Logitech MX Mechanical Mini: A Practical Keyboard for Professionals, but Not for Tinkers

Throughout its history, Logitech has consistently released a variety of mainstream keyboards, including numerous versions of its G-series designed for gamers. After making a foray into the market with the MX Keys and more recently the MX Keys Mini in India, Logitech has taken a significant step by introducing the MX Mechanical and MX Mechanical Mini, marking their inaugural entry into the mechanical keyboard category within the MX series.

With a price tag of Rs. 17,495, it might appear excessively pricey at first sight, regardless of whether you’re a fan of mechanical keyboards. Personally, I find the Logitech MX Mechanical Mini to be the more intriguing of the two wireless options due to its compact and portable design, which would greatly benefit users who frequently transition between home and office environments and need a portable keyboard. So, is Logitech’s debut mechanical keyboard in the MX series worth it? After using the MX Mechanical Mini for more than a month, here are my thoughts.

Logitech MX Mechanical Mini pricing in India and unboxing

The full-sized Logitech MX Mechanical keyboard retails for Rs. 19,999, while its mini counterpart is priced at Rs. 17,495. A difference of Rs. 2,504 may not seem significant, but it does make the Mini feel slightly overpriced. Inside the box, Logitech includes a USB Type-A to Type-C cable for charging and a Logi Bolt dongle for wireless usage.

I received the MX Mechanical Mini equipped with linear switches, which are relatively quiet and not very clicky; however, they do come with certain drawbacks that we will discuss later. Currently, only the linear switches are available, but Logitech informs us that brown switches will soon be offered in India.

Design of the Logitech MX Mechanical Mini

Both the MX Mechanical Mini and the MX Mechanical are designed as low-profile mechanical keyboards and are available in a single color known as Graphite. The keyboard’s bottom case is made of plastic, whereas the top case, as per Logitech, is crafted from low-carbon aluminum. It is claimed that approximately 47 percent of the plastics used in the Mini derive from post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials.

The layout of the Logitech MX Mechanical Mini keyboard is 65 percent.

 

Although the keyboard has a plastic base, it surprisingly feels quite robust without any noticeable flex. Weighing 612g, this sturdiness primarily comes from its metal faceplate and mechanical switches. An LED indicator is positioned at the top-right corner of the keyboard face, displaying pairing and battery status. The compartment for the rechargeable battery is concealed behind a sticker and is accessible, but Logitech advises that battery maintenance should be performed at a service center.

Logitech provides two levels of height adjustment for the keyboard. The first option keeps the keyboard flat on the three rubber stoppers, which creates a slight incline due to the keyboard’s tapered design. The second position involves extending the feet, resulting in a more pronounced incline, which some users may prefer. Personally, I opted to use the keyboard without the feet extended but still required a wrist pad, despite the MX Mechanical Mini being noticeably slimmer than typical mechanical keyboards. This contrasts with the Logitech MX Keys Mini that I reviewed earlier, which doesn’t necessitate a wrist pad and is considerably more compact.

The keycaps of the Logitech MX Mechanical Mini feature a two-tone design. Logitech chose grey for several function keys (F1-F4, F9-F12), most of the alphanumeric keys, and the cursor keys, while black is used for the remainder. This two-tone appearance, coupled with subtle white-only backlighting, gives the keyboard a stylish and professional look, making it suitable for use in any workplace or home office setup.

The Logitech MX Mechanical Mini supports six lighting patterns; shown here is the ‘waves’ mode.

 

Since it lacks flashy RGB lighting, Logitech has opted for lighting effects, which is a nice touch. One of the volume control keys also functions as a lighting key, allowing users to cycle through six lighting patterns, including a static mode. Much like the MX Keys Mini (Review), the backlighting system automatically dims after five seconds of inactivity to conserve power. While I typically avoid RGB lighting, I would have appreciated some subtle RGB customization, particularly given the keyboard’s steep price in India.

The keyboard features a 65 percent layout, which may feel a little too compact for some users, as the cursor keys are directly adjacent to the alphanumeric keys. Those who prefer a full-sized 100 percent layout (like the MX Mechanical) will find it more suitable for stationary use at home or in the office without the need for portability.

