Two of the best wireless keyboards for Mac at the same price point — but they excel in completely different areas. The MX Keys wins on typing depth and versatility; the Magic Keyboard wins on Apple integration and desk aesthetics.
You type a lot and want a more satisfying, deeper keystroke. The MX Keys' spherical key caps and backlight make it the better choice for long writing sessions and multi-device use.
You're all-in on Apple and want the cleanest integration. Auto-pairing with your Mac, Touch ID (on the with Touch ID model), and a slim profile that matches Apple hardware perfectly.
| Spec | Logitech MX Keys | Apple Magic Keyboard |
|---|---|---|
| Key Travel | 1.8mm | 0.8mm (scissor switch) |
| Backlight | Yes (smart backlight) | No (standard) / Yes (with Touch ID version varies) |
| Multi-Device Pairing | Up to 3 devices (Easy-Switch) | 1 device at a time |
| Battery Life | ~10 days (backlight on) / 5 months (off) | ~1 month |
| Charging | USB-C | Lightning (older models) / USB-C (newer) |
| Touch ID | No | Available (with Touch ID model) |
| Layout Options | Full-size with numpad / Compact (S version) | Multiple: standard, with Touch ID, with Touch ID + Numpad |
| Weight | 810g | 243g |
| MSRP | $99 | $99–$129 |
The MX Keys has 1.8mm of key travel — more than twice what the Magic Keyboard offers. The spherical key caps are designed to cradle your fingertips, which reduces lateral finger movement and makes longer typing sessions noticeably more comfortable. If you write for hours at a stretch, you will feel the difference.
The Magic Keyboard uses Apple's scissor-switch mechanism, which is reliable and consistent but deliberately shallow. Apple optimized for thinness and portability rather than typing depth. For people who grew up on MacBook keyboards, it will feel natural and familiar. For touch typists who prefer a more tactile keystroke, it can feel like typing on glass.
Neither keyboard is mechanical — both are low-profile membrane or scissor switch designs. If you want mechanical key feel, you'll need to look at third-party options. But within the low-profile category, the MX Keys is the better keyboard for serious typists.
If you're already happy with your MacBook's built-in keyboard, the Magic Keyboard will feel identical. If you've always found MacBook keys too shallow and wanted more travel, the MX Keys is a significant upgrade.
The MX Keys has a smart backlight with proximity sensing — it turns on automatically when your hands approach and off when you move away. This is genuinely useful in dim environments and saves battery compared to a always-on backlight.
The standard Apple Magic Keyboard has no backlight at all. The Magic Keyboard with Touch ID and the larger numpad version also lack backlighting. If you work in dim lighting conditions or like to type in the dark, this is a meaningful gap.
The MX Keys supports Easy-Switch pairing with up to three devices simultaneously. Press a button on the keyboard to switch between your Mac, iPad, and Windows PC. For people who work across multiple machines, this is a significant productivity feature.
The Apple Magic Keyboard pairs with one device at a time. Switching devices means going into Bluetooth settings, disconnecting, and re-pairing. Not impossible, but noticeably more friction than the MX Keys' one-button switching.
When you plug an Apple Magic Keyboard into a Mac with a cable or pair it via Bluetooth, it just works — no setup, no software, no driver installation. The function keys map perfectly to macOS shortcuts. The layout is optimized for macOS with Command, Option, and Control keys exactly where macOS expects them.
The Touch ID model adds the ability to unlock your Mac and authenticate purchases with your fingerprint, which is a feature no third-party keyboard can offer. If you frequently authenticate with Face ID on your iPhone and wish your Mac had a similar feature, this is the closest you can get without an M-series MacBook.
The MX Keys works excellently with Mac, but requires the Logi Options+ software to remap keys properly. Without it, some media and function keys may not behave as expected. The software is free and straightforward, but it's an extra setup step.
Prices fluctuate, so check all options below for the best current deal.
Affiliate Disclosure: Sun Remarketing is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. Prices are accurate at the time of publication but may change. Read our full disclosure.