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Logitech MX Keys
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models work with all the streaming services. To Wireless
control other smart home devices? Again, these
devices tend to only work with a subset of other Keyboard
devices, so cross-check for compatibility with Alexa
(Echo), Google Assistant (Nest), or Siri HomeKit
(HomePod). Several months ago, I
It is still early days for these devices. purchased Logitech’s
They require patience to set up, and they are not flagship MX Master 3
interchangeable. Plus they raise security concerns. mouse. It is a right-
Despite these issues, expect smart speakers wiU handed eight-button
mouse with a large thumb wheel. On the side it has two
grow in popularity next year. micro buttons, a scroll wheel, and a special “gesture”
Not a11 the models work with all the streaming button on the wing. The last acts like a function key on a
services. To control other smart home devices? keyboard, giving me four extra inputs with I hold down
Again, these devices tend to only work with a sub- the gesture button and move the mouse up, down, left,
set of other devices, so cross-check for compatibil- or right.
ity with Alexa (Echo), Google Assistant (Nest), or After enjoying the mouse for several months, I decided to

Siri HomeKit (HomePod). pair it with the Logitech MX Master keyboard. Both work
It is still early days for these devices. with the USB-A dongle, and like the mouse via the Unify-
ing Receiver or Bluetooth it can control up three devices.
They require patience to set up, and they are not
interchangeable. Plus they raise security concerns. The Logitech MX Master Keys is a good well-rounded
keyboard. It has a sleek design that feels more premium
Despite these issues, expect smart speakers wiU
grow in popularity next year. than most other options and looks great when paired
with Logitech's MX line of mice. Typing feels great
What are the pros and cons of using a wire- thanks to its indented keys, which help keep typos to a
less charger with your smartphone? minimum while maintaining fast typing speeds. There are
A. There are two kinds of phone chargers, the a few programmable buttons, unfortunately they can only
traditional wired design and newer wireless be set to a list of preset features and cannot be assigned
chargers. A wire-less charger still requires an to macros. I can connect to three devices via the Unify-
ing Receiver or Bluetooth which allows me to pair with
adapter and a wire. my iPad Pro as well as the computer with the MX Master
· The wireless part refers to the phone, which re- 3 mouse as well as the MX keys. and quickly switch be-

charges when it is placed atop a charging pad. tween the two with the press of a physical button.
Some people find this setup conven-ient, . but it
Both use a quick-charging USB Type-C port
has some drawbacks. Wireless chargers are slow-
In conclusion, the MX
er. Sometimes a lot slower. And worse, it is too Keys as well as the MX
easy to misalign the phone on its charging pad so Master 3 mouse are the
that it fails to recharge. best wireless keyboard
Eventually suspect wireless might be the only and mouse, I’ve every
option available. But until then, a traditional wired used. Both devices are
adapter is the fastest and most reliable way to expensive peripherals at
$99.99, but I feel that
keep your phone powered up.
they were worth the in-
vestment.

February 2021 11