Unboxing the MX Keys Mechanical
We brought the new MX Keys Mechanical keyboard into our design space for a review. Follow along with Sean, Ken and Nick as they proclaim opinions on Logitech’s design choices—from keycap layout to material highlights, and compare it to the rest of the MX Keys and Apple Magic lineup.
Unbox Redux
Sean: Technically, we unboxed this last week… Ben's been using it.
Ken: But we still have the box, so it's back in the box now.
Nick: And now it's unboxed! Let's dig in.
Ken: But we still have the box, so it's back in the box now.
Nick: And now it's unboxed! Let's dig in.
![](https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0245-mx-keyboard-G2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=200&s=7a8cd6f008ad373e8ba1d653b33b9947 200w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0245-mx-keyboard-G2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=300&s=ceedc25f5bb71d0620fbfd17e1864099 300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0245-mx-keyboard-G2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=500&s=1e511b4360ac8bf7da3e8d3d7d5f4aa3 500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0245-mx-keyboard-G2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=700&s=e5e86d65f04510e92bc5aa55f7977f91 700w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0245-mx-keyboard-G2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=900&s=06cb8ccac498f23e36cb9a43d7462c32 900w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0245-mx-keyboard-G2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1100&s=4780e1a88b39cef3143b2b0c446a79e7 1100w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0245-mx-keyboard-G2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1300&s=acb6a52e6c41c818cc4caa057b41813e 1300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0245-mx-keyboard-G2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1500&s=8cdcedfb3403a80e000c186da5c3f055 1500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0245-mx-keyboard-G2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1800&s=88239451cbd0720de08afef6b944a6dc 1800w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0245-mx-keyboard-G2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2250&s=9a85ae0ddc7d0c5970ad06721014d583 2250w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0245-mx-keyboard-G2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2500&s=dc5852785d6cc490a20cf842e89fdbf1 2500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0245-mx-keyboard-G2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=3000&s=da426ea38b5d146df9b60d94197a5050 3000w)
MX Keys: Mechanical v. Regular
Sean: They're close, but yeah I'd say the MX Keys is a bit heavier than the mechanical.
![](https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=200&s=8246463d8653763a687ceb1ed967e3ef 200w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=300&s=35ddf070e4897a055bb7bd0ccf3a5b65 300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=500&s=f67bfa022a80240d1efe6186a663e892 500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=700&s=0cb989a46bb2d1a54f4e859c9c881395 700w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=900&s=9daab79fda4e897157f7a5514e61b835 900w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1100&s=c07dd386b95063a984b2a7ddece33bfa 1100w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1300&s=a53477c039a0b652e99c71fa70d190ac 1300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1500&s=989104478bc704413b492637a329643c 1500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1800&s=7da9156ceabbe2d52e8e83bdc350cfba 1800w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2250&s=9dc60261e28f7cfebe753599dc2b70dd 2250w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2500&s=367eec3c3f39412c997497ce5d56221e 2500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=3000&s=008d535d26d42a2e530a8a94151461fb 3000w)
The regular MX Keys feels more solid. That's really surprising since this is all plastic.
KEN TOMITA
Co-Founder
Nick: I just saw on the bottom that there’s an adjustable mount to adjust the height of the back, which the MX Keys does not have.
Ken: The MX Keys only has one height. This one has probably an eight degree height change [to prop it up higher].
Ken: The MX Keys only has one height. This one has probably an eight degree height change [to prop it up higher].
On Design Language Continuity
Ken: I really like that the design language is really consistent and carries over. The MX Keys has more of this bubbly look to it, lots of rounded surfaces that don't necessarily line up. Then what I like about the mechanical is that the bump out in the back actually lines up to the edge. It still has that same flavor, but just a little more streamlined.
