Logitech MX Creative Console review, a first look exclusive review

Logitech is coming out swinging, launching the Logitech MX Creative Console – its first creative console device after ever and the first console after the company acquired Loupedeck in 2023. We had an exclusive chance to get our hands on the device prior to its launch and here is our first look review at the said to be game changing creative console. Keep in mind, much of what we’re going to cover in this first look review is based on our testing prior to the actual release of the device but should generally reflect functionality in the final release.

Setup and Installation

Setting up the MX Creative Console is straightforward. It integrates into the Logi Options+ app and is ready in about 5 minutes with minimal configuration. The main display connects to your PC using the include USB-C cable and the dial pad uses Bluetooth or the Logi Bolt reciever. The Dialpad uses user-replaceable batteries instead of rechargeable ones. Logitech stated that they chose user-replaceable batteries for sustainability reasons.

The software detects most installed programs, allowing easy setup of default button configurations. Additional integrations can be downloaded from Logitech’s online marketplace. At launch the selection from the marketplace is limited, but expected to grow. The default Adobe Creative Cloud settings are useful but customizable.

In the app, users can use some added AI functionality to enable/configure the device including what Logitech calls “Smart Actions”. Additionally, users can customize a “actions ring” that enhances the feature set in the same software.

Users that are using multiple devices as part of the Logitech MX Series eco-system will be pleased to know that this device integrates well within the Logi Options+ platform and can be moved from one computer to another with ease.

Product Design

The MX Creative Console, available in graphite and pale grey, is crafted from recycled plastic and low carbon aluminum. This aligns with the construction standards of other MX Series devices, ensuring a cohesive and high-quality feel. The buttons are designed to be tactile and well-engineered, providing a satisfying user experience.

Logitech has emphasized their commitment to environmentally conscious design choices. During briefings, they highlighted their efforts to minimize environmental impact by avoiding the use of additional paint colors and opting out of including rechargeable batteries in the device. This decision, while limiting the color palette, underscores their dedication to sustainability.

The MX Creative Console features a customizable dialpad and keypad, designed to streamline creative workflows. Users can enjoy precise control and quick access to tools and shortcuts, enhancing productivity and creativity. These controls have been constructed in such a way that they feel natural and durable.

Integrations and Customizations

The MX Console is designed specifically for creative professionals and is compatible with popular software such as Adobe Creative Suite and Creative Cloud apps right from launch. Applications like Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom Classic, Premiere Pro, After Effects, Audition, and Illustrator feature native API functionality, allowing for deep integration.

The MX Console includes access to a built-in marketplace for additional pre-built integrations and customizations. It also enables users to create custom buttons and actions for applications that do not have pre-built designs. At launch, most major creative applications and some productivity apps will have pre-built button sets. We anticipate that the marketplace will eventually offer capabilities similar to those of Loupedeck.

Notably, the console automatically adjusts its display button set when switching between apps. For users who need more than nine buttons per app, the page button allows for the addition of extra buttons without requiring additional consoles.

The software we tested was in beta, so the features and functionality may change by the time the product is officially released. Overall, the deep integration with Adobe Creative Cloud and Creative Suite software was impressive, although the ecosystem for other apps was not as robust. We recommend waiting if Adobe Creative Cloud isn’t your primary content creation software.

Compatibility

The MX Series Console is designed to be compatible with both Windows (x86) and MacOS devices, ensuring broad usability across different systems. However, users who currently utilize Loopedeck software should be aware that, as of now, the software does not support the simultaneous use of both consoles on the same PC. This limitation may be addressed in future updates.

For connectivity, the main display of the MX Series Console connects to the computer via USB-C connectors, providing a reliable and fast connection. The dialpad, on the other hand, offers flexibility with options to connect using either Logitech Bolt or Bluetooth. For ease of setup and convenience, we recommend using Bluetooth for the dialpad.

This setup ensures that users can enjoy a seamless and efficient experience, leveraging the advanced features of the MX Series Console without compromising on connectivity or performance.

For users with Windows on ARM devices, such as the Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 equipped with the latest Snapdragon processors, Logitech has indicated during their briefings that they currently do not plan to support Windows on ARM natively. This decision is particularly disappointing given the recent surge in ARM-based devices utilizing Snapdragon’s advanced PC processor architecture.

Price and Availability

Logitech has announced the launch of the MX Creative Console, set for October 14th, priced at $199.99 USD. The device will be available at various global retailers. A standout feature of this offer is the inclusion of a 3-month Adobe Creative Cloud All-Apps plan, available to both new and existing Adobe Creative Cloud customers. This subscription, valued at approximately $179.97 USD, effectively makes the cost of the device nearly free.

For current Creative Cloud users or those eager to embark on their creative journey, this offer is an exceptional value. We highly recommend seizing this opportunity, as the MX Console is well worth the investment, even if the offer is only available for a limited time.

_{Disclosure: Logitech provided the product that we reviewed in advance of product release. We do not accept payments from brands. See additional information.}