Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

On the original Logitech MX Keys, use the backlight keys to raise or lower brightness. To change how long the lighting stays on, open the keyboard’s Backlighting settings in Logi Options+ and adjust the duration control. Available controls and wording can vary by model and software version.

Change brightness with the keyboard keys

Press the backlight-up or backlight-down key on the original MX Keys to cycle through its brightness levels. Logitech describes eight levels for this model. The keys provide the quickest adjustment without opening an app.

Logitech’s original MX Keys guide gives these examples of how ambient light relates to the keyboard’s backlight:

Ambient light conditions Logitech’s example backlight level
Under 100 lux L2 — 25%
Between 100 and 200 lux L4 — 50%
Over 200 lux L0 — no backlight

These are Logitech’s examples for the original MX Keys, not a guarantee that every variant or configuration will behave identically. Logitech says the keyboard’s embedded ambient light sensor reads room brightness and adapts the backlight accordingly. See Logitech’s MX Keys setup and backlighting guide for the model-specific details.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#1 Best Overall
Logitech MX Keys S Wireless Keyboard Low Profile Fluid Precise - Graphite
  • Fluid Typing Experience: Laptop-like profile with spherically-dished keys shaped for your fingertips delivers a fast, fluid, precise and quieter typing experience
  • Automate Repetitive Tasks: Easily create and share time-saving Smart Actions shortcuts to perform multiple actions with a single keystroke with the Logi Options+ app (1)
  • Smarter Illumination: Backlit keyboard keys light up as your hands approach and adapt to the environment; Now with more lighting customizations on Logi Options+ (1)
  • More Comfort, Deeper Focus: Work for longer with a solid build, low-profile design and an optimum keyboard angle that is better for your wrist posture
  • Multi-Device, Multi OS Bluetooth Keyboard: Pair with up to 3 devices on nearly any operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux, Googlebook OS) via Bluetooth Low Energy or included Logi Bolt USB receiver (2)

Adjust the backlight timeout in Logi Options+

  1. Open Logi Options+.
  2. Select your MX Keys keyboard.
  3. Open Backlighting.
  4. Adjust the duration setting to change how long the backlight remains on.

Logitech’s keyboard-light guide confirms that MX Keys users can adjust brightness and duration in Logi Options+. It does not specify exact timeout choices, a default duration, or a slider range, so the available setting shown in your app is the useful reference.

Quick Recap

Best Value
Logitech MX Keys S Wireless Keyboard Low Profile Fluid Precise - Pale Grey
  • Fluid Typing Experience: Laptop-like profile with spherically-dished keys shaped for your fingertips delivers a fast, fluid, precise and quieter typing experience
  • Automate Repetitive Tasks: Easily create and share time-saving Smart Actions shortcuts to perform multiple actions with a single keystroke with the Logi Options+ app (1)
  • Smarter Illumination: Backlit keyboard keys light up as your hands approach and adapt to the environment; Now with more lighting customizations on Logi Options+ (1)
  • More Comfort, Deeper Focus: Work for longer with a solid build, low-profile design and an optimum keyboard angle that is better for your wrist posture
  • Multi-Device, Multi OS Bluetooth Keyboard: Pair with up to 3 devices on nearly any operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux, Googlebook OS) via Bluetooth Low Energy or included Logi Bolt USB receiver (2)
Rank #4
Logitech MX Keys Mini Minimalist Wireless Illuminated Keyboard - Graphite
  • Perfect Stroke Typing with Smart Keys (1): Type on keys shaped for your fingertips, with voice to text Dictation (4), Mic Mute/Unmute, and Emoji keys
  • Mini Size, Mighty Powerful: A layout designed for effortless precision, with a minimalist form for an ergonomic keyboard that's portable and can travel wherever you get work done
  • Smart Illumination: The wireless keyboard's backlit keys light up the moment your hands approach, and automatically adjust to suit changing lighting conditions
  • Multi-Device, Multi OS: Pair MX Keys Mini compact keyboard with up to 3 devices on nearly any operating system via Bluetooth Low Energy and switch between them seamlessly
  • Multiple Computers, One Flow: Team the slim MX Keys Mini with MX Master 3 or MX Anywhere 3 and type across multiple computers or laptops in one fluid workflow(1)
Rank #3
Logitech MX Keys S Combo Performance Wireless Keyboard and Mouse - Graphite
  • Engineered for Speed and Precision: MX Keys S Wireless Keyboard features fast fluid laptop-like typing combined with the fast, precise scrolling of MX Master 3S Wireless Mouse
  • Fluid Typing Experience: Laptop-like profile with spherically-dished keys shaped for your fingertips delivers a fast, fluid, precise and quieter typing experience
  • Scroll 1000 Lines Per Second: With MagSpeed, Logitech’s fastest and most precise scroll wheel (3), and an 8K DPI sensor, this Logitech Mouse tracks anywhere – even on glass (4)
  • Automate Repetitive Tasks: Easily create and share time-saving Smart Actions shortcuts that perform multiple actions with a single keystroke with the Logi Options+ app (1)
  • Smarter Illumination: Backlit keyboard keys light up as your hands approach and adapt to the environment; now with more lighting customizations on Logi Options+ (1)
Rank #2
Logitech MX Keys Advanced Wireless Illuminated Keyboard, Tactile Responsive Typing, Backlighting, Bluetooth, USB-C, Apple macOS, Microsoft Windows, Linux, iOS, Android, Metal Build (Black)
  • PERFECT STROKE KEYS - Spherically-dished keys match the shape of your fingertips, offering satisfying feedback with every tap
  • COMFORT AND STABILITY - Type with confidence on a keyboard crafted for comfort, stability, and precision
  • SMART ILLUMINATION -Hand proximity detection and automatic backlighting
  • FLOW CROSS-COMPUTER CONTROL - Type on multiple computers in one fluid workflow
  • MULTI-DEVICE & MULTI-OS - Compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android systems ? pair with up to three devices
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

If the backlight does not turn on

  • Check room brightness. In a bright environment, the ambient light sensor may reduce illumination or leave the backlight off; Logitech’s original MX Keys examples show no backlight above 200 lux.
  • Check the battery. Logitech lists a low battery as another condition that can prevent the backlight from turning on.
  • Confirm the model. The original MX Keys, MX Keys S, and MX Keys Mini are distinct variants. Logitech’s MX Keys S support page, for example, names a Backlighting Duration slider and an Automatic Brightness slider. Those labels are documented for the S and should not be assumed to appear identically on every original MX Keys setup. See Logitech’s MX Keys S instructions.
  • Check the app’s current device controls. If Options+ does not show the same wording, verify that it recognizes the correct keyboard model. Logitech confirms MX Keys support for Options+ backlighting controls, but does not promise identical interface wording across software releases.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.