![](https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0245-mx-keyboard-H1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=200&s=72e1527e09dd85cbca042016ca431ac5 200w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0245-mx-keyboard-H1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=300&s=72a143cb3758b5243ca5327e646635fd 300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0245-mx-keyboard-H1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=500&s=9c7382547102301bcb05431a9152a2d3 500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0245-mx-keyboard-H1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=700&s=3b95264688f806fb7624332170d1cfd2 700w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0245-mx-keyboard-H1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=900&s=05fa479c8b018c65f86cff9789b44e24 900w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0245-mx-keyboard-H1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1100&s=09f472e9f90a0dedb853ac95e41a7a10 1100w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0245-mx-keyboard-H1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1300&s=7986cd4f56e5a0069ee3623f6669d618 1300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0245-mx-keyboard-H1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1500&s=a0896067c38e88785da48624c93ccbed 1500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0245-mx-keyboard-H1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1800&s=5b57f22e8fc95b5981f17bf866996f3d 1800w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0245-mx-keyboard-H1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2250&s=2e0a37bc413733919cb6c8f70c7b03e1 2250w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0245-mx-keyboard-H1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2500&s=f790691066a39d95db9c56c163377deb 2500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0245-mx-keyboard-H1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=3000&s=6879a9da57f99a32a7b83a14f0b90492 3000w)
Sean: On the MX Keys the keys feel really premium themselves, because they have that circular interior. I like those keys better, and I wish that I could have a similar looking key on this one, with that round indent. But if you superimposed the round indent onto this, it doesn't really work. Right?
![](https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0245-mx-keyboard-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=200&s=33c3c5d9b58fad9da6930cf8665860c3 200w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0245-mx-keyboard-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=300&s=e360746d5ec836a845d4779f5e7a7c47 300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0245-mx-keyboard-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=500&s=ef4df3a69367b14b704176da33054a3e 500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0245-mx-keyboard-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=700&s=acb3d87832e9b14474aeedcb15500542 700w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0245-mx-keyboard-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=900&s=a5a189cb23dcdd63e46326770bf76fb2 900w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0245-mx-keyboard-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1100&s=b8fba05df7baf00cd0485ce2d1274ef0 1100w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0245-mx-keyboard-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1300&s=26a453251367c26a50902c4bf62ddd80 1300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0245-mx-keyboard-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1500&s=b0c09632a4922ba048058a9dbbe56472 1500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0245-mx-keyboard-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1800&s=88a5423f1c5603f15ad340eee799d6c6 1800w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0245-mx-keyboard-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2250&s=2f7ffbc807f60fae48d40b0b82387eeb 2250w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0245-mx-keyboard-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2500&s=dcd7e9f6cd6efc05db5723bbe4f5be89 2500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0245-mx-keyboard-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=3000&s=7ffd8af0965d641c8e7ded61a04dc823 3000w)
Nick: The MX Mechanical is $150 to $170 in price. MX Keys is $100 for the mini and $120 for the full.
Ken: Basically $50 extra for the travel and click. It does feel more premium though, because of the switches.
Ken: Basically $50 extra for the travel and click. It does feel more premium though, because of the switches.
Let’s Talk Materials
Sean: They had to strike a middle ground. They weren't trying to design a $500 keyboard. They're trying to make something for the most volume. It needs to be a little nice, so they have one nice material.
Ken: Yeah, on the top.
Ken: Yeah, on the top.
Sean: This machined aluminum with this beautiful chamfer. It's a 16th of an inch thick. The rest is injection molded plastic.
Ken: Look at the iPhone 5, or iPhone 4: chromed out chamfer on the edge of that metal.
Sean: Yeah. It's really nice. It pops right there. This one feels more premium than MX Keys.
Ken: Look at the iPhone 5, or iPhone 4: chromed out chamfer on the edge of that metal.
Sean: Yeah. It's really nice. It pops right there. This one feels more premium than MX Keys.
