Logitech MX Keys S vs MX Mechanical: Which Should You Buy?

Most people should buy the Logitech MX Keys S. Its scissor keys type like a very good laptop keyboard: short travel, little noise and a slim profile. Buy the Logitech MX Mechanical instead if you want full mechanical switches. It comes with Tactile Quiet, Linear or Clicky low-profile switches, and Logitech quotes a longer battery life for it. Both are full-size wireless keyboards with a number pad, a backlight that wakes as your hands approach, USB-C charging and Easy-Switch between three devices. For the wider picture, see our ergonomic keyboard and mouse guide.

The short version

• Buy the MX Keys S if you like laptop-style keys, want the quieter and thinner board, or want a color other than graphite.
• Buy the MX Mechanical if you want mechanical switches and a choice of feel, or you want to charge less often.
• Pick Tactile Quiet or Linear on the MX Mechanical if you take calls or share a room. Clicky switches add an audible click on every press.
• Neither is split or curved. For those designs, see our best ergonomic keyboards guide.

MX Keys S vs MX Mechanical at a glance

Battery figures are Logitech’s, and it notes that battery life varies with use and computing conditions.

Scissor keys vs mechanical switches

This is the difference that matters. The MX Keys S uses scissor keys: a small hinged frame under each keycap keeps it level as it goes down, and a rubber dome underneath registers the press. It is the mechanism in most laptops, so the travel is short and the sound is soft. Logitech adds dished keycaps and extra key stability for less noise.

The MX Mechanical has a separate mechanical switch under each key, in a low-profile form that keeps the board far slimmer than a typical mechanical keyboard. Logitech’s own guide explains the three switch types:

• Tactile Quiet: a distinct bump on each press tells you the key has registered. Logitech headlines the keyboard as "Quiet mechanical typing" but publishes no noise figure.
• Linear: a smooth press with no bump and no click.
• Clicky: the same bump as tactile, plus an audible click every time.

Logitech’s guide also notes that loud clicks can distract people in quiet offices and shared spaces. If anyone else hears you type, skip Clicky. Each switch is a separate part number: the MX Mechanical page lists Tactile Quiet as 920-010547, Linear as 920-010548 and Clicky as 920-010549.

If you have never used a mechanical keyboard, the MX Keys S is the safer buy. It feels like what you already type on, only steadier.

Battery, charging and connection

Both run on a 1500 mAh rechargeable battery that charges over USB-C, with an on/off switch and Caps Lock and battery lights. The backlight is what drains it. With the backlight on, Logitech quotes 10 days for the MX Keys S and 15 for the MX Mechanical; with it off, 5 months and 10 months.

Both connect by Bluetooth Low Energy or the Logi Bolt USB receiver in the box, with a 33 ft (10 m) range. Neither works with Logitech’s older Unifying receivers. On some Macs, FileVault can stop Bluetooth keyboards connecting before you log in; Logitech’s fix is to use the Logi Bolt receiver.

Keep the MX Mechanical’s firmware up to date. Logitech’s release notes show that a July 2022 update added a 70 ms delay to stop a key registering twice, and that firmware now comes through the Logi Options+ app, which replaced Logitech’s old Firmware Update Tool.

Size and thickness

The two take up the same desk space: about 17 in (430 mm) wide and 5.2 in (131.6 mm) front to back. Thickness is where they differ. The MX Keys S is 0.81 in (20.5 mm) thick and the MX Mechanical 1.03 in (26.1 mm), so the mechanical board’s keys sit about 6 mm higher. If you want something to rest your palms on at that height, Logitech lists the MX Mechanical as compatible with its MX Palm Rest.

Neither is compact. If your desk is tight or you want the mouse closer, Logitech also makes the MX Keys Mini and MX Mechanical Mini, which drop the number pad. We have not covered those here.

Operating systems

Both list Windows, macOS, Linux, ChromeOS, iPadOS and Android over Bluetooth, and the MX Mechanical page adds iOS. Basic typing works without software on all of them. Logi Options+, which remaps keys and changes backlight settings, runs on Windows and macOS only. With the Logi Bolt receiver, both list Windows, macOS, Linux and ChromeOS.

Which should you buy?

• Most people: the MX Keys S. Scissor keys are familiar, quiet and slim.
• You want mechanical switches: the MX Mechanical. Choose Tactile Quiet if you are unsure, Linear for a smooth press, and Clicky only if you work alone.
• You take calls at your desk: the MX Keys S, or the MX Mechanical in Tactile Quiet or Linear.
• You hate charging: the MX Mechanical lasts longer on Logitech’s figures, and turning the backlight off stretches either one to months.
• You want a color: the MX Keys S, the only one sold in Pale Gray and Black.
• You use Linux or an iPad: either works over Bluetooth, but Logi Options+ needs Windows or macOS.
• You want a split or curved layout: neither. Start with our ergonomic keyboards guide, and pair the keyboard with a mouse from our vertical mouse vs trackball comparison.

Key feel is personal. If you are torn, buy from a store with an easy returns policy and give the keyboard a full working week.

How we chose

We have not tested these keyboards. We compared them on what Logitech publishes for both: key mechanism, layout, battery, connection, size, weight and operating systems, plus its firmware notes. The full-size layout of the MX Keys S is confirmed by an Office Depot listing, and the scissor mechanism by Logitech’s MX Keys spec sheet and a Best Buy listing. We link to Logitech’s own store and to other sellers that list the exact model.

Related guides

• Ergonomic Keyboards and Mice: How to Choose: the full guide to keyboards, mice and desk setup.
• Best Ergonomic Keyboards for Long Workdays: split, curved and wave keyboards compared.
• Vertical Mouse vs Trackball vs Standard Mouse: pick the mouse to pair with either keyboard.
• Home Office Setup Guide: how the keyboard fits with the desk, chair and monitor.