Logitech is making the workflow experience more comfortable by expanding the MX series keyboard and mouse peripherals. With the introduction of the full-size MX Mechanical Wireless Keyboard, the compact MX Mechanical Mini Wireless Keyboard, and the MX Master 3S Wireless Mouse—all of which follow the launch of the Lift Vertical Ergonomic Wireless Mouse—users may experience less shoulder and back strain while performing tasks such as editing photos, putting together print or online documents, and programming software. And you can do all this while enjoying the smooth typing and control that the MX series is known for. But with so many options available, figuring out the best setup can be a challenge, which is why I decided to test multiple pairings.
Switching Between MX Mechanical & MX Mechanical Mini Keyboards
As a fan of the MX series and mechanical keyboards, I was excited to learn they have come together. The wireless MX Mechanical keyboards trade out the traditional dish-shaped Perfect Stroke keys for smooth keys and a selection of three different switch types. The clicky switches, as their name implies, have strong audible feedback with each keystroke, while the linear switches offer a quiet typing experience. I decided to go with the quiet, tactile keys, which deliver feedback that's slightly muted compared to the clicky switches.
All recent MX peripherals include a Logi Bolt USB receiver and can be linked with up to three devices at the same time via Bluetooth. You can switch between controlling computers, tablets, and smartphones at the press of a button. Downloading and installing the Logi Options+ software allowed me to link the mouse and keyboard to a single receiver, which saved me a USB port while letting me put receivers on my desktop computer and laptop for secure wireless connections. Adding both devices to a single receiver was a snap using the software. All I had to do was click a button to add a new device, then I entered a keycode to complete the pairing with the detected peripheral. The process was slightly faster than Bluetooth pairing only because the list of detected devices was limited to Logitech MX peripherals.
As with previous MX keyboards, the MX Mechanical has a slim design that still provides a good amount of weight to keep it in place during intense typing sessions. Its backlighting automatically adjusts to your environment and activates when it detects your hands approaching. I almost immediately took to the feedback from the mechanical keys and was able to type notes without significantly disturbing my phone or video calls. Although I was initially concerned about how the thin, raised keys might snag on things when traveling, the keyboard held together while tucked away in my backpack during my daily commute.
The top row of keys includes functions such as instantly muting your microphone, activating voice dictation with compatible applications, and adjusting the screen brightness. The most valuable tools for me were the media controls, the screenshot key, and adding emojis to my communications. Also, while they might not be as exciting as an emoji button, having the search and calculator functions at my fingertips significantly improved my workflow, as does a key that automatically minimizes and brings back all my open windows.
The MX Mechanical Mini offers the same features as its full-size counterpart but is about two-thirds the size, thanks to the lack of a numeric keypad. This size reduction allows it to fit into tight workspaces, including underneath drawing tablets and laptop stands, while making it easier to carry. An added benefit is that the compact design allows you to bring your arms closer to the center of your body, which is a more natural position that became important to me later on.
A Comfortable Fit with the Lift Vertical Ergonomic Mouse
I paired the MX Mechanical Keyboard with a Lift Vertical mouse. As the first-time user of a vertical mouse, the Lift took some getting used to. Sporting a similar look and feel to the MX Vertical Ergonomic Mouse, except that it's designed for small to medium hands, the Lift keeps your hand at a 57 degree angle, which is about the same position as a handshake. The Logi Options+ software let me customize the mouse's 4,000 dpi sensor's sensitivity along with the button and scroll wheel functions to fit my workflow.
Going from a flat mouse to a vertical one wasn't as instant or as natural as I imagined, but I quickly became accustomed to selecting text and clicking on links with the new hand orientation. What impressed me most was how the grip and thumb rest literally lifted my wrist from the desk, so I didn't experience the usual strain or friction I did when using a traditional mouse. I also like how there's a storage area for the Logi Bolt receiver inside the mouse next to the AA battery compartment, making for easier travel and using it with Bluetooth devices.
However, an unexpected issue arose as I used the vertical mouse. The new hand position led me to subconsciously bring it closer to the center of my workspace. As a result, I kept bumping it against the side of the full-size MX Mechanical keyboard, including the very sensitive system lock key located on the upper right corner. With that, it became clear that the Logitech Lift wireless mouse worked best alongside the MX Mechanical Mini keyboard, but your experience may vary, especially if you're using the left-handed version. Also, pairing the Lift's near-silent clicks with linear mechanical key switches helped to create a quiet environment.
Precise Control with the MX Master 3S Mouse
Since my workflow requires a numeric keypad, I decided to switch to the Logitech MX Master 3S wireless mouse. It doesn't have a vertical design, but it is sculpted to fit comfortably into the palm of my hand. Additionally, its 8,000 dpi Darkfield optical sensor, which has twice the sensitivity of the MX Master 3, tracks perfectly on my clear glass desk, allowing me to set my mouse pad aside for a cleaner-looking workspace.
I discovered that the versatile MX Master 3S was a better fit for me, because I frequently switch between using office and creative applications. This mouse hardly produces any noise, with near-silent buttons and a MagSpeed electromagnetic wheel that can precisely browse through content or scroll at 1,000 lines per second. Its side includes a dedicated thumb rest area with two buttons and a secondary wheel that can scroll through video timelines and other horizontal content or customized to control functions such as zoom and brush sizes in applications such as Photoshop.
Having a built-in rechargeable battery means that there's no storage compartment for the included Logi Bolt USB receiver, but it makes up for it by providing up to 70 days of use on a full charge. Recharging the mouse through its USB Type-C port for a minute provides about three hours of use.
Conclusion
Matching the MX Mechanical Keyboard with the MX Master 3S mouse turned out to be the ideal fit for my desktop computer setup. At the same time, the compact MX Mechanical Mini keyboard and Lift vertical mouse became my go-to when working from my laptop and tablet. All these MX peripherals have wireless Bluetooth connectivity in addition to supporting up to three device pairings, so mixing and matching them for the best configuration became a relatively easy process. Also, a single Logi Bolt USB receiver can host up to six devices, so I didn't have to switch receivers whenever I wanted to try something new.
It's also worth noting how liberating it is to have a fully wireless setup. I didn't have to tug against the edge of my desk whenever I moved my keyboard and mouse and risk fraying the cables. As an added benefit, I could also easily set the devices aside and use my desk for other tasks. And if needed, I could pick everything up and move to a different location.
Which wireless keyboard and mouse setup best fits your needs? Do you prefer the full-size MX Mechanical Keyboard or the compact MX Mechanical Mini? Quiet linear keys, audible clicky ones, or quiet tactile switches? Lastly, would you rather enhance your workflow with the Logitech Lift Vertical Ergonomic Mouse design or the highly versatile MX Master 3S at your side? Let us know in the Comments section, below.
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