Logitech MX Creative Console, More Control, More Accuracy [Review]

Logitech MX Creative Console, More Control, More Accuracy [Review]

September 25, 2024 10:00 EST • Alexandre Vallières-Lagacé • 5 minute read

A few years ago, a product took the Internet by storm. It allowed creatives to control their tools in a new way, with never-before-seen precision. That product was the Loupedeck, a suite of products purposefully made for different types of creatives with a huge selection of buttons, knobs, etc. This was the first time we could see a product made to accelerate creativity with application-specific physical controls.

Reception was great, and people really wanted more options, and most importantly, more affordable options. This is when Logitech acquired Loupedeck in July 2023. Just a little over a year later, Logitech is launching the MX Creative Console!

Design

The MX Creative Console is actually two physical products in a single box. The main unit is a 3x3 keyboard with screens behind each key called the MX Creative Keypad, reminiscent of the Elgato Stream Deck. It is wired via the included USB-C cable and sits on a little plastic stand. There are also two extra left and right buttons to switch pages easily.

Using the Logi Options+ software, you can easily define actions for up to 15 pages, each having 9 actions. That’s a total of 135 action shortcuts!

The MX Creative Dialpad, the second device, is Logitech’s solution to having to create custom hardware for each kind of application. This wireless dialpad is powered by two AAA batteries and offers a complete set of customizable buttons and dials. Just like the MX Creative Keypad, we define a default system-wide set of actions for each of the keys. By default, it comes with the volume set to the large dial, and the vertical scroll wheel controls the mouse wheel. The top left two buttons are set to undo and redo, the bottom left is escape, and the bottom right button is the Action Ring.

MX Creative Keypad Fully Customized

The Action Ring is a set of tools that pops up as an overlay and allows you to quickly change tools by moving your mouse a few pixels in the direction of the tool or action you want to use.

The devices themselves showcase interesting design decisions by Logitech. The MX Creative Keypad is wired via USB-C cable, which makes sense since this is an always-on display with backlights behind each key. The MX Creative Dialpad is wireless, using two AAA batteries. Compared to other recent Logitech products like the Logitech Keys-to-Go 2, which have cell batteries, Logitech opted for AAA batteries like the Wave Keys keyboard. This type of battery is preferable as it allows for quick replacement with readily available batteries, unlike CR2032 cells.

Features

  • Customizable keypad with 9 programmable display keys
  • Paging buttons for accessing up to 15 pages
  • Precision control with large dial, scroll wheel, and 4 action buttons
  • Wired Creative Keypad and wireless Dialpad combination
  • AAA battery-powered dialpad
  • Adobe Creative Suite support
  • Expandable customization and future app support
  • Action Ring overlay for quick tool switching

Performance

For this review, I was using a beta release of Logi Options+, but it was fully functional. I have since updated to version 1.84, which is the release track of that software. It still has the little Beta label when you work with your Creative Keypad or Wireless Dialpad, but everything works as expected.

Setting up was straightforward - simply plug in and follow the onscreen instructions, just like with a Logitech MX Master 3S mouse or other Logitech devices. Once you are in the Options+ software with your MX Creative Console setup, you are ready to start customizing.

This is where the fun begins! You can choose numerous options for the keypad, from simple shortcuts to open apps with automatically detected high-resolution icons, to system controls or even custom macros with multiple actions.

While there isn’t yet a direct Shortcuts feature for launching specific shortcuts, you can work around this by setting up your shortcuts to run on keyboard shortcuts, then assigning those keyboard shortcuts to keys in Options+.

For supported applications, particularly the Adobe Creative Suite, Logitech provides pre-configured profiles that activate when the app is in focus. While apps like Pixelmator Pro and Photometer lack profiles currently, you can create custom configurations. Future updates should bring profiles for Apple’s professional apps (Final Cut Pro, Logic) and other creative suites like Pixelmator or Affinity.

Hardware

The Creative Console’s hardware quality and refinement are immediately apparent. The keys offer excellent tactile feedback with bright, clear displays. The MX Creative Dialpad is particularly impressive, offering precise control with satisfying mechanical feedback. Its customization options allow for fine-tuning to specific applications and user preferences.

The choice of AAA batteries might concern some users, but considering their longevity and the convenience of quick replacement, it’s a practical decision. A wired solution would add cable clutter, and an internal battery might have increased the cost.

The software’s UI elements and icon fitting sometimes feel less refined, but this is Logitech’s first deep dive into highly customizable peripherals. Regular updates, including their first non-beta version, show their commitment to improvement.

Conclusion

The MX Creative Console is an essential tool for power users and creative professionals. It combines attractive design with powerful functionality, significantly enhancing workflow efficiency, especially with professional applications like the Adobe Creative Suite. Its customization potential makes it valuable for various use cases, from creative work to general productivity.

I strongly recommend this product for anyone working with creative software or seeking better control over their shortcuts and workflows.

The MX Creative Console is available today for $199 US ($269 CA) in either graphite or pale grey.

Review Summary

MX Creative ConsoleLogitech
MX Creative Console

A versatile creative control system combining a customizable display keypad and precision dialpad for creative professionals.

MX Creative Console

The Good Stuff
  • Highly customizable with up to 135 actions
  • Premium build quality and satisfying controls
  • Excellent software integration
  • Versatile combination of wired keypad and wireless dialpad
The Bad Stuff
  • Limited pre-configured app profiles at launch
  • Some UI elements need refinement
The Ratings
Design
90%
Performance
80%
Features
90%
Value
80%
Overall: 85%
Disclaimers: This product or service was provided by the company or partner for the purpose of this review.
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