In the opinion of many, including myself, the Logitech MX Keys S Combo for Mac is the best set that an owner of not only an iMac or iPad, but also a MacBook, can get. This is due not only to the build quality and convenience but also to the well-thought-out software. It has managed to navigate around many pitfalls of the Apple ecosystem.
Specifications
- Keyboard dimensions: 430.20×131.63×20.5 mm
- Mouse dimensions: 51.0×124.9×84.3 mm
- Connection type: Bluetooth low energy, simultaneous connection and switching between three devices, support for Logi Bolt
- Wireless communication range: up to 10 m
- Keyboard battery: Li-Po (1500 mAh), provides up to 10 days of operation with preset settings or up to 5 months without backlight
- Mouse battery: Li-Po (500 mAh), provides up to 70 days of operation with preset settings
- Firmware: Logi Options+ for macOS, support for Logitech Flow
- Compatibility: macOS, iPadOS, iOS
- Warranty: 24 months official manufacturer’s warranty
Video about Logitech MX Keys S Combo for Mac
Price and market position
The cost of the Logitech MX Keys S Combo for Mac is $220, or around 200 euros. It’s clear that this price is not just for the mouse OR the keyboard – it’s for both the mouse AND the keyboard together.
This is probably where I’ll reveal Polischinel’s secret. The Logitech MX Keys S Combo for Mac is a new model, but a set of the familiar Logitech MX Keys S for Mac and Logitech MX Master 3S for Mac.
Neither of these models individually is new to the market, but they are enhanced for Mac devices. Both models are well-known to me and my colleagues. I reviewed the MX Master 3, without the S index, 4 years ago and used it for almost 2.5 years. The enhanced MX Master 3S has only technical differences – slightly better DPI and silent buttons.
We are dealing with models that don’t change visually, but only get minimal internal updates. So, like with the Logitech G502, there’s no point in dethroning the king if the king is still the king. You can simply add an extra diamond to the crown.
Package contents
In the combo set box, I found only one unexpected item – a wrist rest. It’s not magnetic, but it’s well-made and stays in place without slipping.
Next to it, there are the instruction manual and warranty, as well as an explanation of how to remove the battery for disposal. There is also a Type-C to Type-C cable for charging, but it’s just one cable for two devices.
I immediately note that the packaging is made with minimal plastic, and the paper and cardboard are obviously recycled – the plastic of the accessories themselves is 78% recycled Next Life.
Briefly about specifications
I won’t dwell long on the appearance and technical specifications – we have separate reviews for both the Logitech MX Master 3 for Mac (the difference between Master 3 and Master 3S is minimal, as I remind you) and the Logitech MX Keys for Mac. The importance of this text is in how well both of these accessories work together with Apple devices as a set, rather than individually – because the previous reviews were separate.
However, I will still cover the most important features. The Logitech MX Keys keyboard is full-sized, with spherical profile keys and scissor switches.
It looks solid, feels reliable, and essentially sets the standard for premium work keyboards both visually and technically.
The Logitech MX Master 3S for Mac stands out with its well-known profile, as well as its inertia-driven metal wheel with infinite scrolling, side wheel, and a ‘secret’ button under the thumb.
The Logitech MX Keys S Combo for Mac operates via Bluetooth. They do not support wired operation, such as through Type-C, but they do function while charging. There is also support for the Logi Bolt USB adapter, although the adapter itself is not included in the package. Both devices feature support for up to three connection sources, with quick and simple switching between them.
Furthermore, the MX Keys S version of the keyboard features intelligent backlighting that responds to hand proximity and automatically adjusts to the ambient lighting conditions. Meanwhile, the mouse boasts an 8K DPI sensor that performs flawlessly on both a mouse pad and transparent glass surfaces.
Logitech MX Keys S Combo for Mac also supports all the proprietary features of Logi Options+ software. In the program, you can customize almost every function of both the mouse and keyboard, adjust them separately for different programs, and even set up some of the most advanced macros on the market, known as “Smart Actions.” A detailed review will be here soon, and don’t worry, functionally the program has hardly changed, though there have been visual updates.
Audience
Let’s move on to the most important part, starting right here. Testing of the set was conducted on the Apple MacBook Pro M1, and it’s crucial to understand this. Because if you have, say, an iPad or Mac Mini, then the need for a mouse and keyboard is inevitable. The requirement is less with an iPad, but for serious work, it remains high nonetheless.
With the MacBook, it’s different because these laptops have the best trackpads in the world. Here, I’ll note – of course, everyone is different. There are people who can’t do without a mouse even on the newest MacBook models. And there are people who can edit videos in DaVinci Resolve using only the trackpad and never think about a mouse at all.
And when I say that the Logitech MX Keys S Combo for Mac is the best option across all Mac devices, it’s easier for owners of iPads to believe this than for MacBook owners. Although, overall, it’s indeed an objective truth. The combo set isn’t perfect, but it doesn’t need to be perfect. It just needs to be more convenient and functional than the basic set or alternatives. And I’ll explain why that’s exactly the case.
Overall experience
Let’s start with the good news about the set overall. It works for half a year without needing a recharge, and when it does run out, it continues working while charging. Furthermore, in the proprietary utility, you can customize nearly everything you need—from macros to pop-up notifications about Caps Lock.
