Logitech has released new versions of its MX-friendly Mac peripherals and a new K380 wireless Bluetooth keyboard for Apple devices. These are not dramatically different devices than the existing versions that Logitech offers – but that’s a good thing in this case, and it makes the already amazing peripherals an easy standard choice for Mac users.
MX Master 3 for Mac
Credit: Darrell Etherington
The MX Master 3 for Mac is a very slightly modified variant of the MX Master 3 – mainly consisting of a new paint job that is quite similar to the old one. The specs are identical for the Mac-specific version, including the quiet scroll wheel with a maximum scroll speed of 1,000 lines per second and Logitech’s MagSpeed technology, which dynamically enables free-wheel scrolling when you drive fast.
The MX Master 3 for Mac comes with a USB-C to USB-C cable included, instead of using the USB-A to USB-C cable that comes with the non-Mac version it with modern MacBook computers without a dongle. It can run for 70 days on a full charge, and you can use three full hours in just 60 seconds of charging. The mouse uses Logitech’s Darkfield laser tracking, which offers an average accuracy of 1000 dpi and can be tracked on almost any surface. With Logitech’s Easy Switch technology, it can also be used on Macs and iPads to connect to multiple devices.
Regarding the main differences, every owner of the MX Master 3 will find that the MX Master 3 for Mac on the Logitech website only offers Bluetooth connectivity – and does not come with Logitech’s Unifying USB receiver. Connects the peripherals through a dedicated one RF network instead of Bluetooth to increase reliability. That’s strange because the MX Master 3 for Mac definitely still works with Logitech’s Unifying Retriever, and that’s how I set it up with the USB dongle that came with the MX Master Keys for Mac.
Credit: Darrell Etherington
This is noteworthy in that Logitech charges $ 129.99 for the MX Master 3 for Mac – just like the non-Mac version, but without a receiver and as a Bluetooth mouse. It’s a strange choice, but if you’ve used Logitech devices over the years, you’ll likely have a plethora of unified receivers on hand, and the Space Gray color scheme in the Mac version fits the actual Mac hardware better.
In terms of performance, the MX Master 3 for Mac is still one of the best full-size mice you can get. It’s extremely convenient to use, has a set of controls that are customizable with Logitech’s option software, and provides smooth, high-precision tracking and the ability to use it while charging.
MX keys for Mac
Credit: Darrell Etherington
Like the mouse that Mac version of the MX Keys is usually an aesthetic change. It is also designed in space gray to match Apple’s color of the same name. It has contrast-colored black buttons and an upper bar in which the radio and battery electronics are located. The key layout also becomes Mac-specific, eliminating the hybrid key labeling of Logitech’s existing MX keys for actually dedicated command and option keys, as well as a hardware eject key.
Like the Mac Master 3, the MX keys can be used across devices, including those that run MacOS, iPadOS, and iOS. It comes with a USB-C to USB-C charging cable (again more convenient than the USB-A to USB-C charging cable in the standard configuration of the MX keys) and a uniform receiver. It can also connect via Bluetooth and can be connected to up to 3 devices with dedicated keys to switch between the individual devices.
The MX keys are probably already the best choice for a third-party keyboard that provides excellent performance and key feel, unless you are particularly interested in clicking mechanical keyboards. It includes intelligent backlighting that turns on automatically when your hands come close and turns off automatically when not in use to extend battery life. Even though it’s made of plastic, it still feels good and makes it lie flat on your desk. Since it is based on the MX keys, I can also confirm its durability, since I’ve been using this keyboard since its introduction and have had no problems with it at all.
Credit: Darrell Etherington
In terms of battery life, you can expect a useful life of 10 days with the backlight activated. However, if you do without the backlighting, the lifespan is up to five months. And as already mentioned, you can easily charge it directly from your Mac using the included USB-C cable. So you can use it even while charging.
Logitech’s work on the color scheme here really suits the look of Apples Aluminum treatment to the metal-like stains on the space gray surfaces. If you’re already using an MX key, stick with it, but if you’re looking for something new in the market, this is the new best choice for a Mac user – at the same price of $ 129.99 as the original.
K380 Bluetooth keyboard for Mac, iPad and iPhone
The K380 is a much more portable keyboard option with rounded keys and a lighter plastic shell. It is only Bluetooth, but still offers the possibility to connect to these devices immediately. The Mac version is available in either a white or pink version and has Mac-specific keys such as the MX.
Credit: Darrell Etherington
It works on MacOS, iOS and iPadOS and can switch seamlessly between the two. This makes it a great choice for working on the go with a setup that includes both a Mac and your iPad or iPhone. It runs on two AAA batteries (included) and has a useful life of approximately two years for a single couple.
The typing feel is a bit flatter than the MX series, but still impressive. It is almost silent and therefore better suited for use in shared or busy rooms. It is available now for $ 49.99.
Bottom line
Logitech hasn’t reinvented the mouse wheel with any of these products (this was done when the MX Master 3 was originally launched), but these are all welcome updates that make the hardware feel better on Mac and other Apple devices. Even Apple itself charges a premium for the dark-coated versions of its input devices. So it’s nice to see that the prices stay the same with the facelift.
If you’re in the market for new peripherals and don’t yet own the MX series, these are obvious options. The same goes for the K380 for Mac if you want to use a durable all-in-one keyboard for your devices that doesn’t give your backpack too much weight and that looks and feels good.