combination, from my two weeks of use, has made for an exceptionally premium typing experience. Unlike the previous MX keyboard, which sported scissor-switch keys, the MX Mechanical is built on a foundation of low-profile keycaps and the key switch of your choice. This is where the expertise of Logitech’s G-line comes to play, with key switches that deliver, in my opinion, some of the best sound and feedback out of any pre-assembled keyboard. Here’s a breakdown of the three options, as well as a sound test:
Personally, I went with the linear setup, favoring the improved responsiveness and thumping sound effects. No matter which of the three you choose, though, Logitech will be charging $149 and $169 for the Mini and full size, respectively. (Note that the keycaps and switches are not hot-swappable, so the layout that you decide on is final.)
More: ZDNet’s guide to mechanical keyboards
Logitech made it clear that the MX Mechanical is for professional users and not gamers — and I’m absolutely on board with that. By spending more time unifying the build quality of the keyboard, and less on how users can customize the hardware, the MX Mechanical feels sturdy and durable to type on for hours. Even though the keyboard only comes in a Graphite colorway, it does have some splash of style with the matte-textured, two-toned keycaps.
