by Pia Röder
Okay, I admit it. I hate (h.a.s.s.e.) installing software and getting it to work. I’m a copywriter and use Word, PowerPoint and, if things get stupid, Excel. Unfortunately, there are two laptops here that I have permanently in the office and slowly (after 5 years) I’m getting really fed up with having to move the USB mouse from laptop A to laptop B. Apart from that, laptop keyboards are somehow semi-optimal anyway and not ergonomic at all. I need something simpler, something better. Something that allows me to operate both luggies with one mouse and one keyboard. That’s when I found the MX Keys S Combo from Logitech.
The unboxing experience
I’m not a big fan of the bitten apple, which is why I don’t like all this unboxing hype. The hardware I order comes in black cardboard boxes – cuboid, practical, good. That’s all the unboxing experience I can get as a PC user. So well, I’ll take it. Everything in the box is wrapped in greaseproof paper – keyboard, mouse, silicone wrist-rest cushion (a big hello to all those learning German as a foreign language). But at least it avoids plastic. One UN sustainability target has already been met.
Connection via Bluetooth
The instructions on how to connect the devices to the laptops are printed on the top of the lid. One option: via Bluetooth in just 3 steps. It can’t be any more than that, otherwise I’ll jump off halfway through the user journey. I won’t even try the connection with the logi bolt USB receiver (4 steps). If anyone wants to test it, let me know if it works.
So, Bluetooth switched on in the PC settings. Keyboard MX Keys S switched on at the back, mouse on the underside too. It works. The numbers 1, 2 or 3 flash on the Easy Switch buttons, like children’s television in the nineties. I decide in favour of 3 and press firmly. Last chance… over! MX Master 3 S is connected, says my laptop. Hooray! (I’m annoyed that I didn’t press 1, but never mind now.) The keyboard has secretly connected itself via key 2. Guys… really now.
I ignore the problem and concentrate on connecting to the other laptop. Same game. This time it’s mouse button 2 and it works. Only the keyboard doesn’t work. The setup wizard on mxsetup-logi.com promises help. Clear design, but they have separated “setup instructions” incorrectly. I get sad. At least it’s quick and easy. Switch the keyboard off and on again, press and hold Easy-Switch button 2 until it flashes, enter the PIN in the pop-up on the desktop using the keyboard, enter and you’re done. It wasn’t that difficult for laptop 1 either. Now I can use the mouse and keyboard with both laptops.
Hardware with Fancy Keys
The keyboard has already been extensively discussed in a previous issue: solid, comfortable to type on and easy to charge via USB. I can confirm this. The really cool thing is the function keys at the top. In particular, “Microphone off” when the cat in the background throws up on the carpet during a meeting (or, alternatively, the baby cries in the case of a low A on the Crazy Cat Lady scale). The dictation function at the touch of a button works surprisingly precisely and the one-click calculator is indispensable as a copywriter with three points in the (Hessian) maths A-levels.
While the Logitech software Logi Options is installing, I stroke the ergonomic mouse, which caresses my palm like a Motorola Pebble from 2005. It sits really well in my palm, has a left and right button and a scroll wheel. So far, so familiar. The highlight: I can assign individual functions to the various buttons.
Logi Options software
It has to be said, Logitech has it all when it comes to UX. The software for the keyboard/mouse combination is slim, clean and doesn’t bother me with complicated bells and whistles. I can use it to check the battery charge level on the devices, check for updates and set all the functions. One click in the top navigator takes me to the Smart Actions – the “If this than that” feature for the hardware. I was sceptical at first, but now I use the middle mouse button to open my fee Excel or send the editor-in-chief of this magazine “Entententententente” via WhatsApp. Just the important things. This also works with the keyboard, but unfortunately only with the F keys in the top row. Would like to have 30 pizzas delivered to my ex-boyfriend automatically using the “A” key. Doesn’t work.
There is room for improvement. I will soon see what is possible with Autohotkey (alternatives here: is.gd/remapping). Using Logi Flow, you can theoretically simply switch to the other computer using the cursor and transfer files via copy-paste. Theoretically, because that doesn’t work for me. This is probably because the (customer) laptop does not tolerate such invasive behaviour. This function would actually have been extremely practical, because I wouldn’t have to send files to my own office laptop for printing by e-mail, for example. Installing a third-party printer driver is not an option on the customer’s device either.
Personal conclusion
Even tech n00bs have fun with the MX Keys S Combo. After a bumpy start (the error is usually in front of the computer), the connection for both laptops was quickly set up. Minus point: You have to turn the mouse round each time and press the Easy-Switch on the underside to activate it for the other laptop. However, this is also possible using Windows Powertoys(bit.ly/powertoys_mouse). The Easy-Switches on the keyboard are in the path of my fingers and I deactivate them from time to time. It’s a matter of getting used to it.
But the most important thing: I save a huge amount of time because I no longer have to fiddle around with the USB mouse, I type like a young goddess and everything looks smart (girls love that). Hallelujah.