![](https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0245-mx-keyboard-E1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=200&s=4993153d4b38927a2709751534472242 200w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0245-mx-keyboard-E1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=300&s=2c736aee24e5f9c7fee677821f41f6d6 300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0245-mx-keyboard-E1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=500&s=e693b99cf0324f4a398d72c0dfc59b95 500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0245-mx-keyboard-E1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=700&s=a6d93040bede98c47ad49e8612235825 700w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0245-mx-keyboard-E1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=900&s=718cfb2e5337d01be598114f78771482 900w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0245-mx-keyboard-E1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1100&s=0c855b774c26d4cdc1e809e34d619de8 1100w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0245-mx-keyboard-E1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1300&s=5f38a39ccec3b57431760986163a662f 1300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0245-mx-keyboard-E1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1500&s=4ce71df1f8b81aababdf66f3826e124f 1500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0245-mx-keyboard-E1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1800&s=5fac2f93d5ae9c121266eaf7ed2bfc11 1800w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0245-mx-keyboard-E1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2250&s=83437bd0dcbbb7accbaac84d4044dd31 2250w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0245-mx-keyboard-E1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2500&s=62f8b2edff971fd7f367db5044bc459e 2500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0245-mx-keyboard-E1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=3000&s=1a4e6dfc34bf2a044079c0ff5952d3fc 3000w)
Debate: Floating v. Enclosed
Sean: The first thing that really stood out to me about the keyboard was that the keys are floating. I really like that. When I think mechanical, I want to see the mechanism. I really like seeing under those keys, having them float. The lighting feature helps.
![](https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0245-mx-keyboard-C1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=200&s=eb480a1eb908521ef4a428db8b0fad99 200w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0245-mx-keyboard-C1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=300&s=0d0b6127f430399c4d9ac0fc9bc91a98 300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0245-mx-keyboard-C1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=500&s=0d65211ee2db644aecb77d60902d93c8 500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0245-mx-keyboard-C1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=700&s=c28d5d98fe54891f0b4e405fa6b9a3f2 700w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0245-mx-keyboard-C1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=900&s=1c83e67b337cd274bceffe62268ba40c 900w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0245-mx-keyboard-C1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1100&s=93240ad98b05d0080b09806d70052fdb 1100w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0245-mx-keyboard-C1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1300&s=ec04d600e74c5a4f28e33d07d3e51de5 1300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0245-mx-keyboard-C1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1500&s=a47928cb891514b34606b95f892d05c0 1500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0245-mx-keyboard-C1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1800&s=5caa7a2e131b26a79aaef583f77871cc 1800w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0245-mx-keyboard-C1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2250&s=a3829e8dbeb5a8e07a9fd1e739340f48 2250w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0245-mx-keyboard-C1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2500&s=03ead2460471411afdda7fd24ae17f84 2500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0245-mx-keyboard-C1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=3000&s=f77a391ca672d6880de45cd4ca9808f1 3000w)
![](https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=200&s=8246463d8653763a687ceb1ed967e3ef 200w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=300&s=35ddf070e4897a055bb7bd0ccf3a5b65 300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=500&s=f67bfa022a80240d1efe6186a663e892 500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=700&s=0cb989a46bb2d1a54f4e859c9c881395 700w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=900&s=9daab79fda4e897157f7a5514e61b835 900w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1100&s=c07dd386b95063a984b2a7ddece33bfa 1100w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1300&s=a53477c039a0b652e99c71fa70d190ac 1300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1500&s=989104478bc704413b492637a329643c 1500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1800&s=7da9156ceabbe2d52e8e83bdc350cfba 1800w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2250&s=9dc60261e28f7cfebe753599dc2b70dd 2250w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2500&s=367eec3c3f39412c997497ce5d56221e 2500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=3000&s=008d535d26d42a2e530a8a94151461fb 3000w)
All right. Perfect. This is not just for the drama of our episode, but I disagree. I think it's really distracting seeing the guts. Actually…that’s a food crumb.
KEN TOMITA
Co-Founder
Sean: You got some stuff in there.
