Mx keys or MX keys for Mac?

[TrancyGoose]

Folks,

I am torn.

I want to get a MX keys keyboard for my Macbook. (Personal daily driver)
But, I also use a Chrome OS device for work, yes, we are a G-Suite company

I am thinking, with that combo, would you get the Mac version or the regular version? Considering the combo I am going to be using it with, also I think I will get a PC for gaming whenever we get back to office and I want to play some games.

I plan Chrome OS with the Dongle and Mac with Bluetooth.

I am tempted for Mac version, but regular seems to be more universal.

Has anyone used any of those and can help me pick?

 

[LeeW]

I am using the non-mac version of MX Keys and the MX Master 3 mouse, standard version only.

Using it for 3 devices.

1. PC
2. Mac Mini
3. Chromebook

All I can say is they both work perfectly across all 3 devices. I often have to switch from one to another as I use them all at the same time, with no issues. Don't use the USB dongle, just connect via the Bluetooth available in each device.

 

[TrancyGoose]

I am using the non-mac version of MX Keys and the MX Master 3 mouse, standard version only.

Using it for 3 devices.

1. PC
2. Mac Mini
3. Chromebook

All I can say is they both work perfectly across all 3 devices. I often have to switch from one to another as I use them all at the same time, with no issues. Don't use the USB dongle, just connect via the Bluetooth available in each device.

Thank you, so it can switch via a switching button?

Also, when connected to a Mac via Bluetooth, are you able to input pass on the login screen? Is it a laptop? There are reports that it won't allow entering a pass due to Mac OS architecture key something on the login screen.

 

[LeeW]

Thank you, so it can switch via a switching button?

Yes, there are 3 buttons on the keyboard, you just pair each device to 1, 2 or 3.

are you able to input pass on the login screen? Is it a laptop? There are reports that it won't allow entering a pass due to Mac OS architecture key something on the login screen.

Works absolutely fine, I am using a Mac Mini. In fact, there is more delay on Windows picking up the keyboard, macOS has been flawlessly connecting at startup using the internal Bluetooth in the Mac Mini.

 

[TrancyGoose]

Yes, there are 3 buttons on the keyboard, you just pair each device to 1, 2 or 3.



Works absolutely fine, I am using a Mac Mini. In fact, there is more delay on Windows picking up the keyboard, macOS has been flawlessly connecting at startup using the internal Bluetooth in the Mac Mini.

Excellent, because my MX Master 3 for mac, does not work until you actually log in! ))

 

[LeeW]

my MX Master 3 for mac, does not work until you actually log in!

Odd, mine works fine on the login screen and it's not the Mac version. Are you using the logitech usb dongle?

 

[TrancyGoose]

Odd, mine works fine on the login screen and it's not the Mac version. Are you using the logitech usb dongle?

See the thing is, I haven't bought the Keyboard yet, this is why I am asking.
I own Mx Master 3 for Mac, it has no dongle, only Bluetooth.
Now, I just figured it out. I turned off Filevault and the mouse now works on login screen, I was suspecting the same will happen with the keyboard, which is why I asked before purchasing it. I don't really need FileVault, since I keep all my docs and data on OneDrive, and there is actually nothing on my mac. Would not recommend for someone who uses Mac as storage.

I was really torn between the Mx Keys and Mx keys for mac, but to me, regular version is just more universal.

As soon as my keyboard arrives I will try it out both with and without FileVault and see if behaves same on Bluetooth.

 

[LeeW]

See the thing is, I haven't bought the Keyboard yet, this is why I am asking.

Yeah, I meant the mouse. And Filevault was going to be my next question to ask if it was on as I don't use it. It will cause issues.

 

[Big Bad D]

When using Logitech dongle, MX Keys works without any problem at login with Filevault on. I use MX Keys for Mac, as only have Macs. It’s a great keyboard.

 

[mk313]

Just saw this now, but I went through the same exact issue two weeks ago. Ultimately, I also decided to go with the universal version (using for a Personal Mac, Work Windows laptop & iPhone) and it works great. The Mac version also works on Windows, but I like that the universal version has both the Mac & Windows markings on the keys (Cmd/ Alt, Opt/ Start, etc), whereas the Mac version only has the Mac Markings. While the Mac version looks cleaner, I'm not good enough with Windows keys to know what all of the modifier keys (Start, etc) map to on the Mac side.

Definitely recommend the universal version.

 

[G10]

Does anybody know if the MX keyboard will work in recovery mode? or when trying to get into recovery mode?
or certain function such as resetting the NVRAM
I have an older Mac Pro 2012 and I'd like to know if anybody has any experience with this

thanks

 

[TrancyGoose]

Does anybody know if the MX keyboard will work in recovery mode? or when trying to get into recovery mode?
or certain function such as resetting the NVRAM
I have an older Mac Pro 2012 and I'd like to know if anybody has any experience with this

thanks

Well, if it won't work on Bluetooth or dongle, hook it up via cable and I am pretty sure it will work! Can't get any simpler than that. Technically should work on dongle, maybe via Bluetooth with Filevault disabled.

 

[G10]

Thanks for the reply @TrancyGoose but I currently don't have the MX keyboard I am trying to ensure that it does work before I invest in one.

