Keychron K8 and Logitech MX Master 3 Mini-review
Originally Posted: April 21st, 2021
Last Edited: May 1st, 2021
Life is Too Short for Bad Peripherals
A Good Keyboard is Worth 1000 Words
Peripherals don’t get enough love. By definition, they’re pushed to the side, and the cheapest option is seen as good enough. Keyboards and mice are usually overlooked when considering a computer upgrade. Most people use whatever junky keyboard and mouse came with their computer, and never think twice about it. I am not one of those people.
To me, good peripherals are just as important as a good computer. For the past year or so, I’ve been using Apple’s Magic Keyboard and Magic Trackpad 2. I also have a Magic Keyboard for my iPad, which I reviewed here. I have a couple other keyboards around the house, but most of them are cheap and terrible. The best keyboard I own has been permanently co-opted by my spouse since we started working from home.
For me, my entire work day, and a lot of my free time is spent in front of these items. It’s worth getting the best tools I can find. The Magic Keyboard and Trackpad have served me well, but adding a Mac Mini to my desk setup has made switching computers and input methods a little trickier. I’m still searching for a good KVM solution. If you know of one, let me know.
Keychron K8 and Logitech MX Master 3
While looking into a KVM, I got hit with a wave of mechanical keyboard lust. The last thing I need is another keyboard or another mouse, but here we are. I wanted something better, and something that could handle multiple devices better than Apple’s options. Enter the Keychron K8 and Logitech MX Master 3. I haven’t used them enough to give a full review, but here’s my first impressions.
Keychron K8: Pretty, Good
The Keychron K8 is really pretty, and really good. I ordered it with their optical red switches and RGB lighting. I like the lightness of their red switches. I am by no means an expert, but I have tried blue switches in the past (too clicky) and browns. I think reds are my favorite, but I’m still adapting to the lighter feel. I’m much more accustomed to a flat chicklet-style keyboard, so getting back to a mechanical keyboard is both a welcome change of pace, and a disruption of my muscle memory. I miss the 10 key number pad on the side, but I’m OK with the trade off to save some desk space.
MX Master 3: Almost as Good as a Trackpad
The MX Master 3 is the best mouse I’ve every used, but that’s not saying much. Besides the Magic Trackpad 2, I’ve never invested in a good mouse. I’ve always preferred trackpads, and mice were always an afterthought. I really like the sideways scrolling wheel and the ergonomic shape of the mouse in general. I don’t love how overly-clicky the buttons are. The best part of the MX Master 3 is the magnetic scroll wheel, and the ability to change it from ratcheting to free-spinning. I haven’t played around with Logitech’s software much, but Logtech Flow’s ability to seamlessly move your mouse between multiple computers and OS’s seems really intriguing. The 3 wireless device syncing and optional USB receiver on a 4th has also been really nice, since I have too many computers.
Using a Mac with the app Swish is a core part of my workflow. Using multi-touch gestures and window snapping is how I feel at home using a computer. A Mac without Swish installed feels clunky in comparison, and Windows and Linux never fit my frame. Swiping on a trackpad to throw windows around feels natural to me, and everything else is a distant second place. I’m still getting used to the mouse lifestyle. For now, I’ll be using both a mouse and a trackpad.
My desk is awash in peripheral options, and that’s the way I like it.
My Current Computer and Peripheral List
I don’t recommend you get the exact same equipment I have. I do recommend assessing what you have, and upgrading if you feel it’s necessary. Don’t buy whatever is cheapest or easiest to get. Having a good keyboard, mouse, and display are worth more than the dollar value tied to the purchase. Good peripherals should fade into the background, ironically enough.
Computers
2020 11-inch iPad Pro (What’s a computer?)
An aging gaming PC (Intel i5 6500, GTX 1060, 16 GB RAM, etc.)
Peripherals
Samsung 32-inch 4K Curved Monitor
The model number is, I’m not making this up: LU32R590CWNXZA
Ducky Shine 7 Keyboard (stolen by spouse)
A pile of random keyboards and mice, all somehow paired to the wrong USB adapter.