Ken: I got some fried chicken. Maybe it's easier to clean out though, because they're raised. But I also feel like I might break it, because it's exposed.
Sean: This is all about surfaces, and floating surfaces on surfaces. I really like that stacking effect that happens.
Ken: There are more shadows. Also, it's not very bulky, because of this decision they made to expose the keys. But the type that I like have the keys recessed into the body. It's playful looking. The keys look vintage. Here they’re bringing in modern elements with the exposed keys.
Ken: I got some fried chicken. Maybe it's easier to clean out though, because they're raised. But I also feel like I might break it, because it's exposed.
Sean: This is all about surfaces, and floating surfaces on surfaces. I really like that stacking effect that happens.
Ken: There are more shadows. Also, it's not very bulky, because of this decision they made to expose the keys. But the type that I like have the keys recessed into the body. It's playful looking. The keys look vintage. Here they’re bringing in modern elements with the exposed keys.
Grid Over Staggered Rows
Ken: There's something that bothers me about the keyboard. See if you guys can guess.
[Nick and Sean cannot guess]
Ken: See, over here the number pad is a perfect grid. The part where you type your letters is usually offset. Right?
[Nick and Sean cannot guess]
Ken: See, over here the number pad is a perfect grid. The part where you type your letters is usually offset. Right?
![](https://siteleaf.grovemade.com/uploads/GMP0245-mx-keyboard-A1.gif 200w,https://siteleaf.grovemade.com/uploads/GMP0245-mx-keyboard-A1.gif 300w,https://siteleaf.grovemade.com/uploads/GMP0245-mx-keyboard-A1.gif 500w,https://siteleaf.grovemade.com/uploads/GMP0245-mx-keyboard-A1.gif 700w,https://siteleaf.grovemade.com/uploads/GMP0245-mx-keyboard-A1.gif 900w,https://siteleaf.grovemade.com/uploads/GMP0245-mx-keyboard-A1.gif 1100w,https://siteleaf.grovemade.com/uploads/GMP0245-mx-keyboard-A1.gif 1300w,https://siteleaf.grovemade.com/uploads/GMP0245-mx-keyboard-A1.gif 1500w,https://siteleaf.grovemade.com/uploads/GMP0245-mx-keyboard-A1.gif 1800w,https://siteleaf.grovemade.com/uploads/GMP0245-mx-keyboard-A1.gif 2250w,https://siteleaf.grovemade.com/uploads/GMP0245-mx-keyboard-A1.gif 2500w,https://siteleaf.grovemade.com/uploads/GMP0245-mx-keyboard-A1.gif 3000w)
But here the first two rows are totally lined up on a grid, then the remaining rows are staggered. Who knows how prevalent that is, but it just caught my eye. Something's off.
Sean: Once you see it, you can't unsee it.
Ken: Somebody's making these decisions, right? I wonder if that throws people off—if you're a keyboard nerd, or somebody like my brother who basically types for a living.
Sean: Once you see it, you can't unsee it.
Ken: Somebody's making these decisions, right? I wonder if that throws people off—if you're a keyboard nerd, or somebody like my brother who basically types for a living.
MX Keys Mechanical v. Apple
Ken: I actually like that they offset the cord, the plug, for plugging in the keyboard. It's not directly in the middle. It clears up space behind the keyboard for other things that you might need.
Apple's goes straight out the back. I think it’s very functional to put it to the side.
Apple's goes straight out the back. I think it’s very functional to put it to the side.