Performance of the Logitech MX Mechanical Mini

The Logitech MX Mechanical Mini utilizes the Logi Options+ application, similar to the MX Master 3S mouse. Together, they form an excellent pairing, with the keyboard fully compatible with Logitech’s Flow feature, enabling users to operate both systems and copy/paste files across devices seamlessly. Unlike Apple’s Universal Control, which is limited to macOS and iPadOS, Logitech’s Flow works across various platforms.

Logitech’s software allows users to customize the MX Mechanical Mini easily. The interface is intuitive, facilitating setup and customization. While the customization features may not match those found on high-end enthusiast mechanical keyboards (such as advanced macros), they are adequate for average and professional users.

The MX Mechanical Mini’s back case is crafted from plastic.

 

This includes adding app-specific profiles, assigning keys for specific functions (such as launching an application), or customizing keyboard shortcuts for specific applications. The Options+ app also displays the battery status of connected devices in percentage and allows for changing the function of the Function key. The customizable keys include Delete, Home, End, Page Up, and Page Down, while the F1, F2, and F3 keys are reserved for switching and pairing with up to three Bluetooth devices.

The wireless performance of the Logitech MX Mechanical Mini was generally reliable, although I experienced occasional disconnections with my 2018 MacBook Pro, which were infrequent. If you do encounter disconnections, the included Bolt receiver can be used for a more stable connection. This reliability is vital, as users will likely customize numerous functions that may be disrupted by connection issues.

The version of the Logitech MX Mechanical Mini that I reviewed featured low-profile Kailh Choc Red switches.

 

The ABS keycaps have a non-slip finish and a pleasant texture. These low-profile keycaps are not replaceable, nor are the switches, which are soldered onto the PCB. Thus, it won’t appeal to those seeking to modify or customize their typing experience.

Typing on the Logitech MX Mechanical Mini with the low-profile Kailh Choc Red switches provided a decent experience. While all keys except the space bar have a slight wobble and produce a somewhat scratchy sound while typing, these low-profile switches deliver a soft click that feels a bit mushy and operates relatively quietly. They necessitate minimal actuation force with a pre-travel distance of only 1.3mm as opposed to typical switches which allow for around 2mm of pre-travel.

The extendable feet provide an 8-degree incline.

 

The Choc Red switches do not provide tactile feedback with a small bump, which is often beneficial for heavy typists. Due to their linear nature and short pre-travel distance, I frequently made typing errors as they felt overly sensitive. Traditional Red switches would have performed better, though at the expense of portability and comfort. If you type frequently, I would recommend waiting for the availability of brown switches in India or exploring alternative keyboards.

Battery performance on the Logitech MX Mechanical Mini is commendable, largely advantageous due to its intelligent backlighting system. The keyboard lasted around two months on one charge, which is quite impressive for a compact wireless mechanical keyboard.

Conclusion

Options for low-profile mechanical keyboards in India are somewhat limited. A few brands (Keychron, Redragon, etc.) provide wireless mechanical keyboards in India with decent customer support besides Logitech, yet none officially sell low-profile models. There are numerous options, such as NuPhy’s Air 75 or Keychron’s K3, available for import but none readily accessible for immediate purchase online or at physical stores. Brands like Redragon, Razer, and Logitech’s G series also produce mechanical keyboards (featuring traditional switch profiles), but those are primarily aimed at gamers rather than dedicated typists.

The Logitech MX Mechanical Mini will attract users seeking a more functional typing experience without excessive flashiness in a mechanical keyboard. It caters well to professionals (content creators and developers) who can maximize the usability provided by Logitech’s Flow and customization options. While it lacks hot-swappable components or modification opportunities commonly found in similarly-priced wireless keyboards with traditional-sized switches, the strong software support and customization features offer noteworthy benefits, marking Logitech’s core strength. True mechanical keyboard enthusiasts might want to look elsewhere as there are superior alternatives available through import.

Ratings out of 10

• Design: 8
• Performance: 8
• Value for money: 6
• Overall: 8

Pros

• Exceptional build quality
• Enjoyable typing experience
• Intelligent backlighting
• Adjustable keyboard height
• Outstanding battery longevity
• Robust companion application, customizable keys

Cons

• Sound quality is subpar
• Lacks RGB lighting options
• Soldered switches are not replaceable
• Battery is not user-serviceable

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