The Logitech MX Keys S meets
the Aula F75
The best non-mechanical typing experience, with smart backlighting and instant multi-device switching. We tested it head-to-head against the Aula F75 ($48) across 6 key dimensions.
Logitech MX Keys S
“The best non-mechanical typing experience, with smart backlighting and instant multi-device switching”
Head-to-Head Breakdown
Strengths & Weaknesses
Logitech MX Keys S
- Cameron Dougherty Tech's favorite non-mechanical typing feel, concave keycaps guide fingertips perfectly
- Smart proximity backlighting activates as hands approach, ambient sensor auto-adjusts brightness
- Dedicated device-switching buttons swap between 3 computers faster than any competitor
- Near-silent typing won't disturb coworkers or get picked up on business calls
- 5-month battery life with backlight off; broad OS support (Windows, Mac, Linux, ChromeOS, iOS, Android)
- Smart backlighting drains battery from 5 months to ~10 days. Cameron Dougherty Tech verified this
- No wired mode. USB-C charges only, can't use as a wired keyboard
- ABS keycaps develop greasy shine over time; fragile scissor clips break if you remove keycaps for cleaning
- No onboard memory, custom shortcuts require Logi Options+ installed on each machine
- 125Hz polling rate makes it unsuitable for any gaming
Aula F75
- Switch and Click praised 'creamy' gasket-mount typing feel that rivals keyboards three times the price
- Tri-mode connectivity (Bluetooth, 2.4GHz dongle, and USB-C wired), the MX Keys S lacks wired mode entirely
- Hot-swappable switches, volume knob, RGB, and 5-layer sound dampening, all at $48
- 4,000 mAh battery and 1,000Hz polling rate (wired/2.4GHz), usable for gaming too
- Double-shot PBT keycaps won't develop the greasy shine that ABS keycaps do
- Switch and Click warned the software requires downloading a 'sketchy' app that barely works, no VIA or web-based remapping
- All-plastic chassis with slightly uneven gasket mount, some keys feel softer than others
- Keycap legend printing errors spotted on some units
- Linear switches only, no tactile or clicky option available out of the box
- 75% layout means no numpad, data-entry users should look at the Epomaker Galaxy 100 instead
The Verdict
Our Bottom Line
The Logitech MX Keys S won because it solves a problem no mechanical keyboard even attempts: making a desk keyboard feel as natural as a laptop keyboard, but better in every way. Cameron Dougherty Tech, who used it daily for years before reviewing it, found the concave scissor-key design guides your fingertips into exactly the right position on every keystroke. That sounds like a small thing. It adds up over 8 hours of typing.
Logitech MX Keys S
The Logitech MX Keys S won because it solves a problem no mechanical keyboard even attempts: making a desk keyboard feel as natural as a laptop keyboard, but better in every way. Cameron Dougherty Tech, who used it daily for years before reviewing it, found the concave scissor-key design guides your fingertips into exactly the right position on every keystroke. That sounds like a small thing. It adds up over 8 hours of typing.
- You prefer flat, laptop-style typing and want the best version of that experience on your desk
- You switch between 2-3 computers throughout the day and need instant device swapping
- You work in a shared or open-plan office where typing noise matters
- You want backlit keys that auto-adjust to your room lighting without manual controls
- You use both Mac and Windows and need one keyboard that handles both without physical toggles
Aula F75
The Aula F75 costs $48. Read that number again, because the feature list makes no sense at this price. Gasket mount, tri-mode wireless (Bluetooth, 2.4GHz dongle, and wired), hot-swappable switches, a volume knob, RGB, double-shot PBT keycaps, and five layers of internal sound dampening. Those are features you normally see on $120-$150 keyboards.
- You want satisfying mechanical key feel and don't want to spend more than $50
- You work from home where typing noise isn't a concern for coworkers
- You can live without a numpad (75% layout) or already have a separate numpad
- You want a wired USB-C fallback option that the MX Keys S doesn't offer
- You want a keyboard that doubles for gaming after hours (1,000Hz polling rate)