![](https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-walnut-desk-collection-keyboard-galb-F2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=200&s=26bfd055df98ee47fe854a5c73d0034f 200w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-walnut-desk-collection-keyboard-galb-F2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=300&s=8c76606d136efebc49cbca4cbd78083a 300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-walnut-desk-collection-keyboard-galb-F2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=500&s=aa5d2f8a216e8e74dcc96df33d158400 500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-walnut-desk-collection-keyboard-galb-F2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=700&s=f8cd78506ad663b0e173282f899bba4c 700w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-walnut-desk-collection-keyboard-galb-F2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=900&s=800397f0c8a470bc08c8ed9d51eba1d4 900w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-walnut-desk-collection-keyboard-galb-F2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1100&s=a1068c23cd3733d6d6c9e18649215294 1100w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-walnut-desk-collection-keyboard-galb-F2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1300&s=177db37c6a464b3f4179b0fa3147032d 1300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-walnut-desk-collection-keyboard-galb-F2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1500&s=d9e62f4fd11d5f0eebfd4ba5a2a6d56c 1500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-walnut-desk-collection-keyboard-galb-F2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1800&s=daca31d76a1a8e86b230a9c3f31e8b1c 1800w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-walnut-desk-collection-keyboard-galb-F2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2250&s=d451248f48fc77ac030c051232b40610 2250w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-walnut-desk-collection-keyboard-galb-F2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2500&s=220ae8f7891a6721ac82e078fe62f854 2500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-walnut-desk-collection-keyboard-galb-F2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=3000&s=3ef403bebc9e81951248463578df889f 3000w)
![](https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fsean-A4.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=200&s=44be4df449b9e222bcf444376355aca7 200w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fsean-A4.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=300&s=1aa7f233707327de750efb3acdc81e54 300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fsean-A4.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=500&s=2ab40399ad5e05ac60aa59613dc7df1d 500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fsean-A4.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=700&s=fce466501e506cc99367b1c06f740a25 700w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fsean-A4.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=900&s=0a83d6cce681c9c554eabfd7b6c54425 900w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fsean-A4.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1100&s=3b79a17a1dca558d812d72a79fe6af6a 1100w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fsean-A4.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1300&s=1998f08efba41a4e67d7dc65f3585049 1300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fsean-A4.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1500&s=5112896fc4da043a87bb843b761c18b6 1500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fsean-A4.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1800&s=1118c57f8fa2a7ce35a4aec48ed58ae8 1800w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fsean-A4.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2250&s=4a56a298eb6d867a516f4f2b61970ee7 2250w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fsean-A4.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2500&s=f175f87f2c0f79c1ccb14f90aae0b8c4 2500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fsean-A4.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=3000&s=b44a3179bd50099fb783080001d6031c 3000w)
Yeah it’s really nice. Why did Apple put theirs in the middle? It's annoying, once you point that out.
SEAN KELLY
Lead Product Designer
MX Mechanical v. Other Mechanicals
Sean: My question is, are these switches proprietary or are these the ones that are usually on mechanical keyboards? Because, I know nothing.
Ken: Logitech’s probably big enough that they can develop their own solutions.
Nick: Yeah. I remember that they don't use Gateron or MX Cherry. They use the colors, but not the third-party manufacturers.
Ken: Logitech’s probably big enough that they can develop their own solutions.
Nick: Yeah. I remember that they don't use Gateron or MX Cherry. They use the colors, but not the third-party manufacturers.
![](https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0245-mx-keyboard-D1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=200&s=68e0d10cdc3dc81006571aac082c172e 200w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0245-mx-keyboard-D1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=300&s=8ff1f2f0b891025ff60fc74a4c6b2f81 300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0245-mx-keyboard-D1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=500&s=b84718594ec63e9a75f59c78ca7ba65a 500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0245-mx-keyboard-D1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=700&s=b76fced4bbc494f690dc809cd1e8258b 700w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0245-mx-keyboard-D1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=900&s=a7cf48bcb4fc4e9ee73cd70c38b0795f 900w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0245-mx-keyboard-D1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1100&s=3017630eb02c52253f6880d9bc4cf2c4 1100w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0245-mx-keyboard-D1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1300&s=05f73f05545b71742b61456638692783 1300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0245-mx-keyboard-D1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1500&s=8cc31d68d1f262188575e4dcc48053df 1500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0245-mx-keyboard-D1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1800&s=e1372e288b06f6b8b03ddca9532df393 1800w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0245-mx-keyboard-D1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2250&s=e128bd76b4666ed2e48c120fa37c2bcd 2250w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0245-mx-keyboard-D1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2500&s=3e3e61fd467d061ef178f6ca3aef1e0f 2500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0245-mx-keyboard-D1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=3000&s=f89b345484ca5b9a57ccc1962aab8986 3000w)
Ken: This is not targeted towards hardcore keyboard people who want total customisability.
