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Creative professionals demand a keyboard that keeps pace with their workflow — whether you're editing video in Premiere Pro, designing in Photoshop, or managing spreadsheets in Excel. Logitech's MX series has long been the gold standard for productivity keyboards, but two models often cause confusion: the newer MX Keys S and the flagship Logitech Craft. Both share a premium build, backlit keys, and multi-device support, but they target subtly different users. In this in-depth comparison, we'll break down design, typing feel, special features, and value so you can decide which keyboard reigns supreme for your creative work in 2025.

Design and Build Quality

Both keyboards share a similar DNA: a full-sized layout with a numeric keypad, a sleek low-profile design, and a durable metal top plate. The MX Keys S (available in Graphite, Light Grey, and Pale Grey) uses Logitech's signature Perfect Stroke keys — spherical, concave caps that guide your fingertips. It's just 20.5mm thick at the front and weighs 810g, making it a solid but portable desk companion. The Logitech Craft, on the other hand, is slightly thicker at 32mm and heavier at 960g, with an aluminum finish that feels more premium. The Craft's standout feature is its Creative Input Dial — a stainless steel, rotating knob on the upper-left corner that provides contextual control in compatible apps. This dial is absent on the MX Keys S, which relies solely on function keys for shortcuts. For designers and video editors who crave tactile parameter adjustments, the Craft's dial is a game-changer.

Typing Experience and Ergonomics

Both keyboards deliver a satisfying, quiet typing experience with low travel (around 1.8mm) and a crisp tactile bump. The MX Keys S features Smart Illumination — backlit keys that auto-adjust brightness based on ambient light and turn off when your hands leave the keyboard to save battery. The Craft shares this feature but adds a proximity sensor that lights up keys as your fingers approach. Typing fatigue is minimal on both, thanks to the included palm rest (detachable on the Craft, integrated on the MX Keys S). For extended creative sessions, the MX Keys Mini offers a more compact alternative with the same Perfect Stroke keys — ideal if desk space is tight or you prefer a tenkeyless layout.

The Creative Input Dial vs. Smart Actions

This is where the two keyboards diverge most. The Logitech Craft's dial supports both rotation and press actions. In Adobe Photoshop, for example, you can rotate the dial to adjust brush size, zoom in/out, or scrub through the timeline in Premiere Pro. In Microsoft Office, it cycles through font sizes, styles, and paragraph spacing. It's an intuitive, tactile way to control parameters without moving your hands off the keyboard. The MX Keys S counters with Smart Actions — programmable shortcuts that can trigger multiple commands with a single key press, accessible via Logitech Options+. For instance, you could assign a Smart Action to launch Photoshop, resize the window, and apply a custom workspace. While not as tactile as the dial, Smart Actions are highly customizable and work across any app, not just creative suites.

Connectivity and Multi-Device Support

Both keyboards support Logitech Flow — a feature that lets you seamlessly move your cursor across up to three devices (PC, Mac, iPad, etc.) and even copy-paste files between them. They connect via the included Logitech Unifying USB receiver or Bluetooth (up to 10 meters). The MX Keys S uses the newer Logi Bolt receiver for more stable, low-latency connections in busy wireless environments. The Craft still uses the Unifying receiver, which is backward-compatible but may experience interference in dense offices. Battery life is excellent on both: the MX Keys S claims up to 10 days with backlighting on, or up to 5 months with backlighting off; the Craft offers similar figures (about 10 days with backlight, 3 months without). Both charge via USB-C in about 3 hours.

Price and Value for Creative Professionals

Let's talk numbers. The Logitech Craft typically retails around $199, while the MX Keys S is more affordable at $109.99. For the price difference, you get the Creative Input Dial on the Craft — a clear advantage if you regularly use Adobe Creative Cloud or Office apps. However, if your workflow doesn't involve heavy parameter tweaking, the MX Keys S offers virtually identical typing quality, better multi-device connectivity (Logi Bolt), and the innovative Smart Actions feature. Also consider accessories that complement your setup: for instance, pairing the MX Keys S with the portable Keys-To-Go - Black Keyboard with White iPhone Stand - English US (QWERTY) gives you a travel-friendly companion that pairs instantly with your iPhone or iPad for on-the-go creative work.

Who Should Buy Which?

Choose the Logitech Craft if:

• You're a video editor, graphic designer, or photographer who uses Adobe apps daily.
• You value tactile, physical controls over software-based shortcuts.
• You don't mind spending a premium for a premium, professional-grade tool.

Choose the MX Keys S if:

• You want the best typing experience at a more accessible price.
• You need Logi Bolt connectivity for a stable, interference-free multi-device setup.
• You prefer flexible, software-driven shortcuts (Smart Actions) over a dedicated dial.

For professionals who also require a high-quality microphone for voiceovers, video calls, or streaming, the Yeti + C922 Pro Streamer Pack - Black pairs beautifully with either keyboard — delivering studio-grade audio and crisp 1080p video in one bundle.

Alternative Consideration: The MX Keys Mini

If you work in a compact studio or travel frequently, the MX Keys Mini (a tenkeyless version of the MX Keys S) offers the same Perfect Stroke keys and Smart Actions but in a smaller footprint. It's perfect for iPad Pro setups or small desks. You can read our full review of the MX Keys Mini - Graphite - English US (QWERTY) for a deeper dive into its performance.

Final Verdict

Both keyboards are excellent choices for creative professionals, but the decision ultimately hinges on your workflow. If tactile control and app-specific dial shortcuts are non-negotiable, the Logitech Craft is worth the investment. If you prioritize modern connectivity, customizable Smart Actions, and a lower price, the MX Keys S is the better value. Whichever you choose, you'll enjoy a premium typing experience that enhances your productivity.

Ready to upgrade your creative setup? Explore the MX Keys Mini - Graphite - English US (QWERTY) for a compact, powerful companion to your creative workflow.