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Choose between Apple's login integration and Logitech's multi-device controls

Choose Apple's Magic Keyboard if its documented Touch ID workflow is the reason you are shopping and your Mac meets Apple's requirement. Choose Logitech's MX Keys S for Mac if you will use its documented backlighting, Smart Actions, or button-based switching among up to three Apple devices. Both are full-size numeric-keypad keyboards; the keypad itself does not settle this choice.

Published by Pickoryx · Published 2026-10-17

Source checked 2026-10-17 18:44 UTC

Products compared

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The buying question

Should you prioritize the Apple keyboard's documented Touch ID and Mac pairing, or Logitech's documented backlighting, shortcuts, and switching among Apple devices?

Apple explicitly documents Touch ID for logins and purchases on an eligible Apple-silicon Mac. Logitech emphasizes illuminated keys, programmable actions, and a button for switching among up to three Mac computers or iPads. Both models have a numeric keypad; that alone is not a reason to choose one.

Quick verdict

Choose Logitech MX Keys S for Mac, Space Grey if

  • You switch among several Macs or iPads and want a dedicated button to change devices.
  • You want illuminated keys or programmable Smart Actions documented for the MX Keys S for Mac.
View Logitech MX Keys S for Mac, Space Grey on AmazonPaid link
When to skip: You need a compact keyboard without a number section; these two selected models are full-size keyboard options.
When the recommendation changes
  • If your Mac does not meet Apple's stated system requirement for this USB-C Touch ID model, do not choose it for that workflow.
  • If you need a verified Touch ID workflow from Logitech, confirm it directly before buying; the Logitech materials reviewed here do not establish that capability.
  • If neither Touch ID nor the Logitech multi-device and lighting features matter, this evidence does not establish which keyboard will feel better or type faster for you.

The differences that matter

Mac Authentication And Eligibility

Apple Magic Keyboard with Touch ID and Numeric Keypad (USB-C), US English, White Keys

Apple lists Touch ID for logins and purchases; this USB-C numeric-keypad model requires a Mac with Apple silicon using macOS 15.1 or later.[1, 2]

Logitech MX Keys S for Mac, Space Grey

Logitech describes the MX Keys S for Mac as a Mac-layout keyboard and specified macOS 11 or later at release; its reviewed product materials do not establish Touch ID support.[3, 4]

What this changes: Choose Apple's documented Touch ID workflow only if your Mac meets the stated requirement. Confirm Logitech authentication support separately if that function is decisive; undocumented status is not evidence of absence.[2, 3, 4]

The better fit depends on your priorities

Numeric Entry Backlighting And Device Switching

Apple Magic Keyboard with Touch ID and Numeric Keypad (USB-C), US English, White Keys

Apple documents a numeric keypad, navigation controls, full-size arrow keys, automatic Mac pairing, Bluetooth, and USB-C pairing/charging.[1, 2]

Logitech MX Keys S for Mac, Space Grey

Logitech documents a full-size Mac layout with numeric keypad, adaptive backlighting, programmable Smart Actions, and switching among up to three Apple devices over Bluetooth Low Energy.[3, 6]

What this changes: Because both are full-size numeric keyboards, choose by the remaining documented workflow features: Apple navigation and automatic Mac pairing versus Logitech illumination, shortcuts, and device switching. Do not infer an absent feature from a page omission.[2, 3, 6]

The better fit depends on your priorities

Best for your routine

A desk shared across several Macs or iPads where the owner will use a physical switch button, backlighting, or programmable actions.

Best fit: Logitech MX Keys S for Mac, Space Grey

Based on listed features, not comparative testing.

Logitech explicitly documents switching among up to three Apple devices, illuminated keys, and Smart Actions for this product family.

View Logitech MX Keys S for Mac, Space Grey on AmazonPaid link

What the evidence cannot decide

  • Choosing based on which keyboard is faster, more comfortable, or more reliable in daily typing.: The manufacturer descriptions are not controlled side-by-side or long-term comparative evidence.

Value and trade-offs

One or both observed offers have eligibility conditions, so no unrestricted price difference is shown.

A price premium is only relevant if the exact offer is current and the buyer will use the documented Touch ID, lighting, shortcut, or multi-device features. This comparison does not establish a current price difference.

Current comparable prices and a usable price-history window were not evaluated. Check the exact offers and availability before purchase; no timing recommendation is supported.