 

[TrancyGoose]

Thanks for the reply @TrancyGoose but I currently don't have the MX keyboard I am trying to ensure that it does work before I invest in one.

I don't see why it would not work via dongle, or via cable definitely, if all fails.

 

[xraydoc]

I'm not sure the MX Keyboard supports wired mode. It'll charge via cable, but not sure it'll connect with anything but BT or the RF dongle.

 

[TrancyGoose]

I'm not sure the MX Keyboard supports wired mode. It'll charge via cable, but not sure it'll connect with anything but BT or the RF dongle.

Pretty sure, recovery mode will work just fine with the dongle.

 

[xraydoc]

Pretty sure, recovery mode will work just fine with the dongle.

Yes, 100% agree. But just pointing out that I don't think that keyboard supports a true hard-wired mode.

 

[Binary Wizzard]

Honestly I think it depends on the setup.

The reason I prefer using the Unifying dongle is because I have a MX Master 3 mouse and for some reasons it has some hiccups on Bluetooth. Nothing major, but it's noticeable, so I use the dongle for both MX Keys and the mouse.

But the keyboard itself has been working fine on Bluetooth. I use both a Mac M1ni and a POS Dell Laptop and it works perfect.

 

[henry72]

See the thing is, I haven't bought the Keyboard yet, this is why I am asking.
I own Mx Master 3 for Mac, it has no dongle, only Bluetooth.
Now, I just figured it out. I turned off Filevault and the mouse now works on login screen, I was suspecting the same will happen with the keyboard, which is why I asked before purchasing it. I don't really need FileVault, since I keep all my docs and data on OneDrive, and there is actually nothing on my mac. Would not recommend for someone who uses Mac as storage.

I was really torn between the Mx Keys and Mx keys for mac, but to me, regular version is just more universal.

As soon as my keyboard arrives I will try it out both with and without FileVault and see if behaves same on Bluetooth.

I would just get the normal version, my thinking is it would be easier to sell if you want to in future. However, in your case I would suggest the Mac version simply to match your MX Master 3 for Mac. The colours is slightly different as you know.

I have recently discovered a way to resolve the FileVault issue is to use the Logitech dongle. I would not recommend anyone to turn FileVault off at all.

 

[neilw]

I can't speak to the choice of which version to get, but I will say that I have the MX Keys at work that I use with my Windows machine, and I really really like it. Have been tempted to get one for home, but looks like I'll get the extended keyboard with my new (not yet ordered) iMac.

 

[Roadster Lewis]

I have also been looking at the universal version of this keyboard, as I work between a company supplied Dell laptop and my iMac, which is soon to be replaced with an MBP. Does the Mx Keys only work via Bluetooth when logged in if FileVault is enabled? I don't mind occasionally having to use the RF dongle for troubleshooting etc, but would prefer to use Bluetooth AND FileVault day to day.

 

[filbert42]

I don't see why it would not work via dongle, or via cable definitely, if all fails.

Well, I gad to use a wired keyboard and mouse to set up my MX Keys and MX3 mouse with the dongles. Couldn't work out another way to do it.

 

[TrancyGoose]

I have also been looking at the universal version of this keyboard, as I work between a company supplied Dell laptop and my iMac, which is soon to be replaced with an MBP. Does the Mx Keys only work via Bluetooth when logged in if FileVault is enabled? I don't mind occasionally having to use the RF dongle for troubleshooting etc, but would prefer to use Bluetooth AND FileVault day to day.

I have a similar setup, personal MB pro, company-issued Chrome OS device, I use MX Keys universal on both, so I have the dongle connected to Chrome OS device and Bluetooth to my Macbook, at least when it's docked.

I disabled FileVault, but based on MX master 3 for mac behaviors, with FileVault enabled, it does not pick it up on Bluetooth, I suspect it's likely the same on the keyboard. So, use it on Bluetooth on your work device, and dongle for mac. Otherwise, it's an excellent keyboard, and what is most important, this one is universal. Backlit, battery life exceeds the 10 days Logitech promises. So, I am happy with the setup I currently have.

 

[Roadster Lewis]

I have a similar setup, personal MB pro, company-issued Chrome OS device, I use MX Keys universal on both, so I have the dongle connected to Chrome OS device and Bluetooth to my Macbook, at least when it's docked.

I disabled FileVault, but based on MX master 3 for mac behaviors, with FileVault enabled, it does not pick it up on Bluetooth, I suspect it's likely the same on the keyboard. So, use it on Bluetooth on your work device, and dongle for mac. Otherwise, it's an excellent keyboard, and what is most important, this one is universal. Backlit, battery life exceeds the 10 days Logitech promises. So, I am happy with the setup I currently have.

That isn't ideal, as I was hoping not to need to use a USB port on the Mac and switching Filevaut off is not an option.

 

[TrancyGoose]

That isn't ideal, as I was hoping not to need to use a USB port on the Mac and switching Filevaut off is not an option.

see, I don't store documents on the actual mac itself, I keep sensitive stuff on a cloud ... I guess you have to think about your particular workflow. But, I have to say, that majority BT keyboards won't work with Filevault on BT. (I have tried), even keyChron fails here so does the Mac-specific keys version. Compromise is an apple keyboard, but no backlight and ridiculous money! Believe me, I spent a long time on it before paying for this keyboard! Good luck.