Separately, however, I must highlight the Logitech Flow feature. This system connects up to three devices simultaneously and allows not only for combining desktops but also supports file transfer and clipboard sharing. In other words, you can copy a file or text on a Windows device and paste it into your MacBook. Unfortunately, this doesn’t work with Linux, but if you have a rendering workstation on Windows and an autonomous MacBook Pro, seamlessly managing them will be a complete pleasure.
The proprietary software also addresses the issue of reverse scrolling and Smooth Scrolling, effectively replacing the need for third-party programs like MOS. I also note that the Caps Lock backlight and keyboard brightness settings appear in a separate dialog window on the screen. This feature is quite peculiar because many people like it, but it once caused a very uncomfortable situation for me personally.
Because the indicator windows appear by default even if you only have a Logitech mouse. You don’t necessarily need a Logitech keyboard, but the indicators will still appear as soon as you install Logitech Options+. Since I rarely use the switches that trigger these indicator windows, when these windows started appearing, I didn’t even think it could be caused by Logitech software.
Logitech MX Keys S
Now, onto the positives. The keyboard in terms of size and layout is ALMOST like the keyboard on a MacBook. If the format is preserved (more on that later), you can switch from one to the other and hardly notice any difference. And as for build quality, there are no complaints whatsoever.
The keyboard is relatively heavy at 810 grams, which prevents it from sliding on the desk, and it’s VERY quiet. The mouse is also quiet, but I’ll discuss that later. The point is, if I had to type text quietly without waking someone nearby, I wouldn’t know what else to choose besides the MX Keys S. Even touch-sensitive keyboards make a certain sound when you tap your fingers on them. And about the wrist rest—it’s personally VERY useful for me, especially when sitting low, as it prevents the desk from cutting into my wrists. Magnets in this situation would be unnecessary.
What didn’t I like about the Logitech MX Keys S? That’s a tough question because all the downsides of the MX Keys are either related to the ecosystem or the laptop format itself. For example, I’m accustomed to not having a Num Pad, and the larger keyboard reduced the space I used for my mouse. But that’s not really a problem with the keyboard, right? However, it does affect the overall experience.
Next, on full-size Apple models, they’ve moved the Fn key to where Delete used to be. If you have keyboards of different formats and sizes (for example, a compact one on a MacBook and a full-size MX Keys S), it’s not very convenient because it’s hard to get used to. So, once again, it’s better to have one without a numeric keypad if possible.
The only downside to the keyboard that I can’t blame on Apple is the labeling on some function keys. The labels on the Windows version are universal, compatible with both systems, whereas on the Mac version, they’re only compatible with Mac. It’s inconvenient, but not critical, as you can simply buy stickers or replacement keys if you find them. And it’s not guaranteed that you’ll need them.
Logitech MX Master 3S
Here I’ll start with the downsides, as they are also the responsibility of the software. Scrolling on macOS with mice, especially on all existing universal mice, works worse than on the trackpad. And no program I know solves all problems—because even Logi Options+ helps somewhere and harms somewhere.
The biggest downside of the Logitech MX Master 3S that many people mention is the coating, but context is crucial here. It’s akin to calling the Intel Core i9-14900HX a downside of a laptop because the laptop can’t run for 8 hours straight while watching videos. The soft-touch coating on the mouse is as comfortable as it is delicate.
And aggressive chemicals like salt or alcohol can corrode it very actively. Therefore, if you have sweaty hands or clean the mouse with alcohol, as I did with my old Logitech MX Master 3 in my infinitely galactic wisdom, the coating will wear off in 2-3 years, or maybe even sooner.
On the other hand, if your hands hardly sweat—because you’re in an office or café with air conditioning—where MacBooks are often used, then the mouse will likely look perfect even after 5, 8, or 10 years.
And about Windows devices, I can’t say the same because the usage patterns are obviously different, and gaming models tend to heat up more. Also, for cleaning the mouse, use monitor cleaning fluid or something more specialized.
I’ll start with the most important advantages of the mouse. Whether the Logitech MX Master 3S is worn out or brand new, it’s essentially the most comfortable mouse you can find. And Apple’s ecosystem hasn’t managed to overcome this. The additional buttons can replace swipes. And I mean fully replace—switching between desktops, minimizing programs, everything in the world. Both in functionality and convenience—especially crucially—you get the speed and precision of a full-size mouse without losing the elegance of a trackpad.
The kinetic scroll is simply incredible. 1000 lines per second—imagine how cool that is. And the side scroll is very helpful in video editing programs. It was relevant many years ago in Adobe Premiere Pro and remains relevant even now in DaVinci Resolve. And don’t forget about the quiet keys. The left and right keys are very quiet; the others are louder, but not too much. All audio tests, I remind you, will be in the video.
Summary
The greatest compliment for the Logitech MX Keys S Combo for Mac is that you won’t miss the trackpad or keyboard for a second. You won’t have issues with gestures, yet you’ll get used to dual scrolling and be able to connect up to three computers with just one peripheral. Even considering its premium price, you won’t find anything better under Apple’s ecosystem.
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