The Logitech MX Keys Mini keyboard and the Apple Magic Keyboard are among the most compact out there, but needless to say, each one offers a different experience. The former is more versatile and feature-packed, while the latter is the best for the Cupertino brand’s operating systems.
We compare the two to help you decide which one is best for you, regardless of whether you use Windows or macOS.
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Logitech MX Keys Mini vs Apple Magic Keyboard Comparison Chart
| Model | Logitech MX Keys Mini | Apple Magic Keyboard |
 |  | |
| Price | Check Price at Logitech.com | Check Price at Apple.com |
| Key Switches | Scissor | Scissor |
| Backlit | Yes | No |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, Logi Bolt USB Receiver (sold separately) | Bluetooth, wired |
| Multi-Device Connection | Yes, up to 3 devices | No |
| Battery Life | Up to 5 months or 10 days with backlighting on | Up to 1 month |
| Charging | USB-A to USB-C | USB-C to Lightning |
| Wrist Rest | No | No |
| Compatibility | Windows, Linux, Chrome OS, Android, macOS, iOS, iPadOS | Windows, Linux, macOS, iPadOS, iOS |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 11.65″ x 5.19″ x 0.82″ | 10.98″ x 4.52″ x 0.43″ |
| Weight | 1.11 lbs | 0.53 lbs |
| Colors | Pale Gray, Rose, Graphite, Black | Silver |
Design and Build
The Apple Magic Keyboard is smaller and sleeker, but only the Logitech MX Keys Mini has backlit keys.
As mentioned, both are compact, and they’re also minimalistic. But in this regard, the Apple Magic Keyboard takes it up a notch by excluding any kind of branding and sporting a smaller form factor, which arguably makes it look better. To be exact, it measures 10.98” x 4.52” x 0.43” in width, height and depth, respectively. In comparison, the Logitech MX Keys Mini is slightly wider, taller and thicker, measuring 11.65” x 5.19” x 0.82”.
Moreover, the Magic Keyboard has a more premium build quality, boasting an aluminum frame. Sure, the MX Keys Mini looks sleek and somewhat metallic, but it’s made from plastic. And even then, it’s heavier at 1.11 lbs as opposed to 0.53 lbs.
But in the MX Keys Mini’s defense, it’s the only one of the two that has backlighting. You can increase and decrease its brightness manually, but by default, it automatically adjusts based on lighting conditions. What’s more, it has proximity sensors under the hood, so the keys will light up when it detects your hands are near and turn off after being idle for a while.
Basically, the takeaway here is the Magic Keyboard is more portable since it’s lighter and smaller, but the MX Keys Mini has a similar design and gains the edge with its backlit keys, which is a commonly sought-after feature.
Usage and Performance
The Logitech MX Keys Mini provides a slightly better typing experience than the Apple Magic Keyboard.
Neither one of these chiclet keyboards rests flat on a surface. Or in other words, both are at an angle, but the Logitech MX Keys Mini is steeper, which may or may not be a good thing depending on your preference.
Also, both use scissor switch keys. Typically, these have narrow key travel, making for a responsive typing experience. Both have a well-spaced layout as well and the keys are large enough so it’s not too cramped.
All in all, it feels easier to hit the correct keys more often on the MX Keys Mini. That’s thanks in part to their circular indentation as compared to the flat keys on the Apple Magic Keyboard, which is similar to what you’d find on a MacBook. However, what really makes it better is it offers a more satisfying tactile feedback than the Magic Keyboard.
Now neither one will win any awards in latency, as both have a slight but noticeable delay. Put differently, they aren’t suited for gaming. But this can be minimized by using the separately sold Logi Bolt USB Receiver for the MX Keys Mini or using a wired connection for the Magic Keyboard. The two are quiet, though, meaning they’re decent picks for work, especially in noise-sensitive environments.
Click here for our compilation of the best mechanical keyboards for work.
Battery and Other Features
The Logitech MX Keys Mini simply has more features and a longer lasting battery life than the Apple Magic Keyboard.
In terms of battery life, the Logitech MX Keys Mini blows the Apple Magic Keyboard out of the water. It’s rated to last up to five months with backlighting off or up to 10 days with the feature on, while the latter can go for up to two months on a single charge.
The MX Keys Mini uses a USB-A to USB-C cable, which can only be used for charging. That means the keyboard can’t be used wired. To no one’s surprise, the Magic Keyboard uses Apple’s proprietary Lightning port, and as mentioned earlier, it can be used wired for reduced latency.
Of the two, only the MX Keys Mini has software support in the form of Logitech Options. On it, you can set up profiles and remap a couple of the Fn keys. Speaking of, the keyboard also has extra Fn keys, namely emoji, mute and dictation.
Lastly, the MX Keys Mini has multi-device support, allowing you to connect up to three devices via Bluetooth. This lets you switch seamlessly between devices and even allows you to transfer files across platforms.
Variations and Compatibility
The Logitech MX Keys Mini has wider compatibility, and that includes Android, which the Apple Magic Keyboard doesn’t support.
There’s also a Logitech MX Keys Mini for Mac, and the main difference is it has a layout similar to that of a MacBook. Particularly, it has command and option keys. Design-wise, it blends nicely with Apple products.
When it comes to the Logitech MX Keys Mini vs MX Keys, the most obvious distinction is size. As its name suggests, the former is smaller because it does away with the numpad, and it has a few advantages such as the aforementioned emoji, mute and dictation keys and multi-device connection. However, only the full-sized MX Keys is compatible with Logitech’s USB Unifying Receiver.
The Apple Magic Keyboard also has a variety of models. Essentially, they’re all pretty much the same, but you get to choose whether or not it has Touch ID and numeric keys.
As for compatibility, the MX Keys Mini works with Windows, Linux, Chrome OS and Android, and it also plays nicely with macOS, iOS and iPadOS. On the other hand, the Magic Keyboard can’t be used on Android or Chrome OS, but it’s compatible with Windows and Linux aside from macOS, iOS and iPadOS.
Click here for our list of the best mechanical keyboards for Mac.
Verdict
The Logitech MX Keys Mini just offers more and has a wider audience than the Apple Magic Keyboard.
These chiclet keyboards are hard to go wrong with, and they both have a similar price tag. The question then is, which one gives more bang for the buck? Considering compatibility and features, the Logitech MX Keys Mini has the upper hand. After all, it has backlighting and multi-device connection, and it offers a longer battery life, a better typing experience and remappable keys. However, the Apple Magic Keyboard wins in build quality and design because of its aluminum frame and more compact form factor.
FAQs
The Logitech MX Keys Mini uses scissor key switches, providing shorter key travel and quieter typing.
If you’re an iOS, iPadOS or macOS user, then the Apple Magic Keyboard might be a better fit. However, the Logitech MX Keys Mini is better for most folks in general because of its wider support, a longer battery life and features such as backlighting, among other things.
Yes, the Logitech MX Keys Mini is a compact chiclet keyboard with backlit keys, a five-month battery life and more. It’s compatible with the most common operating systems, namely Android, Linux, Chrome OS, macOS, iOS, iPadOS and Windows.
Yes, the Apple Magic Keyboard is a portable and compact keyboard that matches the design of your MacBook, Mac, iPad and iPhone. There’s also a variant with Touch ID that goes well with a Mac, but it should have an M1 chip for the feature to work.