Two compact Bluetooth keyboards for Mac and iPad users. Based on product documentation, both are compared for feel, connectivity, and portability.
It is a tie. The MX Keys Mini wins for night typists who need backlight and multi-device switching, while the Magic Keyboard wins on battery, portability, and typing feel for a single Apple device.
This is genuinely close at the same $99 price. The MX Keys Mini wins for night typists who need backlighting and multi-device switching; the Magic Keyboard wins for Mac purists who want the slimmest, most native option and never type in the dark.
Logitech MX Keys Mini: The MX Keys Mini is backlit.
Apple Magic Keyboard: The Magic Keyboard has no backlight.
When this matters: Decides it for night typists.
Logitech MX Keys Mini: The MX Keys Mini switches across three devices.
Apple Magic Keyboard: The Magic Keyboard pairs to one device.
When this matters: Matters for Mac-plus-iPad users.
Logitech MX Keys Mini: The MX Keys Mini is excellent but not Apple-branded.
Apple Magic Keyboard: The Magic Keyboard pairs instantly and matches Apple aesthetics.
When this matters: Matters to Apple purists.
| Spec | Logitech MX Keys Mini | Apple Magic Keyboard |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $99 | $99 |
| Backlight | Yes, with proximity sensor | No |
| Multi-device | 3 devices | 1 device |
| Battery Life | 10 days (backlit) | ~1 month+ |
| Charging Port | USB-C | Lightning |
| Typing Feel | Good | Excellent |
| Portability | Good | Excellent |
Night typists and multi-device users who want backlighting.
If you are an Apple purist, the MX Keys Mini feels less native.
Mac purists who value the native feel and never need backlight.
If you type in the dark, the Magic Keyboard has no backlight at all.
This comparison was built from a structured review of official product documentation, published specifications, current pricing, and feature documentation — the same methodology ToolStep describes on the /how-we-test/ page. Because we did not run these products hands-on, we do not claim testing that did not happen.
Based on official product documentation as of June 2026.
Both are excellent. The MX Keys Mini has a true Mac layout with proper Cmd/Option labels, while the Magic Keyboard is native Apple and pairs instantly. The MX Keys Mini is more flexible across non-Apple devices.
Yes if you type in dim environments. With backlight on, expect about 10 days per charge versus months without it. The Magic Keyboard has no backlight but runs for a month or more between charges.
The MX Keys Mini works on Windows with a Windows layout option. The Magic Keyboard works on Windows over Bluetooth but its layout is Mac-specific, so some keys remap oddly.