Looking for a new keyboard can be a daunting task, especially for MacBook and iPad users. That is why today, I am comparing the Logitech MX Keys and the less know Satechi Aluminum Bluetooth Keyboard. When looking for a new Keyboard, there are a lot of factors that you need to keep in mind. For example, battery life, portability, comfort, price, and range of different colors available. Hi guys! Welcome back to my YouTube channel, and in today’s video, I am going to tell you what you need to know about these two keyboards and why the Satechi Bluetooth keyboard maybe a better deal! However, before we go any further, make sure you subscribe to this channel, and don’t forget to hit the bell icon so you never miss any updates. Now, without further ado, let’s dive into the video.
Why Logitech MX Keys?
Anyone who has been using computers for any length of time will have heard of the brand Logitech. They are one of the top accessories manufacturers and their products are very good. You will find their products in every box store and online retailers.
The MX Keys is a wireless keyboard with a PREMIUM price and durable build. It has a low-profile design a and excellent features. The keyboard has a good feel that should feel great for those long typing sessions. The keyboard is available on Amazon for $120 but is also available at Best Buy, Staples, and B&H Photo. The MX Keys is not the most expensive keyboard available today when compared to gaming keyboards.
The MX Keys shell is built almost entirely from metal. There are still some plastic components but the overall feel is dense and solid. This keyboard is not a mechanical keyboard but the keys still feel great when pressing them down. The keys provide a nice bounce action which helps with long typing sessions.
The keys are made of plastic that feels a little rubbery, not in a bad way. Each key has a circular depression that forces you fingers to move to the center of the key. This is a nice touch.
The back of the keyboard has the on off switch and a USB-C port for charging. The keyboard’s battery life is good. You can use the keyboard for approximately 10 days with backlighting on and up to 5 months if you turn off the backlight. Then end result is you will not have to constantly charge this keyboard.
One of the most subtle features on this keyboard is the ability to sense your hands approaching and then automatically turning on the backlight. It is a nice feature to have but not necessarily necessary.
The MX Keys can connect to up to three devices at once. You can switch between Mac, IOS, PC, Linux and Android devices. This is great feature if you frequently change devices through the day. The MX Keys measure 0.7” H x 0.5” W x 0.2 D Inch and comes with a one year warranty. Unfortunately the keyboard only comes in one color graphite.
Now if you pair the MX Keys with the MX Master 3 you can combine their 2.4GHZ connections into one receiver which helps open up one more USB port on your device. If USB ports are full then just Bluetooth to connect them. Bluetooth is more convenient but most prefer to use the USB dongle.
Downside to MX Keys
MX Keys is an excellent keyboard and there is not a lot to dislike about it. Here are a few things that I dislike with this keyboard.
MX Keys only has one incline setting. The keyboard is already a low-profile design, that means you are close to your desktop at all times. I believe that Logitech should have offered the ability to have at a minimum three incline settings like on the Logitech G915 keyboard.
Logitech’s software let’s you check your battery level and adjust the function of key shortcuts but it does not do more than that. It would be great if it offered the ability to press a key and see how much battery was left on the keyboard. I find It is a pain to open the software just to check the battery level. It does offer a variety of preset shortcut options but does not allow for more complex tasks and macros are missing. Is this a bad thing. Well, the keyboard is aimed primarily at office use and basic PC tasks but could benefit from allowing macros and more complex tasks.
One drawback for me is that the keyboard does not include an wrist rest. For a premium keyboard it should at least include one. Unfortunately, if you want one be prepared to shell out more money.
Lastly, and the reason why I stopped using the keyboard is the difficulty I had with the keyboard connecting to my iMac. It worked perfectly for about six months then it would not connect to any device. See my video how I result this issue. However, by the time I fixed it I was done with this keyboard.
Why Satechi Aluminum Bluetooth Keyboard?
Satechi has a range of very nice keyboards to work alongside Apple products. This Aluminum Keyboard is a full-size keyboard that is unique considering it is a Bluetooth keyboard. To sizzle the design of this keyboard, Satechi featured scissor switches which give it a more mechanical touch than the ordinary standard membrane keyboards. I have found the typing experience to be enjoyable especially on those long typing sessions.
ONLY AVAILABLE FOR APPLE DEVICES
When comparing it to the Logitech I can tell you that there really is not any difference between the two. Now, the Satechi keyboard is designed specifically to be used with macOS and iOS devices. The keyboard is available in two different colors- silver, and space gray.
USB-C Charging
The Aluminum Bluetooth keyboard is chargeable by a USB-C rechargeable port. One mind-blowing feature is that it can still be used when it is charging but it still requires a Bluetooth connection. It has a battery life of 80 hours. This Satechi 17-panel Aluminum Keyboard appears well-built by its weight and slick design enclosed in a metal-like casing. It offers a full range of keys including brightness, media control, and backlit key options.
BLUETOOTH CONNECTION – NO DONGLE
The Bluetooth option is on the number pad range from one to three. Which makes it useful for three devices where you can switch back and forth from one device to another. The space between the keys plays a vital role in it being comfortable to use while typing. While typing the keypad doesn’t make a lot of noise because of the concave shape of the keys. I find it super comfortable to type on it because of the approximate placement of the keys. This keyboard appears bigger as it has a numeric pad attached to it. It might be handy for a person who types a lot of numbers on a daily basis. Its price begins at eighty dollars on amazon.
Since the keyboard uses Bluetooth there is no need to install any software.
Why does it beat the competitors?
Satechi is durable. It provides more color options to its users and is portable unlike Logitech MX for Mac. Satechi is the more affordable option. Satechi appears slicker and more stylish whereas MX has its battery attached to it on the back. MX keys can be customized though. But the customization is limited to changing shortcut keys to perform other functions. MX has a backlight attached to the keyboard so with the usage of backlight the battery lasts up to 10 days and without the backlight, it surprisingly lasts up to 5 months. It can be charged with a USB-C port. It is also made of Aluminum. All of these keyboards have a scissor-switched mechanism.
Here is a chart for easy refence comparing the two keyboards.
Keyboard | Battery Life | Portability | Comfort | Price | Colors | Backlight | Platforms |
MX Keys | 10 day w/backlight 5 months without | No | Yes | $120 | Graphite | Yes | Mac, PC, Linux, Android, IOS |
Satechi | 10 days w/backlight 100 days without | Yes | Yes | $80 | Graphite & Silver | Yes | Mac, IOS |
Final Thoughts
Logitech is more the expensive option of the two and is not as portable as the Satechi keyboard. The Satechi Aluminum Bluetooth Keyboard is durable, comfortable, portable, affordable, and stylish for its users. I like the fact that Satechi does not require me to download any software. In fact, no software is required at all. I can easily check to see the battery level by pressing a button. Also, I have not had any problems with the keyboard like I did with MX Keys. I really do not notice a difference between the typing experience on either keyboard. TI also like the fact that I can charge the battery and use the keyboard at the same time. For me it was worth switching to the Satechi Keyboard as it has been reliable.
So, if you are in the Apple ecosystem then consider the Satechi Bluetooth keyboard. I have Satechi products in the past and have found them to be reliable. In fact, the last Satechi keyboard I bought still works and now my Granddaughter is using it.
That’s all for today’s video and thanks for watching it. If you liked it, make sure you give it a thumbs up and share it with your friends. Also, if you want to buy this amazing keyboard, I have given the link in the description box below. I will see you in the next video. Take care and stay tuned.
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