Sean: This is someone who just wants a mechanical keyboard to get up and go.
Sean: This is someone who just wants a mechanical keyboard to get up and go.
![](https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=200&s=8246463d8653763a687ceb1ed967e3ef 200w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=300&s=35ddf070e4897a055bb7bd0ccf3a5b65 300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=500&s=f67bfa022a80240d1efe6186a663e892 500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=700&s=0cb989a46bb2d1a54f4e859c9c881395 700w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=900&s=9daab79fda4e897157f7a5514e61b835 900w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1100&s=c07dd386b95063a984b2a7ddece33bfa 1100w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1300&s=a53477c039a0b652e99c71fa70d190ac 1300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1500&s=989104478bc704413b492637a329643c 1500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1800&s=7da9156ceabbe2d52e8e83bdc350cfba 1800w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2250&s=9dc60261e28f7cfebe753599dc2b70dd 2250w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2500&s=367eec3c3f39412c997497ce5d56221e 2500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=3000&s=008d535d26d42a2e530a8a94151461fb 3000w)
I think it just provides more of that tactile feel that people are looking for, but in a more modern style.
KEN TOMITA
Co-Founder
Sean: It's approachable. If you're doing the work that we're doing professionally and you're working from home, I'm not going to buy myself a mechanical keyboard that I have to put together, because I want to just get my setup dialed and go.
Closing Thoughts
Ken: My big revelation is this emoji key (F6). That is...I want one.
Nick: I appreciate, Ken, that now I cannot unsee this grid up here and it's really disturbing.
Sean: Ken's ruined the keyboards. But it functions great.
Ken: And it definitely looks good with walnut.
Sean: Yeah. It looks really good with the walnut.
Nick: I appreciate, Ken, that now I cannot unsee this grid up here and it's really disturbing.
Sean: Ken's ruined the keyboards. But it functions great.
Ken: And it definitely looks good with walnut.
Sean: Yeah. It looks really good with the walnut.
![](https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0245-mx-keyboard-coverB-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=200&s=eb37016256680a145db14bd6a6695e51 200w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0245-mx-keyboard-coverB-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=300&s=edc984a8cee0995e1892a758b2c05514 300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0245-mx-keyboard-coverB-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=500&s=9954b02de34a155ccb5d0b96668a27ed 500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0245-mx-keyboard-coverB-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=700&s=1c45f6c84b8f134cd6d636c85acc0085 700w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0245-mx-keyboard-coverB-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=900&s=c2759bb69029fd21894f4ba31fcc12c4 900w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0245-mx-keyboard-coverB-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1100&s=c9c223ed57a758b553599aeb1cdf0e34 1100w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0245-mx-keyboard-coverB-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1300&s=bed2bd4f15f4987b76795210622f5356 1300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0245-mx-keyboard-coverB-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1500&s=ea08d2da353f758763fcbaf20d727196 1500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0245-mx-keyboard-coverB-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1800&s=b2f79508236df6757290898735190d26 1800w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0245-mx-keyboard-coverB-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2250&s=e3e0800c1091bad43c20fa957f37ef8d 2250w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0245-mx-keyboard-coverB-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2500&s=ab053379189f5379f20d029081cbc0a8 2500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0245-mx-keyboard-coverB-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=3000&s=3872f24c5129deb010a3a539ce759127 3000w)