Logitech MX Keys vs Logitech MX Keys S

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Better figure, where one is clearly better

MX Keys compared with MX Keys S
LogitechMX KeysLogitechMX Keys S
Overview
ReleasedSeptember 2019June 2023
Typing
LayoutFull sizeFull size
SwitchesScissorScissor
Key travel1.8 mm1.8 mm
BacklightWhiteWhite
Automatic backlightYesYes
Keys labelled forMac, Windows and moreMac, Windows and more
Touch IDNoNo
SwitchesScissor switches with 60 g actuation force, rated for 10 million keystrokes (function keys 5 million)Scissor switches with 60 g actuation force, rated for 10 million keystrokes (function keys 5 million)
KeycapsSpherically dished keys with a matte coating; MX Keys for Mac has Mac-only laser-printed legendsSpherically dished keys shaped for fingertips
LayoutsMX Keys for Mac in English UK, Danish/Norwegian/Swedish/Finnish, French, German, Italian, Spanish and Swiss (UK store)English UK, English International, Belgian, Croatian/Slovenian, Czech/Slovakian, Danish/Norwegian/Swedish/Finnish, French, German, Hebrew, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, Swiss, Ukrainian (UK store); MX Keys S for Mac in English UK, English International, French, German and Swiss
BacklightA hand proximity sensor turns it on and an ambient light sensor sets the level; eight levels; stays off in bright rooms (over 200 lux) and below 10% batteryA hand proximity sensor turns it on and an ambient light sensor sets the level; seven levels; stays off in bright rooms and below 10% battery; duration and brightness adjustable in Logi Options+
Special keysEasy-Switch keys; Fn + Esc swaps media keys and F-keys; legends for both Windows and Mac (a Mac layout with an Eject key on MX Keys for Mac)Dictation, emoji and microphone mute/unmute keys in the F row; Easy-Switch keys; Fn + Esc swaps media keys and F-keys; legends for both Windows and Mac (a Mac layout on MX Keys S for Mac)
Connections and battery
Connects byBluetooth and USB receiverBluetooth and USB receiver
Devices it switches between33
PowerRechargeableRechargeable
Battery life (maker's claim)Up to 5 monthsUp to 5 months
With the backlight onUp to 10 daysUp to 10 days
ReceiverLogitech Unifying USB receiver included with both versionsLogi Bolt USB receiver included (not compatible with other Logitech receivers); MX Keys S for Mac has none in the box but works with one, which Logitech advises for Macs with FileVault on
Battery life detailRechargeable 1500 mAh battery; Logitech quotes 10 days with backlighting or 5 months with it offRechargeable 1500 mAh Li-Po; Logitech quotes up to 10 days with its default backlight settings or up to 5 months with backlighting off
ChargingUSB-C port at the top right; usable while charging; USB-A to USB-C cable (USB-C to USB-C with MX Keys for Mac)USB-C port at the top right; usable while charging; USB-A to USB-C cable (USB-C to USB-C with MX Keys S for Mac)
Works withAt launch, Bluetooth with Windows 8 or 10, macOS 10.13 or later, iOS 9 or later, Android 6 or later and Linux, and Unifying with Windows 7, 8 or 10, macOS 10.13 or later, Android 6 or later and Linux; MX Keys for Mac lists macOS 10.15 or later, iOS 13.4 or later and iPadOS 14 or laterBluetooth with Windows 10, 11 or later, macOS 10.15 or later, iPadOS 14 or later, Android 8.0 or later, Linux and ChromeOS; Logi Bolt with Windows 10, 11 or later, macOS 10.15 or later, Linux and ChromeOS; MX Keys S for Mac lists macOS 10.15 or later, iOS 14 or later and iPadOS 14 or later
SoftwareLogitech Options at launch, now Logi Options+ (Windows and macOS); Logitech Flow with a Flow-enabled Logitech mouseLogi Options+ (Windows and macOS) for Smart Actions, key customisation and backlight settings; Logitech Flow with a Flow-enabled Logitech mouse
Design
Weight810 g810 g
Width × depth × height430.2 × 131.63 × 20.5 mm430.2 × 131.63 × 20.5 mm
Materials–Low-carbon aluminium key-module bracket; plastic parts include 26% (Graphite, Space Gray) or 11% (Pale Gray) certified post-consumer recycled plastic
ColoursMX Keys for Mac in Space GrayGraphite, Pale Gray (UK store; Black also sold in the US); MX Keys S for Mac in Space Gray and Pale Grey
In the boxKeyboard, Unifying USB receiver, USB-C charging cable, documentationKeyboard, Logi Bolt USB receiver, USB-A to USB-C charging cable, documentation (also sold with MX Palm Rest); MX Keys S for Mac comes with a USB-C to USB-C cable and no receiver
Warranty2-year limited hardware warranty (UK)2-year limited hardware warranty (UK)

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