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Logitech MX Keys S vs Wave Keys: Choose by Layout and Lighting

This is a layout-and-lighting choice, not a typing-performance contest. MX Keys S fits a buyer who wants a low-profile surface and adaptive backlighting; Wave Keys fits a buyer who prefers a wave-shaped layout with a cushioned palm rest and can do without illumination. Both offer device switching, so that feature alone does not separate them.

Published by Pickoryx · Published 2026-09-28

Source checked 2026-09-28 10:22 UTC

Products compared

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The buying question

Should you prioritize a low-profile layout with adjustable backlighting, or a wave-shaped layout with a cushioned palm rest?

MX Keys S offers a low-profile layout and adaptive adjustable illumination; Wave Keys pairs a wave-shaped key layout with a cushioned palm rest that is permanently attached, but has no backlighting. Neither choice establishes a universal comfort advantage.

Quick verdict

When to skip: Neither low-profile nor wave-shaped layouts suit the physical setup you want.
When the recommendation changes
  • If backlighting is a must in a dim workspace, the choice shifts to MX Keys S even if the Wave Keys palm-rest setup is appealing.
  • If the built-in cushioned palm rest and wave layout are more important and backlighting is unnecessary, the choice shifts to Wave Keys.
  • If you need both backlighting and palm support, verify whether the selected MX Keys S package includes a separate rest before choosing; Wave Keys has no backlighting.

The differences that matter

Desk Layout And Palm Rest

Logitech MX Keys S Wireless Keyboard (Graphite, 920-011558)

MX Keys S has a low-profile key layout; Logitech describes it as an illuminated, low-profile keyboard.[1]

Logitech Wave Keys Ergonomic Wireless Keyboard (Graphite, 920-011898)

Wave Keys is a compact wave-shaped design with a cushioned palm rest that Logitech says is integrated and permanently attached.[2]

What this changes: Choose based on whether a conventional low-profile key surface or a wave-shaped layout with a cushioned palm rest better fits your desk routine. Product shape and certification do not establish a medical benefit or better comfort for every person.[1, 2]

The better fit depends on your priorities

Backlighting Workflow

Logitech MX Keys S Wireless Keyboard (Graphite, 920-011558)

MX Keys S has adaptive backlighting; Logitech Options+ provides duration and brightness controls.[1, 3]

Logitech Wave Keys Ergonomic Wireless Keyboard (Graphite, 920-011898)

Logitech’s consumer FAQ says Wave Keys has no backlighting.[2]

What this changes: If illuminated legends matter in a dim work area, MX Keys S has adaptive backlighting with adjustable controls. Wave Keys has no backlighting, so choose it only if unlit keys work for your setup.[1, 3, 2]

The better fit depends on your priorities

Best for your routine

A buyer who works in low light and wants illuminated keys with app controls.

Best fit: Logitech MX Keys S Wireless Keyboard (Graphite, 920-011558)

Based on listed features, not comparative testing.

Logitech documents adaptive backlighting and Options+ brightness/duration controls on MX Keys S; its Wave Keys consumer FAQ says Wave Keys has no backlighting.

View Logitech MX Keys S Wireless Keyboard (Graphite, 920-011558) on AmazonPaid link

A buyer who wants a wave-shaped keyboard with a cushioned palm rest and does not need lighting.

Best fit: Logitech Wave Keys Ergonomic Wireless Keyboard (Graphite, 920-011898)

Based on listed features, not comparative testing.

The Wave Keys product page identifies its wave-shaped design and cushioned palm rest; this is a feature-fit choice, not a proven comfort result.

View Logitech Wave Keys Ergonomic Wireless Keyboard (Graphite, 920-011898) on AmazonPaid link

Value and trade-offs

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

Do not pay a premium for a promised typing or comfort outcome that this research does not establish. Any current offer difference should be weighed against the specific lighting or palm-rest feature you need.

There isn’t enough price history to tell whether today’s offer is a good time to buy. Compare the current price with the layout and lighting features you value.

Limitations

  • No hands-on typing or comfort testing was performed; layout and palm-rest descriptions do not establish an individual comfort or health outcome.
  • No source establishes typing-speed, reliability or battery-life superiority.

Questions shoppers ask

Do both keyboards switch between devices?

Yes. Logitech documents Easy-Switch on both: MX Keys S can pair with up to three computers, while Wave Keys is presented for switching among a laptop, tablet or phone. This is shared functionality, not the deciding difference.

Does Options+ work on every system these keyboards support?

No. Logitech's support guides list broader basic keyboard compatibility than app support. Options+ is listed for Windows and Mac; check that the operating system you plan to use supports the specific customization you need.

Does Wave Keys have backlighting?

No. Logitech’s consumer FAQ says Wave Keys has no backlighting. MX Keys S has adaptive backlighting with brightness and duration controls.

Methodology and sources

This comparison looks at keyboard layout and palm-rest preferences, and whether backlit keys matter for the work area. Easy-Switch and OS/app support are covered separately: device switching is shared, while app customization can require a narrower set of systems than basic keyboard use. No price or performance comparison is made.

AI assisted with source research and drafted this comparison. Neither keyboard was tested hands-on.

View 4 sources
  1. 1.Buy MX Keys S Keyboard | Logitech USLogitech · Official specifications · Source checked 2026-09-28 10:05 UTC
    Evidence used on this page
    • Product identity, Graphite color, low-profile design and adaptive-backlight features.: Identifies MX Keys S Graphite at item number 920-011558. Logitech describes a low-profile keyboard with backlit keys that react to hand proximity and room lighting; Logitech Options+ controls backlight duration and brightness. Logitech states Easy-Switch across up to three devices.
  2. 2.Wave Keys Ergonomic Wireless Keyboard | Logitech USLogitech · Official specifications · Source checked 2026-09-28 10:18 UTC
    Evidence used on this page
    • Exact US Graphite product page; product description and expanded consumer FAQ answers on backlighting and palm-rest attachment.: Identifies Wave Keys Graphite at item number 920-011898. Logitech describes a compact wave-shaped keyboard with a cushioned palm rest. Its consumer FAQ states the keys are not backlit and the integrated cushioned palm rest is permanently attached.
  3. 3.Getting Started - MX Keys S | Logitech Support USLogitech Support · Official support · Source checked 2026-09-28 10:05 UTC
    Evidence used on this page
    • Options+ and OS compatibility (lines 64-94); USB-C charge and adaptive backlight controls (103-140): Supports up to three paired computers with Easy-Switch. Logitech Options+ is compatible with Windows and Mac; base keyboard compatibility also lists other systems. The guide explains ambient-light adaptation, backlight levels and Options+ duration/brightness controls. It says typing can continue while charging; no battery-duration comparison is used.
  4. 4.Getting Started - Wave Keys | Logitech Support USLogitech Support · Official support · Source checked 2026-09-28 10:05 UTC
    Evidence used on this page
    • Connection and OS layout (48-75); platform vs Options+ functions (101-130): Documents Bluetooth or Logi Bolt connection, OS layout selection, broad basic keyboard compatibility, and Options+ availability on Windows/Mac for customization. These support-guide details are not used to claim that every customization feature is available on every platform.

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