MX KEYS mini KX700GRd Review: A Partner That Dramatically Changes Work Efficiency with Superb Typing Feel and Space-Saving Design
To you, the remote worker or writer who sits in front of a PC every day, typing thousands or tens of thousands of characters. Are your fingertips, shoulders, and arms accumulating fatigue without you even realizing it?
I, too, once thought, "All keyboards are the same" or "Anything is fine as long as I can type." However, having followed gadgets for over 15 years, I can state with certainty: investing in the tools you use every day is the most efficient way to improve your quality of life (QOL).
What I am introducing this time is the tenkeyless keyboard that many professional users praise as the "final form," the Logitech MX KEYS mini KX700GRd.
If you read this article to the end, you will clearly understand why this compact device has captivated so many minimalists and creators. Find the hints to transform your desk work from "labor" into a "pleasant experience."
Why does the MX KEYS mini continue to be chosen by "writing professionals"?
I will give you the conclusion first. The MX KEYS mini is chosen because it realizes "overwhelming improvement in work efficiency" and "a superb typing feel that clings to your fingertips," while also saving desk space.
For those who have been using full-sized keyboards or the cheap ones that come with PCs, switching to this keyboard will surely be an "entrance to a different world."
The magic of the "Perfect Stroke Keys" that guide your fingers
The biggest feature of the MX KEYS mini lies in the spherical indentations on the surface of the keys, the "Perfect Stroke Keys." The appeal is the feeling of fitting your fingertips that allows you to capture the center of the key as if it were clinging to your fingers the moment you place them down. Because you can press accurately even if your fingers are slightly off-center, it reduces unnecessary correction work and leads to a drastic reduction in typing errors. Furthermore, despite being a scissor-switch type like a laptop, it has a solid 1.8mm stroke and a fatigue-reducing structure that allows you to feel a moist, elegant rebound.
When you actually use it, the typing sound is very quiet and elegant, like a soft "tap-tap" or "click." You don't have to worry about bothering those around you when working in a quiet room late at night or taking notes during a web conference.
The "shoulder relief" and "work efficiency" brought by being tenkeyless
Many people tend to choose a full-sized (with numeric keypad) keyboard for the vague reason that "numbers are easier to type." However, that numeric keypad might actually be the cause of your stiff shoulders.
By going tenkeyless, the width of the keyboard is compacted to about 70%. First, by minimizing the range of motion for your right hand, the distance to the mouse is shortened, and the burden on your shoulders and arms is dramatically reduced. Also, you can place notebooks or documents in the freed-up space, and the desk can be used more widely, allowing you to obtain a minimalist desk environment. And because you can type on the keyboard in the center of your body and operate the mouse right next to it, it naturally creates the effect of improving your posture based on ergonomics.
This benefit of "being able to place the mouse nearby" is greater than you might imagine. This is because when working for long hours, the accumulation of those few centimeters of movement manifests clearly as fatigue at the end of the day.
Speaking from personal experience, the pros and cons of the MX KEYS mini
No matter how excellent a gadget is, it has its pros and cons. As an affiliate writer, I will dare to tell you "the honest truth."
Pros: Fusion of luxury and functionality
With a moderate weight of about 500g and a robust chassis using a metal plate, there is an overwhelming sense of stability that prevents the keyboard from shifting while typing. The Easy-Switch for 3 simultaneous connections that allows you to instantly switch between PC, tablet, smartphone, etc., with one button is also a convenient feature. It has excellent compatibility with the iPad, and for those who use the iPad as their main work machine, there is no other keyboard that is this easy to carry and has no compromises in functionality. Furthermore, the smart backlight that lights up when you bring your hands close and turns off when you move them away increases your motivation to face your desk.
Cons: Points to know before purchasing
The main unit has a tilt that makes it easy to type, but there is the point that the angle cannot be adjusted. Connection is mainly via Bluetooth, but if you want to use the more stable proprietary communication "Logi Bolt," the Logi Bolt receiver is sold separately, and you need to purchase it separately. Also, as a trade-off for being compact, some keys such as the arrow keys are designed to be small.
Solution: Regarding the angle, you can adjust it to your optimal height by using a palm rest. Also, with recent PCs, Bluetooth connection provides sufficient stability, and if you use it with a Logi Bolt-compatible mouse (such as the MX Master 3S), you can share a single receiver, which is efficient.
Why the Amazon-exclusive model "KX700GRd" is a smart choice
Now, you might be curious about the model number "KX700GRd" seen in searches and what the "d" at the end means. This refers to the Amazon-exclusive model.
The main differences from the standard model are as follows. While the standard model has a 2-year warranty, the Amazon-exclusive model has a 1-year warranty due to a shortened warranty period. In return, the price is often set about 1,000 yen lower, making it excellent in cost performance. Furthermore, there are benefits such as the inclusion of Amazon-exclusive digital wallpapers.
For those who think, "Logitech products are durable, so a 1-year warranty is enough" or "I want to get it as cheaply as possible and use the saved money to buy a new mouse," this Amazon-exclusive model is perfect. Especially during sale periods, it can be priced surprisingly low, so checking frequently is essential.
Customize it into your "personal machine" with Logi Options+
To bring out the true potential of the MX KEYS mini, installing the dedicated software "Logi Options+" is essential.
With this software, you can freely customize the function keys at the top. If you use emojis frequently, set an "emoji key"; if you have many web meetings, a "mic mute key"; or shortcuts to launch specific apps instantly. By simply setting these to match your workflow, your work efficiency will jump up several levels. The feeling of creating your own "magic wand" is irresistible for gadget lovers.
Summary: The MX KEYS mini will be the best investment you make for yourself
The MX KEYS mini KX700GRd is not just an input device. It is a "partner" for turning your thoughts into reality without stress.
Comfortable typing makes writing fun, and the tenkeyless space-saving design keeps your desk neat. With a luxurious design, it not only boosts your motivation for work but also features a fatigue-reducing design, making long hours of writing effortless.
If you are currently feeling even the slightest discomfort with your typing environment, it might be time to pick up the MX KEYS mini.
The initial investment is in the mid-10,000 yen range, which might feel a bit expensive for a keyboard. However, it is a tool you will touch for 8 hours every day, over 2,000 hours a year. Considering the benefits that comfort brings to your work speed and health, it will pay for itself in just a few months.
Bring a superb typing experience to your desk. Why not start a new writing life with the MX KEYS mini?