Limitations

  • Both models have numeric keypads; keypad presence alone does not distinguish them.
  • No Pickoryx hands-on testing or controlled side-by-side typing test was conducted. Relative comfort, speed, noise, durability, and reliability remain unknown.
  • Apple states that its USB-C Touch ID model requires a Mac with Apple silicon running macOS 15.1 or later. Confirm that the exact Mac meets this requirement before choosing Apple for Touch ID.
  • Logitech's support page describes a USB receiver connection but does not establish whether a receiver is included with the exact retail package. Check the selected package if you need that receiver; Bluetooth Low Energy is also documented.
  • Current price and availability for the exact selected offers were not verified in this article.

Questions shoppers ask

Does Apple's numeric-keypad Touch ID keyboard work with every Mac?

Apple lists a Mac with Apple silicon using macOS 15.1 or later as the system requirement for this USB-C Touch ID model. Check your Mac's chip and macOS version before buying it for Touch ID.

Can the MX Keys S for Mac switch between more than one device?

Logitech says it can pair with up to three Mac computers and iPads over Bluetooth Low Energy, with switching by a button.

Is a USB receiver included with the MX Keys S for Mac?

The Logitech support specification lists a Logitech USB receiver as a supported connection method, but the materials reviewed here do not confirm receiver-in-box status for the exact retail package. Verify the listing contents if you need one.

Methodology and sources

The choice is organized around Apple's documented Touch ID eligibility and the two manufacturers' published desk workflows. Numeric-keypad presence is shared by both models and is not treated as a differentiator. Unlisted capabilities remain unverified.

Automation helped organize source-backed product details and draft the comparison. No keyboard use or performance testing was performed.

View 6 sources
  1. 1.Magic Keyboard with Touch ID and Numeric Keypad for Mac models with Apple silicon (USB-C) - US English - White KeysApple · Official specifications · Source checked 2026-10-17 18:44 UTC
    Evidence used on this page
    • Apple Store product page whose model-code path is MXK73LL/A; title identifies USB-C, US English, White Keys. Overview and What’s in the Box sections.: Official product page matching the selected product code; lists Touch ID, numeric keypad, automatic Mac pairing, USB-C/Bluetooth and included USB-C charging cable.
  2. 2.Magic Keyboard with Touch ID and Numeric Keypad for Mac models with Apple silicon (USB-C) - Tech SpecsApple Support · Official support · Source checked 2026-10-17 18:44 UTC
    Evidence used on this page
    • System Requirements and Overview, lines 31-76; exact white-key product family.: Apple identifies the 2024 USB-C Touch ID numeric-keypad family and states that it requires a Mac with Apple silicon using macOS 15.1 or later. It documents keypad/navigation layout, Bluetooth/USB-C and package cable.
  3. 3.MX Keys S for Mac Wireless KeyboardLogitech US · Official specifications · Source checked 2026-10-17 18:44 UTC
    Evidence used on this page
    • Mastered for Mac, Automate repetitive tasks, Smart illumination, and Connect with up to 3 Apple devices sections.: Logitech product page identifies MX Keys S for Mac and documents dedicated Mac layout, programmable Smart Actions, adaptive backlighting, and button-based switching among up to three Mac computers and iPads over Bluetooth Low Energy.
  4. 4.Specification - MX Keys S for MacLogitech Support · Official support · Source checked 2026-10-17 18:44 UTC
    Evidence used on this page
    • Product Information and Keyboard Specifications, lines 49-94; model number Y-R0073.: Logitech identifies the keyboard model family M/N Y-R0073. It lists Bluetooth Low Energy and a Logitech USB receiver using 2.4 GHz, backlighting and a USB-C charging cable; its page does not confirm the included receiver for the exact selected retail package. Platform support at release lists macOS 11 or later.
  5. 5.Logitech MSRP Price List US/Canada - June 2024Logitech · Official support · Source checked 2026-10-17 18:44 UTC
    Evidence used on this page
    • PDF page 15, line 1450: MX Keys S for Mac (Space Grey), part 920-011621; adjacent entries distinguish Pale Grey 920-011622 and Combo for Mac 920-012592.: Official US/Canada manufacturer list maps the selected Space Grey MX Keys S for Mac part 920-011621 and distinguishes the separate combo SKU. No listed price is used in this article.
  6. 6.MX Keys Mini for MacLogitech · Official support · Source checked 2026-10-17 18:44 UTC
    Evidence used on this page
    • Mastered for Mac section, lines 267-270: Logitech states that the Mini is also available in a full-size version with an integrated numeric keypad and points readers to MX Keys S for Mac.: Manufacturer family cross-reference explicitly identifies MX Keys S for Mac as the full-size Mac-layout version with numeric keypad. This supports layout family only, not US key legends or selected retail package contents.

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