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Logitech’s New Mac-specific Mouse and Keyboards Are the New Best Choices for Mac Input Devices – TipsClear

Posted on the 14 July 2020 by Thiruvenkatam Chinnagounder @tipsclear

Logitech has released new versions of its MX devices in Mac compatible finishes, as well as a new K380 wireless Bluetooth keyboard designed for Apple devices. These are not radically different devices from the existing versions offered by Logitech - but that's a good thing in this case, and it elevates what were already incredible devices to obvious default choices for Mac users.

MX Master 3 for Mac

The MX Master 3 for Mac is a very slightly modified variant of the MX Master 3 - consisting mainly of a new paint job that actually looks quite closely to the old one. The specifications are the same for the Mac-specific version, including its silent scroll wheel with a maximum scrolling speed of 1000 lines per second, and Logitech's MagSpeed ​​technology which dynamically allows freewheeling scrolling when you go quick.

The MX Master 3 for Mac comes with a USB-C to USB-C cable in the box, instead of the USB-A to USB-C cable supplied with the non-Mac version, and it's much more convenient for charging and use it without dongle with modern MacBook computers. It can run for 70 days on a full charge and you can get three full hours of use in just 60 seconds of charge. The mouse uses Logitech's Darkfield laser tracking which provides an average resolution of 1000 dpi and the ability to track on virtually any surface, and it can also work on Mac and iPad with Logitech Easy-Switch technology to connect to multiple devices.

In terms of major differences, the main thing that all owners of the MX Master 3 will notice is that the MX Master 3 for Mac is listed as offering only Bluetooth connectivity on the Logitech website - and that it is not comes with the Logitech Unifying USB receiver, which connects its peripherals via a dedicated RF network instead of Bluetooth for greater reliability. It's strange, because the MX Master 3 for Mac certainly works with Logitech's Unifying Retriever, and that's exactly how I set it up, using the USB dongle that came with the MX Master Keys for Mac.

This is remarkable because Logitech charges $ 129.99 for the MX Master 3 for Mac - the same as the non-Mac version, but it doesn't include the receiver and is billed like a Bluetooth mouse. It's a bit of a strange choice, but if you've used Logitech equipment over the years, you probably have an abundance of unifying receivers on hand, and the Space Gray color on the Mac version matches Mac hardware better. real.

In terms of performance, the MX Master 3 for Mac is still one of the best full-size mice you can get. It is extremely comfortable to use, has a healthy range of customizable controls with Logitech Options software, and provides smooth, high-precision tracking, with the ability to use it while charging.

MX keys for Mac

Like the mouse, the Mac version of the MX Keys is above all a cosmetic change. It is also designed in space gray to match the Apple color of the same name, and it includes black buttons in contrasting color and a top bar that houses the wireless electronics and the battery. The key layout is also Mac-specific, moving away from labeling hybrid keys to existing Logitech MX keys for dedicated command and option keys, as well as a hardware eject key.

Like the Mac Master 3, MX keys can work on all devices, including those running macOS, iPadOS and iOS. It comes with a USB-C to USB-C charging cable (again, more practical than the USB-A to USB-C in the standard configuration of MX keys) and a unifying receiver. It is also able to connect via Bluetooth and can be connected to up to 3 devices with dedicated keys to switch between each.

The MX keys are already probably your best choice for a third-party keyboard that offers excellent performance and a feeling of touch, unless you are specifically in clickable mechanical keyboards. It includes a smart backlight that turns on automatically when your hands get close and turns off automatically when not in use to preserve battery life. Although it is plastic, it still looks heavy the right way, making sure it lies flat on your desk. Since it is based on MX keys, I can also attest to its durability, since I have been using this keyboard since its launch and I have had no problems with it so far.

In terms of battery life, you can expect 10 days of use with the active backlight - but if you do without the underlying lighting, it will last up to five months. And as mentioned, it's easy to charge directly from your Mac with the included USB-C cable - which also lets you use it while charging.

Logitech's color scheme work here really does a good job of matching Apple's look aluminum treatment, up to metallic speckles on space gray surfaces. If you're already using an MX key, stick with it, but if you're looking for something new, it's 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 ability to connect to these devices at once. The Mac version is available in white or pink, and it has Mac-specific keys like the MX.

It works on macOS, iOS and iPadOS, and can switch between each one seamlessly, making it a great choice for working on the go with a configuration that includes both a Mac and your iPad or iPhone. It is powered by two AAA batteries (included) and is rated for approximately two years of use on a single pair.

The typing feel is a little less deep than the MX series, but still impressive, and it is almost silent, which makes it better for use in shared or occupied spaces. It is now available for $ 49.99.

Conclusion

Logitech hasn't reinvented the mouse wheel with any of these products (it already did with the original launch of the MX Master 3), but these are all welcome updates that make its hardware feel more comfortable with 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 the prices stay the same with the facelift.

If you're looking for new devices and don't already own the MX series, these are obvious choices. Ditto for the K380 for Mac if you want a durable all-in-one keyboard to use on all your devices that won't add too much weight to your pack, and that looks and feels great.


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